Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers, raising the temperature on AI debates
LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Extreme heat like the weather sweeping the eastern U.S. drives up energy demands for data centers, adding to their strain on power grids and worsening air quality for surrounding areas. The impact on local communities that face increased pollution underscores why the artificial intelligence industry is feeling so much heat over the fast-sprouting facilities. Around the country, data centers have been blamed increasingly for a host of environmental ills. Some tech industry figures say the facilities have become lightning rods for concerns over broader economic and societal changes posed by the AI boom.
Trump administration lifts restrictions on Anthropic's Claude models after cybersecurity alarm
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Trump administration has lifted restrictions on artificial intelligence company Anthropic’s latest versions of its Claude chatbot, ending a weekslong ban tied to cybersecurity concerns. Anthropic said Tuesday night that its AI model called Claude Fable 5 is now widely available. It’s also restoring access to its most powerful model, Mythos 5, but only to a select group of U.S.-based organizations approved by the federal government. The Commerce Department blocked foreign nationals from using both AI models on June 12, a move that San Francisco-based Anthropic said forced the company to immediately take the products down for all users just days after it unveiled them.
Grieving South Koreans seek comfort in AI videos of deceased loved ones
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In recent years, a growing number of bereaved people in digitally-savvy South Korea have been trying out tech startups that offer short simulated videos of dead relatives. Tech firms say they need just a few photos and short voice samples of the deceased and a script to animate a realistic-looking and -sounding video. Some customers said the emerging industry offers comfort, but some experts argue the practice raises thorny ethical, psychological and legal questions.
A grim job outlook meets a scrappy workforce as administrative assistants harness AI
Employment data offers a grim outlook for secretaries and administrative assistants in the age of artificial intelligence, but workers in the women-dominated occupation say the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Administrative professionals say adapting is a key part of their day-to-day. By tasking AI with the more repetitive items and freeing up time for more strategic work, some say they are using these tools as a launchpad for career growth. But according to a Brookings Institution report they may be more exposed to AI-induced displacement than other professionals.
OpenAI film 'Artificial,' dropped by Amazon, finds a new home with Neon
NEW YORK (AP) — “Artificial,” Luca Guadagnino’s starry film about Sam Altman and OpenAI, has been acquired by the indie distributor Neon after it was dropped by Amazon MGM Studios. Neon said Tuesday that it bought the film following a bidding process. Amazon dropped the nearly complete $40 million film, starring Andrew Garfield as Altman, earlier this month, a surprise move that came just months after Amazon announced a $50 billion investment in OpenAI. Amazon said then that “Artificial” would “be better served if it were released by a different studio.” Neon said it will release “Artificial” this year and “compete in this year’s Oscar race.”
EU issues new steel and e-commerce regulations to reduce trade imbalance with China
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has introduced two measures to protect its steel industry and limit small e-commerce parcels. A new 3 euro ($3.42) customs duty on small packages which aims to address the trade imbalance with China came into effect on Wednesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a surge in low-value online imports has disadvantaged EU retailers. The EU also set tariff-free quotas for steel imports and imposed a 50% duty on out-of-quota steel to protect its industry. Critics argue these measures may not significantly impact the trade deficit with China, which continues to rise.
AOL's owner, Bending Spoons, hits Wall Street with $1.7 billion IPO
NEW YORK (AP) — The owner of AOL and other tech businesses hit Wall Street with a $1.7 billion initial public offering Wednesday. Bending Spoons priced about 58 million shares at $29 apiece. The stock jumped 39.7% in its first day of trading. Among the company’s other holdings are the event creation and ticketing company Eventbrite, and the video hosting service Vimeo. Bending Spoons takes its name from the fictional concept of bending spoons with the mind, as portrayed in the dystopian AI-focused “The Matrix” films.
WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, closing a privacy blind spot
LONDON (AP) — WhatsApp users will soon have the option to use usernames instead of phone numbers. The company announced plans on Monday to address a privacy concern. Users can reserve unique usernames to be contacted without sharing their phone numbers. The feature is expected to launch later this year, though no specific timeline was given. There won't be a directory or suggestions for usernames. People will need to know the exact username to make contact. This change comes as many of WhatsApp's 3 billion users have requested more privacy options. Usernames will be limited to 35 characters.
Supreme Court rules constitutional privacy protections apply to cellphone users' location history
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has held that constitutional privacy protections extend to cellphone location information, ruling in the case of a bank robber whose identity was discovered through a geofence warrant. Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the 6-3 court Monday that people don’t forfeit expectations of privacy even when they opt into Google’s location history. Justice Samuel Alito wrote in dissent that the Virginia man at the center of the case had no expectation of privacy in information he voluntarily turned over to Google. The decision is the court’s latest effort to apply a constitutional provision ratified in 1791 to technology the nation’s founders could not have envisioned.
Nutrition apps can help build healthy habits. For some users, their gaming features carry risks
The next time you get a trophy on a smartphone app, it might not be from a game. Gamification has spread into all kinds of online areas. But its spread into nutrition apps has some researchers worried. Health professionals say the apps can be helpful for people managing chronic diseases. And they can motivate many people to reach fitness goals. But experts say the apps carry risks too. Isabella Anderberg is a psychologist researching digital dieting behavior. She says calorie-tracking apps can reinforce eating disorders. The badges, streaks, rewards and points are designed to bring people back even if they have set unhealthy goals. Anderberg says the key is to approach the apps with caution and listen to your body.
