Ads in New York must now label AI-generated 'synthetic performers'
New York has implemented a law requiring advertisements featuring AI-generated people to clearly label them as “synthetic performers.” The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December, took effect Tuesday. Her office describes it as a “first-in-the-nation law” aimed at enhancing transparency as AI performers become more common in media. Ads that fail to disclose synthetic performers will now face penalties. This move is part of broader efforts to address AI-related job security and privacy concerns. The law goes into effect despite larger pushback from the Trump administration, which has tried to block states from regulating AI.
MIT researchers channel AI to turn hand gestures into robot training data
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Humanoid robots struggling with tasks like grasping a cup have a new teacher — a person wearing an ultrasound wristband that captures the movement of muscles, tendons and ligaments beneath the skin. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed the tool to collect data of human hand motion that could eventually help robots achieve the dexterity that has been difficult for machines to master. As much of the tech world is still captivated with artificial intelligence assistants that are taking on computer-based tasks, the researchers are among the scientists trying to imbue AI with more sensory data from the physical world.
Apple and Brussels blame each other for delaying European Union rollout of Siri AI
Apple and the European Union are blaming each other for delaying the rollout of Apple's Siri AI app to European users. On Tuesday, a European Commission spokesman disputed Apple's claim that EU regulations are to blame. Apple had said the EU's strict digital rules prevent the app's launch. The company unveiled its upgraded AI assistant at its annual developers conference but announced it wouldn't be available in the EU. Apple claims the EU's interpretation of the rules requires giving virtual assistants direct access to user data. The EU insists the law is non-negotiable and won't grant exemptions.
EU orders Meta to restore WhatsApp access for rival AI chatbots
LONDON (AP) — European Union regulators have ordered Meta Platforms to restore access to WhatsApp for rival AI chatbot makers. The decision comes as the EU's executive Commission investigates potential antitrust violations. The commission is imposing interim measures to prevent harm to competition in the growing AI assistant market. They began scrutinizing Meta's updated terms last year, concerned that third-party AI companies were blocked from offering their assistants on WhatsApp. Meta's attempt to charge rivals for access didn't satisfy regulators. They threatened in April to force the company to reinstate access for free.
Pentagon labels tech giant Alibaba and electric car maker BYD as aiding Chinese military
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon has added several prominent Chinese businesses to its list of Chinese military companies. The list includes tech giant Alibaba, electric car maker BYD and search engine Baidu. The move prevents them from securing U.S. defense contracts. The list, updated Monday, now sanctions well-known, non-state-owned Chinese companies that are not traditionally considered to be in the defense sector. This year's list includes 188 entities, up from about 130 last year. While the companies can still operate in the U.S., they face reputational damage and potential restrictions. Alibaba, BYD and Baidu say there is no basis for including them on the list. The Chinese Embassy is accusing the U.S. of “overstretching the concept of national security.”
A digital reckoning against smartphones in schools has spread to Sweden
MALMÖ, Sweden (AP) — Sweden is set to ban mobile phones in schools from the next academic year as part of a broad reversal on the use of screens in classrooms. The Swedish center-right coalition government is prioritizing more reading time and less screen time, particularly among preschool students, by favoring books and other traditional learning tools. Sweden’s plans are part of a broader shift and an international digital reckoning against smartphones. Countries have outfitted campuses with laptops, tablets and learning apps for students. But classrooms have become saturated with screens and a growing number of parents, teachers and school districts are saying it is time to scale back.
OpenAI files confidential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening the door to a Wall Street debut
OpenAI has filed preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted confidential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn't decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. This move follows Anthropic's June announcement of its own IPO plans. Both companies are following SpaceX, which is also pursuing an IPO. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned last fall that an IPO was the “most likely path” due to the company's size and capital needs.
Federal judge strikes down Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas
BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge has struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. The announcement of the fee in September set off confusion and panic among employers, students and workers in the United States and abroad. U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston sided with 20 states and struck down the visa on Monday, saying the executive branch exceeded its authority. The ruling contradicts an earlier federal court decision in Washington, D.C. that denied the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's request to strike down the visa fee. There's still another case in San Francisco, setting up the possibility for appellate court clashes.
Motorists sue Westchester County over 1.6 billion license plate scans
Civil rights groups have sued on behalf of New York residents to stop Westchester County, New York, from using nearly the nearly 600 license plate readers they have installed around the county. The plaintiffs argue the system is a form of warrantless surveillance that violates the state constitution. The lawsuit claims the county never received proper authorization for the program, which has collected 1.6 billion plate scans and shared them with over 50 law enforcement agencies. The case was brought on behalf of four women who highlighted concerns about privacy and data sharing. The use of license plate readers has been controversial, with some cities and states restricting or canceling their use.
Apple unveils an upgraded Siri voice assistant with new AI features at its annual conference
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple is unveiling new artificial intelligence features at its annual developers conference. The World Wide Developers Conference started Monday. It's the last one featuring CEO Tim Cook before he turns his post over to John Ternus in September. The conference attracts thousands of developers from some 65 countries to Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters. It usually focuses on software, in contrast to the fall unveiling of the latest iPhones. Apple showed off updates on new AI features, including upgrades to its Siri assistant. Apple says it's focusing on day-to-day use and privacy.
