Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order):
YouTube Shorts adds Google AI model Veo for enhanced video creation. YouTube is integrating Google DeepMind's Veo video generation model into YouTube Shorts, allowing creators to generate high-quality backgrounds and six-second standalone video clips. This AI-powered feature is set to improve YouTube's Dream Screen tool, enabling more advanced background generation and remixing options for creators. The Veo model competes with similar models from OpenAI and others. Importance for marketers: This integration offers marketers a new opportunity to create high-quality short-form content easily, which could enhance audience engagement and drive brand visibility.
LinkedIn scraped user data for AI training without updating terms of service. LinkedIn has reportedly used US user data to train AI models before updating its terms of service. Although users can opt out via settings, LinkedIn failed to update its privacy policy ahead of the changes, unlike EU users who were excluded due to stricter data privacy rules. LinkedIn claims it uses privacy-enhancing techniques, but the practice has sparked concerns about data usage transparency. Importance for marketers: Marketers should closely monitor how platforms handle user data for AI training, as privacy issues can impact consumer trust and platform engagement.
Microsoft introduces Copilot Pages for collaborative AI-powered teamwork. Microsoft launched Copilot Pages, an AI collaboration feature for businesses. It allows teams to collaborate with AI input in real time, iterating on projects such as meeting notes and business pitches. Tied to Microsoft's BizChat and 365 Copilot, the feature enables users to pull data from various sources for enhanced teamwork. Importance for marketers: Marketers can benefit from this tool by streamlining campaign planning, improving team collaboration, and enhancing content creation through real-time AI assistance.
AI model based on fruit fly brain offers insights for energy-efficient computing. Scientists have created an AI-powered brain network modeled after a fruit fly's visual system. This system can predict neuron behavior and may lead to more energy-efficient AI models. The research suggests that AI systems could reduce energy consumption by mimicking biological computation strategies. Importance for marketers: Energy-efficient AI can lower operational costs for businesses using AI-based tools, potentially leading to more sustainable marketing technologies.
Alibaba releases new open-source AI models and text-to-video technology. Alibaba unveiled over 100 new open-source AI models as part of its Qwen 2.5 family. These models, aimed at various industries, include text-to-video capabilities, positioning Alibaba in direct competition with OpenAI and other major tech players. The company also introduced tools for multiple languages, including automotive and gaming sectors. Importance for marketers: Alibaba's open-source approach to AI enables more businesses to access powerful tools for content creation, providing marketers with new opportunities to innovate in content development.
Tech giants push for lighter enforcement of Europe's AI Act. Major tech companies are lobbying for a less stringent enforcement of the European Union's AI Act, fearing that strict regulations could lead to billions in fines. The companies argue that overly specific rules could hinder innovation. The AI Act governs "general purpose" AI like ChatGPT. Importance for marketers: Marketers using AI tools need to stay aware of potential regulatory changes, as stricter AI laws could affect AI-driven marketing initiatives and compliance.
UN experts call for global AI governance framework. A UN advisory body is urging the United Nations to establish a global AI governance structure to mitigate risks and ensure AI benefits are more widely shared. The report highlights AI's potential to disrupt industries but warns that without regulation, its risks could outweigh the rewards. Importance for marketers: Marketers need to stay informed on global AI regulations, as governance frameworks could impact the development and ethical use of AI in marketing.
California passes laws to curb election-related deepfakes created by AI. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws to restrict the use of AI-generated deepfakes in political ads. The laws make it illegal to create deepfakes related to elections 120 days before and 60 days after election day, with penalties for noncompliance. Importance for marketers: Marketers using AI-generated content in political or social campaigns should ensure transparency and avoid legal pitfalls, as regulations around AI-generated media become stricter.
Google launches AI content labeling system for better authenticity. Google is rolling out a new content authentication system, the C2PA standard, to help users distinguish between AI-generated and human-created images. This system will track the origin and editing history of digital content across Google platforms, including search and ads. Importance for marketers: As AI-generated content becomes more common, marketers need to ensure transparency in their AI-driven campaigns to build trust with consumers and comply with emerging content labeling standards.
Microsoft adds advanced AI features to Office apps. Microsoft introduced new AI-powered features in its Office suite, including Python integration in Excel for advanced data analysis, improved narrative building in PowerPoint, and inbox prioritization in Outlook. These features aim to streamline workflows and make complex tasks easier for users. Importance for marketers: These AI tools can improve productivity in marketing tasks like data analysis, presentation creation, and email management, allowing marketers to focus on strategic initiatives.
Slack introduces AI agent integration to boost productivity. Slack now allows users to integrate AI agents from platforms like Asana, Adobe, and Cohere into its workspace, enabling automation of routine tasks and data-driven insights. This update simplifies workflows by allowing AI agents to work within Slack channels. Importance for marketers: Integrating AI agents into Slack can help marketing teams automate repetitive tasks, such as content scheduling and data analysis, freeing up time for more creative work.
AI-generated images fuel misinformation in Springfield, Ohio. AI-generated images of pets have been used to spread false rumors about immigrants harming animals in Springfield, Ohio. The meme-like images went viral on social media, leading to real-world consequences, including bomb threats. Importance for marketers: This case highlights the risks of AI-generated misinformation. Marketers need to be cautious about how AI tools are used in content creation to avoid amplifying false or harmful narratives.
FTC criticizes social media companies for lack of transparency in AI data usage. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a report condemning social media companies for their lack of transparency in how user data is collected, shared, and used in AI systems. Platforms like Meta and TikTok were singled out for inadequate data management policies. Importance for marketers: Marketers should be aware of increasing scrutiny on data privacy and AI, as stricter regulations may affect how AI tools can be used in personalized marketing campaigns.
Google unveils AI-powered note-taking app, NotebookLM. Google has launched NotebookLM, an AI-powered app that helps users organize and interact with their notes. The app uses AI to summarize and make connections between documents, positioning itself as a research tool that goes beyond simple note-taking. Importance for marketers: NotebookLM can be a valuable tool for marketers looking to streamline research and content development, making it easier to organize insights and draw meaningful conclusions from data.
Facebook admits to scraping Australian users' public data for AI training. Facebook has acknowledged that it scrapes public data from Australian users, including photos and posts, to train its AI models, without offering an opt-out option. This practice has raised privacy concerns, especially as similar opt-out options are available to users in the EU. Importance for marketers: Marketers should be mindful of increasing privacy concerns surrounding data collection for AI, as public backlash or regulatory changes could affect how consumer data is used in campaigns.
US to host first global AI safety summit. The Biden administration announced plans to host a global AI safety summit in November, bringing together experts from multiple countries to discuss responsible AI development. The summit aims to address growing concerns about AI's impact on jobs, security, and human safety. Importance for marketers: Global AI safety regulations could influence how AI is used in marketing, particularly in terms of transparency, ethics, and compliance with new standards.
OpenAI's $150 billion valuation depends on restructuring corporate model. OpenAI is seeking a $150 billion valuation in its latest funding round, which hinges on restructuring its corporate model to remove a profit cap for investors. The changes are intended to attract more capital to fuel the company's pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Importance for marketers: Marketers should follow OpenAI's developments closely, as changes to its corporate structure may lead to further innovations in AI-driven marketing tools, potentially reshaping the industry.
Fei-Fei Li raises $230 million to launch AI startup focused on large world models. AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li has raised $230 million for her new startup, World Labs, which will focus on developing AI systems that understand complex three-dimensional environments. This next step in AI development goes beyond current generative AI models by incorporating spatial intelligence. Importance for marketers: Innovations in AI's spatial reasoning capabilities could open new doors for marketers, particularly in industries like AR/VR and robotics, offering more interactive and immersive experiences for customers.
Microsoft and UAE's G42 to establish AI centers in Abu Dhabi. Microsoft and UAE's G42 announced plans to open two AI research centers in Abu Dhabi, focused on developing large language models and responsible AI practices. This partnership aims to boost the UAE's position as a global leader in AI innovation. Importance for marketers: Marketers should keep an eye on developments from these centers, as breakthroughs in AI could lead to new tools and methods for content creation and customer engagement.
Lenovo to manufacture AI servers in India and open new R&D lab. Lenovo will begin manufacturing AI servers in India and has opened an AI-centric research and development lab in Bengaluru. The company aims to produce 50,000 AI servers annually to meet growing demand. Importance for marketers: As AI infrastructure grows, marketers can expect more reliable and accessible AI tools for campaign optimization, predictive analytics, and customer engagement, making advanced AI-driven marketing strategies more feasible.
Note: This content was updated at 11:56 AM ET on 9/20/2024 with the item headlined "LinkedIn scraped user data for AI training without updating terms of service."
You can find the previous issue of AI Update here.
Editor's note: GPT-4o was used to help compile this week's AI Update.
