AI Update, September 27, 2024: AI News and Views From the Past Week

Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order):

FTC targets deceptive AI businesses in new crackdown. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched Operation AI Comply, focusing on deceptive AI practices. The FTC has taken action against companies promoting misleading AI tools, including AI-generated fake reviews and faulty AI-assisted legal services. Companies such as DoNotPay, Rytr, and Ascend Ecom were targeted for false claims, leaving consumers financially harmed. The FTC aims to protect consumers and create a fair environment for ethical AI innovations. Importance for marketers: This crackdown emphasizes the need for ethical AI use in marketing and maintaining consumer trust.

Microsoft unveils AI tool to correct hallucinations in real time. Microsoft has introduced a new AI feature designed to detect and correct false or misleading statements, known as AI hallucinations, in real-time. Integrated into Azure AI Content Safety software, the tool can identify inaccuracies and provide corrected content. Although the tool shows promise, experts caution that eliminating hallucinations entirely remains challenging. Importance for marketers: This tool could enhance the reliability of AI-generated content, improving trust in AI for marketing applications and reducing the risk of misinformation in campaigns.

Meta releases Llama 3.2 AI models, enabling edge AI on mobile devices. Meta has launched Llama 3.2, the latest iteration of its open-source AI models, which now support edge AI and vision capabilities on mobile and edge devices. These models can process images, extract information, and perform reasoning tasks directly on devices without relying on the cloud. With support from multiple tech partners, Llama 3.2 aims to democratize access to advanced AI technology. Importance for marketers: The shift toward edge AI could lead to more personalized and privacy-focused marketing tools, as data processing happens directly on devices, maintaining user privacy.

OpenAI's CTO Mira Murati steps down amid company leadership changes. Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, has announced her departure from the company after six years, citing the right timing for her exit. This comes during a leadership shakeup at OpenAI, with the company focusing on restructuring and investor engagement. Murati played a crucial role in the development of ChatGPT and the DALL-E image generator. Her departure follows that of other high-profile executives in recent months. Importance for marketers: Murati's exit marks a significant change for OpenAI, which could impact future AI innovations and strategic direction, important for businesses utilizing AI.

OpenAI CEO denies executive departures are linked to restructuring. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, has dismissed rumors linking the recent departure of three senior executives to the company's restructuring. Speaking at the Italian Tech Week, Altman emphasized that the leadership changes were unrelated to the planned transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit benefit corporation. Altman praised the executives' contributions and reiterated that OpenAI is undergoing a transition to simplify its structure and enhance technical innovation. Importance for marketers: Stability in leadership at OpenAI is key for businesses and marketers who rely on their AI advancements for marketing innovation and consumer engagement.

OpenAI restructures, giving Sam Altman equity for the first time. OpenAI is planning a major restructuring that will shift control from its nonprofit arm to a for-profit benefit corporation. This change aims to attract investors, and CEO Sam Altman will receive equity in the restructured entity, now valued at $150 billion. The move, driven by investor interest, could reshape OpenAI's governance and its approach to artificial general intelligence (AGI) development. Importance for marketers: This restructuring makes OpenAI more competitive, potentially increasing innovations in AI that could benefit marketing automation and analytics.

Half of US states move to regulate AI use in elections. Twenty-six US states have passed or are considering laws to regulate AI in elections, addressing concerns over AI's potential to manipulate or disenfranchise voters. States like Texas and California have enacted laws against AI-generated deepfakes, while others are drafting bills requiring disclosure of AI-generated content in campaigns. Federal laws, however, remain limited. Importance for marketers: Marketers should be aware of evolving regulations concerning AI usage, particularly in political campaigns, as stricter laws could influence the legal boundaries of AI in marketing communications.

Mark Zuckerberg promotes open-source AI as Meta's competitive advantage. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed his commitment to developing open-source AI platforms, arguing that they will foster innovation and create a more democratic tech landscape. Speaking at a podcast event, Zuckerberg emphasized that open platforms, such as Meta's Llama models, could compete with closed ecosystems like Apple's. Meta's Llama AI models have received praise and criticism, sparking debate on the benefits of open-source development. Importance for marketers: Open-source AI presents opportunities for marketers to experiment with customizable AI models, enhancing flexibility in campaign development and data analysis.

OpenAI faces privacy concerns over increased data collection. OpenAI's growing appetite for data collection is raising privacy concerns. The company has been criticized for expanding its partnerships with media outlets, allowing access to vast amounts of content and user behavior data. OpenAI's investments in biometric and health data further fuel concerns about the ethical implications of its data practices. Although the company asserts that privacy safeguards are in place, skepticism remains. Importance for marketers: As AI becomes more data-driven, marketers must navigate privacy issues carefully, ensuring consumer data is used responsibly while balancing the need for personalized marketing.

Reddit expands AI-powered translation feature to 35 new countries. Reddit is rolling out its AI-powered translation tool to 35 countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This feature enables users to automatically translate posts and comments into their preferred language, enhancing cross-lingual engagement. By making its content accessible in multiple languages, Reddit aims to broaden its user base and appeal to non-English speakers. Importance for marketers: AI-driven translation tools open new opportunities for marketers to reach a global audience, enabling better engagement and more localized content creation across diverse markets.

Figma relaunches AI-powered app design tool as First Draft. Figma has reintroduced its AI-powered app generator, previously pulled for copying Apple's weather app, under the name "First Draft." This tool enables designers to create less opinionated layouts for apps and websites, offering wireframe and high-fidelity libraries for exploration. The redesign follows extensive testing and feedback, allowing users to generate app designs based on inputs without infringing on other products. Importance for marketers: Marketers working with app or web design can benefit from faster concept generation, speeding up time-to-market and creative exploration with fewer restrictions.

Nebius plans $1 billion AI infrastructure investment in Europe. Nebius, an Amsterdam-based company formed after a split from Russia's Yandex, announced plans to invest over $1 billion in AI infrastructure in Europe by mid-2025. The investment includes GPU capacity expansion, new data centers, and partnerships with various tech companies. Nebius, free from Russian ties, aims to establish a strong foothold in AI development, particularly in Europe. Importance for marketers: Increased AI infrastructure in Europe means better local services for businesses using AI for marketing, enabling faster processing and localized data management.

Siri's Apple Intelligence update delayed until January 2025. Apple's Siri AI update, part of the larger Apple Intelligence rollout, will likely be delayed until January 2025. The update will introduce new features such as on-screen awareness, personalized context, and enhanced conversational abilities. Although incremental updates will arrive earlier, the full capabilities of Siri's AI integration won't be realized until early next year. Importance for marketers: The delay in Siri's AI-enhanced features may impact marketers' expectations for advanced voice-activated capabilities in campaigns, particularly those focused on voice search and conversational AI.

Apple releases iOS 18.1 beta with initial AI features. Apple has launched iOS 18.1 beta 5, introducing the first wave of its Apple Intelligence features. This update includes new AI-powered tools such as Writing Tools for rewriting and summarizing text, revamped Siri capabilities, and a Reduce Interruptions focus mode that prioritizes notifications. The full release is expected in October. Importance for marketers: Marketers can take advantage of these AI features to enhance customer engagement through personalized content and more streamlined communication, particularly via Apple's ecosystem.

Sam Altman and Jony Ive collaborate on new AI device. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is working with former Apple designer Jony Ive and Steve Jobs' widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, to create a new AI-centric device. Though still in early development, the project has attracted significant private investment, with plans to raise up to $1 billion by the end of 2024. The AI device is expected to offer a new computing platform that employs AI's potential. Importance for marketers: This AI device could open new avenues for marketers to engage consumers in novel ways, using more intuitive AI-driven interactions.

LinkedIn suspends use of UK user data for AI training. LinkedIn has paused using UK user data to train its AI models after concerns were raised by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Although LinkedIn had initially opted users into AI training globally, UK users can now opt out. The decision comes amid increasing scrutiny over tech companies' use of personal data for AI development. Importance for marketers: As privacy regulations tighten, marketers must be mindful of how user data is collected and used, ensuring compliance with local and international laws when employing AI tools.

Google rolls out Gemini Live AI for free on Galaxy phones. Google has begun offering its Gemini Live AI feature for free on Android devices, starting with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This update allows users to engage with Gemini's conversational AI in real-time, with the ability to interrupt and interact fluidly. The rollout is expected to continue in phases. Importance for marketers: Free access to Gemini Live on mobile devices could increase AI adoption among consumers, offering marketers new opportunities for real-time, conversational interactions and enhanced customer engagement.

AI-powered social media app brings "Dead Internet Theory" to life. Software developer Michael Sayman has launched SocialAI, a social media app where users interact solely with AI-generated comments instead of human users. The app, inspired by the "Dead Internet Theory," aims to provide users with a space for reflection and support through AI interactions, though it has been met with criticism. Importance for marketers: AI-driven social media platforms could offer a new space for marketers to engage with consumers, though the absence of human interaction may require new strategies for authenticity and brand trust.

AI startup Scribenote raises $8.2 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. Scribenote, a startup using AI to automate medical records for veterinarians, has raised $8.2 million in an early-stage funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company has processed over 1.5 million medical records in less than a year. This funding highlights continued investor interest in AI-powered services across industries. Importance for marketers: The increasing investment in AI startups signals the growing potential of AI-driven automation across various sectors, offering marketers new tools for efficiency and innovation.

Tech giants push to dilute Europe's AI Act ahead of enforcement. Leading tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, are lobbying to soften the enforcement of Europe's AI Act, which could impose strict regulations on AI systems like ChatGPT. The companies argue that stringent rules could stifle innovation and lead to heavy fines, but the AI Act is still in development. Importance for marketers: Marketers relying on AI tools should monitor regulatory developments closely, as stricter regulations in Europe could impact how AI is used in marketing and customer engagement strategies.

UAE seeks closer AI tech ties with the US amid China tensions. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is pursuing closer AI technology ties with the United States, despite concerns over its relationship with China. The UAE has invested heavily in AI and seeks partnerships with US tech companies to advance its AI capabilities while reducing reliance on Chinese tech. Importance for marketers: Strengthened AI collaboration between the UAE and the US could open new opportunities for AI-driven innovations and partnerships, especially in sectors like healthcare, fintech, and marketing technology.

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.

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