Artificial intelligence

AI quirks lead to Rickroll incident

Flo Crivello, founder of Lindy, recently faced an unusual issue when a client was Rickrolled by one of the company’s AI assistants. Instead of providing a tutorial video, the AI sent the famous Rick Astley music video, highlighting the quirks of large language models.

The incident was traced back to the way the AI predicted the most likely sequence of text, leading it to send the prank video. Although only two such cases occurred, Crivello acted quickly, implementing a prompt to prevent further Rickrolling.

This incident underscores how deeply internet culture can influence AI models. Similar problems have surfaced in other AI systems, like Google’s, which have also struggled with the content they are trained on.

Despite these challenges, advancements in AI technology are making it easier to patch such errors. Lindy has since corrected the issue, ensuring clients receive the correct content without unwelcome surprises.

Hybrid work powers Zoom’s revenue growth

Zoom has raised its annual revenue forecast, driven by increasing demand for AI-powered collaboration tools in hybrid work environments. The video-conferencing company has been focusing on integrating AI into its products, which has contributed to its financial success. A key highlight was the success of Zoom Contact Center, a platform that secured several major clients in the second quarter.

Large accounts generating over $100,000 in trailing 12-month revenue saw a notable increase of 7.1%, with average monthly churn rates reaching an all-time low. Industry experts believe Zoom’s continued innovation and product expansion are crucial for sustaining growth beyond its pandemic-era success. However, the company will face challenges in maintaining this momentum.

Zoom also announced that CFO Kelly Steckelberg will be stepping down after the company reports its earnings for the quarter ending 31 October. Steckelberg, who has been with Zoom since 2017 and led its IPO in 2019, will be succeeded by a new CFO, as the search for her replacement is underway.

For fiscal 2025, Zoom now expects revenue between $4.63 billion and $4.64 billion, slightly above previous estimates. The company’s second-quarter revenue of $1.16 billion surpassed expectations, as did its adjusted earnings of $1.39 per share.

AI boost prompts Microsoft to reorganise

Microsoft has revamped its financial reporting structure to better highlight the impact of its AI initiatives. The changes move search and news advertising revenue to the Azure cloud-computing division, while revenue from AI and speech technology services under the Nuance unit now falls within the productivity segment, which houses the Office suite.

The adjustment aligns with how this giant manages its business operations and offers investors clearer insights into AI’s contributions. Following the restructure, Microsoft revised its revenue growth figures for the past fiscal year and adjusted its forecast for the July-September quarter.

Investors are increasingly demanding transparency regarding returns on AI investments, particularly from major tech firms like Microsoft and Google. Microsoft has been one of the few companies to consistently break out AI-related contributions in its earnings reports, noting that AI provided a significant boost to Azure in the June quarter despite a broader slowdown.

The reorganisation has led to changes in company’s revenue expectations. The company now anticipates lower quarterly revenue for its personal computing segment and adjusted forecasts for its productivity and business processes division, reflecting the shift in business unit alignment.

Macron to visit Serbia for talks on AI and economic ties

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Serbia from 29 August to 30 to discuss enhancing economic relations and Serbia’s emerging role in the AI sector. During the visit, Macron will meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to explore opportunities for collaboration, particularly as Serbia prepares to chair the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence in 2025.

This initiative, established by Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, aims to ensure the responsible development of AI. The trip follows a recent agreement between Serbia and the European Union, which grants the EU access to raw materials from Serbia.

Macron’s visit will also align with France’s plans to host an AI Action Summit in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of AI in international relations and economic partnerships.

AI ammo vending machines spark safety concerns in US

Two US Senators, Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, have raised alarms about AI-enabled ammunition vending machines recently appearing in some states’ grocery stores. The machines, developed by Texas-based American Rounds, use facial recognition and card scanning technology to verify a buyer’s identity and age. However, the Senators argue that these machines could potentially allow people with criminal convictions, who are legally barred from purchasing ammunition, to bypass federal restrictions.

The vending machines have been installed in supermarkets in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma since July. They do not impose limits on the quantity of ammunition a person can buy at one time, which has added to the concerns about their potential misuse. Markey and Warren sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) urging the agency to closely scrutinise these machines, warning that their easy access could exacerbate the country’s gun violence epidemic, which claims over 44,000 lives annually.

The Senators’ letter highlights the risks associated with removing face-to-face sales, noting that human clerks at gun shops can often detect suspicious behaviour, such as straw purchases or signs that a person might use ammunition for self-harm or violence. The vending machines, lacking this human oversight, could facilitate unlawful purchases and increase the risk of ammunition falling into the wrong hands.

Moreover, the letter criticises the facial recognition technology used by the machines, citing studies that show higher error rates in identifying women and people of colour compared to white men. The inaccuracies, they argue, could lead to false approvals, with serious legal consequences for both buyers and vendors.

The Senators have requested that the ATF provide a detailed response to their concerns by the end of August. While the ATF has acknowledged that commercial ammunition sales must comply with state and federal laws, it has yet to respond publicly to the Senators’ concerns.

Neuralink implant expands capabilities for quadriplegic users

Last month, Alex, the second participant in Neuralink’s PRIME Study, successfully received his Neuralink implant at the Barrow Neurological Institute. The surgery was smooth, and Alex’s recovery was swift, allowing him to be discharged the next day. Since the procedure, Alex has been using the implant to enhance his ability to play video games and to learn computer-aided design (CAD) software, marking significant progress in regaining autonomy for people with quadriplegia.

The PRIME Study aims to prove the safety and practicality of the Neuralink implant in everyday life. Alex’s experience shows promising results, particularly in controlling a computer cursor with his mind just minutes after connecting the implant to his computer. He quickly surpassed the speed and accuracy of previous assistive technologies and even broke a world record for brain-computer interface (BCI) cursor control.

Alex’s passion for building things has been reignited with the help of the Neuralink implant. On his second day using it, he successfully designed a custom mount for his Neuralink charger using CAD software, which was later 3D printed. The implant has also improved his gaming experience by allowing him to control multiple inputs simultaneously, a significant upgrade from the limitations of his previous assistive device.

The previous patient..

The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, who was paralysed in a diving accident, discussed his experience with the implant on a podcast. Previously reliant on a stick to operate a tablet, Arbaugh can now control his computer screen simply by thinking. Although he faced initial issues with the implant’s wires retracting, Neuralink adjusted the algorithm to restore functionality, significantly improving his ability to control a cursor.

To prevent potential issues seen in previous participants, Neuralink implemented new surgical techniques to reduce the chances of thread retraction, a complication that had temporarily affected performance in an earlier case. These precautions have proven effective, as no retraction has been observed in Alex.

Looking ahead, Neuralink is working on expanding the functionality of the implant, including decoding multiple clicks and movement intents and developing algorithms for faster text entry. These advancements could not only restore digital autonomy for those with quadriplegia but also enhance communication for individuals with conditions like ALS.

Lingo Telecom fined $1 million for AI-generated fake Biden robocalls

Lingo Telecom has agreed to pay a $1 million fine after the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) accused the company of transmitting fake robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to mislead voters in New Hampshire’s Democratic primary. The robocalls, created using AI voice-cloning technology, were directed by political consultant Steve Kramer, who now faces charges from the New Hampshire attorney general.

Initially, the FCC proposed a $2 million fine against Lingo but settled for $1 million after the company agreed to implement a compliance plan to adhere to FCC rules on caller ID authentication. The following case highlights growing concerns about the use of AI in political disinformation, particularly as the 2024 elections approach.

The FCC has also proposed fining Kramer $6 million and is considering new regulations to require clear disclosures for AI-generated content in political ads across broadcast and cable media. However, the commission’s authority does not extend to the internet or social media platforms.

UK and India forge strategic tech alliance

The UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI) has made notable progress since its launch, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic growth through collaboration in emerging technologies. Recently, the National Security Advisors from both countries convened to establish a framework for the initiative, focusing on regulatory and licensing protocols. That meeting resulted in the formation of a bilateral task force designed to streamline communication between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government, ensuring a cohesive approach to the initiative’s objectives.

Regarding sector-specific collaborations, discussions have commenced in key areas such as telecommunications, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health and biotechnology, advanced materials and semiconductors. The two nations are exploring the implementation of Open RAN systems to enhance telecom security and innovation.

Investment partnerships are also a significant focus of the TSI. Investment forums are being organized to attract Indian enterprises, particularly in green technology, offshore wind, and green hydrogen sectors. The initiative includes dedicated programs to empower women in technology, with funding opportunities designed to support their participation and leadership in these fields. This emphasis on inclusivity highlights the initiative’s broader goal of fostering sustainable economic development.

Moreover, the TSI is addressing global tech governance by collaborating on the establishment of digital technical standards and frameworks for internet governance and cybersecurity. This proactive approach aims to tackle emerging challenges in the digital landscape, ensuring that both countries are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of technology in a global context.

Why does this matter?

Looking ahead, plans are in place to launch initiatives focused on technology research centres, incubators, and academic partnerships. As the TSI progresses, further updates will highlight specific projects and collaborations, aligning with the goals of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.

OpenAI opposes California’s AI regulation bill

OpenAI is pushing back against a proposed California bill, SB 1047, which aims to impose new safety requirements on AI companies. The San Francisco-based startup argues that the legislation would stifle innovation and that AI regulation should be managed at the federal level rather than by individual states. OpenAI also expressed concerns that the bill could negatively impact US AI and national security competitiveness.

The bill, introduced by state Senator Scott Wiener, seeks to establish safety standards for companies developing large AI models to prevent misuse in harmful ways, such as creating bioweapons or causing significant financial damage. The legislation has faced strong opposition from tech companies, who claim it could drive AI businesses out of California and hinder technological progress.

Despite amendments made by Wiener to address some of the industry’s concerns, including removing criminal liability for non-compliance and protecting smaller developers, major tech players like OpenAI remain opposed. OpenAI argues that the bill’s provisions could lead to a talent drain from California and disrupt the state’s leadership in AI innovation.

Wiener defended the bill, stating it requires companies to do what they’ve already committed regarding safety measures. He dismissed concerns about a talent exodus, noting that the law would apply to any company operating in California, regardless of location.

The bill will be voted on in the California State Assembly this month. If it passes, it will go to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has yet to express a clear stance on whether he will sign it into law, though he has spoken about balancing AI innovation with safety concerns.

FPT launches $174 million AI project in Vietnam

Vietnam’s leading tech firm, FPT Corporation, has embarked on a $174 million AI project in Binh Dinh province, marking its latest advancement in the AI sector. The initiative, launched in collaboration with FPT City Danang, FPT Investment, and FPT Software, spans 93.24 hectares and will feature a state-of-the-art AI centre, an educational facility, and a supporting urban zone.

The AI centre will focus on several key areas: research, software development, digital transformation, and cybersecurity solutions. This new development would mark FPT’s commitment to expanding its role in the AI industry.

As Vietnam‘s most valuable tech company with a market capitalisation of $7.7 billion, FPT offers a broad range of AI, cloud computing, and big data services. Last year, the company reported revenues surpassing $2 billion.

In addition to this latest venture, FPT announced plans in April to invest $200 million in an AI factory utilising Nvidia’s advanced graphics chips and software, further highlighting its ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology.