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These six young people died by gun violence. Now their AI-generated voices are sending gun control pleas to lawmakers
CNN (February 19, 2024)
On the sixth anniversary of the Parkland shooting, parents of some of the victims have used AI to recreate their children's voices in a new campaign urging Congress to address gun control. The campaign, launched by March For Our Lives and Change the Ref, has generated over 54,000 AI-voiced calls to lawmakers, pushing for legislative action amidst ongoing research into the ways AI can closer connect constituents with their representatives.
Could AI sway the 2024 election? Here's what's being done nationally to stop deepfakes.
USA Today (February 19, 2024)
In response to the AI-generated deep fakes in the New Hampshire primary, several U.S. states are considering laws to combat their misuse. Minnesota, Michigan, California, Washington, and Texas have already passed legislation restricting AI in politics, with over 30 states proposing bills. While efforts aim to mitigate the impact of deep fakes on elections by enforcing transparency and penalties, states should ensure they also examine the potential of AI tools to enhance civic participation and transparency if implemented properly.
Singapore’s AI ambitions get a boost with $740 million investment plan
CNBC (February 19, 2024)
Singapore’s initiative, part of the National AI Strategy 2.0, will focus on developing AI skills, securing access to advanced chips essential for AI, and fostering a responsible AI ecosystem so the country can remain a global business and innovation hub. The plan includes the launch of AI Verify, an AI governance framework and software toolkit for companies, to ensure the ethical testing and usage of AI technology.
Air Canada must pay refund promised by AI chatbot, tribunal rules
The Hill (February 18, 2024)
The tribunal found Air Canada responsible for the chatbot's "negligent misrepresentation," ordering the airline to honor a partial refund to the misled customer. While the decision sets a precedent for AI accountability in business, it also reinforces the necessity of thoughtfully-trained chatbots, whether it be in government services or customer service.
Sora, OpenAI's new text-to-video tool, is causing excitement and fears. Here's what we know about it
Euronews.Next (February 18, 2024)
OpenAI has introduced Sora, a new text-to-video generator that creates short videos from text prompts. Amid broader debates on AI governance and the ongoing need for regulatory frameworks to manage risks effectively ahead of the elections, OpenAI is taking a cautious approach and engaging with policymakers and experts to address issues before Sora's public release.
9 ways AI is helping tackle climate change
World Economic Forum (February 12, 2024)
AI is revolutionizing the fight against climate change more than we can even imagine, including by measuring iceberg melt, mapping deforestation, enhancing waste management, predicting climate disasters, and supporting reforestation and decarbonization efforts – but more innovation is needed, the authors of this report point out.
Estonia’s AI vision: Building a data-driven society and government
Apolitical (February 12, 2024)
Check out this interview with Ott Velsberg, Estonia's Chief Data Officer, about Estonia’s leading adoption of AI and strategy to engage with the public through data. By 2030, Estonia envisions widespread AI implementation across both public and private sectors. There’s also an interesting focus here on fostering data literacy for the Estonian population, to help address the global shortage of data experts.
Robin Hood Launches the AI Poverty Challenge With Up to $4 Million in Awards at AI Summit Showcasing Tech Leaders
Robin Hood (February 6, 2024)
The challenge aims to harness AI for social good, encouraging the tech community to develop scalable solutions that work. Finalists will receive financial support, coaching, and technical assistance, with three winners receiving $1 million each – all towards using AI to create more pathways out of poverty.
