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Rebooting Democracy - News That Caught Our Eye #5: February 20th, 2024

Published on January 1, 1970

Summary

This week in the news: Sora’s launch, gun control deep fakes, and AI updates from Estonia to Singapore. It’s our weekly news download, where we highlight the stories, research, and innovations that illuminate how AI is impacting governance and democracy.

News That Caught Our Eye

News That Caught Our Eye

These six young people died by gun violence. Now their AI-generated voices are sending gun control pleas to lawmakers

Faith Karimi on February 19, 2024 in CNN

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

Could AI sway the 2024 election? Here's what's being done nationally to stop deepfakes.

Natasha Lovato on February 19, 2024 in USA Today

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

9 ways AI is helping tackle climate change

Victoria Masterson on February 12, 2024 in World Economic Forum

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

Estonia’s AI vision: Building a data-driven society and government

Dr Ott Velsberg on February 12, 2024 in Apolitical

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

Robin Hood Launches the AI Poverty Challenge With Up to $4 Million in Awards at AI Summit Showcasing Tech Leaders

on February 6, 2024 in Robin Hood

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

Singapore’s AI ambitions get a boost with $740 million investment plan

Sheila Chiang on February 19, 2024 in CNBC

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

Air Canada must pay refund promised by AI chatbot, tribunal rules

Nick Robertson on February 18, 2024 in The Hill

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.

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News That Caught Our Eye

Sora, OpenAI's new text-to-video tool, is causing excitement and fears. Here's what we know about it

Associated Press on February 18, 2024 in Euronews.Next

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.

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