US senators demand answers from X, Meta, Alphabet, and others on sexualized deepfakes
U.S. Senators are demanding answers from major social media companies regarding the proliferation of deepfakes, particularly those of a sexualized and nonconsensual nature. The bipartisan group sent a letter to…
How one startup is using prebiotics to try and ease the copper shortage
A potential global copper shortage looms, with some projections indicating demand could outstrip supply by 25% as early as 2040. This shortfall is driven by increasing demand from sectors like…
Wikimedia Foundation announces new AI partnerships with Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Perplexity, and others
The Wikimedia Foundation is bolstering its financial sustainability through a new wave of commercial partnerships with major artificial intelligence (AI) companies. These agreements, centered around the Wikipedia content ecosystem, aim…
OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup Merge Labs
OpenAI has made a significant investment in Merge Labs, a newly unveiled brain-computer interface (BCI) startup led by CEO Sam Altman, further fueling the race to connect the human brain…
The US imposes 25% tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips headed to China
The United States government has implemented a 25% tariff on certain advanced semiconductors, specifically those produced outside the U.S. and shipped to China, according to a presidential proclamation signed Wednesday.…
Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue
A prolonged internet shutdown in Iran is entering its second week, impacting an estimated 92 million people and representing one of the most extensive and strictly enforced digital blackouts in…
AI video startup, Higgsfield, founded by ex-Snap exec, lands $1.3B valuation
AI video generation startup Higgsfield has secured an additional $80 million in funding as an extension to its Series A round, bringing the total raise to $130 million and valuing…
Taiwan to invest $250B in US semiconductor manufacturing
The United States and Taiwan have formalized a significant trade agreement aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the deal commits Taiwanese companies…
The AI lab revolving door spins ever faster
The movement of personnel between leading artificial intelligence laboratories and other organizations is accelerating, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the concentration of talent. This “AI lab revolving…
AI journalism startup Symbolic.ai signs deal with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp
News organizations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and enhance content creation. News Corp, the media conglomerate behind publications like The Wall Street Journal and the…