Inside the secret negotiations to free Evan Gershkovich: The effort to bring home The Wall Street Journal reporter and others unfolded on three continents, involving spy agencies, billionaires, political power players, and his fiercest advocate—his mother. WSJ
In world first, EU's sweeping AI law enters into force: The European Union's landmark law on artificial intelligence came into force on Thursday, which Brussels vows will drive innovation while protecting citizens' rights. AFP
+ "With our artificial intelligence act, we create new guardrails not only to protect people and their interests, but also to give business and innovators clear rules and certainty," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The EU’s AI Act is now in force TC
700 companies keen to join Pact to prepare for AI law: Some 700 companies have shown interest in joining the AI Pact – which are preparatory commitments to help businesses get ready for the incoming AI Act – a spokesperson for the European Commission told Euronews. With the Pact, the Commission aims to let businesses anticipate the AI Act with voluntary commitments and share ideas through workshops organized by the EU executive’s AI Office.
UAE blocked meetings with leading AI firm amid China fears, House committee says: The dispute marks growing concern from lawmakers’ over the Middle East and its potential role as a conduit for China. Politico
Microsoft scales back AI partnership with Emirati firm amid concerns over China ties: Politico reports the US tech giant intends to restructure a sensitive part of its partnership with UAE-based G42, following concerns on the Hill about Chinese IP theft.
Argentina will use AI to ‘predict future crimes’ but experts worry for citizens’ rights: Guardian reports President Javier Milei creates security unit as some say certain groups may be overly scrutinized by the technology.
How AI chatbots could improve civic engagement in the 2024 election: Election officials have the authority and responsibility to ensure voters have access to the best possible tools for making informed decisions. So why isn’t AI part of the equation? FC
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency named Lisa Einstein its first-ever chief artificial intelligence officer.
DC welcomes ex-OpenAI board member after Sam Altman drama: Helen Toner is building a reputation in the nation’s capital as a trusted expert on artificial intelligence. Bloomberg
OpenAI says ‘dedicated’ to safety in letter to US lawmakers: OpenAI, responding to questions from US lawmakers, said it’s dedicated to making sure its powerful AI tools don’t cause harm, and that employees have ways to raise concerns about safety practices.“Our mission is to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity, and we are dedicated to implementing rigorous safety protocols at every stage of our process,” Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon said Wednesday in a letter to the lawmakers. Bloomberg
OpenAI pledges to give US AI Safety Institute early access to its next model TC
Politico: Crypto interests drop $13M on lobbying in first half of 2024
A Wharton professor is now the go-to reviewer for AI products: Ethan Mollick conducts “weird experimentation” with chatbots to help people navigate a crowded market of AI products. Bloomberg
CNBC: Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering in hundreds of locations by end of year
+ Yum Brands said hundreds of Taco Bell locations in the US will use artificial intelligence in drive-thru lanes by the end of 2024.
AI startup Suno says music industry suit aims to stifle competition: In a new court filing, company said it trained software on tens of millions recordings. Bloomberg
Fortune: Only an AI breakthrough can help humans live longer, argues drug developer: ‘We need a ChatGPT moment in longevity’
BI: Amazon has discussed a 'DoctorAI' tool to automate routine healthcare tasks
Reddit is acquiring Memorable AI, a startup that uses generative artificial intelligence to help marketers create better ads, in its first acquisition since going public in March.
Sources say TikTok was paying Microsoft nearly $20 million monthly to use OpenAI models in the cloud.
xAI approached startup Character AI about an acquisition.
Amazon is reportedly considering a takeover bid for Covariant, which makes AI software for robots.
Apple’s iPhone sales slip, but investors still expect AI rally: WSJ reports the iPhone maker is preparing to release “Apple Intelligence” in the fall, which investors hope will lead users to upgrade their phones.
Bloomberg: Apple predicts boost from AI features after uneven third quarter
+ Customers will have ‘compelling’ reason to upgrade, CEO says
+ Sluggish China revenue marred strong performance last quarter
FC: Move over Google and Microsoft: Amazon’s putting $16.4 billion to develop cloud and gen AI infrastructure
Meta, Microsoft, and Google blew blinding amounts of AI smoke during earnings—here’s what we actually learned Fortune
Media groups seek a new profit model with AI: Industry seeks to avoid painful experience with online gatekeepers such as Google and Facebook. Richard Waters
AI can learn a lot from its biological predecessors: Synthetic data risks ‘model collapse’ but may spur renewed interest in robotics. John Thornhill
Many people fear AI. They shouldn't. David Brooks
Intel shares fall 20% on plans to cut 15,000 jobs: FT reports US chipmaker says it will also reduce capital spending as its turnaround strategy hits another setback.
AI’s future in grave danger from Nvidia’s chokehold on chips, groups warn: ARS Tech report anti-monopoly groups want DOJ to probe Nvidia’s AI chip bundling, alleged price-fixing.
The reason you’re hooked on obscure sports at the Paris Olympics? Artificial intelligence Fortune
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
