Accenture introduces Gen AI studio, concerns arise over Biden’s AI strategy, and more: 5 things you might have overlooked about AI today.
Let’s take a look at today’s daily roundup, featuring Imran Khan addressing a virtual rally from prison using AI, France taking the lead in AI-powered surveillance for the upcoming 2024 Olympics, a clash between Biden’s secretive AI strategy and Elon Musk and OpenAI regarding transparency, and Accenture’s unveiling of the Gen AI studio in Bengaluru.
1. Pakistan’s Imran Khan talks about prison through artificial intelligence in a virtual rally
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in jail, addressed his supporters through a five-hour “virtual power show” organized by his party with the help of artificial intelligence. The online rally featured a four-minute speech delivered by an AI voice impersonating Khan. Although the event garnered 1.5 million views on YouTube in 12 hours, it faced challenges such as internet slowdowns and limited access to social media, raising concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections amid accusations of favoritism and media censorship, AFP reported.
2. France to lead global change with AI-based surveillance ahead of 2024 Olympics
Called the “most monitored city”, Nice, France is a pioneer in AI video surveillance with 4,200 cameras. Equipped with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence, they detect even minor violations and potential threats. The purpose of the technology tested on the Promenade des Anglais is to quickly identify irregular movements and improve security after the 2016 terrorist attack. Mayor Christian Estrosi advocates artificial intelligence as a protective weapon that is crucial in the fight against “those who have declared war”. France is planning extensive algorithmic video surveillance for the 2024 Olympics, with a focus on detecting threats, according to a Washington Post report.
3. Biden’s insidious AI strategy sparks conflict with Elon Musk and OpenAI over transparency
President Joe Biden’s approach to AI creates a conflict between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over the public availability of AI technology. The battlefield is the source code, the algorithms behind the AI. Musk and Altman advocate openness, while Biden’s secretive AI strategy raises concerns about potential bias and censorship. Despite the apparent debate, Biden’s recent executive order on artificial intelligence does not address the terms “source code,” “open source,” or “closed source,” according to a Fox news report.
5. Indian companies meet boom in demand for AI talent by offering lucrative salaries
Indian companies are facing increasing demand for mid-level and senior-level AI professionals in various sectors such as IT, retail, healthcare and finance. Due to talent shortage, AI role salaries start at ₹ 50-60 lakh for mid-level roles and go up to ₹ 1.2-1.5 million for senior roles. With the recognition of AI’s business-changing potential, companies like Amazon, EY and Intel are actively looking for AI talent out of a nationwide shortage of 213,000 professionals in the field, TOI reported.
5. Accenture unveils Gen AI studio in Bengaluru, invests $3 billion in AI and data practices
Accenture opened its Generative AI Studio in Bengaluru, India as part of a $3 billion investment in AI and data practices. The studio combines talent and technology to deliver comprehensive creative AI solutions with an emphasis on modern data and AI foundations, ecosystem partnerships and responsible AI frameworks. The facility offers services such as a proprietary next-generation AI model “switchboard,” customization technologies, model management, and specialized training programs to help global clients optimize business processes and drive enterprise reinvention, Moneycontrol reported.
