Today’s AI news: Big tech’s AI dominance, collaboration among US AI giants, GenAI risk, and more
Let’s take a look at today’s roundup: The French competition watchdog is investigating the dominant position of big tech companies in the field of AI. Meanwhile, major US AI giants are collaborating to establish federal safety standards. Microsoft has partnered with Sarvam AI to develop voice-based GenAI tools. Additionally, the government acknowledges that AI will have an impact on jobs but also believes it will create new opportunities.
1. French Competition Watchdog Investigates Big Tech’s AI Dominance
France’s competition authority has launched a public consultation on the AI sector to assess the strategies of major tech companies. It focuses on companies in nearby markets, such as cloud infrastructure, and investigates potential abuse of market power. The study targets major players such as Microsoft, Amazon and Google. Stakeholders can submit comments until March 22, and the authority is expected to issue a statement in the near future, according to a Bloomberg report.
2. US AI giants cooperate under federal security standards
Top US AI companies, including OpenAI, Meta Platforms and Google, are working with the Commerce Department to create federal AI security standards. More than 200 members are involved in the initiative led by Trade Secretary Gina Raimondo, and the goal is to cooperate with various stakeholders to ensure the introduction of responsible artificial intelligence. President Biden’s directive emphasizes balancing innovation protection and security measures amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reports.
3. Microsoft partners with Sarvam AI to create voice-based GenAI tools
Microsoft is partnering with Indian startup Sarvam AI to develop voice-based generative AI tools. The goal of the collaboration is to utilize Microsoft’s cloud services, including Azure OpenAI Service, to build genAI models for Indian languages. This initiative is in line with CEO Satya Nadella’s goal of providing AI skill opportunities to two million Indians by 2025. Sarvam AI, backed by $41 million in Series A funding, originates from AI research at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. Reuters.
4. The Indian government recognizes the impact of artificial intelligence on work life
The Indian government admits that artificial intelligence can cause job losses, contrary to its previous language. Minister Rajiv Chandrasekar states that AI can automate routine work, but also create roles in data science. He emphasizes the need for retraining, citing the “FutureSkills PRIME” program that trains youth in new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and 2.9 million have already been trained out of 16.52 million applicants, The New Indian Express reported.
5. Generative artificial intelligence causes security threats, warns an expert
The rapid introduction of generative artificial intelligence brings new security risks, warns Aim Security’s Adir Gruss. While GenAI simplifies tasks and provides personalized experiences, its flexibility in handling different forms of data makes it vulnerable to exploitation. According to the Forbes report, Gruss predicts the wider use of GenAI, emphasizing its potential for highly personalized user experiences, but also stresses the need for enhanced security measures.
Also read these top stories today:
The cookies are crumbling! Small files that helped companies stalk users online are gone. But that doesn’t mean a return to privacy. This article has some interesting details. Check it out here.
Meta challenges the EU! Meta announced on Wednesday that it will challenge the EU’s payment requirement in court under the Content Control Act, the EU’s legal weapon to rein in Big Tech. Read all about it here.
Microsoft is cutting more jobs! The FTC is seeking a response after Microsoft’s plans revealed that the Satya Nadella-led company is looking to cut 1,900 jobs from newly acquired Activision Blizzard. Dive here.
