Quantum Machine Breakthrough and Record Subsea Tunnel
▼ Summary
– Meta is accused of using AI to target workers on maternity or disability leave for layoffs, as alleged in a lawsuit.
– OpenAI plans to launch a screenless mobile smart speaker next year, serving as an AI companion with camera and sensor capabilities.
– The US military deployed explosive drone boats in combat for the first time, attacking an Iranian midget submarine and naval port.
– DeepMind’s CEO Demis Hassabis called for a US-led body to test frontier AI models for national security threats and coordinate industry slowdowns if needed.
– Data centers are expected to add billions in power costs across 13 states, with a power auction generating $6.3 billion in new charges.
I’ve scoured the internet to bring you today’s most compelling, alarming, and intriguing tech stories.
Meta allegedly used AI to target workers with health issues for layoffs. A lawsuit claims the company relied on artificial intelligence to generate a termination list, specifically singling out employees on maternity or disability leave. One person was reportedly informed of her firing the day before her water broke. The layoffs were part of a broader cost-cutting effort to offset Meta’s heavy AI spending. Meanwhile, a piece argues that AI agents are not your “coworkers.”
OpenAI’s first consumer device will be a mobile smart speaker. This screenless gadget, described as an “AI companion,” will let users talk with ChatGPT. It will also use a camera and sensor to interpret its surroundings. The device is slated for release next year.
The US military deployed explosive drone boats in combat for the first time. They attacked an Iranian midget submarine and a naval port. Experts note that underwater drones could shape future conflicts, particularly in a potential war over Taiwan.
DeepMind’s CEO has called for a US-led body to test frontier AI models. Demis Hassabis wants the watchdog to evaluate national security threats. If dangers escalate, it would coordinate an industry-wide slowdown.
Data centers are set to add billions in power costs across 13 states. A power auction is expected to generate $6.3 billion in new charges. Separately, Australia plans to regulate water and power usage for AI.
xAI’s unpermitted power pollution hits Black communities hardest. Elon Musk’s company has been installing gas turbines without proper permits. This highlights the need to focus on Big Tech’s energy footprint.
Stripe and Advent have offered to buy PayPal for more than $53 billion. The payments giant and private equity firm made a joint bid. Apple and Google Pay have eroded PayPal’s market share.
DeepSeek plans to file for an IPO as soon as this year. The Chinese AI pioneer will likely list in Shanghai. Here’s why DeepSeek’s latest model matters.
A hard, lightweight “bio-metal” has been discovered in sea worm jaws. It could have engineering applications.
A new $3,000 fitness suit electrocutes you to boost your gains. Celebrities love it, but not everyone is a fan.
Quote of the day: “By economic and engineering measures, generative AI might be the worst technology ever deployed.” ,Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, explaining why GenAI’s scaling problem is an engineering disaster.
One more thing: Hackers made death threats against a security researcher. Big mistake. In April 2024, an anonymous hacker posted death threats on Telegram and Discord aimed at cybersecurity researcher Allison Nixon. Others joined in, sharing AI-generated nudes of her.
(Source: MIT Technology Review)