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- #79 US and China's AI arms race
In today's newsletter, we pause to reflect on the sobering realities of modern conflict, particularly the emerging role of AI in warfare. As we grapple with these complex issues, we also delve into significant advancements in cancer treatment and the opaque practices enveloping AI development. Let’s dive in.
In today’s newsletter:
Hottest stories: US and China’s AI arms race, rare drugs and more powerful AI
TL;DR Rundown: The first full AI war, personalized sports betting, and our chldren’s futures
And the winner is: Congratulations Creek!
HOTTEST STORIES
Today’s biggest stories if you’re in a rush
Scale AI, co-founded by Alexandr Wang, is emerging as a game-changing partner for the U.S. military. Their work aims to push the boundaries of how data is organized, analyzed, and acted upon, contributing to projects that range from improving intelligence assessments to enhancing the capabilities of autonomous military vehicles.
The company has also been experimenting with chatbots specifically designed to assist military commanders during high-stress operations. This alliance is especially noteworthy as the U.S. navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape where China is making significant strides in AI. Scale AI's work has the potential to level the playing field or even tilt it in favor of the U.S. military.
But the alliance also sends us into uncharted ethical territory. While quicker and more effective decision-making in military operations is a clear advantage, it raises moral and ethical questions. The proliferation of AI technology in military applications could set off an AI arms race, leading to the development of autonomous weapons systems that operate without human oversight.
In a world where cyber warfare is becoming increasingly prominent, the risk of AI systems launching attacks based on faulty data or algorithmic bias is a real concern. It's a high-stakes gamble, and one that could redefine the rules of international conflict for years to come.
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Roche's Alecensa has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the realm of pharmaceuticals. In Phase III trials, the drug has displayed extraordinary efficacy in prolonging disease-free survival rates among patients with ALK-positive early-stage lung cancer.
This development is not merely a small step forward but a giant leap in cancer treatment. Alecensa's success sets a precedent for future targeted therapies, potentially heralding a new era in which cancer treatment is more effective and less debilitating for patients. But these advancements also come with socio-economic considerations.
Breakthrough treatments often carry exorbitant costs, and Alecensa's success raises questions about healthcare inequality. With the current state of healthcare systems around the world, can we ensure that such groundbreaking treatments are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial standing? The story of Alecensa is a mirror reflecting the larger issues plaguing healthcare—issues that require concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical industry to address.
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A report from Stanford University has recently put the spotlight on an unsettling trend among leading AI companies, including those behind cutting-edge systems like ChatGPT.
These companies are becoming increasingly reticent about sharing information on their training data and algorithms. The lack of transparency surrounding these AI systems is worrying because, as these technologies become more integral to our daily lives—from personalized recommendations to decision-making in critical areas like healthcare and law enforcement—the stakes for potential misuse or error rise exponentially.
There are growing calls within academia and the industry for a more transparent approach to AI development. Without it, we risk hindering scientific progress, reducing accountability, and jeopardizing public safety. The clandestine nature of AI advancements could potentially lead to a lack of oversight, paving the way for biased or unethical algorithms that can cause real harm.
This trend makes it abundantly clear that regulation and open dialogue are not just optional but essential for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
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A gentleman’s agreement
TL;DR RUNDOWN
Listicle of what else is happening today
AI Warfare: Israel is stepping up its online warfare game against Hamas thanks to AI. Meanwhile, South Korea's KSTAR facility reaches a nuclear fusion breakthrough, sustaining a reaction at over 100 million°C for 30 seconds. These advances show the double-edged sword of technology—great potential but ethical questions that can't be ignored.
Job Shift: IBM executive Rob Thomas has a clear message: Managers who adapt to AI will replace those who don’t. IBM itself is freezing hiring for roles AI can fill. This move could be a bellwether for the future job market, emphasizing adaptability over traditional qualifications.
iFuture: Apple's iPhone 16 is breaking new ground by incorporating generative AI and large language models into iOS 18. It's no longer just a phone; it's a multi-faceted, intelligent device that's increasingly integral to our daily lives.
Faith Bots: Online church services in South Korea are getting a tech upgrade with chatbots and AI-driven audio Bibles. While tens of thousands turn to these digital forms of spiritual guidance, it raises the question of how technology can ethically intersect with faith.
Wiki Clean: Tired of sketchy references on Wikipedia? AI is coming to the rescue by cleaning up inaccurate or incomplete citation lists. It’s a step towards making the platform more reliable for users worldwide.
Oz Jobs: The Australian job market is evolving as AI takes a more prominent role in the recruitment process. Third-party digital forms are becoming the new norm, offering efficiency but also raising concerns about data privacy.
Bet Again: SharpLink Gaming is developing BetSense, a personalized recommendation engine for sports betting, driven by generative AI. This could be a game-changer for an industry that's already rife with innovation.
Stellar AI: For the first time, an AI algorithm successfully detected, identified, and classified a supernova. It’s a landmark achievement that could accelerate our understanding of the universe.
Kid Code: The role of AI in shaping the future experiences of children born today is becoming more evident. While exciting, it's a topic that also brings to the forefront ethical considerations for how technology interacts with the youngest members of society.
AND THE WINNER IS…
For the only correct response to the survey…
This image of a beautiful abandoned castle in France is genuine, and not AI-generated.
Photographed by “urbatho”, the potential for natural exquisite shading and coloration at the right time of day seems almost too good to be true. In fact, only one reader “Creek”, answered correctly. So congratulations Creek, we’ll reach out to you and send you your winnings. Good eye, well done!
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