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5 key points in Trump’s new AI order
Less than two weeks after rescinding an executive order on AI, President Donald Trump signed a new order on Tuesday. Promising to boost innovation and safety, the policy represents a turning point in the White House’s AI governance — but is likely to draw criticism from both opponents and supporters of strict regulation. Here are five key points from the order:
1. It has created a voluntary review system: Tech companies will be asked to share the frontier models with the government for review 30 days before they plan to release them.
2. There is no compulsory license: The government will not require permits before deploying the software.
3. It sets up a dedicated AI cybersecurity clearinghouse: The new center will coordinate security checks with the private sector.
4. This is a watered-down version of the order Trump touted last month: The older version requested models 90 days before release.
5. But it’s still a step towards stronger AI oversight: The policy marks a clear departure from the White House’s previous hands-off approach.
Also: Here’s why The previous Trump administration’s AI policy was a distraction How else AI is already making online crimes easier.
MIT Technology Review Described: Inside Anduril and Meta’s quest to create smart glasses for war
Defense-tech company Anduril has shared new details about an augmented-reality headset it is prototyping with Meta for the military, including eye-tracking and visions of ordering drone strikes via voice commands.
Quay Barnett, who leads the effort at Anduril after a career in the Army’s Special Operations Command, aims to “adapt the human as a weapons system.” Their approach is inspired by cyborgs: drones and soldiers will see together, share information seamlessly, and make decisions together.
-James O’Donnell
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Must read
I’ve scoured the internet to find you today’s funniest/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 President Trump signs an AI order that expands model oversight
The long-awaited executive order aims to reduce security threats. (NYT $)
+It asks companies to voluntarily submit models for tests before release. (npr)
+ This is a scaled-down version of the order Trump suspended in May. (wsj$)
+ and marks a strategic shift in their AI strategy. (reuters $)
+ There is a war raging over AI regulation in the US. (MIT Technology Review)
2 SpaceX plans to raise $75 billion in IPO at $135 per share
The company intends to sell 555.6 million shares. (reuters $)+ The fixed price is different from the traditional IPO process. (bloomberg $)
+ Morningstar says valuations should be about 50% lower. (BI)
3 Meta downplays plan to track workers’ clicks and keystrokes to train AI
All employees can stick it out for 30 minutes, some are completely exempt.(Information $)
+ The changes follow a fierce backlash over the tracking plans. (reuters $)
+ AI is supercharging surveillance. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Microsoft wants to ‘get users addicted’ to its new AI assistant
According to the internal documentation for the “Scout” tool. (404 media)
+ Microsoft launched Assistant on Tuesday. (techcrunch)
5 mathematicians fear AI is threatening their field
A new announcement has raised concerns about the reliability of AI. (Ars Technica)
+ This comes a week after OpenAI said it had solved a famous math problem. (WSJ $)
+ A startup wants to change the way mathematicians do math. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Scientists Have Found a Way to Supercharge Computer Worms with AI
This worm can target any known flaw in the world’s computers. (NYT $)
+ AI supercharging scams. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Google should let UK publishers opt out of AI search features
Online publishers can choose not to participate in AI observations. (BBC)
+ Google is now testing features for sites to opt out of AI search. (reuters $)
8 America’s data center construction is far behind schedule
Of those planned for completion in 2027, 60% are not yet under construction. (WSJ $)
+ Nobody wants a data center in their backyard. (MIT Technology Review)
9 EVs are getting cheaper across the world except the US
The US lacks supportive policies and affordable Chinese EVs. (rest of the world)
10 The European Parliament is abandoning Google for…Quant
The French search engine is the new default on in-house computers. (politico)
+ The change comes amid a broader effort to distance the EU from US technology. (foot $)
today’s thought
“SpaceX’s valuation could be richer than a plate of Dauphinoise potatoes.”
-Dan Coatsworth, Head of Markets at AJ Bell tells CNBC SpaceX’s IPO price looks full of expectations.
one more thing
Marseille’s fight against the surveillance state
Heading towards Marseille’s central train station, Ada Nano points to what looks like a street lamp on the Rue des Abeilles. But this sleek piece of urban furniture is no lamp. It is a video camera that gives a 360-degree view of the narrow road.
Nano, a 39-year-old developer, wants to make Marseille residents more aware that they are being monitored. He’s part of a growing group of activists protesting the rise of policing cameras in his hometown.
Find out how the rebellious port city of Marseille is fighting the surveillance state.
-Fleur Macdonald
we can still have good things
A place of relaxation, fun and distractions to brighten your day. (Any ideas? drop me a line.)
+ this aerial photos of solar farms Turn renewable energy into abstract art.
+ Open a window over Earth’s waters with this hypnotist 4K atmospheric film made from satellite imagery.
+ Spend three relaxing hours listening to David Attenborough A collection of extraordinary wildlife moments.
+ Radiohead sounds beautiful on traditional Japanese instruments in this Koto performance of “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi”.