Actors go on strike over video games AI threat

Also: China invests $13.8 billion to propel integrated circuits, biomedicine, and AI

Welcome, AI Researchers👋 

In today's newsletter, We'll explore the ongoing strike by actors who are raising concerns about the potential threats posed by AI in the video game industry. Additionally, we'll discuss China's substantial investment of $13.8 billion aimed at advancing integrated circuits, biomedicine, and AI technologies.

Our coverage will also include groundbreaking research revealing how AI can interpret what’s displayed on your screen by analyzing signals leaking from cables. Furthermore, we will highlight the role of AI at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing its integration into various aspects of the event. Lastly, we'll look at JPMorgan's innovative move to equip its staff with an AI-powered research analyst chatbot, enhancing their research capabilities.

Key Insights:

• 🕹️ Actors go on strike over video games AI threat

• 🇨🇳 China invests $13.8 billion to propel integrated circuits, biomedicine, and AI

• 🖥️ AI can reveal what’s on your screen via signals leaking from cables

• 🤾 How AI is at the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympics

• 💬 JPMorgan Gives Staff AI-Powered ‘Research Analyst’ Chatbot

🕹️ Actors go on strike over video games AI threat

Hollywood's video game performers have officially gone on strike, marking a significant moment in the ongoing battle over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. This strike, initiated by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), comes after nearly two years of negotiations with major gaming companies, including Activision and Warner Bros., regarding protections against AI exploitation.

 Key Points:

- Concerns Over AI: The crux of the dispute lies in the unregulated use of AI, which performers argue poses a significant threat to their livelihoods. The union claims that AI could be used to replicate an actor's voice or likeness without consent or fair compensation, fundamentally altering the landscape of performance in video games.

- Negotiation Breakdown: Despite some progress in areas like wages and job safety, SAG-AFTRA negotiators stated that the studios refused to agree on necessary regulations for generative AI. This deadlock has led to the strike, which began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.

- Historical Context: This is the second strike for video game performers, following a previous work stoppage in 2016 that resulted in improved compensation structures. The current strike underscores the growing unease surrounding AI's role in creative industries.

Why It Matters:

The implications of this strike extend beyond the immediate concerns of video game performers. With the global video game industry generating over $100 billion annually, the outcome of this labor action could set a precedent for how AI is regulated across various sectors of entertainment.

The union's stance highlights a broader conversation about the ethical use of AI in creative fields, emphasizing the need for protections that ensure performers are not exploited. As AI technology continues to evolve, the outcomes of these negotiations could shape the future of work in the entertainment industry, influencing how talent is compensated and protected in an increasingly automated world.

In essence, this strike is not just about wages or job safety; it represents a critical juncture in the fight for fair treatment in an era where technology is rapidly changing the nature of creative work.

🇨🇳 China invests $13.8 billion to propel integrated circuits, biomedicine, and AI

Shanghai has announced a significant investment of approximately $13.8 billion (100 billion yuan) aimed at enhancing its integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster original innovation and bolster the city's competitiveness on a global scale.

Key Points:

- Focus Areas: The funding will target the development of intelligent chips, software solutions, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent robotics.

- Support for Startups: The Shanghai government aims to nurture promising startups and attract technology firms, reinforcing the city’s status as a leading investment hub.

- Economic Goals: This investment aligns with Shanghai's goal of achieving a targeted GDP growth of 5% for 2024.

Why It Matters:

This investment is significant as it aligns with China's ambitions to lead in advanced technologies, particularly in AI, which is increasingly seen as vital for economic growth and national security. By enhancing its technological infrastructure, Shanghai aims to create world-class industry clusters that drive innovation and economic resilience. The proactive approach of the Shanghai government reflects its commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.

🖥️ AI can reveal what’s on your screen via signals leaking from cables

Recent research has unveiled a concerning vulnerability whereby artificial intelligence (AI) can decode what is displayed on a computer screen by intercepting electromagnetic radiation leaking from the cables connecting the monitor and computer. This phenomenon occurs as digital signals transmitted through high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables emit electromagnetic signals that can be captured and analyzed by malicious actors.

Key Points:

- Mechanism of Attack: Hackers can utilize AI to intercept and decode these signals, potentially revealing sensitive information displayed on screens.

- Digital vs. Analog: The shift from analog to digital connections has increased the risk, as digital transmissions can leak more identifiable signals.

- Real-World Implications: While such attacks are feasible, researchers suggest that ordinary computer users are not immediate targets, though the threat remains significant for sensitive environments.

 Why It Matters:

This discovery highlights a critical security vulnerability in modern computing, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. As reliance on digital technology increases, understanding and mitigating these risks becomes paramount. Organizations must consider the implications of electromagnetic leakage and invest in protective strategies to safeguard sensitive information, particularly in sectors handling confidential data. The intersection of AI and cybersecurity continues to evolve, necessitating ongoing vigilance and innovation in protective technologies.

🤾 How AI is at the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics is set to be a groundbreaking event, with artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into various aspects of the Games. This technology aims to enhance the experience for athletes, spectators, and organizers alike, marking a significant evolution in how the Olympics are conducted.

 Key Points:

- Talent Identification: Intel's AI technology is designed to assess physical capabilities, helping to discover potential Olympians. A pilot program in Senegal identified 48 promising athletes from over 1,000 participants.

- Athlete Support: An AI-powered chatbot, dubbed "Athlete GPT," will assist athletes by answering queries about logistics and regulations, streamlining their experience during the Games.

- Enhanced Viewing Experience: AI will generate personalized highlights for viewers, capturing key moments in real-time and providing tailored content through platforms like NBC's Peacock app.

Why It Matters:

The integration of AI into the Olympics represents a significant shift in how sports events are managed and experienced. By utilizing AI for talent scouting, athlete support, and viewer engagement, the Paris 2024 Games aim to create a more inclusive and efficient environment. This technology not only enhances the operational aspects of the Games but also sets a precedent for future events, demonstrating the potential for AI to transform sports on a global scale. As the IOC looks to future Olympics, the lessons learned in Paris will likely inform the use of AI in Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.

💬 JPMorgan Gives Staff AI-Powered ‘Research Analyst’ Chatbot

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has launched a generative artificial intelligence tool and encouraged employees to view it as a research analyst capable of providing information, solutions, and advice, as outlined in an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg.

Key Points:

- Access to AI Tool: The bank is granting access to this AI tool, named LLM Suite, to a significant number of employees within its asset and wealth management sector.

- Functionality: The application can assist with various tasks, including writing, generating ideas, resolving issues via spreadsheets, and summarizing documents.

- Limitations: The tool does not possess specialized knowledge pertaining to the asset and wealth management division and is designed for general productivity enhancement.

 Why It Matters:

JPMorgan's move to integrate an AI-powered research analyst chatbot into its operations highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the banking sector. This technology has the potential to enhance employee productivity and reduce expenses, with Citigroup projecting that AI could contribute $170 billion to the banking industry by 2028.

However, the widespread adoption of AI also raises concerns about job displacement, with Citigroup noting that this technology might affect more positions within the banking sector than any other industry. As JPMorgan and other leading banks continue to explore AI solutions, it will be crucial to strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of this technology and ensuring that the workforce is adequately prepared for the changes it may bring.

💻 AI Jobs

•  Ministry of Digital Development and Information - Government AI, National AI Group (Assistant Director/ Senior Manager/ Manager) Singapore

•  SGInnovate Senior Staff Responsible AI Scientist Singapore

•  Stability AI - Senior Data Engineer Japan

😂 Meme of the day:

🖼️ AI image of the day:

That’s it for today’s newsletter. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Stay tuned for more of the latest updates from the AI industry.