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Figma Temporarily Disables AI Feature After Criticism
Figma CEO Dylan Field announced this week that the company will temporarily disable its "Make Design" AI feature after it was accused of heavily training the tool on existing apps. The feature, unveiled at the company’s annual Config conference, aimed to jumpstart the design process by generating UI layouts and components from text prompts but faced criticism after it seemingly mimicked the layout of Apple’s Weather app.
The decision to disable the feature is a significant step for Figma, which has been at the forefront of AI-driven design tools. The move highlights the challenges of developing AI models that can create original designs without relying on existing examples.
YouTube Shifts Policy on Deepfakes
YouTube quietly rolled out a policy change this week that allows people to request the takedown of AI-generated or other synthetic content that simulates their face or voice. This marks a shift in opinion from YouTube, where the company is now seeing deepfakes as a privacy issue rather than just a content moderation issue.
The move reflects the growing concern around deepfakes and their potential impact on individuals’ privacy. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, platforms like YouTube are taking steps to address the issue and ensure users feel safe online.
Fisker Seeks Approval for Sale of Remaining Inventory
Fisker has asked the Delaware Bankruptcy Court judge overseeing its Chapter 11 case to approve the sale of its remaining inventory of all-electric Ocean SUVs. If approved, the company will be able to offload its finished EVs to a New York-based vehicle leasing company for around $14,000 per vehicle – a steep fall from the $70,000 starting price some of them once commanded.
The move highlights the challenges facing electric vehicle manufacturers like Fisker. Despite the growing demand for EVs, companies are struggling to stay afloat due to high production costs and stiff competition in the market.
noplace: A New Social Media App That’s Surging
noplace is a new app that serves as a modern-day MySpace with colorful, customizable profiles – and it’s surged to the top of the App Store. The app aims to bring back the social aspect of social media by allowing users to create and share content in a more intimate setting.
The success of noplace raises questions about the future of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. As users become increasingly disillusioned with the algorithms and data collection practices of these companies, new players are emerging that prioritize user experience and community building.
Protecting Yourself from AI-Powered Scams
Generative AI has made online scams easier, cheaper, and even more convincing. We put together a helpful guide on what you can do to protect yourself from AI-powered scams.
AI models like ChatGPT have made it possible for scammers to create sophisticated phishing emails and messages that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate ones. By understanding the tactics used by these scammers, users can take steps to stay safe online.
Meta to Cut Roughly 5% of Its Workforce
Meta has announced plans to cut roughly 5% of its workforce based on performance. The move reflects the company’s efforts to streamline operations and focus on key areas like AI research and e-commerce.
The decision highlights the challenges facing companies like Meta in a rapidly changing tech landscape. As competition intensifies, companies are forced to adapt and evolve in order to stay ahead of the curve.
DOJ Confirms FBI Operation Against Chinese Malware
The Department of Justice has confirmed that the FBI conducted an operation against Chinese malware that infected thousands of US computers. The move reflects the growing concern around cyber threats from nation-states like China.
The operation demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing global cybersecurity issues. As countries increasingly rely on technology to conduct their daily lives, the risk of cyber attacks grows – making it essential for governments and companies to work together to prevent these threats.
OpenAI’s AI Reasoning Model "Thinks" in Chinese Sometimes
OpenAI has announced that its AI reasoning model sometimes “thinks” in Chinese. The move highlights the challenges of developing AI models that can reason and communicate effectively across languages.
The decision raises questions about the potential applications of such a model in areas like language translation and customer service. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovative applications of these technologies.
China Reportedly Open to Elon Musk Acquiring TikTok US
China is reportedly open to Elon Musk acquiring TikTok US. The move reflects the growing concern around data security and privacy in the tech industry.
The decision highlights the complex relationships between governments and companies in the tech sector. As countries increasingly regulate data collection practices, companies are forced to adapt and evolve in order to comply with new regulations.
‘Free Our Feeds’ Campaign Aims to Billionaire-Proof Bluesky’s Tech
The ‘Free Our Feeds’ campaign aims to billionaire-proof Bluesky’s tech by making its social media platform open-source. The move reflects the growing concern around data collection practices and the need for more transparent and user-friendly social media platforms.
The decision highlights the potential benefits of open-source technology in creating more equitable and accessible social media platforms. As users become increasingly disillusioned with the algorithms and data collection practices of major companies, new players are emerging that prioritize transparency and community building.
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