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Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro

Phil
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0
Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro

Design & Aesthetics

The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is not one of those chairs that inspire no more than a yawn. It effortlessly hits all the right notes, looking great while doing so. The design is a masterclass in balance, with subtle curves and angular lines that create a pleasing visual effect. The chair comes in a range of colors, including Mineral, Shore, Boulder, and Black, with vegan and real leather options to match. I reviewed the Mineral color model, and I must say, it looks stunning.

Ergonomics

The Ergonomic Chair Pro, as the name suggests, is all about ergonomic support. What does that mean? In short, it means loads of adjustability and loads of options to cater to as many different sitters as possible. The chair has 14 ergonomic adjustments, 5-way adjustable armrests, and a padded, two-way adjustable lumbar support. This chair is designed to promote better health by supporting the right body parts and allowing for little movements for better blood circulation.

Delivery & Assembly

The Ergonomic Chair Pro comes in a medium-sized box, with eight main parts to construct. Assembling the chair is a relatively straightforward process, with all the screws provided in a clearly marked plastic case. The chair itself is fairly heavy, so it may be helpful to have another person assist with lifting it.

Price

The Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro retails at $499, making it an excellent value for the price. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it outperforms many chairs in its price range in terms of adjustability and overall quality. If you’re in the market for a mid-range chair that balances comfort and support, the Ergonomic Chair Pro is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro is an exceptional office chair that offers unparalleled adjustability, comfort, and style. With its sleek design, ergonomic features, and affordable price point, it’s an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new chair. Whether you’re an office worker or a home office enthusiast, this chair is sure to provide years of comfortable and healthy sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the weight capacity of the Ergonomic Chair Pro?
A: The weight capacity of the chair is 300 pounds.

Q: Is the chair suitable for people with back pain?
A: Yes, the chair is designed to provide excellent lumbar support and adjustability, making it an excellent choice for people with back pain.

Q: Can I adjust the armrests?
A: Yes, the armrests are 5-way adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking.

Q: Is the chair easy to assemble?
A: Yes, the chair is relatively easy to assemble, with all the parts provided in a clear plastic case.

Q: What is the warranty period for the chair?
A: The chair comes with a 5-year warranty.

Wicked: 31 Pieces of Spellbinding Concept Art

Phil
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0
Wicked: 31 Pieces of Spellbinding Concept Art

Wicked Concept Art Blast

Wicked has already smashed it at the box office, earning over $718 million, and has been nominated in many categories for the Oscars 2025, including Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, and Best Picture. But what did Wicked look like before its magical VFX was applied?

Early Iterations of Wicked’s VFX

ILM has shared over 30 beautiful pieces of concept art with us, showing how the spellbinding VFX was created in its earliest iterations. These paintings were made using the best digital art software and 3D modeling software, before 3D artists, animators, and matte painters took inspiration from them for the film’s final scenes.

Flying Monkeys and Visions of Emerald City, Oz, and More

Below, we’ve gathered some of the most striking concept art from the film, including early iterations of the famous flying monkeys and visions of Emerald City, Oz, and more.

(Image credit: ILM / Universal)

Making the VFX of Wicked

(Image credit: ILM / Universal)

**Conclusion**

The concept art shared by ILM gives us a glimpse into the early stages of Wicked’s VFX creation. The attention to detail and creativity showcased in these images is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the VFX team.

**FAQs**

Q: What is Wicked?
A: Wicked is a 2025 film based on the popular stage production of the same name, adapted from the novel by Gregory Maguire.

Q: What is ILM?
A: Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a visual effects company that has worked on numerous successful films, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Marvel’s Avengers series.

Q: What is the budget of Wicked?
A: The budget of Wicked is estimated to be over $718 million.

Q: Has Wicked received any awards or nominations?
A: Yes, Wicked has received several award nominations, including Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, and Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars.

Google’s Android-based earthquake detector had a false alarm.

Avery Winslow
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0
Google’s Android-based earthquake detector had a false alarm.

False Emergency Alerts: Google Disables Android Earthquake Detection in Brazil

Background: False Emergency Alerts in Brazil

On Friday morning, many smartphone users in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro received false emergency alerts on their devices, warning of a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in the Ubatuba and Baixada Santista regions. The alerts were sent around 2 AM, but there was no actual earthquake. The Civil Defense of São Paulo, which manages an early warning system for disaster risk, denied issuing any alert and stated that there was no record of the reported earthquake in the state.

Google’s Response: Investigation and Disablement of Service

In response to the false alerts, Google has disabled its Android Earthquake Alerts System in Brazil. The system, which uses Android phones to quickly estimate earthquake shaking and provide early warnings to users, is designed to be a supplemental service and not a replacement for official or other public warning systems.

Statement from Google Spokesperson

In an email to The Verge, Google spokesperson Ed Fernandez stated: "We apologize to our users for the inconvenience and remain committed to improving our tools. We are currently investigating what happened and have disabled the alerting system in Brazil."

Investigation and Improvement

Google is investigating the cause of the false alerts and has taken steps to disable the system in Brazil. The company is committed to improving its tools and ensuring that its services do not cause unnecessary panic or disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Android Earthquake Alerts System?
A: The Android Earthquake Alerts System is a supplemental service that uses Android phones to quickly estimate earthquake shaking and provide early warnings to users.

Q: Why did Google disable the service in Brazil?
A: Google disabled the service in Brazil after receiving reports of false emergency alerts.

Q: Is the service designed to replace official or other public warning systems?
A: No, the Android Earthquake Alerts System is designed to be a supplemental service and not a replacement for official or other public warning systems.

Q: Is Google investigating the cause of the false alerts?
A: Yes, Google is investigating the cause of the false alerts and has taken steps to disable the system in Brazil.

Who should run OpenAI?

Emerson Blake
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0
Who should run OpenAI?

Who Should Run the Most Powerful AI Company in the World?

Earlier this week, Elon Musk made waves by offering Sam Altman $97.4 billion for OpenAI, which Altman swiftly rejected, countering with a taunt about buying Twitter for a fraction of that. As ZDNET’s Tiernan Ray explained, Musk’s offer appeared to be a stunt to force Altman’s hand in what has become a bromance-gone-sour between the two tech CEOs.

The Dilemma

Regardless, it got us thinking: Who should run what is arguably the most powerful AI company in the world?

ZDNET’s Poll Results

We asked, you answered: here’s who ZDNET readers think should run OpenAI. ZDNET’s LinkedIn poll offered voters three options: Altman, Musk, or another candidate. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Altman won by a landslide with 50% of the total votes, compared to Musk’s 23%. While no third-party contenders materialized in the comments, several voters noted that they’d prefer "anybody BUT Musk," full stop.

The Concerns

That sentiment likely stems from how much power Musk already has in the AI space, especially now that he’s serving as an adviser to President Trump. Given the Trump administration’s recent reductions around AI safety and regulation — which were already nascent to begin with — a Musk-controlled OpenAI could further concentrate one of AI’s largest players under a small umbrella of interests.

Altman’s Ambitions

Altman may have come out on top, but it’s hard to say whether that’s based on his qualifications or track record, or just that he isn’t the other guy. At the moment, Altman is trying to raise $40 billion from investors while also extracting OpenAI’s for-profit arm, OpenAI LLC — within the next two years — from the greater parent company, OpenAI Inc. (a non-profit). Some theorize that by tossing this offer out now, Musk is trying to put a valuation on OpenAI and thus stick Altman in a tough spot with his board, and forcing him into a fraught negotiation with Musk over the bid.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding who should run OpenAI is an important one, given the company’s significant influence in the AI space. While Altman may have won the poll, concerns about Musk’s involvement and the potential concentration of power remain. Ultimately, the decision rests with OpenAI’s board and investors, who must weigh the pros and cons of each candidate. Will they choose stability and continuity with Altman, or take a risk on Musk’s vision for the company?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is OpenAI?
A: OpenAI is a non-profit artificial intelligence research organization founded in 2015 by Sam Altman and others.

Q: What is OpenAI’s purpose?
A: OpenAI’s primary goal is to ensure that AI is used for the good of humanity, rather than for malicious purposes.

Q: Why did Elon Musk offer to buy OpenAI?
A: Musk’s motives are unclear, but some speculate that he may be trying to force Sam Altman into a tough negotiation and put a valuation on OpenAI.

Q: Who is in the lead to run OpenAI?
A: According to ZDNET’s poll, Sam Altman is in the lead with 50% of the votes, followed by Elon Musk with 23%.

DeepSeek Doesn’t Scare OpenAI, Thanks to the ‘Jevons Paradox’

Avery Winslow
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0
DeepSeek Doesn’t Scare OpenAI, Thanks to the ‘Jevons Paradox’

The Jevons Paradox: How Economic Jargon Went Mainstream

What is the Jevons Paradox?

The Jevons Paradox is a concept in economics that suggests that as technology improves and becomes more efficient, it can actually increase demand for the resource it’s improving, rather than decrease it. This phenomenon was first observed by 19th-century economist William Stanley Jevons, who noted that as coal became more efficient to produce, its demand increased.

The Recent Rise to Fame

In late January, Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, tweeted about the Jevons Paradox, sparking widespread interest and debate. He stated that as A.I. becomes more efficient and accessible, its use will skyrocket, turning it into a commodity that people can’t get enough of.

A.I. and the Jevons Paradox

The recent emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese A.I. start-up, has brought the Jevons Paradox back into the spotlight. DeepSeek’s app, which uses advanced A.I. technology, shot to the top of Apple’s App Store, causing a global panic among U.S. investors. The company’s ability to create A.I. tools at a fraction of the cost of its American counterparts has led to concerns that the A.I. industry may be due for a shake-up.

The Debate

While some analysts and executives argue that the Jevons Paradox is self-serving and that A.I. will inevitably lead to a decline in demand for U.S. chips and A.I. products, others believe that the paradox has a decent track record. They point to the example of computers, which were once too expensive for the average person but became a staple in every home after they shrunk in size and cost.

The Dark Side of the Paradox

While the Jevons Paradox can bring about new technologies and innovations, it also has a darker side. The increased use of coal, for example, led to global warming and the loss of traditional industries. Similarly, the widespread adoption of smartphones has led to addiction and the erosion of social connections.

Conclusion

The Jevons Paradox is a complex and multifaceted concept that has the potential to shape the future of technology and industry. While it has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks. As we move forward, it’s essential to consider the potential consequences of A.I. and other technologies, and to work towards a future that balances progress with sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Jevons Paradox?
A: The Jevons Paradox is a concept in economics that suggests that as technology improves and becomes more efficient, it can actually increase demand for the resource it’s improving, rather than decrease it.

Q: Who coined the term?
A: William Stanley Jevons, a 19th-century economist and logician, coined the term in his 1865 book, "The Coal Question".

Q: What is the example of the Jevons Paradox in the article?
A: The article cites the example of coal, which became more efficient and accessible, leading to increased demand and use.

Q: What is the potential impact of the Jevons Paradox on A.I.?
A: The Jevons Paradox could lead to a significant increase in the use of A.I. technology, making it a commodity that people can’t get enough of.

Uber Sues DoorDash Over Anti-Competitive Tactics

Jordan Waverly
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0
Uber Sues DoorDash Over Anti-Competitive Tactics

Uber Sues DoorDash Over Anticompetitive Practices

Background

Ride-share giant Uber filed a lawsuit on Friday against DoorDash, accusing the delivery outfit of stifling competition by intimidating restaurant owners into exclusive deals.

Allegations

Uber alleges in the lawsuit, filed in Superior Court of California, that its chief rival, DoorDash, bullies restaurants into only working with them. Uber claims that DoorDash, which holds the largest share of the food delivery market in the U.S., threatens restaurants with multimillion-dollar penalties or the removal or demotion of the businesses’ position on the DoorDash app.

Exclusive Agreements

Specifically, Uber claims DoorDash pressures restaurants to strike exclusive or near-exclusive agreements for first-party delivery services, meaning that DoorDash insists on solely handling orders placed through restaurants’ own websites, according to Uber.

DoorDash Response

"Uber’s case has no merit," said a DoorDash spokesperson in an email to TechCrunch on Friday. "Their claims are unfounded and based on their inability to offer merchants, consumers, or couriers a quality alternative."

The Competition

DoorDash and Uber Eats are best known for their respective apps to connect restaurant, consumers, and gig economy workers. Consumers use the apps to find and order food like pizza, egg rolls, or pad thai from restaurants. A gig economy worker then picks up and delivers the food to the consumer.

White-Label Delivery Services

The two companies also compete with their own white-label delivery services – called Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive on-Demand – which both launched in 2020. These services are cheaper for restaurants, allowing patrons to order directly from the restaurants’ own apps and websites, while Uber and DoorDash manage the couriers behind the scenes.

Complaints from Restaurants

Uber claims in its suit that DoorDash handles first-party deliveries for more than 90% of the largest enterprise restaurants in America, and it alleges DoorDash used anticompetitive practices to win the market.

Uber’s Statement

"More than 1 million merchants partner with Uber Eats because we’ve helped them to reach more customers and provided them the freedom to decide how they want to grow their businesses with delivery," said Sarfraz Maredia, head of the Americas for delivery at Uber. "We’ve increasingly heard complaints from restaurants that DoorDash’s tactics are limiting that freedom and punishing them for seeking better options. We hope this filing puts an end to those unfair practices so that restaurants can choose what’s best for them without fear of penalty or retribution."

Example of Anticompetitive Practices

In one example from the lawsuit, Uber says that an unnamed "significant restaurant company" told the company it would not move forward with a long-planned rollout of Uber Direct across several of its restaurant brands. The reason, Uber claims, is because DoorDash allegedly threatened to increase the rates it charges the restaurant company to use DoorDash’s third-party delivery services if it continued to use Uber Direct.

Restaurants’ Fears

Uber says this was not a one-off event, but rather that multiple customers have told the company they feel "like they have a ‘gun to their head,’ that DoorDash is a ‘monopolist,’ and that they are being bullied by DoorDash."

Seeking Damages

Uber has requested a jury trial; the company did not specify the amount of damages in the complaint. However, Uber claims these anticompetitive practices have cost the company "millions of dollars in revenue" and also restricted the growth of Uber Direct.

FAQs

Q: What is the nature of the lawsuit?
A: Uber is suing DoorDash for alleged anticompetitive practices, including intimidation and bullying of restaurant owners into exclusive deals.

Q: What is the purpose of the lawsuit?
A: The purpose of the lawsuit is to stop DoorDash’s alleged anticompetitive practices and to allow restaurants to choose their own delivery partners without fear of penalty or retribution.

Q: What are the alleged damages?
A: Uber claims that DoorDash’s anticompetitive practices have cost the company "millions of dollars in revenue" and have restricted the growth of Uber Direct.

Q: What is the next step?
A: The case will proceed to a jury trial, where Uber will seek damages and relief from the court.

3 Easy Side Hustles with OpenAI’s Operator

Emerson Blake
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0
3 Easy Side Hustles with OpenAI’s Operator

Article

Quick Intro

To understand why this is a game-changer, first, you must understand who I am and what I do for a living. If you are new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les. I’m a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I’m the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I’m an award-winning performance marketer.

What is Operator and why it’s a game-changer

Operator helps US-based PRO users perform browser activities like filling out forms and ordering groceries; it can even help you create memes. It interacts with web pages by clicking, typing, and scrolling like a human. A new AI model powers Operator called Computer Using Agent (CUA), combined with GPT-4’s vision and capabilities for advanced reasoning. This is what allows it to understand what is happening on a website.

How I use Operator

Ah yes, the reason why my biz partner may beat my you-know-what. First, I need to explain the core of any business. Most businesses operate on some form of arbitrage, whether it’s sourcing a product at a lower cost and selling it at a higher price, or offering a service where the cost to deliver is lower than the price charged.

The good, the bad, and the kind of ugly

The good 👍

  • I like the fact that I can operate independently without having to wait for a coworker or a developer to help. If you are anything like me, you know exactly what I mean by that. I would rather wash my eyes with bleach than wait for someone.
  • I also love that I can speak, and it appears. I do not have to write a fancy brief or send ten gazillion emails to get what I want.
  • I love the fact that it is centralized. I don’t need ten apps and integrations to do one thing. I allow it to log into things like Google Sheets and copy the info.

The bad 👎

  • It’s not all the way there. It is AI. It does weird AI stuff, like hallucinating and providing incorrect and nonsensical information. I stay patient and keep it pushing.
  • It’s slow, but still faster than me at getting the job done. Honestly, I can’t even call that a real complaint.
  • It was asking me for confirmation way too much. This meant Operator would stop and sit there waiting for my input while I was off living my best life. Time wasted. To combat this, I turned on notifications to see if that improves the time between confirmations. I will let you know how it goes.

The kinda ugly 🥴

Sure, there are flaws and things that could be better, but at this moment, the real issue is me. I wish I could think of even more creative ways to use it.

How to make money with OpenAI Operator

With any emerging technology, there will always be a group of people who: need help implementing, do not have the time to do it themselves. There’s potential to build a business around either of these scenarios.

How to turn Operator into a side hustle

  1. AI automation as a service – Offer automation services to businesses that want to streamline repetitive tasks like data entry, email responses, or customer support.
  2. AI-powered lead generation and sales automation – Use Operator to send personalized messages to potential leads on LinkedIn about your product or service.
  3. AI-powered e-commerce – Use Operator to automatically list, update, and optimize product listings on eBay, Amazon, or Shopify.

Conclusion

Operator is a tool that makes us more efficient and provides an opportunity to win back some of our time. The real opportunity is looking within and asking yourself, what can AI help me do?

My Two Cents

So, is Operator worth it? Like most things in life, it depends. The price of $200 is relative and depends on how you use it. If you are using it to book your Airbnb or something like that, I am hard-pressed to find any reason to justify paying $200 for the luxury of not doing it yourself (unless this is your job).

FAQs

Q: Is Operator worth the $200 price tag?
A: It depends on how you use it. If you are using it to book your Airbnb or something like that, it may not be worth it. However, if you are using it to automate repetitive tasks and increase efficiency, it may be a good investment.

Q: What are some potential use cases for Operator?
A: Some potential use cases include automating data entry, email responses, customer support, and e-commerce tasks.

Q: Is Operator limited by its technology?
A: Yes, Operator is limited by its technology. However, it is still a powerful tool that can help automate repetitive tasks and increase efficiency.

Q: Can I use Operator for free?
A: No, Operator is a paid service that requires a subscription.

Building AI Agents with Reinforcement Learning

Parker Lennox
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0
Building AI Agents with Reinforcement Learning

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, and one of its most exciting applications is the development of AI agents using reinforcement learning. This type of AI allows agents to learn and make decisions based on their environment, similar to how humans learn.

Advantages

One of the main advantages of using reinforcement learning to build AI agents is its ability to continuously improve and adapt to new situations. Unlike other forms of AI, reinforcement learning allows agents to learn from their mistakes and adjust their behavior accordingly. This makes them more efficient and capable of handling complex tasks.

Disadvantages

On the other hand, reinforcement learning can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Training an AI agent using this method requires a significant amount of data and computing power, which can pose a challenge for some developers. Additionally, reinforcement learning relies heavily on trial and error, which means the learning process can be slow and prone to errors.

Features

One of the key features of reinforcement learning-based AI agents is their ability to self-optimize. This means they can analyze their own performance and make changes to improve it. This level of autonomy makes them ideal for complex tasks such as autonomous driving, where the environment is constantly changing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building AI agents with reinforcement learning has several advantages, including continuous improvement and adaptability. However, it also has its challenges, such as being time-consuming and resource-intensive. Despite its drawbacks, the use of reinforcement learning in AI is a significant step towards creating intelligent and autonomous agents that can revolutionize various industries. With further advancements and developments, the potential for these agents is endless, and we can expect to see more groundbreaking applications of this technology in the future.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of using reinforcement learning to build AI agents?
A: The benefits of using reinforcement learning include continuous improvement and adaptability, making them ideal for complex tasks.

Q: What are the challenges of using reinforcement learning to build AI agents?
A: The challenges of using reinforcement learning include being time-consuming and resource-intensive, and relying heavily on trial and error.

Q: What are some potential applications of reinforcement learning-based AI agents?
A: Some potential applications of reinforcement learning-based AI agents include autonomous driving, natural language processing, and game playing.

Q: Is reinforcement learning a new concept in AI?
A: No, reinforcement learning has been around for several decades, but it is still an active area of research and development, with new advancements and applications being discovered regularly.

Keir Starmer’s AI U-Turn: Prioritizing Security Over Woke Concerns

Parker Lennox
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0
Keir Starmer’s AI U-Turn: Prioritizing Security Over Woke Concerns

UK Seeks to Strengthen Ties with US on Artificial Intelligence

Focus Shifts from Safety to Security

The UK is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic ties with the US by shifting its focus from artificial intelligence (AI) safety concerns to security cooperation, according to a recent announcement by Tech Secretary Peter Kyle. The UK’s AI Safety Institute, established just 15 months ago, will be renamed the AI Security Institute, with a budget of £50mn.

Renamed Institute to Focus on Security

The newly renamed institute will no longer focus on risks associated with bias and freedom of speech, but rather on "advancing our understanding of the most serious risks posed by the technology." This shift in focus is part of a broader strategy at a time when the Trump administration is engaged in a trade war against China and the EU.

UK Joins US at AI Summit in Paris

The UK’s decision to rebrand its AI Safety Institute comes on the heels of its participation in the AI Summit in Paris, where it joined the US in refusing to sign a joint communique that pledged to ensure "AI is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy." The summit was attended by around 60 states, including France, Germany, India, and China.

US Vice President Warns against "Excessive" AI Regulation

At the AI Summit, US Vice President JD Vance warned against "excessive" AI regulation, saying that the country would build systems "free from ideological bias." Elon Musk, a confidant of US President Donald Trump, also expressed concerns that "if, hypothetically, AI is designed to think DEI at all costs, it could think too many men are in power and just execute them."

UK’s New Ambassador to US

The UK’s new ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, has announced that his "signature policy" will be fostering collaboration between the two countries’ tech sectors, with the aim of securing a "logical advantage" over China.

Criticism from Tech Experts and Civil Society

The UK’s decision to shift its focus to AI security has been criticized by tech experts and civil society groups, who argue that the country is overestimating its potential benefits and isolating itself from European allies on tech regulation.

Conclusion

The UK’s decision to rename its AI Safety Institute to AI Security Institute marks a significant shift in its approach to AI, from a focus on safety concerns to a focus on security cooperation. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with the US and avoid being targeted in other areas. However, the decision has been met with criticism from tech experts and civil society groups, who argue that the UK is overestimating its potential benefits and isolating itself from European allies.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the AI Security Institute?
A: The AI Security Institute is a UK-based organization that will focus on advancing the understanding of the most serious risks posed by AI technology.

Q: Why is the UK shifting its focus from AI safety to security?
A: The UK is shifting its focus from AI safety to security as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its ties with the US and avoid being targeted in other areas.

Q: What is the role of the US in the AI Security Institute?
A: The US is a key player in the AI Security Institute, and its participation is seen as crucial in securing a "logical advantage" over China.

Q: How has the decision been received by tech experts and civil society groups?
A: The decision has been met with criticism from tech experts and civil society groups, who argue that the UK is overestimating its potential benefits and isolating itself from European allies on tech regulation.

Court Filings Show Meta Paused Efforts to License Books for AI Training

Avery Winslow
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0
Court Filings Show Meta Paused Efforts to License Books for AI Training

New Court Filings Add Credence to Reports of Meta’s "Pausing" Talks with Book Publishers

Background

The case of Kadrey v. Meta Platforms is one of many lawsuits filed against AI companies, pitting these companies against authors and intellectual property holders. The defendants, AI companies, have typically claimed that training on copyrighted content is "fair use," while the plaintiffs, copyright holders, strongly disagree.

Recent Court Filings

On Friday, new filings were submitted to the court, including partial transcripts of Meta employee depositions taken by attorneys for the plaintiffs. These transcripts suggest that certain Meta staff felt negotiating AI training data licenses for books might not be scalable.

Meta’s Outreach to Publishers

According to one transcript, Sy Choudhury, who leads Meta’s AI partnership initiatives, stated that Meta’s outreach to various publishers was met with "very slow uptake in engagement and interest." Choudhury recalled that the company had made a long list of top publishers, but didn’t receive contact or feedback from many of them.

Pausing Licensing Efforts

Choudhury added that Meta paused certain AI-related book licensing efforts in early April 2023 due to "timing" and other logistical setbacks. The company discovered that some publishers, particularly fiction book publishers, did not have the rights to the content they were considering licensing.

Additional Insights

Choudhury noted that Meta has paused licensing efforts on at least one other occasion, when attempting to license 3D worlds from game engine and game manufacturers for its AI research team. The company decided to build its own solution instead.

Amended Complaint

The plaintiffs, including bestselling authors Sarah Silverman and Ta-Nehisi Coates, have amended their complaint several times. The latest amended complaint alleges that Meta cross-referenced certain pirated books with copyrighted books available for license to determine whether to pursue a licensing agreement. The complaint also accuses Meta of using "shadow libraries" containing pirated e-books to train its AI models, including the popular Llama series of "open" models.

Conclusion

The new court filings suggest that Meta may have paused or abandoned efforts to license book content for its AI models due to logistical challenges and concerns over rights ownership. The case highlights the ongoing debate over fair use and the role of AI companies in the copyright landscape.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the Kadrey v. Meta Platforms case?
A: The case is a lawsuit filed by authors and intellectual property holders against AI companies, challenging the use of copyrighted content for AI model training.

Q: What is the main issue at stake in the case?
A: The main issue is whether the use of copyrighted content for AI model training is considered "fair use" or constitutes copyright infringement.

Q: What are the allegations against Meta in the case?
A: The plaintiffs allege that Meta cross-referenced pirated books with copyrighted books, used "shadow libraries" containing pirated e-books, and secured some of these libraries through torrenting, which is a form of copyright infringement.

Q: What is the significance of the recent court filings?
A: The recent filings suggest that Meta may have paused or abandoned efforts to license book content for its AI models, which could have implications for the company’s AI development and training practices.

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