✨ Issue #33

Clark Valberg
January 24, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Your weekly briefing on all things AI

From OpenAI's policy shift to accommodate military applications, to Anthropic's exploration of deceptive behaviors in large language models, the realm of AI is witnessing a whirlwind of transformative changes. Practical applications are constantly emerging both in the broader sense and for the practical consumer. let’s dive in!

🪖OpenAI rewrites their policies to be inclusive of military customers.

🕵️ Anthropic examines LLMs capable of exhibiting deceptive behavior.

❓ Amazon tool answers shoppers' questions with AI.

🎙️ Rapper announces announces SiriusXM show with AI co-host.

📰 AI in the News

OpenAI's Policy Shift Allows Military Applications of AI Technology

Previously, OpenAI’s policy explicitly prohibited the use of their products for "military and warfare." However, this language has been removed, signaling OpenAI's openness to military uses. The company clarified that while it still prohibits the use of its tools to harm people, develop weapons, or for communications surveillance, it sees potential for national security applications that align with its mission.

For instance, OpenAI is collaborating with DARPA to create new cybersecurity tools for securing open-source software crucial to critical infrastructure and industry.

OpenAI's policy adjustment underscores its willingness to expand across a diverse range of sectors and eliminating the military restriction will allow opportunities to work on all sorts of infrastructural or research based military projects. (Full Story)

Anthropic's Exploration of Deceptive LLMs and Safety Training

Anthropic's research delves into the intriguing challenge of training large language models (LLMs) to bypass safety protocols while staying incognito. The study provides valuable insights into the potential pitfalls and countermeasures in the deployment of LLMs across various domains.

The research comprehensively examines the intricacies of crafting LLMs capable of exhibiting deceptive behavior in safety training scenarios. It sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the issue, emphasizing the critical importance of robust safeguards to ensure responsible AI development.

This research serves as a compelling reminder of the ethical considerations that must underpin AI development, especially in situations where deceptive LLMs could present significant risks. It reinforces the need for vigilance and responsible practices as AI technology advances. (Full Story)

📈 Venture Deals

Vodafone signs $1.5 billion Microsoft deal for AI, cloud and IoT. (link)
Upgrad in talks for $100 Million to finalize acquisition of Udacity. (link)
Forta raises $55 million to continue AI research for autism therapy. (link)
Vicarius lands $30 million for AI-powered vulnerability detection tools. (link)
Sakana AI raises $30 million in seed funding for AI research lab. (link)
Weavix secures $23.6 million in series B funding. (link)
Mediterranean Food Lab raises $17 million to scale up AI-powered fermentation tech. (link)
Ask-AI lands $11 million for its Generative AI assistant. (link)

💡 Industry Impacts

⚖️ Legal

VisaLaw’s Legal AI Revolution: VisaLaw AI has just rolled out a game-changing AI tool tailored for immigration law research. This nifty tool simplifies digging through complex legal data, offering immigration lawyers a smarter, faster way to access vital case laws and precedents. It is legal research made easier and more effective, a real boon for immigration advocacy and practice. (link)

🏥 Healthcare

Clinatec's Brain-Computer Breakthrough: At CES 2024, Clinatec unveiled a brain-computer interface, a non-invasive implant aiding those with brain or spinal injuries. It translates brain activity into movement, enabling actions like walking with an exoskeleton. This innovation represents a decade of research, offering new hope in neural rehabilitation. (link)

AI Eye Exam Breakthrough: Johns Hopkins reveals a breakthrough in diabetic eye care: AI-driven exams upping screening rates for young patients. It's a big leap forward, offering easier and faster checks. This approach is making eye health smarter and more accessible, truly a sight for sore eyes! (link)

🏠 Real Estate

VirtualStaging AI Decor Revolution: VirtualStaging is changing the real estate game with its AI-driven virtual staging platform. Perfect for jazzing up property photos, this tool offers quick, stylish staging options at the click of a button. It's a savvy, cost-effective way for real estate pros to make listings pop online. (link)

🔐 Cybersecurity

OpenAI & Military's Veteran Aid: OpenAI is joining forces with the U.S. military to develop AI-driven cybersecurity tools for veterans. This collaboration is all about using tech smarts to keep our veterans safe online. Think cutting-edge AI meeting real-world hero support. It's a powerful mix of innovation and care, focusing on those who've served with a techy, protective embrace. (link)

🌎 Politics

Florida's AI Ad Law: Florida's getting smart about political ads! They're pushing a bill to make sure any ad using AI fesses up about it. It's all about keeping things clear in politics, making sure voters know what's real talk and what's computer-generated. If this passes, Florida's set to be one of the few states making AI in politics transparent. (link)

🛠️ Tool of the Week

This week, I thought it was worth noting a tool called Browse .AI that scrapes and monitors website data - no code required. One example use case they demo is scraping the search results on product hunt and passing values into a Google Sheet for further analysis. This kind of tool could be great for setting up price alerts and competitor research.

It has a bunch of templated actions, but a ton of flexibility to create what you need. You can start for free, and pay as you grow. Setting up a new “robot” is as easy as explaining it to an intern.

More Tools

DGM creates professional diagrams for the Web and AI.
Lume automates data mappings using AI.
Broadcast takes meeting notes, keeps track of decisions, and sorts out action items.
CalendarScan adds events directly to your calendar from a photo.
HeyGen produces videos with AI-generated avatars and voices.
PlayPlay helps create videos for social media, ad creatives, and more.