Big Tech news and reports on Federal Newswire

On October 1, CDT Europe, in collaboration with over 40 civil society organizations, co-hosted the Tech and Society Summit in Brussels. The event served as a platform for nonprofit organizations to address issues such as digital rights, climate action, corporate accountability, and social justice. It facilitated dialogue between lawmakers and civil society groups.

ITI releases new guidelines on enhancing AI model security

Global tech trade association ITI has unveiled its AI Security Policy Principles, offering detailed recommendations for policymakers to enhance the cybersecurity of AI models and systems. This initiative is particularly pertinent given the current election climate in the U.S. and worldwide.

Survey reveals device preferences in digital activity among consumers and enterprises

In a recent survey conducted by market research firm Omdia, commissioned by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), findings reveal significant insights into device preferences for digital activities. The study involved 1,000 consumers and 1,000 enterprise users to explore how desktops and smartphones are used in online interactions.

Lenfest Institute partners with OpenAI & Microsoft on $10M fellowship program

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism has announced a new collaboration with OpenAI and Microsoft to explore the use of artificial intelligence in local journalism.

U.S. tech group supports new rules boosting domestic chip manufacturing

Today, the global tech trade association ITI expressed approval of the final rules released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC). This credit is part of the Biden Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, aiming to attract an estimated $24 billion investment in semiconductor manufacturing and equipment within the United States.

Everyday harms from AI need more attention alongside high-risk scenarios

Developers and regulators have long focused on the significant risks of artificial intelligence (AI), such as those that can result in life-altering consequences. However, less attention has been paid to more everyday scenarios where AI can cause harm. For example, errors in AI transcription systems may complicate insurance reimbursements, and service chatbots might misinterpret prompts, failing to process requests correctly.

Threads introduces educational resources for user engagement

Threads, a platform designed to foster community building around ideas and thoughts, has announced the introduction of new educational resources. These resources aim to guide users in driving conversations and increasing their visibility on the platform.

Netflix unveils documentary on Spain's longest kidnapping case

On November 22, Netflix will release the documentary series "900 Days Without Anabel," which explores the longest kidnapping case in Spain's history: the abduction of Anabel Segura. This series provides a detailed account of the events that transpired during her 900-day captivity.

Meta tests facial recognition tech for scam prevention and account recovery

Meta is exploring new methods to enhance security on its platforms by testing facial recognition technology. This initiative aims to combat scams and assist users in regaining access to compromised accounts.

Lessons from non-English NLP groups highlight need for diverse AI development

Many language models are predominantly trained on English text, which is significantly more than texts in other languages. This imbalance has tangible effects on racialized and marginalized communities. "For example, they have resulted in inaccurate medical advice in Hindi, led to wrongful arrest because of mistranslations in Arabic, and have been accused of fueling ethnic cleansing in Ethiopia due to poor moderation of speech that incites violence."

European AI roundtable discusses code of practice for GPAI models

By Federal Newswire | Oct 18, 2024

On October 16, 2024, the European AI Roundtable convened for its second edition, hosted by CCIA Europe. The event gathered key stakeholders from the artificial intelligence sector to discuss future governance of AI in the European Union.

European AI Roundtable addresses challenges in drafting GPAI Code

The European AI Roundtable has concluded its second edition, focusing on drafting the Code of Practice for general-purpose AI (GPAI) as part of implementing the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act. This gathering, facilitated by CCIA Europe, brought together experts from various sectors to discuss operationalizing key aspects of Europe's new AI rules.

Netflix announces expanded 'Stranger Season' celebrations with new collaborations

Netflix is expanding the celebration of its hit series, Stranger Things, beyond the traditional November 6 "Stranger Things Day" to what it now calls "Stranger Season." The streaming giant plans to mark this occasion with a variety of events and merchandise offerings for fans worldwide.

ITI urges action on digital trade barriers in upcoming NTE report

Global tech trade association ITI has called on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to address restrictions impacting U.S. digital trade in its upcoming 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report. In comments submitted to the USTR, ITI highlighted barriers faced by American and multinational tech companies in over 30 key markets worldwide. The association emphasized that these barriers could hinder job creation and innovation in data-driven products and services.

Meta launches campaign against teen sextortion scams

Meta has announced new initiatives aimed at combating sextortion scams targeting teens and young adults. These measures include an education campaign designed to help both teenagers and their parents recognize the signs of sextortion scams, as well as a suite of safety features intended to make it more difficult for scammers to operate on Meta's platforms.

CCIA highlights global digital trade barriers impacting US businesses

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has submitted its comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in response to the annual request for identifying trade barriers affecting U.S. companies aiming to expand internationally. The USTR uses these responses to compile its National Trade Estimates (NTE) report, which offers a detailed overview of trade barriers by country.

Netflix announces new film based on Jugend Rettet's true story

Berlin, October 16, 2024 – A new Netflix feature film inspired by the true story of the German NGO Jugend Rettet and its ship, the Iuventa, is in production. The film follows a group of young Berliners who, driven by passion and courage, launch a crowdfunding campaign to purchase an old ship. Their mission is to save refugees attempting to reach Europe by sea. As they venture into the Mediterranean, their efforts challenge their understanding of law and justice.

Civil groups urge disclosure on FISA Section 702 impact on Americans

Warrantless surveillance under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) captures the private communications of many Americans, but the total number affected remains unrecorded. For more than ten years, members of Congress and civil society organizations have urged the Intelligence Community to release an estimate of how many Americans are impacted by this surveillance system. With FISA Section 702 set to expire in 2026, obtaining more information on its effects is crucial. This has led CDT and over 20 other civil society groups to send a letter to the...

Sakamoto Days announces new cast members for upcoming Netflix anime

New voices have been announced for the anime adaptation of "SAKAMOTO DAYS," set to premiere on Netflix in January 2025. The popular manga series, serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump since 2020, will introduce new cast members for characters Nagumo, Shishiba, and Osaragi of "The Order."

FTC issues final click-to-cancel rules amid CCIA's concerns