June 17, 2025

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Adobe, TikTok & WPP Integrate AI Ad Tools

Several significant developments are unfolding in the world of AI. TikTok is rolling out new AI tools under its Symphony product to help marketers create video ads from text and images, aiming to lower ad production costs. These tools include AI avatars to promote products, and TikTok is collaborating with Adobe and WPP to integrate Symphony features into their platforms. These AI-driven tools can generate content resembling influencer videos, with TikTok planning to label AI-generated content. Meanwhile, the European Union is grappling with regulating AI. The European Commission will issue guidelines clarifying how the AI Act impacts product safety rules, addressing concerns about potentially classifying some manufacturers as high-risk. However, the EU's AI rules face potential changes due to industry pressure to simplify the laws and reduce burdens on businesses. In education, Wayne Township Public Schools have adopted a new AI use policy to improve education while ensuring ethical student behavior. AI tools require teacher approval, and the district will monitor AI use. From a branding perspective, there's discussion around whether "AI" needs a rebrand due to its confusing nature and negative connotations. China is also boosting state-led AI development under Xi's plan, integrating AI into its national innovation system and requiring companies to support state goals. In the job market, employers are increasingly seeking AI experience, even if they lack a clear understanding of what that entails. Experts suggest companies need to be more specific about the AI skills they require. For investors, AI presents both potential and challenges, as it requires complementary elements and time to realize returns. Companies like Build-A-Way are leveraging AI to assist home service businesses with voice AI solutions for managing calls and invoicing. Additionally, there's a growing movement to donate data to fuel AI research for public good, particularly in areas like healthcare. Philosophically, AI's rise prompts reflection on human values, emphasizing the importance of qualities like love and connection that AI cannot replicate.

Key Takeaways

  • TikTok is launching AI tools within its Symphony platform to generate video ads from text and images, including AI avatars for product promotion.
  • TikTok is partnering with Adobe and WPP to integrate Symphony features into their platforms.
  • The European Commission will release guidelines to clarify the AI Act's impact on product safety rules.
  • The EU's AI regulations may undergo changes due to industry pressure to simplify the laws.
  • Wayne Township Public Schools have implemented a new AI use policy to enhance education and ensure ethical AI application.
  • There is an ongoing discussion about rebranding "AI" due to its confusing nature and negative connotations.
  • China is advancing state-led AI development, integrating AI into its national innovation system.
  • Employers are increasingly seeking AI experience in job postings, but often lack clarity on specific required skills.
  • Build-A-Way offers Voice AI to help home service businesses manage calls and invoicing.
  • Individuals can donate data to support AI research for public good, particularly in healthcare and other critical areas.

TikTok's AI tools create video ads from text and images

TikTok is releasing new AI tools that help marketers create video ads. These tools can turn text or images into short video clips. The AI-generated ads are part of TikTok's Symphony product, which helps brands make ads using AI. The goal is to lower ad production costs, especially for small businesses. These new features were announced at the Cannes Lions advertising festival.

TikTok adds AI tools for ads plus Adobe and WPP integrations

TikTok announced new AI-powered tools for creating ads. These include turning text into videos and animating images into videos. TikTok's Symphony Showcase Products will use AI avatars to promote products in video clips. TikTok is also working with Adobe and WPP to bring Symphony features to their platforms. These updates give businesses more ways to create engaging content for TikTok.

TikTok's AI can now make ads that look like influencer content

TikTok is adding new AI features to its Symphony ads platform. These tools can create content that looks like it's made by real influencers. Advertisers can upload images and text to generate videos of virtual avatars using products. TikTok says AI-generated content will be labeled. The platform aims to automate ad creation and cut costs for businesses, but it raises questions about the role of human influencers.

EU to clarify AI Act's impact on product safety rules

The European Commission will release guidelines to clarify how the AI Act affects product safety rules. This is after concerns about a previous interpretation that could classify some manufacturers as high-risk. The guidelines will address whether companies using harmonized standards need to follow the AI Act's high-risk rules. Manufacturers with AI in their products will learn if they must meet the strict requirements of the AI Act.

EU's AI law faces potential changes amid industry pressure

The European Union's AI rules, designed to manage AI risks, may be changed. Fueled by industry lobbying, there's a push to simplify the laws and reduce burdens on businesses. Some worry this could lead to technological problems, while industry is unsure about the changes. The EU is trying to balance safety with competition against the U.S. and China in AI.

Wayne Township schools adopt new AI use policy

Wayne Township Public Schools introduced a new policy for using artificial intelligence. The policy aims to use AI to improve education while ensuring students act ethically. AI tools must be approved by teachers and students will learn how to use AI correctly. The district will monitor AI use to make sure everyone follows the rules. The community is happy about the policy, seeing AI's potential to change education for the better.

Is AI's branding a problem Artificial Intelligence needs a rebrand

Artificial intelligence, or AI, may need a better name and logo. The term "AI" doesn't sound great and can be confusing. Some publications still use "A.I." with periods. The name also clashes with the Arabic word "Al." A branding expert suggests that a catchier name is needed to help people accept AI.

China boosts state-led AI development under Xi's plan

Beijing is working to include AI into its national innovation system. This follows a high-level meeting by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). AI is now seen as a key national project, requiring companies to support state goals. MIIT plans to improve infrastructure, advance AI tech, and set up standards. These efforts aim to drive AI development across different sectors.

Employers seek AI experience even if they don't know what it means

Job postings asking for AI skills have doubled, but employers may not know what they're looking for. Companies are adding "AI experience" to job requirements without fully understanding it. This can confuse job seekers who may have AI skills. Experts say companies need to be clearer about the specific AI skills they need. Also, employers are focusing less on college degrees and more on experience and training.

AI's potential and challenges for investors explained

AI has great potential, but also faces challenges for investors. AI is a general-purpose technology that needs other things to work well. It takes time to see returns on AI investments. AI itself doesn't give immediate returns; it needs products like apps or robots. The market changes quickly, which can be hard for investors.

Build-A-Way offers voice AI for home service businesses

Build-A-Way, an AI software company, is a finalist in the Nexus Cup. They offer Voice AI to help home service professionals manage calls and invoicing. The software helps small businesses act like larger companies without hiring staff. Their AI answers calls, books jobs, and logs details for service providers. Build-A-Way aims to automate tasks for home service businesses.

Donating data to fuel AI for public good

People can donate their data to help AI research for social good. Many AI projects need data to improve health care and other areas. While people share data with big companies, AI researchers often struggle to get enough. By donating data, people can support AI projects that benefit the public. This could lead to new AI tools that improve lives.

Can philosophy help us in the age of AI

Philosopher Meghan Sullivan says AI challenges what we value in human life. As AI gets better at logic and productivity, we must focus on things AI can't do, like love and connection. Philosophy can help us understand what makes us human and how to organize society around human values. We need to rethink what's important as AI becomes more powerful.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence TikTok AI advertising Video ads Symphony AI tools Adobe WPP AI avatars Influencer content EU AI Act Product safety European Commission AI risks Wayne Township Public Schools AI policy Education AI branding Rebrand China State-led AI development MIIT AI skills Job postings AI experience AI investments Build-A-Way Voice AI Home service businesses Data donation AI research Public good Philosophy Human values