California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has proposed a new plan to tax artificial intelligence companies by the token, aiming to create a California Wealth Fund. This fund would support education, job training, and provide cash dividends to residents, addressing concerns about potential job displacement from AI advancements. Steyer emphasizes ensuring the benefits of AI are shared broadly across the state.
Meanwhile, the discussion around AI safety and oversight continues, with AI companies often developing internal rules without external scrutiny. Anthropic, for instance, removed a binding safety commitment from its Responsible Scaling Policy, opting for voluntary goals. Critics also point out that the Trump administration's AI framework falls short in protecting children, artists, and communities, lacking federal protections and allowing copyrighted works for AI training without clear consent.
In industry news, OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a Silicon Valley tech talk show known for interviewing leaders like Sam Altman and Mark Zuckerberg, in a deal valued in the low hundreds of millions. This acquisition aims to foster conversations about AI's impact. India has also made a significant entry into the AI race, ranking sixth globally with its Sarvam 105B AI model, though it still lags behind top models in certain performance areas. Additionally, Stellantis holds a 51 percent ownership in its joint venture, Leapmotor International, as it explores producing Chinese EVs in Canada.
AI applications are expanding, with Ukraine's 'Barracuda' special unit developing unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that blend human control with AI for dangerous missions, capable of speeds up to 100 km/h. In dentistry, AI assists with tasks like X-ray analysis and implant sizing, though human oversight remains crucial. However, the rise of AI also brings risks, including increasing AI voice scams where cloned voices are used to demand money, and compliance risks for auto lenders utilizing AI. Journalist Laurie Segall launched Mostly Human Media, featuring interviews with figures like Sam Altman and Center for Humane Technology founder Tristan Harris, to explore AI's human implications.
Key Takeaways
- California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer proposes taxing AI companies by the token to fund a state sovereign wealth fund for education, job training, and resident dividends.
- Anthropic removed a binding safety commitment from its Responsible Scaling Policy, shifting to voluntary AI safety goals.
- OpenAI acquired TBPN, a tech talk show that has interviewed figures like Sam Altman and Mark Zuckerberg, for a value in the low hundreds of millions.
- India ranks sixth globally in AI model development with its Sarvam 105B AI model.
- Stellantis has a 51 percent ownership in its joint venture, Leapmotor International, and is in talks to produce Chinese EVs in Canada.
- Ukraine's 'Barracuda' special unit developed AI-enhanced unmanned surface vessels (USVs) capable of 100 km/h and carrying up to 300 kg of explosives.
- AI is being adopted in dentistry for tasks like X-ray analysis and implant sizing, with an emphasis on human oversight.
- AI voice scams are on the rise, using cloned voices to defraud individuals, prompting warnings for vigilance and verification.
- The Trump administration's AI framework is criticized for failing to protect children, artists, and communities, and for allowing copyrighted works for AI training without clear consent.
- Journalist Laurie Segall launched Mostly Human Media to explore the human implications of AI, featuring interviews with leaders like Sam Altman and Tristan Harris.
California Billionaire Proposes AI Token Tax for State Fund
California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer wants to tax AI companies by the token. He believes this will help create a sovereign wealth fund for the state. The fund would support education, job training, and provide cash dividends to residents. Steyer compares the potential job displacement from AI to the decline of manufacturing jobs in the past. He aims to ensure the benefits of AI are shared widely and not just by a few wealthy individuals.
Tom Steyer's AI Tax Plan: Fund California with Token Fees
California billionaire Tom Steyer has a new plan to tax artificial intelligence by the token. The money raised would go into a California Wealth Fund. This fund would support worker retraining and give cash payments to Californians. Steyer argues that AI will displace many jobs. He wants to make sure everyone benefits from AI advancements. The details of the tax are still being worked out.
AI Companies Build Own Rules Lacking Global Oversight
AI companies are creating their own internal rules for safety and arms control, but they lack external oversight. Organizations like the OPCW have expertise but no authority over these private companies. Anthropic removed a binding safety commitment from its Responsible Scaling Policy, opting for voluntary goals instead. This is because companies feel pressured by competitors to advance quickly. Without mandatory international rules, AI development may not prioritize safety over competition.
AI Risks for Auto Lenders and Stellantis EV Plans
This article discusses two separate topics. First, it highlights the compliance risks auto lenders face when using artificial intelligence. Second, it reports that Stellantis is in talks to produce Chinese EVs at an idled plant in Canada. Stellantis has a 51 percent ownership in the joint venture Leapmotor International with Leapmotor.
India Ranks Sixth Globally for AI Models with Sarvam 105B
India has entered the artificial intelligence race, ranking sixth globally with its Sarvam 105B AI model. This places India among countries developing foundational AI models, not just using them. The US leads the ranking, followed by China and South Korea. While Sarvam 105B shows promise, it still lags behind top models in areas like coding and factual accuracy. This achievement marks a significant start for India in the competitive AI landscape.
Ukraine's Barracuda USV Blends AI with Human Control
Ukraine's 'Barracuda' special unit has developed unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that combine human expertise with artificial intelligence. These 'kamikaze' boats can be controlled remotely from up to 20,000 km away and carry up to 300 kg of explosives. The Barracuda USV features AI, advanced tracking, and remote control for stable operation in various conditions. Its modular design allows for different payloads, and it can reach speeds of 100 km/h. The unit emphasizes the importance of skilled operators and the machine's role in dangerous missions.
AI in Dentistry: Benefits and Challenges Explored
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in dentistry, assisting with tasks like note-taking, insurance claims, and analyzing X-rays. Periodontist Macon Singletary uses AI to help size implants and guide drilling, but stresses human oversight is crucial. While AI offers benefits like time-saving, challenges remain, especially for rural practices facing infrastructure and workforce readiness gaps. The American Dental Association is working on standards for AI reliability, bias, and privacy to ensure responsible adoption.
Laurie Segall Launches Mostly Human Media Company for AI Era
Journalist Laurie Segall has launched a new media company called Mostly Human, focusing on the human implications of artificial intelligence. The venture includes a podcast featuring interviews with figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Center for Humane Technology founder Tristan Harris. Segall aims to explore how technology impacts human judgment and creativity. The company will also develop original podcasts and other content, emphasizing nuanced storytelling about AI's role in society.
AI Framework Fails to Protect Children, Artists, and Communities
The Trump administration's AI framework is criticized for failing to protect children, artists, and communities. It lacks meaningful federal protections for children online and hinders state laws designed to safeguard them. The framework also allows copyrighted works to be used for AI training without clear consent or compensation for creators. This approach prioritizes AI development over essential protections, potentially leading to increased harm.
AI Voice Scams Rise; Pikesville Man Shares Warning
Artificial intelligence voice scams are becoming more common, with scammers using just seconds of audio to clone voices. A Pikesville man, Michael Bresler, shared his family's experience to warn others. Scammers used a cloned voice to demand money, claiming a family member was in trouble. Experts advise looking for red flags like urgency and emotion, and suggest hanging up and calling back directly. Having a safe word with loved ones can also help verify identity.
OpenAI Acquires Tech Talk Show TBPN
OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a technology-focused talk show popular in Silicon Valley, despite previously stating a focus on core business. The deal, valued in the low hundreds of millions, brings the 11-person company into OpenAI's fold. TBPN, known for interviewing tech leaders like Sam Altman and Mark Zuckerberg, will remain editorially independent. OpenAI sees TBPN as a key platform for conversations about AI and its impact on builders and users.
Sources
- This California Billionaire Wants to Tax AI Tokens to Create a Sovereign Wealth Fund
- California Billionaire Wants to Tax AI by the Token, and Use the Money to Pay Californians
- The World Has Arms Control Regimes, But AI Companies Are Not Answering to Them
- The compliance risks auto lenders face when they use AI; Stellantis in talks to produce Chinese EVs at idled Canada plant
- India Ranks 6th Among Countries With Own AI Models With Sarvam 105B
- Barracuda USV: Combining Human Expertise with Artificial Intelligence
- Drilling down on AI use in dentistry
- Laurie Segall Debuts Mostly Human, Her New Media Company For The AI Era
- How the AI Framework Breaks Trump's Promise to Kids, Artists and Communities
- AI voice scams: Pikesville man warns of increased risk
- OpenAI takes on another "side quest," buys tech-focused talk show TBPN
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