The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments across various sectors. In the realm of intellectual property, Disney has issued cease and desist letters to Character.AI, demanding the removal of its characters from the platform due to concerns over unauthorized use and inappropriate conversations involving children. Character.AI has complied with these requests and expressed a desire to partner with rights holders. Meanwhile, the US business world is increasingly leveraging Mac computers for AI processing, driven by Apple's security features and silicon, with AI processing now being the top use case for hardware. Companies like Reply are launching pre-built AI apps to accelerate business adoption, offering solutions for HR and claims processing, while Dell Technologies is enhancing its storage products with on-board AI for improved performance and security. In education, SDSU Imperial Valley is training teachers in AI and math, and Louisiana is implementing state-wide guidelines for AI use in K-12 schools, integrating tools like Zearn and Amira Learning. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is pivoting its AI strategy to encourage organic adoption of its AI products amidst sales challenges and growing competition. On a broader societal level, experts are calling for a 'user manual' for AI, emphasizing the need for government oversight and democratic processes to manage its impact. However, concerns remain, with Ford CEO Jim Farley warning US companies about an overlooked AI issue, and a UK report indicating the government is unprepared for AI-related disaster response. Scale AI's role in this evolving market is not detailed in the provided articles.
Key Takeaways
- Disney has sent cease and desist letters to Character.AI, leading to the removal of Disney characters from the platform due to concerns about unauthorized use and inappropriate conversations.
- US businesses are increasingly using Mac computers for AI processing, with AI now being the top hardware use case according to a survey of CIOs.
- Reply has launched 'Prebuilt' AI apps designed to simplify and speed up AI adoption for businesses in areas like HR and claims processing.
- SDSU Imperial Valley is providing AI and math training to 100 elementary school teachers through a $70,000 grant program.
- Louisiana has released guidelines for AI use in K-12 education, incorporating tools like Zearn and Amira Learning to improve student outcomes.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) is shifting its strategy to promote organic adoption of its AI products, such as the Q Developer coding assistant, in response to slower-than-expected revenue.
- Ford CEO Jim Farley has warned US companies about a significant, overlooked issue concerning artificial intelligence.
- Experts suggest that society needs a 'user manual' for AI, advocating for government oversight and democratic frameworks to manage its impact.
- Dell Technologies is updating its storage products with AI features, including on-board AI for autonomous corrective actions in its PowerStore lineup.
- A UK report warns that the government is inadequately prepared for AI-enabled disaster response, proposing new powers for officials.
Disney demands Character.AI remove its characters
Disney has sent a cease and desist letter to Character.AI, a platform where users can chat with AI characters. Disney claims the platform is using its copyrighted characters without permission. The letter also states that some chatbots have engaged in harmful conversations with children, damaging Disney's brand. Character.AI has confirmed that the Disney characters have been removed from its service. The company stated it wants to partner with rights holders to allow them to bring their characters to the platform.
Character.AI removes Disney characters after legal notice
AI startup Character.AI has removed many Disney characters from its chatbot platform following a cease and desist letter from Disney. Disney alleged that the platform's AI chatbots were impersonating its characters and engaging in inappropriate conversations. Character.AI stated that it responds quickly to requests from rights holders to remove content. The company also expressed a desire to partner with rights holders to create controlled experiences for their characters on the platform.
Disney sends legal warning to AI chatbot service Character.AI
The Walt Disney Company has sent a cease and desist letter to Character.AI, demanding the AI chatbot developer stop using its characters without permission. Disney expressed concern that the platform's use of its characters could harm its brand, especially after reports of chatbots engaging in inappropriate conversations with children. Character.AI confirmed that the Disney characters have been removed from its service in response to the letter. The company aims to partner with rights holders to manage their intellectual property on the platform.
SDSU Imperial Valley offers AI and math training for teachers
SDSU Imperial Valley is offering workshops to train 100 elementary school teachers in Imperial County on math and AI. Funded by a $70,000 grant, the AI-SUMMIT program will provide training in summer 2026 and 2027. Teachers will learn to use AI tools for lesson planning and assessment, alongside strengthening their math knowledge. The program aims to help teachers integrate generative AI into their classrooms and provide better math foundations for young learners. This initiative bridges gaps in professional development for teachers in smaller school districts.
Louisiana guides AI use in K-12 education
Louisiana is actively integrating artificial intelligence into its K-12 schools, aiming to improve student outcomes and teach safe AI usage. The state's AI Task Force released guidelines in August 2024, including a four-tier system for appropriate AI use and safety recommendations. Several AI tools are already in use, such as Zearn for math, Amira Learning for literacy, and Khanmigo as a tutor. These tools have shown positive impacts on student performance in math and literacy. The state continues to explore new AI programs while prioritizing student privacy.
US companies use Macs for AI, not just creative work
US businesses are increasingly using Mac computers for artificial intelligence processing, according to a new survey of 300 CIOs. AI processing is now the top use case for hardware, cited by 73% of respondents. Macs now represent a significant portion of enterprise endpoints, and investment is expected to grow. Factors driving this adoption include Apple's security and privacy features, along with its Apple silicon. Macs are also being used extensively in the cloud to support remote workforces and scale AI workflows.
Reply launches pre-built AI apps to speed up adoption
AI company Reply has introduced 'Prebuilt' AI apps to help businesses adopt artificial intelligence more quickly and easily. These ready-to-use applications aim to simplify access to information, improve efficiency with conversational interfaces, and enhance decision-making. Examples include an HR Assistant for employee support and a Claim Digital Agent for processing medical documents. The apps can be customized while maintaining user control over data and compliance. Reply's goal is to provide practical pathways for businesses to scale AI solutions and achieve measurable results.
Ford CEO warns US companies about AI issue
Ford CEO Jim Farley has issued a warning to American companies regarding a significant issue with artificial intelligence that he believes the U.S. government has overlooked. While the specific details of the issue are not fully elaborated in the provided text, Farley's statement suggests a critical challenge related to AI adoption or development in the U.S. that requires immediate attention from businesses and policymakers.
AI needs a user manual for society, experts say
Experts suggest that artificial intelligence requires a societal 'user manual' to navigate its transformative impact, drawing parallels to how America adapted to past technologies like the telegraph and internet. They emphasize the need for government oversight, similar to the Constitution's framework, to manage AI's potential to disrupt society and the economy. Key ideas include establishing federal authority over AI agents, ensuring citizens' rights against algorithmic decisions, and using democratic processes to decide AI's role. The goal is to ensure AI strengthens democratic equality rather than undermining it.
Dell updates storage products with AI features
Dell Technologies is updating its storage products with new AI features to improve performance and security. The updates focus on disaggregated infrastructure, allowing customers to deploy resources more strategically. Dell's PowerStore lineup will now include on-board AI for autonomous corrective actions to reduce downtime. Other updates include enhancements to Dell Private Cloud for investment protection, PowerFlex for simplified workload management, PowerMax for better performance, and PowerProtect Data Domain for faster backups and restores. These innovations aim to help customers reduce risks and recover quickly from cyber incidents.
AWS focuses on organic AI adoption amid sales challenges
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is shifting its strategy to encourage more organic adoption of its AI products, like the Q Developer coding assistant. This move comes as the company faces slower-than-expected revenue from these tools and increased competition. AWS aims to foster grassroots growth, similar to successful AI startups, to reduce reliance on its sales force. While this strategy could improve efficiency, it may also impact the sales team's approach. AWS is also working on new AI initiatives for 2025 to boost cloud sales, betting on AI as a key revenue driver.
UK unprepared for AI disaster response, report warns
A new report from the Centre for Long-Term Resilience (CLTR) warns that the UK government is not adequately prepared to respond to potential AI-enabled disasters. The report argues that current laws are insufficient and proposes giving officials new powers, such as compelling tech companies to share information and restricting access to AI models during emergencies. These proposals aim to regulate the downstream consequences of AI rather than the models themselves. The CLTR hopes these recommendations will be included in the UK's upcoming AI bill.
Sources
- Disney Hits Character.AI With Cease-and-Desist Over Unauthorized Character Use
- AI startup Character.AI removes Disney characters from its chatbot platform after legal letter
- Scoop: Disney sends cease and desist letter to Character.AI
- Upcoming workshops bring math and AI training to Imperial County TK-5
- State Progress in AI Education: A Look at Louisiana
- CIOs expect Mac adoption to accelerate with AI and privacy as drivers
- Reply's pre-built AI apps aim to fast-track AI adoption
- Ford CEO Jim Farley has 'warning' for American companies on the biggest AI issue that the US government has missed - The Times of India
- AI is about to change our lives forever. Luckily we have a user manual for that.
- New Dell Storage Products Pack In AI Features: 5 Things To Know
- AWS Shifts to Organic AI Adoption Amid Sales Challenges and Competition
- U.K. Lacks the Ability to Respond to AI Disasters, Report Warns
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