Google faces AI voice suit while Salesforce reports $900M AI revenue

Key Takeaways

• Public radio host David Greene is suing Google, claiming its AI tool NotebookLM replicated his voice without permission.
• Microsoft's AI boss, Mustafa Suleyman, predicts AI will achieve human-level performance on most professional tasks within 12 to 18 months, potentially automating white-collar jobs.
• Wedbush analyst Dan Ives sees the software stock selloff as a "generational buy," noting Salesforce has $900 million in AI annual recurring revenue growing 120% year-over-year.
• Computer science enrollment in the University of California system has declined, while AI-oriented programs are surging at other universities like MIT.
• Author Payson R. Stevens advocates for an AI Bill of Rights to ensure truth, fairness, transparency, and human safeguards in AI systems.
• Concerns about an AI bubble are leading to new financial derivatives, with active trading seen for companies like Meta Platforms and Alphabet.
• A survey indicates 20 percent of teenagers are currently in relationships with AI companions, sparking debate on human connection.
• Latin American countries are debating whether to adapt to external AI or create their own, with some developing a regional language model, Latam-GPT.
• French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the India AI Summit, signaling international collaboration and strategic partnerships in AI.

David Greene sues Google over AI voice

Public radio host David Greene is suing Google, claiming its AI tool NotebookLM replicated his voice without permission. A former colleague first alerted Greene in a fall 2024 email, noting the male voice in the AI podcasts sounded just like him. Greene felt completely freaked out and believes his voice, a key part of his identity, was stolen. Google denies the allegations, stating the voice belongs to a paid professional actor. A Santa Clara County, California court will now decide if the resemblance is close enough to be considered an infringement.

David Greene claims Google AI copied his voice

Public radio host David Greene claims Google's AI tool, NotebookLM, used his voice without his permission. He had never heard of NotebookLM until a former colleague emailed him in fall 2024, asking if he had licensed his voice to Google. The colleague noted the AI podcast voice sounded very much like Greene. This incident has led Greene to believe his voice was replicated by the AI tool.

Dan Ives sees software stocks as a generational buy

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes the current selloff in software stocks is a "generational buy" opportunity, despite fears of AI disruption. He argues that artificial intelligence will complement existing software models rather than replace them. Companies like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Microsoft have seen significant stock declines. Salesforce, for example, has $900 million in AI annual recurring revenue growing 120 percent year-over-year. Ives's view is shared by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, who also see AI as an opportunity for software companies.

Author urges an AI Bill of Rights now

Payson R. Stevens, a science communicator and author, argues for an AI Bill of Rights to protect human freedoms as AI becomes an invisible part of daily life. He notes that AI systems often make decisions about information, opportunities, and healthcare without transparency or accountability. Stevens highlights that AI is trained on human work and data without compensation, and algorithms influence critical life decisions. He proposes four key rights: truth in AI systems, fairness for creators, transparency in AI decisions, and human safeguards for high-stakes choices. His new book, "Before AI Decides," explores these urgent questions about guiding AI's transformation.

Microsoft AI boss predicts AI will replace white-collar jobs

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI boss, predicts that artificial intelligence will achieve human-level performance on most professional tasks within 12 to 18 months. He believes AI could fully automate nearly all white-collar jobs, including those of lawyers, accountants, and marketing professionals. Suleyman shared this view in a Financial Times interview, where he discussed Microsoft AI's goal of "humanist superintelligence." He envisions a future with billions of digital minds, making it possible to design AI tailored for every person and organization.

AI companion robots spark relationship debate

AI robots designed for companionship are sparking a debate about the nature of human relationships. A panel on "The Big Weekend Show" discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on human connection. A recent survey revealed that 20 percent of teenagers are currently in a relationship with an AI. This trend raises important questions about how AI will change emotional bonds and social interactions in the future.

California universities see computer science drop as AI programs grow

Computer science enrollment in the University of California system has declined by 6 percent this year, following a 3 percent drop in 2024. However, AI-oriented programs are surging across US universities, with institutions like MIT and the University of South Florida launching new degrees. UC San Diego is an exception, seeing growth due to its separate AI program. Parents are now guiding students away from traditional computer science towards fields like mechanical and electrical engineering, which seem more resistant to AI automation. This shift indicates a growing demand for specialized AI skills over general computer science knowledge.

AI bubble fears lead to new financial derivatives

Concerns about an AI bubble are leading to the creation of new financial derivatives. Credit derivatives tied to single Big Tech companies are now among the most actively traded US contracts outside the financial sector. These types of contracts did not exist for many high-grade issuers just a year ago. Data from Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. shows that trading on Meta Platforms and Alphabet has become much more active recently. Oracle Corp. has also seen active trading in these new derivatives for several months.

Latin America debates its AI future

Latin America faces a critical decision regarding artificial intelligence: adapt to AI designed by others or create its own technological future with justice and digital sovereignty. The International Labor Organization estimates that 26 to 38 percent of jobs in the region could be affected by generative AI. Millions of informal workers and those without digital access may not benefit from AI advancements, risking increased inequality. The region also faces digital dependency by importing algorithms that do not reflect local languages or values. Some Latin American countries are developing a regional language model, Latam-GPT, to incorporate local expressions and contexts, aiming for greater cultural and political autonomy in AI.

Macron to attend India AI Summit amid deepening defense ties

French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the India AI Summit, which begins Monday in Delhi. He will join other heads of state, policymakers, and AI leaders from around the world at the event. Macron's visit comes as India works to diversify and deepen its strategic relationships, particularly in military equipment. Last week, India approved a significant defense purchase from France, including 26 Rafale jets and 3 Scorpene submarines. This acquisition represents one of India's largest air power upgrades in recent years.

Sources

• Public radio host David Greene sues Google, says AI tool stole his voice
• He spent decades perfecting his voice. Now he says Google stole it.
• Famous Investor Dan Ives Calls Software Apocalypse a 'Generational Buy': Is He Right?
• Why We Need an AI Bill of Rights Before It’s Too Late
• Microsoft’s AI boss says AI can replace every white-collar job in 18 months — ‘We’re going to have a human-level performance on most, if not all, professional tasks’
• AI robots built for companionship ignite debate on relationships
• AI Programs Surge as Computer Science Enrollment Declines in California Universities | Ukraine news
• AI Bubble Fears Are Creating New Derivatives
• The Latin American Dilemma Over Artificial Intelligence
• France’s Macron to Attend India AI Summit as Defense Ties Deepen