Google Gemini Reaches 10M Students, Meta Invests $14B

The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments across various sectors. In education, Google's Gemini for Education is now accessible to over 10 million students across 1,000 U.S. colleges, offering free AI training and career certificates. Universities like the California State University system are equipping all students, faculty, and staff with tools such as ChatGPT Edu, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot to prepare them for an AI-driven job market where routine tasks are increasingly automated. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector is seeing new tools emerge for risk assessment; Omada has developed a threat model to help organizations navigate the security, privacy, and compliance challenges of AI implementation. In the realm of AI safety and development, Scale AI has made workforce adjustments, laying off twelve contractors from its Red Team, responsible for testing AI models for harm, a move some attribute to Meta's substantial $14 billion investment. Microsoft, despite investing over $100 billion in AI, has also implemented job cuts in areas like engineering and product management to maintain agility. The creative industries are also grappling with AI's influence; Powell's Books faced backlash for using AI-assisted art for merchandise, highlighting ongoing debates about AI's impact on human artists, with Adobe's software being mentioned in the context of these designs. Beyond these sectors, AI's pervasive nature is evident in the internet's increasing volume of 'AI slop,' as discussed by NPR, and in the challenges it presents for identity management, with a SailPoint report indicating most organizations are unprepared for the surge in AI-driven machine accounts. On a more positive note, the NBA sees AI as 'the ultimate teammate,' enhancing fan engagement through personalized content and real-time data, while Booking.com leverages AI to combat online fraud, including fake reviews and scams, by analyzing vast datasets. Business leaders are also seeking to harness AI's power, with WebDR launching an executive training program in Canada focused on practical AI application for business strategy and operations.

Key Takeaways

• Google's Gemini for Education is now used by over 10 million students in 1,000 U.S. colleges, with free AI training also available.
• Colleges are rushing to equip students with AI skills, with the California State University system providing ChatGPT Edu, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot to all users.
• Omada has launched an AI threat model to help healthcare organizations assess security, privacy, and compliance risks associated with AI.
• Scale AI laid off twelve contractors from its AI safety Red Team, with some linking the move to Meta's $14 billion investment.
• Microsoft is investing over $100 billion in AI while simultaneously cutting jobs in engineering and product management.
• Powell's Books faced criticism for using AI-assisted art for merchandise, sparking debate about AI's role in creative industries.
• A SailPoint report indicates that managing identities is becoming more difficult due to the rise of AI and machine accounts, with many organizations unprepared.
• Booking.com is utilizing AI to detect and combat online fraud, including fake reviews and scams.
• NBA star Tristan Thompson views AI as a valuable tool for enhancing fan engagement and sports experiences.
• WebDR has introduced an AI training program for Canadian executives to develop AI-driven business strategies.

Omada offers AI threat model for healthcare security

Omada has created a new threat model to help healthcare organizations assess the risks of using artificial intelligence. This tool addresses concerns about AI's impact on sensitive patient data and strict regulations. It provides a clear way to find potential weaknesses in AI systems, focusing on data protection and legal compliance. Omada aims to help organizations safely use AI while keeping data secure.

Omada's AI threat model aids healthcare risk assessment

Virtual care provider Omada has launched a threat model to help healthcare organizations evaluate security, privacy, and compliance risks related to artificial intelligence. The company developed this framework to address growing worries about AI in sensitive healthcare settings. It offers a structured way for healthcare providers to identify potential AI vulnerabilities and ensure responsible implementation. This initiative aims to guide organizations in managing AI risks while staying compliant with privacy laws.

Gemini for Education helps over 10 million college students learn

Gemini for Education is now used in over 1,000 U.S. colleges, reaching more than 10 million students. This free and secure AI tool from Google is transforming teaching, learning, and research. Accredited higher education institutions can access Gemini for Education with built-in data protections. Google also offers free AI training and Google Career Certificates through its AI for Education Accelerator. Universities like San Diego State, University of Hawaii, and Indiana University are using these tools to enhance student learning and prepare them for the future.

Colleges rush to equip students for AI jobs

Colleges are urgently working to prepare students for a job market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Many entry-level positions are disappearing as AI takes over routine tasks, forcing universities to teach practical AI application skills. Institutions like San Diego State University are giving students free access to tools like ChatGPT Plus. Business schools, such as the Wharton School, are launching new AI majors. The California State University system is providing AI tools like ChatGPT Edu, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot to all its students, faculty, and staff to ensure they are competitive.

AI slop is overwhelming the internet, NPR reports

NPR's 'It's Been a Minute' discusses the rise of 'AI slop,' which includes bizarre videos and uncanny images created with artificial intelligence. This content is flooding the web, making money for some creators while potentially driving users offline. Host Brittany Luse talks with a tech reporter about the limits of AI creativity and the impact of this 'slop' on our daily lives and online experiences. The segment explores how AI is constantly affecting us in both visible and invisible ways.

WebDR launches AI training for Canadian executives

WebDR has launched a new 'AI Training for Executives' program in Canada to equip business leaders with AI-driven skills. The program focuses on practical, hands-on learning through case studies and workshops. It aims to help executives build AI-informed strategies and lead AI-powered teams. WebDR, an AI consultancy and web design firm based in Ottawa, offers this training to bridge the gap between AI theory and real-world application. The program teaches leaders how AI can improve operations, customer experiences, and innovation.

Microsoft cuts jobs amid massive AI investment

Microsoft has laid off 42 more employees at its Redmond, Washington headquarters, continuing recent workforce reductions. These cuts occur as the company invests over $100 billion in artificial intelligence initiatives. The affected roles are in areas like engineering and product management. CEO Satya Nadella stated these adjustments are necessary for agility and to capitalize on AI opportunities. This strategy mirrors other tech companies cutting jobs to fund AI restructuring, while Microsoft's stock performance has risen due to AI excitement.

AI makes identity management harder, report finds

A new report from SailPoint reveals that managing identities is becoming more difficult due to the rise of AI and machine accounts. Most organizations are not prepared to handle these growing numbers of AI-driven identities at scale, creating new security risks. The study found that many companies are still using manual processes for identity management. While advanced organizations use AI for dynamic access control, most lag behind. The report highlights that machine identities and AI agents are growing faster than human ones, often without proper governance.

NBA star Tristan Thompson calls AI 'the ultimate teammate'

NBA champion Tristan Thompson believes artificial intelligence is transforming the sports experience for fans and athletes. He notes that AI helps fans engage more deeply through fantasy leagues, real-time stats, and AI-driven 'what-if' scenarios. Thompson highlights how AI enhances fan interaction with personalized content and immersive experiences, even in venues. While acknowledging concerns about AI's impact on authenticity, he stresses the importance of using AI to amplify sports' passion and connect fans globally. He advocates for AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement for the human element of sports.

Scale AI cuts dozen from key AI safety team

Scale AI has recently laid off twelve contractors from its Red Team, which tests AI models for potential harms. Some workers believe this follows Meta's $14 billion investment, leading to reduced work. Scale AI stated the cuts were due to performance issues and not a restructuring, emphasizing that its red teaming work continues. These layoffs affect contingent workers and follow earlier reductions in July. OpenAI, a major customer of Scale AI's Red Team, recently hired a former Red Team lead, potentially impacting the team's workload.

Powell's Books faces backlash over AI-generated T-shirt art

Powell's Books is facing criticism after a customer pointed out a T-shirt design featuring a 'wonky' image likely created with AI assistance. The bookstore acknowledged hiring a local artist who used AI software, like Adobe's, for the merchandise designs. This sparked an uproar among fans and employees who raised concerns about the use of AI over human artists. Powell's stated they value human artists and are seeking local artists for future designs. The incident highlights ongoing debates about AI's role in creative industries and its impact on artists.

Booking.com uses AI to fight online fraud

Booking.com is increasingly using artificial intelligence to protect customers from online fraud, according to Senior Product Manager Siddhartha Choudhury. The platform handles vast amounts of data to detect issues like fake reviews, scams, and account takeovers. Booking.com combines multiple AI tools, both from vendors and in-house solutions, to combat sophisticated cyber threats. They focus on balancing performance with cost-efficiency and ensure AI decisions are fair, with human oversight and clear explanations. AI helps security analysts work more efficiently by handling large data volumes, allowing experts to focus on critical threats.

Sources

• Omada Releases Threat Model to Help Healthcare Organizations Assess AI Security and Privacy Risks
• Omada Develops Threat Model to Help Healthcare Organizations Assess AI Security and Compliance Risks
• How Gemini for Education accelerates learning for over 10 million college students
• Colleges Race To Prepare Students For The AI Workplace
• How AI slop is clogging your brain : It's Been a Minute
• Webdr Launches "AI Training for Executives" Program-Empowering Leadership with AI in Canada
• Microsoft Cuts 42 More Jobs in Redmond Amid $100B AI Investments
• Identity management was hard, AI made it harder
• NBA champion Tristan Thompson: 'AI is the ultimate teammate'
• Scale AI made cuts to a key AI team
• A ‘wonky’ image on a Powell’s Books T-shirt was generated with help from AI. It caused an uproar
• Siddhartha Choudhury, Booking.com: Fighting online fraud with AI