The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established this panel, the first global scientific body dedicated to AI, to provide independent insights into AI's impacts and risks. While 117 nations supported its creation, the United States and Paraguay voted against it. The panel members, chosen from over 2,600 candidates, include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US, Anna Korhonen from Cambridge, and Princeton's Adji Bousso Dieng and Aleksandra Korolova, who is known for her work on RAPPOR.
Economically, the AI boom is raising concerns about increased costs for middle-class Americans. Goldman Sachs analysts project consumer electricity inflation will jump 6% from 2026 to 2027, potentially boosting core inflation by 0.1% in both years, affecting prices for medical care, food, new vehicles, and clothing. Data centers, essential for AI, consume vast amounts of electricity, sometimes more than a small city, leading to higher utility bills for everyone. Politicians like President Donald Trump suggest tech companies should bear these costs, with some states already requiring them to fund power plant upgrades.
Wall Street is currently experiencing a significant sell-off, driven by fears that AI will disrupt various industries. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 3.7% this week, and the S&P 500 Index dropped 2.4%. This "AI scare trade" has particularly impacted sectors like software, private credit, real estate brokers, data analytics, legal services, and insurers. Companies such as Salesforce, Adobe, Thomson Reuters, and major insurance brokers have seen their shares decline as investors react to the potential "dark side" of AI's influence.
In product developments, Google now allows US users to shop directly within its AI Mode search results, enabling purchases from sites like Etsy via the Universal Commerce Protocol. AI Twin launched a personalized digital assistant on February 13, 2026, offering a "Test Drive" of its privacy-first Personal Operating System, which creates a digital "twin" for proactive task management. Additionally, Happy, a coffee brand co-founded by Robert Downey Jr., is upgrading its Enterprise Resource Planning system with NetSuite's AI cloud platform to streamline operations. Even ChatGPT is being used creatively, with a "Gravity" prompt designed to make it a tough critic for refining ideas.
The integration of AI is also being addressed in education and the arts. The Kentucky Department of Education updated superintendents on February 10 about plans for safe and responsible AI use in schools, including a proposed coaching model and increased KETS funding for AI strategies. Meanwhile, Cleveland's public art scene is debating AI's role in art creation. While some artists acknowledge AI as a tool, many, like Isaiah Williams, express concern about losing the human touch and community soul in AI-generated art, emphasizing the need for artists to remain lead creatives.
Key Takeaways
- The UN General Assembly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on AI on February 12, 2026, despite opposition from the United States and Paraguay.
- This panel, the first global scientific body on AI, includes experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, Anna Korhonen, Adji Bousso Dieng, and Aleksandra Korolova.
- Goldman Sachs analysts predict the AI boom will increase consumer electricity inflation by 6% from 2026-2027 and core inflation by 0.1% in both years.
- Politicians like President Donald Trump suggest tech companies should cover the rising electricity costs associated with data centers.
- Wall Street experienced a significant sell-off, with the Nasdaq Composite falling 3.7% and the S&P 500 dropping 2.4%, due to fears of AI disrupting industries.
- Companies such as Salesforce, Adobe, Thomson Reuters, and major insurance brokers are among those impacted by the "AI scare trade."
- Google now allows US users to make direct purchases from sites like Etsy within its AI Mode search results, utilizing the Universal Commerce Protocol.
- AI Twin launched a personalized digital assistant on February 13, 2026, featuring a privacy-first Personal Operating System that creates a digital "twin" for task management.
- Happy, a coffee brand co-founded by Robert Downey Jr., is upgrading its Enterprise Resource Planning system with NetSuite's AI cloud platform to streamline operations.
- The Kentucky Department of Education is implementing AI supports for schools, while Cleveland artists debate AI's role in public art, emphasizing human creativity and community.
UN Creates AI Panel Despite US Opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established the panel to provide independent scientific insights into AI's impacts and risks. The United States and Paraguay voted against the panel, while 117 nations supported it. The panel members, selected from over 2,600 candidates, include experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US. They will serve three-year terms.
UN Creates AI Panel Despite US Opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established the panel to provide independent scientific insights into AI's impacts and risks. The United States and Paraguay voted against the panel, while 117 nations supported it. The panel members, selected from over 2,600 candidates, include experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US. They will serve three-year terms.
UN Creates AI Panel Despite US Opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established the panel to provide independent scientific insights into AI's impacts and risks. The United States and Paraguay voted against the panel, while 117 nations supported it. The panel members, selected from over 2,600 candidates, include experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US. They will serve three-year terms.
UN Creates AI Panel Despite US Opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established the panel to provide independent scientific insights into AI's impacts and risks. The United States and Paraguay voted against the panel, while 117 nations supported it. The panel members, selected from over 2,600 candidates, include experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US. They will serve three-year terms.
Anna Korhonen Joins UN AI Panel
Anna Korhonen, a professor and director at the University of Cambridge, was appointed to the UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. This panel is the first global scientific body focused on artificial intelligence. Forty members from diverse backgrounds and regions were chosen from over 2,600 candidates after an independent review. They will serve three-year terms, providing independent insights on AI's opportunities, risks, and impacts to all member states.
Princeton Scientists Join UN AI Panel
Princeton Engineering faculty members Adji Bousso Dieng and Aleksandra Korolova joined the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. The United Nations created this panel in August 2025 as the first global scientific body dedicated to artificial intelligence. Professor Dieng researches AI and natural sciences. Professor Korolova's work on RAPPOR, the first commercial deployment of differential privacy, received the CCS 2024 Test-of-Time Award. They will help bridge cutting-edge AI research with policymaking.
UN Creates AI Panel Despite US Opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established the panel to provide independent scientific insights into AI's impacts and risks. The United States and Paraguay voted against the panel, while 117 nations supported it. The panel members, selected from over 2,600 candidates, include experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US. They will serve three-year terms.
UN Creates AI Panel Despite US Opposition
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a 40-member global scientific panel on artificial intelligence on February 12, 2026. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established the panel to provide independent scientific insights into AI's impacts and risks. The United States and Paraguay voted against the panel, while 117 nations supported it. The panel members, selected from over 2,600 candidates, include experts like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and professors Vipin Kumar and Martha Palmer from the US. They will serve three-year terms.
AI Boom Raises US Electric and Food Costs
Goldman Sachs analysts warn that the data center and AI boom will increase costs for middle-class Americans. They predict consumer electricity inflation will jump 6% from 2026 to 2027. This rise in power prices will also boost core inflation by 0.1% in 2026 and 2027, affecting medical, food, new vehicles, and clothing prices. Data centers are consuming vast resources, leading to higher electricity bills for businesses and consumers. This could drag down consumer spending and GDP growth.
Data Centers Face Pressure on Electricity Costs
Rising electricity costs are sparking debate over who should pay for the massive power demands of data centers and AI. Politicians like President Donald Trump agree that tech companies should cover these costs, but how remains unclear. Data centers, which power AI, consume huge amounts of electricity, sometimes more than a small city. This demand can raise prices for all consumers as utilities build new infrastructure. Some states now require tech companies to use long-term contracts and pay for necessary power plant upgrades.
AI Fears Shake US Stock Market
Wall Street is experiencing a significant sell-off due to fears about AI disrupting various industries. Investors are dumping shares in sectors like software, private credit, real estate brokers, data analytics, legal services, and insurers. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 3.7% this week, and the S&P 500 Index dropped 2.4%. Experts note that fear drives market sentiment, with investors selling first and asking questions later. This "AI scare trade" has impacted companies such as Salesforce, Adobe, Thomson Reuters, and major insurance brokers.
AI Fears Shake US Stock Market
Wall Street is experiencing a significant sell-off due to fears about AI disrupting various industries. Investors are dumping shares in sectors like software, private credit, real estate brokers, data analytics, legal services, and insurers. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 3.7% this week, and the S&P 500 Index dropped 2.4%. Experts note that fear drives market sentiment, with investors selling first and asking questions later. This "AI scare trade" has impacted companies such as Salesforce, Adobe, Thomson Reuters, and major insurance brokers.
Gravity Prompt Helps Fix Weak Ideas
Amanda, a writer for Tom's Guide, developed a "Gravity" prompt for ChatGPT to test and improve ideas. This prompt makes ChatGPT act as a tough critic, challenging assumptions and exposing weak points. It helps users find flaws, contradictions, and overlooked risks in their thinking. Unlike typical AI interactions, the "Gravity" prompt forces the model to push back instead of just agreeing. This method helps users refine their ideas and ensures they are truly solid.
Google AI Mode Now Lets You Shop Directly
Google now allows users in the US to buy products directly within its AI Mode search results. This new feature, powered by the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), lets users purchase items from sites like Etsy without leaving Google. When searching for product recommendations, AI will display listings, and users can add items to a cart and check out using Google Pay. This aims to make online shopping faster and more convenient, but it requires users to trust AI-generated recommendations.
AI Twin Launches Smart Personal Assistant
AI Twin launched a new personalized digital assistant designed for smarter living and increased productivity on February 13, 2026. The company introduced a "Test Drive" experience for its privacy-first Personal Operating System, or Personal OS. This innovative system creates a unique digital "twin" that learns user preferences and proactively manages tasks. Key features include proactive task management, personalized information, and enhanced decision support, all while ensuring maximum privacy with local data processing or encryption. AI Twin aims to empower individuals and integrate technology seamlessly into daily life.
Cleveland Artists Debate AI in Public Art
Cleveland's public art scene is debating the role of artificial intelligence in art creation. While AI tools like ChatGPT can quickly generate images, many local artists question if AI art is truly art. Artist Isaiah Williams believes art should come from the community's soul and feels betrayed by AI art. Jordan Wong and Chi Wong acknowledge AI as a potential tool but worry about losing the human touch and soul in art. LAND Studio, an organization curating public art, suggests AI could have a place if artists remain the lead creatives and community is centered.
AI Fears Impact Software and Transport Stocks
Fears surrounding artificial intelligence are causing a sell-off in the stock market. Software stocks, represented by IGV, and transport stocks, represented by ^DJT, have both seen declines. Innovator Capital Management chief investment strategist Tim Urbanowicz and Yahoo Finance Senior Business Reporter Ines Ferré discussed these market actions. Investors are concerned about the potential "dark side" of AI's impact on various industries.
Kentucky Schools Get AI Support Update
Kentucky superintendents received an update on the Kentucky Department of Education's AI supports and "All In for Ag Education Week" during a webcast on February 10. KDE's chief digital officer, Marty Park, discussed plans for safe and responsible AI use in schools, including a proposed coaching model. Increased KETS funding will support AI strategies, digital learning coaches, and integrating AI into academic standards. The "All In for Ag Education Week" is set for March 16-20, highlighting agriculture education. This initiative, a collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, saw a 21% increase in county participation last year.
Happy Coffee Brand Boosts Operations with AI
Happy, a coffee brand co-founded by Robert Downey Jr. and Craig Dubitsky, is upgrading its Enterprise Resource Planning system with NetSuite's AI cloud platform. This overhaul aims to improve visibility, speed up financial processes, and streamline operations for new products and expansion. The AI-enabled system automates workflows across supply chain, finance, inventory, and e-commerce. Happy's CEO, Craig Dubitsky, stated that this implementation simplifies complex distribution and logistics, boosting team productivity.
Sources
- UN approves 40-member scientific panel on the impact of artificial intelligence over US objections
- UN approves 40-member scientific panel on the impact of artificial intelligence over US objections
- UN approves 40-member scientific panel on the impact of artificial intelligence over US objections
- UN approves 40-member scientific panel on impact of artificial intelligence
- Anna Korhonen appointed for UN panel on Artificial Intelligence
- Princeton Engineering - Two computer scientists named to U.N. panel on artificial intelligence
- UN approves 40-member scientific panel on the impact of artificial intelligence over US objections
- UN approves 40-member scientific panel on the impact of artificial intelligence over US objections
- Middle-class Americans are paying for the data center and AI boom with higher electric bills and even food costs, Goldman Sachs warns
- As electricity costs rise, everyone wants data centers to pick up their tab. But how?
- From software to real estate, U.S. sectors under the grip of AI scare trade
- From software to real estate, U.S. sectors under the grip of AI scare trade
- I use the “Gravity” prompt with ChatGPT every day — here’s how it finds and fixes weak ideas
- You can now buy products in Google AI Mode without leaving the search results
- AI Twin Introduces Personalized Digital Assistant for Smarter Living and Enhanced Productivity
- Does artificial intelligence have a future in Cleveland's public art scene?
- AI trade's 'dark side' could play out in 2 ways
- Superintendents hear update on KDE’s artificial intelligence supports, All In for Ag Education Week during webcast
- Coffee Brand Happy Gets AI-Enabled ERP Overhaul
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