Google's Threat Intelligence Group recently thwarted a significant attempt to clone its Gemini AI model, blocking over 100,000 prompts aimed at replicating its unique reasoning abilities across languages. This "model extraction" effort, which Google warns violates its terms of service and could lead to legal action, highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting intellectual property in AI, a concern also shared by OpenAI. Furthermore, Google's latest threat report indicates that AI is being exploited by scammers to create more convincing phishing attacks and malware, with government-backed groups from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia also using AI for research and operations, leading Google to disable their accounts.
The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is also impacting the consumer electronics market, particularly through a growing shortage of memory chips. Experts predict this could drive up smartphone selling prices by 3 to 8 percent in 2026. Samsung Electronics CEO Han Jong-hee has already warned of potential price increases for their smartphones due to these rising chip costs, leading to a surge in demand for refurbished devices as a more affordable alternative.
In education, Arizona lawmakers are advancing a bill, HB 4005, to mandate AI instruction in schools starting in the 2027-2028 school year, focusing on ethical use and basic prompt techniques. Concurrently, Cobb County has approved Power Public Schools, a new charter school set to open in August 2027, which will utilize AI-powered personalized learning for middle school students. While offering innovation, experts emphasize that AI in education functions best when supported by strong teacher guidance rather than as a replacement for educators.
The need for human oversight and ethical guidelines for AI is becoming increasingly clear across various sectors. A Quebec realtor recently apologized for using an AI-altered home photo, underscoring the demand for transparency in marketing. Similarly, a leading financial markets group urged that human accountability remains crucial as AI takes over trading activities, while the Indiana Supreme Court issued guidelines for judges on responsible AI use, emphasizing ethical rules and the need for judges to remain responsible for AI-generated output. David Sacks, the White House AI and crypto czar, warned that excessive caution and numerous AI laws could hinder innovation, risking the US's lead in the global AI race.
Beyond risks, AI is also seen as a powerful tool for growth and efficiency. Cybersecurity is rapidly shifting towards AI-powered platforms, with major acquisitions like Google's purchase of Wiz demonstrating this trend, aiming to improve security operations' speed and cost. Business experts like Amit Iarochevsky advocate for a human-centered approach, viewing AI as an opportunity for individuals and businesses to automate tasks and boost efficiency, allowing teams to focus on higher-value work, rather than a threat to jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Google blocked over 100,000 attempts to clone its Gemini AI model, with OpenAI facing similar intellectual property threats.
- Google's threat report indicates AI is used by scammers for convincing phishing and malware, and by government-backed groups (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia) for operations.
- The AI boom is causing a memory chip shortage, projected to increase smartphone prices by 3 to 8 percent in 2026, with Samsung Electronics CEO warning of potential price hikes.
- Arizona is advancing a bill (HB 4005) to mandate AI education in schools by 2027-2028, while Cobb County approved an AI-powered charter school (Power Public Schools) opening in August 2027.
- Ethical concerns around AI use are rising, as seen with a Quebec realtor apologizing for an AI-altered home photo and the Indiana Supreme Court issuing guidelines for judges on responsible AI use.
- Financial markets groups emphasize the critical need for human oversight and accountability as AI increasingly takes over trading activities.
- David Sacks, White House AI czar, warned that excessive regulation could hinder US innovation and risk its lead in the global AI race.
- The cybersecurity industry is consolidating around AI-powered platforms, exemplified by Google acquiring Wiz, to enhance security operations, but this also introduces new risks like widespread outages.
- Experts advocate for a human-centered approach to AI, emphasizing that humans must define its policies and goals, and that AI should be seen as a tool for growth and efficiency, not a job threat.
- AI can automate routine tasks, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value work, as demonstrated by Ariom Consulting's efforts to boost efficiency for businesses.
Arizona Lawmakers Advance Bill for AI Education in Schools
The Arizona House Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation approved a bill, HB 4005, to make schools teach students about AI. This bill, introduced by Rep. Nick Kupper, requires instruction on the ethical and educational uses of AI, including basic prompt techniques. Schools can add this to current classes or create new ones. They must also report their AI instruction to the Arizona Department of Education each year by October 15. The bill aims to prepare students for the future and will start in the 2027-2028 school year.
Cobb County Approves New AI Learning Charter School
Cobb County has approved Power Public Schools, a new charter school using AI-powered personalized learning. Starting in August 2027 with 100 middle school students, the school will grow yearly for five years. This approval highlights how AI is changing education in Georgia, offering benefits like adaptive learning and early college pathways. While charter schools offer flexibility and innovation, concerns exist about varied academic results and funding. Experts stress that AI works best with strong teacher guidance, not as a replacement for educators.
Google Blocks Major Attempt to Clone Gemini AI
Google's Threat Intelligence Group blocked over 100,000 prompts aimed at copying its Gemini AI model. This "model extraction" attempt sought to replicate Gemini's unique reasoning abilities, especially in different languages. Google wants to stop others from profiting from its AI investments. The company warns that such actions violate its terms of service and could lead to legal action. Other AI providers like OpenAI also face similar threats of intellectual property theft. Google also found that government-backed groups from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia used Gemini for their operations, leading Google to disable their accounts.
Google Warns AI Makes Scams More Convincing
Google's latest threat report reveals that scammers are using AI to create more convincing and harmful attacks. The Google Threat Intelligence Group observed AI being used to gather information, develop realistic phishing scams, and create malware. AI helps these attackers speed up their operations, making them more effective. Government-backed groups from North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia also used AI for research and phishing in late 2025. Google warns about new threats like model extraction, AI-integrated malware, and underground "jailbreak" services. This means people need to be more careful about what they click and engage with online.
Quebec Realtor Apologizes for AI Altered Home Photo
A realtor and their agency in Quebec issued an apology after using an image edited with artificial intelligence. The AI-altered picture changed the front of a home that was listed for sale. This incident highlights the need for transparency when using AI in real estate marketing. The apology was made on February 12, 2026.
AI Boom Drives Up Smartphone Prices and Chip Costs
The growing use of artificial intelligence is causing a shortage of memory chips, which will likely increase smartphone prices in 2026. Experts predict smartphone selling prices could rise by 3 to 8 percent. Wolfgang Weber from ZVEI noted the AI boom's impact on the memory chip market, causing significant economic damage in Germany from past shortages. Samsung Electronics CEO Han Jong-hee also warned of potential price increases for their smartphones. As memory chip costs become a larger part of phone production, the market for refurbished smartphones is growing rapidly as an alternative.
Experts Advocate Human Centered Approach to AI
Michael R. Ford argues for a human-centered approach to artificial intelligence, especially in government and public administration. He notes that while AI offers great potential for efficiency and social progress, it should not be seen as a universal solution. Ford emphasizes that humans must create clear policies, goals, and purposes for AI use. This approach requires new skills, updated accountability, and careful oversight. By automating routine tasks, AI can help government focus on important human needs, but it needs responsible implementation and education to ensure it serves people effectively.
Financial Group Urges Human Oversight for AI Trading
A leading financial markets group has warned that artificial intelligence will soon replace human traders. In an industry review, the wholesale financial markets standards setter stressed that human accountability will be crucial as AI takes over trading activities. This means people must still oversee and be responsible for the decisions made by AI systems in finance. The warning was issued on February 13, 2026.
Indiana Supreme Court Guides Judges on AI Use
The Indiana Supreme Court has released new guidelines to help trial court judges use artificial intelligence responsibly. This guidance includes bench cards, checklists, and model policies, developed by its AI Governance Committee. The move comes after a California court fined a lawyer for using fake AI-generated case citations. Janelle O'Malley, committee chair, stressed that judges must follow ethical rules, especially when handling sensitive court data. The goal is to provide a baseline understanding of AI for all judges, ensuring they can evaluate and use these tools competently while remaining responsible for the final output.
Cybersecurity Shifts to AI Platforms with New Risks
The cybersecurity industry is rapidly changing, moving towards consolidated platforms powered by artificial intelligence. Major deals like Cisco buying Splunk and Google acquiring Wiz show this shift, making security analytics and cloud security core platform features. AI is now a key tool for improving security operations' speed and cost. However, this concentration also brings new risks, as seen in the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage that affected millions of Windows devices and caused billions in losses. Companies now face higher expectations for integrated security, must adopt Zero Trust principles, and prove their operational maturity to customers.
Trump AI Czar Warns US Risks Losing AI Race
David Sacks, the White House AI and crypto czar, warned that the United States risks losing the global AI race. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Sacks stated that too much caution and a potential "1,200 different AI laws" could harm innovation. He called this a "self-inflicted injury" that might allow other countries to take the lead. Sacks emphasized the importance of finding a balanced approach that encourages new ideas while still managing the risks of AI technology.
AI Is a Tool for Growth Not a Threat
Amit Iarochevsky, a Fuqua alum and business expert, argues that artificial intelligence is an opportunity for growth, not a threat to jobs. He believes that people who learn to use AI as leverage will succeed, much like those who adapted during the Industrial Revolution. Iarochevsky suggests asking AI how it can improve your work as a practical first step. He founded Ariom Consulting to help businesses use AI to automate tasks, solve problems, and boost efficiency, allowing teams to focus on quality and growth. His work includes automating finance for a healthcare startup and improving production and customer service for a luxury manufacturer.
Sources
- Arizona House committee backs bill requiring AI curriculum
- Cobb approves new AI-powered charter school as metro Atlanta districts weigh major restructuring plans
- Google fears massive attempt to clone Gemini AI through model extraction
- Google Says That Scam Tactics Are Evolving Through AI Usage
- Realtor, agency apologize for AI image that altered facade of Quebec home for sale
- AI-fueled chip shortage is driving up smartphone prices
- A Human Centered Approach to AI
- Financial Body Warns AI In Trading Needs Human Oversight
- Indiana Supreme Court offers AI guidance for trial court judges
- Platforms, AI and Concentration
- 'Self-Inflicted Injury,' Trump's AI Czar Warns As '1,200 Different AI Laws' Could Cost The U.S. The Global AI Race
- AI: Friend Or Foe? Lessons From Life After Fuqua
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