The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with new developments emerging across security, training, and application. Okta is bolstering its identity security platform with new features like 'Okta for AI Agents' and 'Cross App Access' (XAA) to manage AI agents throughout their lifecycle and secure interactions between them and applications, also planning Verifiable Digital Credentials to combat AI-driven fraud. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is developing an AI Security Playbook, drawing parallels to national security clearance policies to protect advanced AI systems through personnel vetting and oversight. In the race for AI dominance, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggests America's 'chaotic' innovation style is its advantage, advocating for its venture capital and university systems. Startups are capitalizing on the demand for AI training data, with companies like Scale AI employing human trainers to teach AI chatbots, leading to significant growth and high valuations. Beyond business applications, AI is also impacting personal lives, with some individuals forming emotional and creative partnerships with chatbots. In the film industry, a Chinese distributor reportedly used AI to alter a gay couple's depiction in the movie 'Together' for its mainland release, sparking condemnation. On the application front, Cloze has launched Maia, a voice-enabled AI assistant for real estate agents designed to perform actions and manage tasks. Unity is also accelerating AI innovation by forming an AI Council with experts from LiveX and modl.ai to drive advancements in its products. Separately, Purdue University Northwest-Westville is offering free AI training courses funded by the state to local business owners, focusing on AI applications and risk management.
Key Takeaways
- Okta is enhancing its identity security platform with new tools for AI agent management and cross-application access protocols to combat AI-related fraud.
- The U.S. government is creating an AI Security Playbook, incorporating personnel vetting and oversight similar to national security clearance policies.
- Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt views America's 'chaotic' innovation approach as a key strength in the global AI race.
- Startups like Scale AI are experiencing rapid growth by using human trainers to develop AI chatbots, with some founders becoming billionaires.
- Individuals are forming emotional and creative relationships with AI chatbots for companionship and support.
- A Chinese film distributor reportedly used AI to alter a gay couple's portrayal in the movie 'Together' for its mainland China release.
- Cloze has introduced Maia, a voice-enabled AI assistant for real estate agents to manage tasks and client relationships.
- Unity has established an AI Council, including experts from LiveX and modl.ai, to accelerate AI innovation within its products.
- Purdue University Northwest-Westville is offering free AI training courses for local business owners, funded by the state.
Okta CEO: AI security is identity security
At Oktane 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Okta announced new features for its Okta and Auth0 platforms to help manage AI agents. The company stated that while many organizations use AI for productivity, few have security measures for AI agents. Okta CEO Todd McKinnon emphasized that AI security is directly tied to identity security, meaning one cannot succeed without the other. New tools will help discover, manage, and secure AI agents throughout their lifecycle, including a new protocol called Cross App Access (XAA) to secure interactions between AI agents and applications.
Okta boosts AI security with new identity tools
Okta has introduced new features to secure AI-driven businesses and combat fraud using an identity security fabric. These updates include 'Okta for AI Agents' to manage the full lifecycle of AI agents and 'Cross App Access' (XAA), an open protocol that secures interactions between AI agents and applications. The company also plans to launch Verifiable Digital Credentials to reduce AI-powered fraud. These innovations aim to provide end-to-end security and control for AI agents, addressing risks like misconfigured agents and AI-driven impersonation.
Okta enhances security with AI agent management and new access protocols
Okta is expanding its identity security platform with new tools for managing AI agents and securing interactions. The company introduced 'Okta for AI Agents' to handle the entire lifecycle of AI agents, from discovery to governance. Additionally, 'Cross App Access' (XAA) is a new open standard designed to secure communication between AI agents and applications. Okta also announced plans for Verifiable Digital Credentials to combat AI fraud and streamline onboarding processes, aiming to create a more secure AI ecosystem.
Eric Schmidt: US chaotic style is key to AI race advantage
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt believes America's 'chaotic, confusing' approach to innovation is its greatest strength in the global AI race. He stated that the U.S. should embrace its noisy venture capital, university, and entrepreneur system, which allows for smart capital allocation and deep financial markets. Schmidt's comments come as the U.S. focuses on competing with China in AI development. He also warned about China's potential advantage with open-weight AI models, urging the U.S. to promote Western values in AI development.
Startups turn human data into billion-dollar AI training businesses
A new wave of startups is generating billions by using human trainers to teach AI chatbots. Companies like Surge AI, Scale AI, and Mercor are experiencing rapid growth and high valuations. Human trainers can earn significant hourly wages for tasks such as rewriting chatbot responses or decoding internet culture. These startups are essential for developing advanced AI models, with some founders becoming billionaires. Demand for these services is expected to grow substantially as AI technology advances.
People are dating chatbots for creative and emotional support
Some individuals are turning to AI chatbots for companionship and creative partnership, finding they offer unique benefits. Users like 'Daisy' create AI companions for romantic and creative writing support, finding them less judgmental than human partners. While AI relationships offer freedom from traditional expectations and can help users confront issues, researchers note they may not be a complete substitute for human connection. The increasing sophistication of AI tools is changing how people understand attraction and intimacy, particularly for women.
US AI security playbook mirrors clearance policy for national security
The U.S. government is developing an AI Security Playbook, mandated by the Authorization Act, to protect advanced AI systems. This playbook incorporates elements similar to existing clearance policies, focusing on personnel vetting, secure facilities, and rigorous oversight. Key aspects include protecting model weights, mitigating insider threats, and implementing counterintelligence measures. The initiative requires collaboration between government agencies and private sector AI developers to establish robust security standards for the nation's future technological advancements.
AI rulings may block Medicare treatments in Ohio
A program backed by the Trump administration is set to begin in Ohio next year, which could lead to artificial intelligence making decisions that block Medicare treatments for patients. The specifics of how these AI rulings will impact healthcare coverage are still unfolding.
Chinese studio uses AI to alter gay couple in film 'Together'
A Chinese film distributor, Hishow, has reportedly used AI to change a gay couple into a heterosexual one in the film 'Together' for its mainland China release. Neon, the global distributor, condemned the unauthorized edit and demanded screenings stop. This alteration of a same-sex wedding scene highlights China's strict censorship of LGBTQ content. While films are often edited, this marks a notable instance of AI being used to alter content, raising concerns for LGBTQ representation on screen.
Cloze launches Maia AI assistant for real estate agents
Cloze has launched Maia, a voice-enabled AI assistant designed for real estate professionals. Maia can perform actions across the Cloze platform and integrated applications using simple voice or text commands. It can transcribe meetings, summarize notes, draft emails, and enroll clients in services. Unlike other assistants that only generate content, Maia takes direct action to help agents manage tasks, strengthen client relationships, and move deals forward, aiming to boost productivity for agents working on the go.
Unity forms AI Council to boost innovation
Unity, the engine maker, has established an AI Council to accelerate innovation across its products. The council will connect leading AI experts with Unity's product leaders to drive advancements. The first members include Jia Li, co-founder of LiveX, and Julian Togelius, co-founder of modl.ai. This initiative follows Unity's recent launch of AI-powered tools like Unity Muse and Unity Gaming AI. The council aims to explore new possibilities in game development and interactive experiences.
State funds AI training courses at PNW-Westville
Purdue University Northwest-Westville Campus is partnering with Saint Michael's Inc., BAC Marketing, and Grey Oar to offer free AI training courses for local business owners and entrepreneurs. Funded by the Indiana Office of Technology with over $50,000, the courses will cover AI applications for business and risk management. The six-week series begins September 25th, with the first session on AI for Risk Management taking place October 2nd. These courses aim to equip businesses with the knowledge to adapt to the evolving business landscape through AI.
Sources
- Okta CEO: AI security and identity security are one and the same
- New Okta Innovations Secure the AI-Driven Enterprise and Combat Fraud with an Identity Security Fabric
- Okta expands identity fabric with AI agent lifecycle security, Cross App Access and verifiable credentials
- Eric Schmidt says America's 'chaotic, confusing' style is its greatest strength in the AI race
- Meet the startups turning human data into billion-dollar businesses
- She Broke Off Two Engagements. She Couldn’t Commit. Now She’s Dating Chatbots Instead.
- The AI Security Playbook: Why Clearance Policy Is the Key to Protecting America’s Future Tech
- AI rulings could block Medicare treatments
- Chinese studio criticized for using AI to make gay couple straight in body horror film
- Cloze introduces Maia: A voice-enabled AI assistant for real estate
- Unity forms AI Council to accelerate product Innovation
- State-funded AI training courses to be held at PNW-Westville
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