meta, google and openai Updates

Recent developments in AI span from privacy concerns to educational tools and regulatory scrutiny. Meta is under examination as contractors reviewing AI chatbot interactions on Facebook and Instagram are exposed to users' private chats and personal data, raising questions about data protection. Meanwhile, Google is targeting the education sector by offering college students a free year of AI Pro, which includes access to Gemini and new learning tools like the Guided Learning mode. Other AI companies are also developing study tools, prompting debate about their effectiveness compared to traditional learning methods. In the regulatory sphere, a U.S. Senate provision that would have prevented states from regulating AI was rejected due to concerns about child exploitation, highlighting ongoing tensions around Big Tech's influence. OpenAI is offering ChatGPT Enterprise to U.S. federal agencies for a nominal fee of $1, aiming to make advanced AI accessible to the government workforce. On a local level, Plymouth, Minnesota, is utilizing AI to monitor tree health, demonstrating practical applications of AI in urban management. Concerns extend to international affairs, with China's GoLaxy using AI to influence global opinion and U.S. senators calling for an investigation into DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, over potential security risks associated with its open-source AI model R1. In the legal field, the need for professional AI tools tailored for small law firms is emphasized, as basic AI tools like ChatGPT may lack the necessary security and reliability. Finally, some educators express concerns about the harmful effects of AI in classrooms, citing issues such as students submitting AI-generated work and avoiding critical thinking.

Key Takeaways

• Meta's AI contractors are accessing private user chats on Facebook and Instagram, raising privacy concerns.
• Google is providing college students with a free year of AI Pro, including access to Gemini and new AI learning tools.
• The U.S. Senate rejected a provision that would have prevented states from regulating AI, citing concerns about child exploitation.
• OpenAI is offering ChatGPT Enterprise to U.S. federal agencies for $1 for the next year.
• Plymouth, Minnesota, is using AI to monitor the health of its trees, improving efficiency and accuracy.
• China's GoLaxy is employing AI to influence global opinion, marking a new phase in digital propaganda.
• U.S. senators are requesting an investigation into DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, due to potential security risks.
• Small law firms require professional AI tools with enhanced security and accuracy, unlike basic AI tools like ChatGPT.
• Some educators believe AI is detrimental in the classroom, as students are using it to avoid genuine learning.
• AI companies like Chegg and Macmillan Learning are adapting by adding AI features to their platforms.

Meta's AI contractors see private user chats and personal data

Meta uses contractors to improve its AI by reviewing user chats with chatbots. Some contractors are seeing personal information like names and contact details. This data can appear next to chat histories to help personalize AI responses. Meta says it has strict rules about who can see personal data, but some chats contain very private details.

Meta contractors view Facebook users' private chats with AI chatbots

Meta contractors are reviewing Facebook users' chats with AI to improve the technology. These contractors can see users sharing personal information like names and phone numbers. Some users treat the AI like a friend, sharing selfies and private details. Meta says it has strict rules to protect personal data, but this raises questions about user privacy.

Meta contractors access private Facebook and Instagram chats for AI training

Meta's AI contractors are accessing sensitive user chats on Facebook and Instagram. These chats include personal details shared with AI chatbots. Meta says this review is needed to improve AI, but critics worry about data protection. Contractors see users' private conversations, raising concerns about how Meta handles user trust and privacy.

Meta AI training exposes private user chats to human contractors

Meta is training its AI chatbot using human contractors who can access private user chats. These contractors see personal details and sensitive conversations. Meta says this helps improve the AI's responses, but it raises concerns about user privacy. Experts worry about data protection laws and the ethical handling of user information.

Google gives college students free AI Pro with new learning tools

Google is offering college students a free year of its AI Pro plan. This includes access to Gemini, Deep Research model, and teaching tools. Google is also launching a Guided Learning mode for Gemini, which acts like a personal AI learning helper. The company is investing $1 billion in AI education programs.

AI industry targets students with new study tools

AI companies are creating study tools for students, like ChatGPT's new study mode. These tools aim to help students learn, but how do they compare to traditional methods? Companies like Chegg and Macmillan Learning are adapting by adding AI features to their platforms. Some students mix AI with traditional tools, while others avoid AI due to concerns about learning.

Senate almost banned AI regulations but rejected Big Tech push

The U.S. Senate almost passed a provision that would have stopped states from regulating AI. This AI moratorium was backed by Big Tech but was removed after concerns about child exploitation. Senators voted 99-1 to reject the provision, fearing it would harm children. The fight for AI regulation continues as concerns about Big Tech's influence remain.

OpenAI offers ChatGPT to government agencies for just $1

OpenAI will offer its ChatGPT Enterprise product to U.S. federal agencies for $1 for the next year. This makes the AI technology available to the government workforce at almost no cost. Participating agencies will get access to advanced AI models and features. OpenAI is partnering with the U.S. General Services Administration for this initiative.

Plymouth Minnesota uses AI to monitor tree health

Plymouth, Minnesota is using AI to monitor the health of its trees. The city uses scanners on a truck to collect data on about 40,000 trees. This helps them find dying trees and prevent storm damage. The AI technology saves time and provides more accurate data compared to manual surveys.

China's GoLaxy uses AI to influence global opinion

China's AI-powered influence operations are entering a new phase. GoLaxy, a tech firm, is a key player in China's digital propaganda efforts. This involves using AI to reshape global opinion.

Senators want probe of DeepSeek AI security risks

Seven U.S. senators are asking the Commerce Department to investigate DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company. They worry that DeepSeek's open-source AI model R1 could be a national security threat. The senators fear it could leak data or be used for harmful purposes. They want a report on DeepSeek's risks and compliance with U.S. regulations.

Small law firms need professional AI, not basic tools

Small law firms need AI, but not the kind used by regular consumers. Basic AI tools like ChatGPT aren't secure or reliable enough for legal work. Professional AI is designed for legal practices, offering better accuracy and security. It uses trusted legal databases and has expert validation to ensure it meets legal standards.

AI does more harm than good in classroom says teacher

A high school English teacher believes AI is harmful in the classroom. Students are submitting AI-generated work as their own, making it hard to assess learning. While AI has potential benefits, students often use it to avoid thinking. The teacher plans to return to traditional methods to encourage genuine learning.

Sources

• Meta contractors say they read intimate chats with its AI — and see data that identifies users
• Meta contractors say they can see Facebook users sharing private information with their AI chatbots
• Meta Contractors Access Sensitive Chats for AI Training on Facebook, Instagram
• Meta AI Training Exposes User Private Chats to Contractors
• College students can get Google AI Pro for free, as company launches new guided learning mode
• So long, study guides? The AI industry is going after students
• A ban on artificial intelligence regulations? Yes, that nearly happened.
• OpenAI is giving ChatGPT to the government for $1
• Plymouth becomes first Minnesota city to monitor tree health using AI
• How China’s GoLaxy is using AI to reshape global opinion: Inside Beijing’s next-gen propaganda tool
• Seven U.S. Senators Urge Commerce to Investigate DeepSeek AI Security Risks
• Why small law firms need professional-grade AI
• AI Has Done Far More Harm Than Good in My Classroom (Opinion)