meta, google and openai Updates

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across cybersecurity, hardware, and regulation. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike is bolstering its defenses with the launch of its Agentic Security Platform and a $260 million acquisition of Pangea, a company specializing in AI application security. These moves aim to protect AI systems from emerging threats like prompt injection and secure autonomous AI agents, which are increasingly used for business tasks. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz notes that adversaries are leveraging generative AI for sophisticated cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for AI-powered defenses. Meanwhile, the construction of AI data centers faces considerable challenges, according to Kojo CEO Maria Davidson, who describes the situation as a 'perfect storm.' In the realm of consumer tech, Meta is expected to highlight AI-focused hardware and software at its upcoming Connect event. On the legal front, Google is facing a lawsuit from Penske Media Corp. for allegedly using publisher content to train its generative AI without permission. Tech companies, including OpenAI, are also working to build safety nets for children in the AI era, developing safeguards against AI-driven exploitation, guided by principles like Thorn's 'Safety By Design.' The potential for widespread job displacement due to AI is also a growing concern, with some experts suggesting universal basic income may become necessary. In education, IIT-Kharagpur is launching AI and data science degrees taught in Bengali to increase accessibility. Italy has enacted a comprehensive AI law, becoming the first EU country with rules aligned with the EU AI Act, focusing on privacy, oversight, and human-centric AI use. Scale AI CFO Dennis Cinelli has joined Paramount's board, bringing his expertise in high-growth companies and disruptive technologies. Microsoft's Ranveer Chandra is also set to participate in a Penn State forum exploring AI's impact on rural Pennsylvania, aiming to develop policy recommendations for equitable access and adaptation.

Key Takeaways

• CrowdStrike is enhancing its AI security capabilities by acquiring Pangea for $260 million and launching a new Agentic Security Platform to protect AI systems and agents.
• The acquisition of Pangea aims to integrate AI Detection and Response (AIDR) into CrowdStrike's Falcon platform, offering protection against threats like prompt injection.
• CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber threats due to adversaries using generative AI, stressing the need for AI-driven defenses.
• The construction of AI data centers is facing significant logistical and infrastructural challenges, even before GPU installation.
• Meta is anticipated to focus on AI-related hardware and software announcements at its upcoming Meta Connect event.
• Google is being sued by Penske Media Corp. for allegedly using publisher content without permission to train its generative AI models.
• Tech companies, including OpenAI, are developing safeguards to protect children from AI-driven exploitation, with organizations like Thorn promoting 'Safety By Design' principles.
• The potential for widespread job displacement due to AI advancements is leading to discussions about the necessity of universal basic income (UBI).
• Italy has passed a comprehensive AI law, becoming the first EU nation to align with the EU AI Act, emphasizing privacy, human oversight, and transparency.
• Dennis Cinelli, CFO of Scale AI, has joined the board of directors at Paramount, bringing financial and technological expertise.

CrowdStrike boosts AI security with new platform and Pangea acquisition

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike is making a major move into securing AI environments. They launched a new Agentic Security Platform to protect AI systems and acquired Pangea, a company specializing in AI application security, for $260 million. These steps aim to address the growing challenges of securing autonomous AI agents, which are increasingly used for business tasks. The new platform uses an 'enterprise graph' to unify security data and includes AI agents to automate security tasks. Pangea's technology will help prevent attacks like prompt injection, securing AI from development to runtime.

CrowdStrike buys Pangea to enhance AI security on Falcon platform

CrowdStrike announced it will acquire Pangea, a company focused on AI security, to strengthen its Falcon platform. This acquisition aims to provide AI Detection and Response (AIDR) capabilities, securing data, models, agents, and AI interactions. The move addresses the increasing risks from enterprise AI use. Pangea's technology will protect against prompt injection attacks and offer control over AI conversations. This integration will extend the Falcon platform's security to cover the entire AI lifecycle, from development to production.

CrowdStrike launches Threat AI and acquires Pangea for security agents

CrowdStrike has acquired Pangea and introduced Threat AI, a system of AI agents designed for cybersecurity tasks. This initiative is part of CrowdStrike's Agentic Security Workforce, which aims to integrate digital labor across its platform. The Pangea acquisition will enhance CrowdStrike's Falcon platform with AI Detection and Response (AIDR) capabilities, securing AI data, models, and agents. Threat AI will include agents for tasks like malware analysis and threat hunting, with more planned for the future. CrowdStrike also launched new AI agent tools and a no-code builder for custom agents.

CrowdStrike CEO highlights AI's role in sophisticated cyber threats

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz explained how adversaries, including North Korean operatives, are using generative AI to create fake identities and infiltrate companies. He emphasized that AI is making cyber threats more sophisticated and easier to execute. Kurtz stated that companies need AI to defend against AI, highlighting CrowdStrike's focus on securing AI agents. The company announced the acquisition of Pangea, a startup focused on AI agent security, to integrate its technology into the Falcon platform. Analysts believe CrowdStrike is well-positioned to lead in the growing AI security market.

AI data center construction faces challenges, says Kojo CEO

Maria Davidson, CEO of Kojo, a construction procurement platform, discussed the significant challenges facing the construction of AI data centers. She described the current situation as a 'perfect storm' for the industry. Davidson joined Bloomberg Tech to share insights on the latest data center announcements and the hurdles involved in building these facilities, even before the installation of GPUs. The discussion focused on the complexities and potential difficulties in the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure.

Meta Connect expected to feature AI-focused hardware and software

RBC Capital Markets Internet Analyst Brad Erickson discussed upcoming announcements from Meta Connect. Erickson anticipates that Meta will focus on artificial intelligence, revealing new hardware and software features. He shared his insights with Bloomberg Tech, discussing Meta's AI strategy and potential product rollouts. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of AI in Meta's ecosystem and what attendees might expect from the event.

Scale AI CFO Dennis Cinelli joins Paramount's board

Dennis Cinelli, Chief Financial Officer of Scale AI, has been appointed as an independent director to Paramount's board of directors. Cinelli has a strong background in guiding high-growth companies, including Scale AI's significant revenue increase and major investments. He also held key finance roles at Uber and GE Ventures. Paramount highlighted Cinelli's expertise in disruptive technologies and strategic transactions. He will serve on the board's audit committee, bringing his financial insight and experience with emerging technologies to Paramount's strategic vision.

Tech companies build safety nets for children in the AI era

Tech companies are developing safeguards to protect children from the risks of generative AI, as regulations lag behind rapid advancements. Dr. Rebecca Portnoff from Thorn discussed alarming statistics on child exploitation, noting how AI can be used to generate harmful content and blackmail children. Thorn's 'Safety By Design' principles guide companies like Slack, Patreon, and OpenAI to proactively address child safety in AI development, deployment, and maintenance. These principles aim to build AI models that prevent risks and ensure ongoing safety, helping to combat the fast-evolving threats children face online.

Google sued for allegedly using publisher content to train AI

Penske Media Corp., owner of Rolling Stone and Variety, has sued Google, alleging the company uses its search monopoly to train generative AI. The lawsuit claims Google misappropriates valuable content from publishers without permission to create AI overviews. This legal action follows a recent antitrust ruling against Google regarding its advertising technology markets. The plaintiff seeks to hold Google accountable for harm caused and profits gained through the alleged misuse of third-party works for AI training.

AI job displacement may necessitate universal basic income

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is raising concerns about widespread job displacement, potentially leading to the need for universal basic income (UBI). Experts predict millions of American jobs could be disrupted or eliminated by AI in the coming years, affecting both blue-collar and white-collar roles. Some believe UBI could provide a necessary safety net and help address growing wealth inequality. While societal perception of UBI has been mixed, proponents argue that the economic productivity gains from AI could make a basic income more feasible and necessary.

IBM podcast discusses AI ransomware and hiring fraud

The latest Security Intelligence podcast from IBM covers several key cybersecurity topics, including the announcement of the notorious Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters gang retiring. Panelists discussed the ethics of ransomware research and lessons learned from the npm hack regarding software supply chain security. The episode also addresses the state of OT security and the rise of AI-driven hiring fraud. Host Matt Kosinski and panelists Dave Bales, Michelle Alvarez, and Sridhar Muppidi explored these issues, with Dave Bales also discussing CVSS scores.

Penn State forum to explore AI's impact on rural Pennsylvania

Penn State will host a policy forum on September 24th to examine the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) in rural Pennsylvania. The event will bring together about 50 invited participants, including policymakers, educators, and technology leaders from various sectors. Featured speakers include state Rep. Paul Takac and Microsoft's Ranveer Chandra. The forum aims to identify challenges, develop ideas, and formulate policy recommendations to support rural schools and communities in adapting to AI. The goal is to ensure equitable access to AI tools and skills for students in these areas.

Italy enacts comprehensive AI law focusing on privacy and oversight

Italy's parliament has approved a new law regulating artificial intelligence, making it the first EU country with comprehensive AI rules aligned with the EU AI Act. The law emphasizes human-centric, transparent, and safe AI use, while promoting innovation and privacy. It sets cross-sector rules for areas like healthcare and education, requiring traceability and human oversight of AI decisions. The law also restricts AI access for individuals under 14 without parental consent. New criminal penalties target illegal AI use, including deepfakes, and the law authorizes significant investment in AI and related technologies.

IIT-Kharagpur offers AI and data science degrees in Bengali

IIT-Kharagpur is launching a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in subjects like data science and AI, which will be taught entirely in Bengali. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields and make higher education in cutting-edge technology more accessible in West Bengal and beyond. The curriculum will cover machine learning, deep learning, and big data analytics, with students gaining practical experience through projects and internships. IIT-Kharagpur hopes to foster a new generation of technologists and innovators.

Sources

• CrowdStrike Bets Big On Secure AI: New Platform And An Acquisition
• CrowdStrike to boost AI security by acquiring Pangea for Falcon
• CrowdStrike acquires Pangea, builds out its security AI agent
• Not sure how important cyber stocks are in the AI age? Listen to this story from CrowdStrike's CEO
• AI Data Center Construction Faces “Perfect Storm”: Kojo CEO
• AI-Focused Announcements Expected from Meta Connect
• Paramount Adds Scale AI CFO Dennis Cinelli to Board of Directors
• How tech companies are protecting children in the age of generative AI
• Google Faces New Antitrust Claims Alleging AI Search Training 'Misappropriation'
• AI Is taking jobs: Could universal basic income become a reality?
• Security Intelligence—IBM podcast
• Penn State to host policy forum on AI in rural Pennsylvania
• Italy enacts AI law covering privacy, oversight and child access
• IIT-Kgp offers online AI, data science courses in Bengali | Kolkata News - The Times of India