OpenAI Sora 2 Safety, Apple iPad Pro M5 Chip

OpenAI is enhancing safety measures for its Sora 2 AI video generation tool following concerns raised by actor Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA regarding deepfakes and unauthorized use of likeness. The company now requires explicit opt-in for using individuals' voices and images, and prompts violating these rules will result in an error. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reiterated the company's commitment to performer rights and its support for the NO FAKES Act. Meanwhile, a significant Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage disrupted numerous services, including major apps and websites, highlighting the risks of cloud dependency, especially with increasing AI demands. Experts warn that the current AI boom may be masking underlying economic issues in the U.S., such as the impact of tariffs on manufacturing and consumer spending. In education, AI is being used to assist teachers in creating AI courses for students, though educators stress the importance of human oversight to ensure content aligns with educational standards. Conversely, some educators argue that generative AI tools like ChatGPT have no place in writing classes, as they can bypass the critical thinking and skill development inherent in the writing process. California's Governor vetoed a bill aimed at protecting children from AI chatbots, citing concerns about its broad scope, and plans to work on a new bill. Apple has released its new iPad Pro with an M5 chip, boasting a significant boost in AI performance and custom chips for enhanced wireless connectivity. Communicators are also adapting to AI, focusing on managing 'machine perception' alongside human perception for brand reputation. Board members are increasingly facing questions about leveraging AI for performance evaluation and ensuring ethical implementation, emphasizing AI's role in augmenting human judgment.

Key Takeaways

• OpenAI has implemented stricter safety protocols for its Sora 2 AI video tool, requiring opt-in consent for the use of likeness and voice to address deepfake concerns raised by actor Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA.
• A widespread Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage affected thousands of websites and apps, underscoring the risks associated with cloud infrastructure dependency, particularly as AI usage grows.
• Experts suggest that the current U.S. economic strength, driven by AI investments, may be masking underlying weaknesses caused by tariffs impacting sectors like manufacturing.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to protect children from AI chatbots, deeming it too broad, and intends to pursue new legislation for age-appropriate AI use.
• Apple's new iPad Pro features an M5 chip with a 3.5x increase in AI performance and custom chips for improved wireless connectivity.
• Educators are exploring AI tools like ChatGPT to help design AI courses for middle schoolers, but emphasize the necessity of human review and alignment with educational standards.
• Some educators argue against the use of generative AI in writing classes, believing it bypasses essential critical thinking and skill development processes.
• Communicators are adapting to AI by focusing on managing 'machine perception' to ensure AI systems accurately represent brand reputations.
• Board members are grappling with AI literacy, ethical oversight, and leveraging AI for performance evaluation, with a focus on augmenting human judgment.
• SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin highlighted the importance of AI protections for performers, aligning with OpenAI's support for the NO FAKES Act.

OpenAI tightens Sora 2 rules after actor Bryan Cranston's deepfake concerns

OpenAI is strengthening its rules for Sora 2 after actor Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raised concerns about deepfakes. Cranston was upset to see AI-generated videos using his voice and likeness without his permission. OpenAI is now working with talent agencies and SAG-AFTRA to improve safeguards. The company will also respond quickly to complaints about unauthorized AI creations. OpenAI supports the NO FAKES Act to protect people's images and voices.

Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA praise OpenAI's Sora 2 AI guardrails

Actor Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA are pleased with OpenAI's new safety measures for its Sora 2 AI video tool. Cranston had expressed concern after his image was used without consent, but OpenAI has improved its system to require opt-in for using someone's voice and likeness. SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin highlighted the importance of these protections for all performers. OpenAI also reiterated its support for the NO FAKES Act, a bill aimed at preventing unauthorized AI replicas.

OpenAI improves Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston's deepfake complaints

OpenAI has enhanced its Sora 2 AI video platform after actor Bryan Cranston voiced concerns about unauthorized deepfakes. Cranston, along with SAG-AFTRA and talent agencies, worked with OpenAI to add stronger protections. The platform now requires an opt-in for using a person's likeness. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated the company is committed to protecting performers and supports the NO FAKES Act. Requests that violate these new rules now result in an error message.

OpenAI adds Sora 2 AI protections after Bryan Cranston's outcry

OpenAI is strengthening its Sora 2 AI video tool after actor Bryan Cranston raised concerns about unauthorized use of likenesses. Videos of Cranston and other celebrities appeared on the app without permission. Following Cranston's complaint to SAG-AFTRA, OpenAI collaborated with the union and talent agencies to improve safety features. The company now blocks prompts that violate its rules on third-party likeness and content. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the company's commitment to performer rights and support for the NO FAKES Act.

Amazon Web Services outage disrupts major sites like Snapchat and Fortnite

A major Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage on Monday caused widespread internet disruptions, affecting thousands of apps and websites including Amazon, Snapchat, and Fortnite. The problem stemmed from an internal system monitoring network load, leading to connectivity issues. While Amazon reported systems were mostly back online, some services like Lambda remained affected. The outage caused flight delays, prevented purchases, and impacted workers. Experts estimate the financial impact could be in the billions of dollars.

AI growth may hide economic risks after AWS outage, experts warn

A significant Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage impacted over 1,000 companies, including major airlines, banks, and streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu. Experts like Bob Venero, CEO of Future Tech Enterprise, predict more cloud outages due to increasing AI usage. The outage was caused by a Domain Name System issue that has since been mitigated. While AWS services are largely restored, the incident highlights the risks associated with cloud dependency, especially as AI demands more resources.

California Governor vetoes AI chatbot bill for kids

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill, AB 1064, that aimed to protect children from harmful AI chatbots. He stated that while he supports child safety, the bill was too broad and could ban AI tools for kids. Newsom plans to work with the legislature next year on a new bill to ensure safe and age-appropriate AI use for children. He previously signed SB 243, which requires chatbots to prevent harmful content and alert users they are interacting with AI.

AI changes how communicators manage brand reputation

Artificial intelligence is creating a new audience for communicators: machines. At the recent NRF Retail Communicators Network meeting, professionals discussed how AI is reshaping storytelling and brand management. They emphasized the need to manage 'machine perception' alongside human perception. This involves crafting clear and intentional messages across all platforms so AI assistants can accurately represent brands. Experts advised auditing brand reputation with AI, optimizing content for search engines, and being concise.

AI boom masks economic issues caused by tariffs, report says

The U.S. economy appears strong due to the artificial intelligence boom, but this masks underlying problems caused by tariffs, according to an opinion piece. AI investments, particularly in data centers, have driven stock market growth and GDP. However, the drag from tariffs on imports is starting to impact manufacturing and wholesale prices. The article suggests that without the AI surge, the economy would likely be in recession. It draws parallels to the economic situation before the 2008 crisis.

AI helps teacher create AI course for middle schoolers

A Colorado school district's computer science coordinator, Anna Otto, used AI to help design an artificial intelligence course for middle school students. Otto found that AI tools like ChatGPT could generate lesson plans and activities, but required specific prompts and careful review. She emphasized the importance of teachers ensuring AI-generated content aligns with educational standards and student needs. Otto recommends using AI as a starting point and always having a human expert involved to refine the output.

New iPad Pro M5 boasts 3.5x AI boost and custom chips

Apple has released the new iPad Pro with an M5 chip, offering a 3.5 times increase in AI performance. The device also features custom chips for wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and an efficient C1X modem. These upgrades enhance cloud syncing and collaboration. While not a mandatory upgrade for M4 iPad Pro users, the improvements in speed, networking, and efficiency make it a compelling option for those with older models or who need the AI capabilities.

AI investments mask economic risks from tariffs

Massive investments in artificial intelligence are helping the U.S. economy grow and offsetting the negative impact of tariffs, according to economists. Companies are spending billions on AI infrastructure like data centers. However, this AI boom might be hiding weaknesses in other sectors, such as manufacturing and consumer spending, which are still affected by tariffs. Experts warn that if AI spending slows without productivity gains, the economy could face a downturn.

Teacher argues generative AI has no place in writing classes

A teacher believes generative AI tools like ChatGPT-5 should not be used in writing classes because they replace the thinking process. Unlike calculators, which only automate computation, AI can handle brainstorming, outlining, writing, and citing sources. This bypasses the critical thinking and skill development that comes from struggling with writing. The teacher plans to increase in-class writing assignments to ensure students develop their own intellectual independence rather than relying on AI.

AI questions board members face in the digital age

Board members are grappling with how to effectively use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and oversee its ethical implementation. Key questions include leveraging AI for real-time board performance evaluation, strengthening AI literacy and ethical oversight, and maintaining human leadership. Many boards lack deep AI knowledge, prompting a need for education and expert advice. The article stresses that AI should amplify human judgment and values, not replace them, ensuring responsible use in decision-making.

Sources

• OpenAI cracks down on Sora 2 deepfakes after pressure from Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA
• Bryan Cranston, CAA, UTA & SAG-AFTRA Praise OpenAI’s New “Guardrails” For Sora 2 After ‘Breaking Bad’ Actors’ Image Was Used Without Consent
• Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA and Agents Applaud Fixes to Open AI’s Sora 2 After Outcry
• OpenAI strengthens Sora 2 guardrails after actor Bryan Cranston raises alarm
• Huge global outage impacts Amazon, Fortnite and Snapchat
• Cloud Outages Will Increase ‘More And More’ Due To AI Usage After AWS Outage Rocks Over 1,000 Companies, Says Tech CEO
• Newsom rejects AI chatbot bill
• NRF | In the Age of AI, communicators have a new audience: Machines
• Why the economy seems fine, even with recession on the horizon
• 'AI Helped Us Understand Itself': What Happened When AI Wrote a Course About AI
• Apple iPad Pro M5 Gets 3.5x AI Boost + Custom Chips
• AI Investments Shield US Economy from Tariffs, But Mask Underlying Risks
• Educator Voice: Generative AI has no place in my classroom
• AI at board level - 3 Questions