Several significant developments are shaping the AI landscape. Scale AI co-founder Alexandr Wang is joining Meta after Meta's $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, with Wang's personal stake valued at over $5 billion. Meta is taking a 49% stake in Scale AI to boost its AI capabilities. Meanwhile, Italy is investigating DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, over concerns about transparency and potential inaccuracies in its AI-generated content. New York has approved the Raise Act, legislation aimed at regulating AI risks and preventing AI-caused disasters. NatWest Group has appointed Dr. Maja Pantic as its first Chief AI Research Officer to advance its AI capabilities, and is partnering with OpenAI, utilizing virtual assistants like Ask Archie+* and Cora+*. Udio, an AI music startup, faces a class action lawsuit from independent artists alleging copyright infringement. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, secured a $200 million contract with the U.S. Defense Department to develop AI tools for national security. Verisk reports that AI risks are now a top concern for property and casualty insurance experts, surpassing even climate change. Nebius, an AI data center startup with roots in Russia's Yandex, has received investment from Nvidia. Also, a founding team member at an AI coding platform claims AI firms exaggerate the threat to coders to boost sales. Finally, the Marshall Center hosted an AI and Security salon to discuss AI's impact on global security and ethics.
Key Takeaways
- Scale AI's Alexandr Wang is joining Meta after a $14.3 billion investment from Meta in Scale AI.
- Meta is taking a 49% stake in Scale AI to strengthen its AI capabilities.
- Italy is investigating DeepSeek for allegedly failing to warn users about the risk of false information.
- New York's Raise Act aims to regulate AI risks to prevent disasters caused by AI systems.
- NatWest appointed Dr. Maja Pantic as Chief AI Research Officer and is partnering with OpenAI.
- Udio is facing a class action lawsuit from independent artists over AI music copyrights.
- OpenAI was awarded a $200 million contract with the U.S. Defense Department.
- Verisk reports AI risks are a top concern for insurance experts.
- Nebius, an AI data center startup, received investment from Nvidia.
- AI firms may be exaggerating the threat to coders to boost sales, according to an AI coding platform founder.
Scale AI's Alexandr Wang Joins Meta with $14.3 Billion Deal
Scale AI co-founder Alexandr Wang is joining Meta after a $14.3 billion investment from Meta in Scale AI. Wang will work in Meta's superintelligence group, reporting to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Wang's cash and equity are worth over $5 billion. Meta is gaining Wang's knowledge of the AI industry.
Meta Invests in Scale AI to Boost AI Development
Meta is investing in Scale AI and its founder, Alexandr Wang, to strengthen its AI capabilities. Meta is taking a 49% stake in Scale AI. This move highlights how AI startups are becoming important for big tech companies. The investment is second largest in Meta’s history, following the WhatsApp purchase in 2014.
Italy Investigates China's DeepSeek Over AI Accuracy Concerns
Italy's antitrust watchdog AGCM is investigating Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. The investigation focuses on DeepSeek's alleged failure to warn users about the risk of false information. The regulator says DeepSeek didn't provide clear warnings about AI-produced content that could be inaccurate or misleading. This follows a February order from another Italian watchdog regarding privacy policy concerns.
Italy Probes DeepSeek for AI Transparency Issues
Italy has launched an investigation into Chinese AI company DeepSeek. The probe concerns the company's AI platform and its transparency. Italian authorities claim DeepSeek didn't properly warn users that its AI could generate inaccurate or misleading information. This raises concerns about consumer protection and responsible AI use.
AI Companies Exaggerate Coder Threat to Boost Sales Claims Founder
A founding team member at an AI coding platform says AI firms are exaggerating the threat to coders. He believes this is done to promote their model sales. He suggests some companies want to reduce staff and are using AI as an excuse. He also thinks model companies have incentives to push this narrative.
AI and Security Discussed at Marshall Center Salon
The Marshall Center hosted an AI and Security salon with Universit\u00e4t der Bundeswehr M\u00fcnchen. Experts discussed AI's impact on global security, ethics, and technology. Participants examined how AI is changing modern defense and creating ethical challenges. The event promoted open discussion among security experts and researchers from many nations.
New York's Raise Act Aims to Regulate AI Risks
New York has approved the Raise Act to prevent disasters caused by AI systems. The law aims to avoid events like mass deaths or major economic damage. It sets the stage for stricter control of AI innovation. The bill needs approval from Governor Kathy Hochul, who could amend or reject it.
NatWest Appoints Chief AI Research Officer to Lead Innovation
NatWest Group plc has appointed Dr. Maja Pantic as its first Chief AI Research Officer. Dr. Pantic will advance NatWest's AI capabilities to meet customer needs. She will focus on using AI for simplification and productivity. NatWest is also partnering with OpenAI and using virtual assistants like Ask Archie+* and Cora+.
Udio Faces Class Action Over AI Music Copyrights
AI music startup Udio is facing a class action lawsuit from independent artists. The lawsuit claims Udio didn't properly protect independent artists' rights in major label litigation. Tony Justice, a country singer, is leading the case, representing thousands of artists. They claim Udio used their music to train its AI without permission.
OpenAI Awarded $200 Million US Defense Contract
OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has won a $200 million contract with the U.S. Defense Department. OpenAI will develop AI tools to address national security challenges. The work will be done near Washington, with completion expected by July 2026. OpenAI's revenue is booming amid growing AI use.
AI Risks Top Concern for Insurance Experts Says Verisk
Verisk reports that AI risks are a top concern for property and casualty insurance experts. AI and Gen AI were voted the top issue, ahead of climate change and infrastructure. Experts are concerned about edge cases and AI hallucinations. State legislatures are creating AI laws to address potential risks.
Nebius Rises from Russian Roots, Gains Nvidia Investment
Nebius, an Amsterdam-based AI data center startup, has emerged from the Russian tech giant Yandex. Nvidia invested in Nebius, making it their second-biggest investment. Nebius' founder, Arkady Volozh, also cofounded Yandex. Nebius focuses on AI cloud computing infrastructure and is expanding in Europe.
Sources
- Scale AI’s Wang Brings Meta Knowledge of What Everyone Else is Doing
- Meta Gets Out Its Checkbook to Catch Up in the AI Race
- Italy regulator opens probe into China's DeepSeek
- Italy Opens Antitrust Probe into Chinese AI Firm DeepSeek
- AI firms are hyping up threat to coders to push their model sales
- Marshall Center partners with Universität der Bundeswehr to host AI + Security salon
- Raise Act: New York against the risks of artificial intelligence
- NatWest (NWG) Appoints First Chief AI Research Officer to Drive Innovation
- AI Music Firm Udio Faces Class Action That Says Indie Artists Are Left Out of Major Label Lawsuit
- OpenAI wins $200 million US defense contract
- AI Risks the Top Concern in Verisk's Emerging Issues Bracket
- How Nebius emerged from Russia and became Nvidia's second biggest investment