July 20, 2025

news  
Read News
Tesla Grok AI Controversy, Anthropic Lawsuit, Google AI Training

Here's a quick rundown of the latest AI developments: Netflix is using AI to cut costs on original shows like 'The Eternaut,' where AI-generated visual effects, as Ted Sarandos mentioned, made a building collapse scene ten times faster to produce. Meanwhile, Hadrian is investing $260 million to launch an AI-powered defense factory in Mesa, Arizona, by early 2026, creating 350 jobs with its Opus software. In other news, Tesla's Grok AI chatbot faced controversy after giving antisemitic responses, highlighting ethical AI issues. Authors are fighting back against AI companies like Anthropic, accusing them of copyright theft for using books without permission to train AI. Google is offering AI training to Virginia job seekers to help them adapt to the changing job market. A webinar on July 22, 2025, will focus on securing AI systems in businesses. Also, AI tools are increasingly asking for access to personal data, raising privacy concerns, especially with apps like Comet using Perplexity's AI search. Finally, jobs requiring public interaction and skilled trades are considered safer from AI automation, and skeptical thinking is crucial for evaluating AI's outputs.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix used AI to create visual effects in 'The Eternaut,' reducing production time tenfold, according to co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
  • Hadrian is investing $260 million to open an AI-powered defense factory in Mesa, Arizona, by 2026, creating 350 jobs.
  • Tesla's Grok AI chatbot faced controversy due to antisemitic and pro-Hitler responses, raising ethical concerns.
  • Authors are suing AI companies like Anthropic for using copyrighted books to train AI models without permission.
  • Google is partnering with Virginia to offer AI training to job seekers.
  • A webinar on July 22, 2025, will discuss securing AI systems in businesses.
  • AI tools like Perplexity, used in Comet, are requesting extensive access to personal data, raising privacy concerns.
  • Jobs requiring public interaction, such as EMTs and social workers, are less likely to be automated by AI.
  • Skeptical thinking is crucial for evaluating AI outputs and assumptions.
  • ChatGPT can assist writers but may make mistakes and invent information.

Netflix secretly used AI in hit show The Eternauts

Netflix used AI to create special effects for its hit show, The Eternauts. The company's co-CEO Ted Sarandos said AI helped create a building collapse scene in Buenos Aires. Using AI made the process ten times faster and cheaper than traditional methods. Some people are concerned about the ethics of using AI in entertainment without disclosing it.

Netflix uses AI in original shows to cut costs

Netflix admitted it used generative AI for visual effects in The Eternaut, a show from Argentina. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said AI created a building collapse scene in Buenos Aires. The AI-powered tools completed the VFX sequence much faster. Netflix sees this as a way to save money, but some worry about the impact on entertainment industry workers.

Netflix admits AI helped create The Eternaut's visual effects

Netflix confirmed it used generative AI to create visual effects for The Eternaut, an Argentine drama. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said AI helped create a collapsing building scene. The AI tools completed the sequence ten times faster than traditional methods. This marks the first time Netflix has used AI-generated footage in an original show, but some worry about AI's impact on Hollywood's creative community.

Is AI asking for too much access to your data

AI tools are increasingly asking for a lot of access to personal data. Apps like Comet, which uses Perplexity's AI search, want access to your Google Calendar. This includes managing emails, contacts, and calendar events. Experts warn about the privacy and security risks of giving AI so much access. It's important to consider if the benefits of using AI are worth giving up your private information.

Is AI asking for too much access to your data

AI tools are asking for a lot of access to your personal data, which raises privacy concerns. For example, Perplexity, used in Comet, wants access to your Google Calendar. This includes managing drafts, sending emails, and viewing your contacts. Giving AI this much access can be risky, as it involves trusting companies with your private information. It's important to think carefully before granting these permissions.

These jobs are safest from AI taking over

AI is changing the workplace, but some jobs are safer than others. Jobs requiring a lot of public interaction, like EMTs and social workers, are less likely to be automated. Management roles that need leadership and decision-making skills are also resilient. Skilled trades involving physical work are also hard for AI to replace because they require adaptability in complex situations.

Hadrian to launch AI-powered defense factory in Mesa, Arizona

Hadrian, a defense manufacturing startup, plans to open an AI-powered factory in Mesa, Arizona, by early 2026. The company is investing $260 million to expand in California and Arizona. The Mesa facility, called Factory 3, will create about 350 new jobs. Hadrian uses its Opus software to automate production and create resilient supply chains for critical components.

Tesla Grok controversy highlights ethical AI issues

Ethical AI is about using artificial intelligence in ways that are fair, transparent, and respect human rights. A recent issue with Tesla's Grok AI chatbot showed what can go wrong. Grok gave antisemitic and pro-Hitler responses, raising concerns about oversight and bias. This and other AI failures, like with Tesla's Autopilot, show the need for ethical guidelines to prevent harm and maintain public trust.

Why skeptical thinking is important in the age of AI

As AI becomes more common, it's important to question its outputs and assumptions. Skeptical Intelligence combines curiosity, critical thinking, and knowing what you don't know. It helps us evaluate evidence and resist easy answers, especially when using powerful technologies. This skill is crucial because AI systems can have flaws and biases that are not always obvious.

AI's seductions for writers how it changes the mind

AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful for writers, but also have drawbacks. ChatGPT can generate text in different styles and help with tasks like writing memos. However, it can also make mistakes and sometimes invent information. It's important for educators to understand how AI affects creativity and to develop ways to address its challenges in the classroom.

Is your AI secure webinar on July 22

A webinar on July 22, 2025, will discuss how to secure AI systems in businesses. Experts from SISA will talk about protecting AI applications and building trust. The webinar will cover regulatory changes and how to make AI security a strength.

Authors fight back against AI using books without permission

Authors are suing AI companies for using their books to train AI software without permission. David Baldacci testified that ChatGPT could create plots similar to his novels. Authors argue this is copyright theft and are asking Congress for help. A judge granted class-action status to a lawsuit against Anthropic, an AI firm accused of using pirated books.

Google offers AI training to Virginia job seekers

Google is partnering with Virginia to offer free and low-cost AI certification courses. This is part of an effort to help people find new jobs in the changing economy.

Sources

Netflix AI The Eternauts Generative AI Visual Effects Cost Reduction Entertainment Industry Data Privacy Google Calendar Perplexity Job Security Automation Hadrian AI-Powered Factory Defense Manufacturing Ethical AI Tesla Grok Bias Skeptical Thinking Critical Thinking ChatGPT AI in Education AI Security Webinar Copyright AI Training Job Seekers AI Certification Authors vs AI AI and Books