California's public universities are taking very different approaches to AI in education. The University of California system still lacks a unified AI policy, with some professors welcoming tools like ChatGPT and Copilot while others ban them outright. UC Santa Barbara professor Rita Raley is leading a working group to establish AI literacy standards across the system. Meanwhile, the California State University system has already rolled out AI tools to all students, reflecting a faster adoption pace.
At PennWest California, students routinely use ChatGPT, Gauth AI, Copilot and Grammarly for coursework, while professors integrate tools like AlphaFold for protein research and Consensus.AI for literature searches. Faculty broadly agree that AI is here to stay and that both educators and students need to learn how to use it effectively.
McDonald's is giving AI drive-thru assistants another try with a new system called Archy. The company's first attempt, running from 2021, was shelved due to errors and costs. A 2025 study showed AI order-taking reached 81% accuracy on its own but jumped to 95% when employees could intervene. CEO Chris Kempczinski pointed to pressure on restaurant managers as a key factor in the new effort.
On the safety and governance front, Governor Newsom signed an executive order for an AI kill switch shortly after Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei urged slowing AI development to prevent systems from outsmarting humans. Experts like Dr. Darby Vickers from USD note that current fears are not at Skynet levels but stress stronger cybersecurity and regulation, especially for military drones. Meanwhile, AGNTCon Europe focused on controlling agentic AI, with companies like Traefik and Bluerock building monitoring tools and orchestration platforms to keep multiple AI agents safe and regulated.
Other developments highlight AI's expanding reach. Nick Knight and H&M created an AI-powered interactive fashion show called H&M YOU I for Fall/Winter 2027, generating fashion films in real time that models can influence through movement. Research suggests AI's recursive self-improvement is nearing reality, raising questions about future development. Dr. Lance B. Eliot explores how AI can help optimize mindfulness rather than maximize it, cautioning against over-dependence. GISEC Global 2026 in Dubai wrapped up with discussions on quantum resilience, AI security and training new cyber defenders.
Key Takeaways
- <ul><li>UC system has no unified AI policy while CSU has already deployed AI tools to all students</li><li>PennWest students use ChatGPT, Gauth AI, Copilot and Grammarly; professors use AlphaFold, ChatGPT and Consensus.AI</li><li>McDonald's revives AI drive-thru with Archy system; 2025 study showed 81% accuracy solo, 95% with human backup</li><li>Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei urges slowing AI development to prevent AI outsmarting humans</li><li>Governor Newsom signed an AI kill switch executive order amid apocalyptic warnings from AI companies</li><li>AGNTCon Europe showcases agentic AI governance tools from Traefik, Bluerock, Orkes and Grape Up</li><li>Nick Knight and H&M create real-time AI-powered interactive fashion show for Fall/Winter 2027</li><li>AI's recursive self-improvement is approaching reality according to developers</li><li>GISEC Global 2026 focuses on quantum resilience, AI security and training new cyber defenders</li><li>Dr. Lance B. Eliot argues AI can help optimize mindfulness but warns against over-dependence</li></ul>
UC lacks consistent AI policy while CSU pushes ahead
The University of California system has no unified AI policy across its campuses. Faculty and students report that some professors allow AI while others ban it completely. UC Santa Barbara professor Rita Raley is leading a working group to define AI literacy for the system. Meanwhile CSU has already rolled out AI tools to all students. The difference shows California's public universities are still figuring out how to handle AI in education.
PennWest students and professors embrace AI tools
Students at PennWest California use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gauth AI, Copilot and Grammarly for schoolwork. Some use AI to understand difficult topics while others use it to organize essay ideas. Professors also use AI in their work. One biology professor uses AlphaFold to study protein structures. Another professor uses ChatGPT for brainstorming and Consensus.AI for literature searches. Faculty say AI is here to stay and both teachers and students need to learn how to use it properly.
Slowing AI development is not a security strategy
An opinion piece argues that slowing AI development is not a defense strategy because it only works if every country and company agrees to stop. Without global coordination, other players will keep building more powerful AI systems. AI is changing cybersecurity by making attacks cheaper and faster through autonomous systems. The author says defenses must advance alongside AI capabilities. Safety measures are important but cannot be the only line of defense against AI-powered threats.
McDonald's brings back AI voice assistant at drive-thrus
McDonald's is bringing back AI at its drive-thrus with a new system called Archy. The first AI drive-thru effort ran for three years starting in 2021 but was shut down due to errors and high costs. A 2025 study found AI order-taking was 81% accurate but jumped to 95% when employees could step in. The main problem was not AI listening skills but what happened when it got confused and kept going without help. McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski cited pressure on restaurant managers as a reason for the new attempt.
Nick Knight creates AI-powered interactive H&M fashion show
Photographer Nick Knight and H&M created an AI-powered interactive fashion show called H&M YOU I for Fall/Winter 2027. The show turns still photography and illustration into fashion films generated in real time. Models and guests can influence the films by moving in front of them. H&M global creative director Jorgen Andersson says the project explores human connections in a digital age. Knight has long experimented with emerging image technologies and advocates for artists embracing AI.
AI's recursive self-improvement nears reality
AI's recursive self-improvement, once a distant goal for researchers, is now approaching reality. Developers say the technology is nearing the point where AI systems could improve themselves. This advancement raises important questions about the future of AI development.
Newsom signs AI kill switch order amid warnings
Governor Newsom signed an executive order for an AI kill switch as top AI companies issued apocalyptic warnings. Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei urged slowing AI development to prevent AI from outsmarting humans. Experts like Dr. Darby Vickers from USD say current concerns are not at Skynet levels but stress the need for better cybersecurity and regulation, especially for military drones.
AI explores human mindfulness optimization
Dr. Lance B. Eliot explores how AI can help people optimize mindfulness rather than maximize it. Constant peak mindfulness can cause cognitive overload, so the article argues for flexible awareness adjusted to each situation. AI can serve as a training tool for this optimization, but people should avoid becoming dependent on it.
GISEC Global 2026 ends with quantum and AI security focus
GISEC Global 2026 concluded in Dubai with a focus on quantum resilience, AI security, and training new cyber defenders. Experts discussed post-quantum cryptography migration and the UAE's roadmap for protecting data before Q-Day. Young cybersecurity specialists Bandana Kaur and Ryen Agil from India challenged assumptions about age in hacking. The event also addressed AI-enabled financial cybercrime and law enforcement responses.
AGNTCon Europe tackles AI agent safety
AGNTCon Europe showcased agentic AI innovations while focusing on governance and safety controls. Companies like Traefik and Bluerock developed tools to monitor AI agents and create controlled workspaces. Orkes and Grape Up offered orchestration platforms that maintain order among multiple AI agents. The event highlighted the balance between rapid innovation and keeping AI systems safe and regulated.
Sources
- CSU went all-in on AI. At UC, students and faculty say AI use is all over the place
- Artificial Intelligence Boom: The Biggest Growing Presence on Campus
- Slowing AI isn’t a defense strategy
- McDonald’s reintroduces AI at drive-thrus
- Why Nick Knight Used AI to Create H&M’s Interactive Show
- AI's recursive self-improvement: What is it and how soon could it happen?
- Governor Newsom signs executive order for AI 'kill switch' amid apocalyptic warnings from top companies
- AI And The Maximization Versus Optimization Of Human Cognitive Mindfulness
- GISEC Global 2026 concludes with quantum resilience, AI security and the next generation of cyber defenders
- At AGNTCon Europe, ensuring AI agents don’t kill us all
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