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Thousands of creatives sign petition against AI data scraping

Also: Anthropic introduces new computer use model with Claude AI

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AI KATANA
October 22, 2024

Good morning, Today’s edition dives into key developments across creative industries, finance, healthcare, and the automotive sector. From a petition protesting AI data scraping by creatives, to BlackRock’s latest ETFs targeting AI innovation, and a groundbreaking AI model transforming cancer detection, these stories reflect AI’s growing influence and the crucial conversations surrounding its use. Let’s explore the latest shifts and strategies shaping the future of AI-driven innovation.

Sliced just for you:

  • 🎨 Thousands of creatives sign petition against AI data scraping

  • 💼 BlackRock taps into AI frenzy with two new ETFs

  • 🧬 CHIEF AI model from Harvard leads the future of cancer detection

  • 💻 Anthropic introduces new computer use model with Claude AI

  • 🚗 Qualcomm, Alphabet team up for automotive AI; Mercedes inks chip deal

Over 11,500 creatives, including notable figures such as actor Kevin Bacon, novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, and musician Robert Smith, have signed a petition opposing the unlicensed use of creative works for training AI models. The petition, organized by British composer Ed Newton-Rex, expresses concern that AI companies are unfairly exploiting artists’ work by using it as “training data” without permission, which poses a significant threat to their livelihoods. The protest comes amid growing discussions about regulatory approaches to AI data scraping, with the UK government considering an “opt-out” model for content creators. The creatives demand stricter regulations to prevent the unauthorized use of their intellectual property for AI development.

BlackRock has launched two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to give investors access to the growing AI sector. The first fund, iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF, focuses on AI and technology stocks across various market capitalizations, while the second, iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF, aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in global technology companies across sectors such as semiconductors, software, and hardware. BlackRock views AI as a transformative force with significant long-term investment potential and has positioned these ETFs to help investors capitalize on opportunities in AI and advanced technologies. This launch comes at a time when thematic ETFs, designed to target specific trends or sectors, are seeing mixed demand, with investors also gravitating towards stock market benchmark funds.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed the CHIEF AI model, a groundbreaking tool for cancer detection and treatment guidance. This versatile model is capable of diagnosing cancer, predicting patient outcomes, and assisting in treatment decisions across 19 different cancer types. Unlike previous AI models that are limited to specific tasks, CHIEF is designed to handle multiple diagnostic challenges simultaneously. Trained on over 60,000 digital slides of tumor tissues, it has demonstrated superior accuracy—up to 94%—in detecting cancer and identifying metastatic tumors. CHIEF also excels at predicting molecular profiles and patient survival outcomes by analyzing tumor microenvironments in a manner that closely mimics human pathologists. This development promises to bring personalized cancer care closer to reality, providing clinicians with highly accurate insights that could transform cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Anthropic has introduced a new feature in its Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, allowing the AI to interact with computers similarly to how humans do. This feature, called “Computer Use,” enables Claude to control a computer by moving the cursor, clicking, typing, and managing tasks across multiple software programs. It can handle workflows such as data entry, coding, research, and office tasks, automating processes that previously required human intervention. Early adopters, including companies like GitLab and Canva, are already utilizing these capabilities to improve efficiency. While still in beta and facing some challenges with complex tasks, the potential for enterprise automation is significant. Anthropic has implemented security measures to prevent misuse, such as prompt injection attacks, and expects rapid advancements in performance as the model evolves. This innovation marks a major step forward in AI’s ability to automate routine tasks across industries.

Qualcomm and Alphabet’s Google have announced a collaboration to develop AI-powered solutions for the automotive industry, combining Qualcomm’s chips with Google’s software to help automakers create custom voice assistants. This collaboration will enhance the capabilities of Google’s Android Automotive OS, enabling automakers to integrate unique voice assistant features without relying on a driver’s phone. Qualcomm also introduced new chips, including the Snapdragon Cockpit Elite for powering car dashboards and the Snapdragon Ride Elite for self-driving technology. Mercedes-Benz is among the companies planning to use Qualcomm’s new chip technology in future vehicles, although specific models and timelines have not been disclosed. This partnership signals the increasing role of AI in transforming in-car experiences and autonomous driving.

🛠️ AI tools updates

Microsoft is set to allow businesses to create autonomous AI agents through its Copilot Studio starting next month. These agents, which had been available in private preview, will soon be accessible to a broader audience, enabling organizations to develop virtual workers capable of performing tasks without human oversight. This move comes as competition intensifies, particularly with Salesforce’s recent launch of its own AI platform, Agentforce. In addition, Microsoft plans to release 10 new autonomous agents in its Dynamics 365 suite, designed to streamline tasks for sales, service, finance, and supply chain teams. The AI agents are expected to bring significant efficiencies to businesses, with early tests showing potential reductions in lead times by up to 90%.

💵 Venture Capital updates

Interface.ai, a leader in agentic AI solutions for community banks and credit unions, has secured $30 million in funding led by Avataar Venture Partners. Bootstrapped since its founding, the company has grown significantly, now serving around 100 financial institutions and aiming to expand to over 1,000. Interface.ai’s AI agents, which support customer interactions through voice, chat, and co-pilot experiences, can resolve over 60% of inquiries autonomously, reducing service costs and improving efficiency for financial institutions. The AI platform’s ability to integrate deeply with core banking systems allows it to provide personalized financial advice, upsell opportunities, and proactive customer support. With the new funding, the company plans to enhance its product offerings, expand its team, and further develop its AI capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the banking sector, solidifying its position as the most valuable AI company in the banking industry.

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