分类: technology

  • India hosts a high-stakes AI summit, drawing 20 leaders and top tech CEOs

    India hosts a high-stakes AI summit, drawing 20 leaders and top tech CEOs

    New Delhi emerges as the epicenter of global artificial intelligence discourse this week as India inaugurates its inaugural AI Impact Summit, marking the first such gathering within the Global South. The five-day convention assembles an impressive roster of 20 world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, alongside technology titans from Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Qualcomm.

    This strategic positioning underscores India’s ambition to establish itself as a crucial intermediary between technologically advanced nations and developing economies. The world’s most populous nation leverages its demonstrated expertise in constructing large-scale digital infrastructure—exemplified by its pioneering digital identity and payment systems—as a blueprint for cost-effective AI implementation at scale.

    Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw articulated the summit’s guiding principle: “AI should be utilized for shaping humanity, inclusive growth, and a sustainable future.” This vision reflects India’s broader aspiration to transition into a developed nation by 2047, with artificial intelligence poised to revolutionize sectors ranging from energy and manufacturing to public infrastructure.

    The evolving nature of AI summits demonstrates remarkable progression since their inception in November 2023. Initially conceived as tightly-focused safety conferences following ChatGPT’s explosive debut, these gatherings have expanded into comprehensive trade fairs addressing multifaceted aspects of artificial intelligence. Unlike previous editions in France, the UK, and South Korea, the New Delhi iteration emphasizes practical deployment alongside safety considerations.

    Ahead of the summit, an expert panel released its second annual safety report examining risks posed by advanced AI systems, including potential misuse, technical malfunctions, and systemic vulnerabilities. Yoshua Bengio, the renowned AI pioneer who spearheaded the study, emphasized the critical importance of “building an international consensus on the emerging risks of AI” through independent scientific evaluation.

    While the event is not anticipated to yield binding political agreements, observers expect the adoption of a non-binding New Delhi Declaration outlining developmental objectives for artificial intelligence. This approach contrasts with last year’s Paris summit, where U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned against excessive regulation that might impede industry growth.

    Addressing workforce concerns, Indian technology representatives highlighted reskilling initiatives as essential mitigation against AI’s disruptive impact on employment. Sangeeta Gupta of Nasscom noted that while job displacement remains a genuine concern, emerging roles will counterbalance losses as AI integration accelerates. This perspective finds resonance among younger Indians, with students like 22-year-old Anirudh Singh reporting enhanced academic productivity through AI-assisted project preparation.

  • ByteDance to curb controversial AI app after Disney legal threat

    ByteDance to curb controversial AI app after Disney legal threat

    Chinese tech conglomerate ByteDance has committed to implementing stricter safeguards for its advanced AI video generation platform Seedance, responding to mounting legal pressure from entertainment titans led by Disney. The controversy erupted after Seedance 2.0’s February 12th launch enabled users to create hyper-realistic videos featuring copyrighted characters from major franchises including Marvel, Star Wars, and various animated properties.

    Disney initiated formal legal action on Friday by issuing a cease-and-desist letter accusing ByteDance of maintaining a ‘pirated library’ of protected intellectual property. The entertainment giant’s legal team characterized the alleged infringement as a ‘virtual smash-and-grab’ of their valuable character assets. This confrontation emerged following the viral spread of AI-generated content depicting iconic scenes such as lightsaber duels between Star Wars characters Anakin Skywalker and Rey, along with Marvel superhero confrontations on New York streets.

    The Motion Picture Association, representing major studios including Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount and Netflix, joined the criticism by demanding immediate cessation of ‘infringing activity.’ Simultaneously, actors’ union Sag-Aftra condemned the platform for ‘blatant infringement’ of performers’ rights.

    In an official statement to the BBC, ByteDance affirmed that it ‘respects intellectual property rights’ and is ‘taking steps to strengthen current safeguards.’ The company previously disabled Seedance’s capability for users to upload images of real people, though specific details regarding training data and planned protective measures remain undisclosed.

    International dimensions of the controversy continue to expand, with the Japanese government launching an investigation into potential copyright violations following the appearance of AI-generated videos featuring popular anime characters. This legal confrontation mirrors similar challenges faced by other AI platforms, including Midjourney which currently faces ongoing litigation from Disney and NBCUniversal over unauthorized replication of copyrighted material.

  • AI is giving you a personalised Internet, but you have no say in it

    AI is giving you a personalised Internet, but you have no say in it

    The digital landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation as artificial intelligence becomes an inescapable component of our online experiences. Tech giants including Google and Meta are aggressively integrating AI tools into their platforms without providing users with meaningful opt-out mechanisms, raising significant concerns about digital autonomy and privacy.

    This AI infiltration began subtly but has accelerated dramatically. Google introduced Gemini, its AI assistant, directly into Gmail without explicit user consent, mirroring its earlier deployment of AI Overviews in search results. Similarly, Meta embedded its AI chatbot across Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger as a permanent feature. These implementations share a common characteristic: the absence of clear disable options, forcing users to adapt to AI-driven interfaces whether they welcome them or not.

    Industry representatives defend these integrations as advancements in creating intelligent ‘agents’ capable of handling tasks from email composition to travel bookings. They argue that generative AI’s adaptability enables uniquely personalized internet experiences tailored to individual needs. However, this corporate narrative starkly contrasts with public sentiment. Pew Research Center data reveals that most Americans express greater concern than excitement about AI’s role in daily life, with overwhelming majorities desiring more control over technological implementations.

    The underlying economic motivations behind this AI push are becoming increasingly apparent. Despite the enormous operational costs of maintaining AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT—which haven’t generated direct profits through subscriptions—companies are strategically positioning themselves for an advertising revolution. The same technology powering consumer-facing chatbots enables advertisers to micro-target audiences with unprecedented precision, creating automatically tailored ads and dynamic pricing based on intimate user data extracted through conversational interfaces.

    This represents a significant evolution in digital advertising. As regulatory pressures limited cross-platform tracking, AI chatbots emerged as a solution: they encourage users to voluntarily disclose personal information, preferences, and intentions through natural conversations. Search queries have increased industry-wide precisely because people engage more extensively with chatbot-powered interfaces, revealing far more explicit data than traditional keyword searches.

    The implications are profound. Advertising systems can now infer detailed personal characteristics—such as someone’s preference for winter running—and generate hyper-specific marketing content. This creates what experts describe as ‘surveillance capitalism’ on steroids, where even product pricing could become dynamically adjusted based on individual budget information shared with chatbots.

    Smaller competitors like Mozilla and DuckDuckGo are advocating for user agency by implementing AI toggle features. Surprisingly, when DuckDuckGo asked users about AI preferences, approximately 90% rejected AI integration. However, their impact remains limited against the dominance of Google and Meta, whose products reach nearly half the global population daily. This market dominance creates a concerning reality: even when AI implementations are widely criticized, users have limited alternatives, effectively locking them into an AI-driven internet they didn’t choose.

  • Hollywood groups condemn ByteDance’s AI video generator, claiming copyright infringement

    Hollywood groups condemn ByteDance’s AI video generator, claiming copyright infringement

    Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, renowned for creating TikTok, faces mounting criticism from major Hollywood organizations over its newly launched AI video generation tool. Seedance 2.0, currently available exclusively in China, enables users to produce high-quality videos through simple text prompts, sparking allegations of widespread copyright infringement.

    The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has accused ByteDance of engaging in “unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale.” MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin issued a stern statement declaring that ByteDance has launched the service “without meaningful safeguards against infringement,” thereby disregarding established copyright laws that protect creators and support millions of American jobs. Rivkin demanded immediate cessation of the infringing activities.

    Prominent industry figures have joined the condemnation. Screenwriter Rhett Rheese, known for the “Deadpool” franchise, expressed grave concerns on social platform X, suggesting the technology might signal catastrophic implications for creative professionals. His comments referenced a demonstration video created by Irish director Ruairí Robinson featuring AI-generated depictions of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a post-apocalyptic battle scenario.

    Actors’ union SAG-AFTRA released an official statement aligning with studio condemnation, emphasizing that Seedance 2.0 enables “blatant infringement” through unauthorized use of members’ voices and likenesses. The union characterized this development as unacceptable, stating it undermines performers’ ability to earn livelihoods and demonstrates disregard for legal, ethical, and industry standards regarding consent.

    In response to the growing backlash, ByteDance issued a statement affirming its commitment to intellectual property rights, acknowledging the concerns, and promising to strengthen safeguards against unauthorized use of intellectual property and likenesses by platform users.

  • Galloping into Chinese New Year

    Galloping into Chinese New Year

    In an innovative fusion of technology and cultural celebration, China’s Hainan province has unveiled an artificial intelligence pony as its new “Chief Experience Officer” to mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse. This digital ambassador represents a cutting-edge approach to tourism promotion during the significant Lunar New Year period.

    The AI equine character embodies the energetic spirit traditionally associated with the horse in Chinese zodiac symbolism, conveying wishes for success and vitality throughout the coming year. The technological initiative serves as an invitation for global visitors to explore Hainan’s diverse opportunities, described in promotional materials as being ‘as vast as the ocean.’

    Accompanying the announcement is an interactive video component that showcases the AI pony’s virtual tour across China’s famous landmarks, creating a personalized connection by highlighting recognizable sites from various hometowns. This digital engagement strategy demonstrates how regional tourism boards are incorporating advanced technology into cultural marketing campaigns.

    The launch coincides with numerous festive activities across China, including spectacular natural displays like blooming ancient trees in Shaanxi and vibrant cherry blossom fields in Fuzhou. Traditional craftsmanship experiences, such as hands-on Terracotta Warrior workshops in Xi’an, and innovative concepts like train-themed pet restaurants in Changchun offering special New Year’s Eve meals, further enrich the seasonal celebrations.

    This technological initiative reflects China’s broader integration of AI solutions into cultural promotion and tourism development, showcasing how digital innovation can enhance traditional celebrations while reaching global audiences.

  • Dubai confirms trackless tram plans at 8 locations, expands bus lanes

    Dubai confirms trackless tram plans at 8 locations, expands bus lanes

    Dubai’s transportation landscape is poised for a transformative leap forward as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveils comprehensive mobility enhancements. The ambitious plan, confirmed by Director General Mattar Al Tayer, encompasses both immediate infrastructure expansions and futuristic transit solutions designed to address the emirate’s growing congestion challenges.

    Over the next two years, Dubai will implement 13 kilometers of dedicated bus and taxi lanes across six critical corridors: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, 2nd of December Street, Al Satwa, Al Nahda, Omar bin Al Khattab Street, and Naif Street. These distinctively marked pathways will be protected by a Dh600 fine for unauthorized vehicles, ensuring priority movement for public transportation. The RTA projects these lanes will deliver substantial benefits: a 10% increase in ridership, 42% improvement in punctuality, and 41% reduction in journey times.

    Concurrently, the RTA is conducting feasibility studies for a revolutionary trackless tram system across eight strategic locations. This cutting-edge transportation technology operates without physical rails, instead utilizing camera-guided virtual tracking along painted road markings. The fully autonomous, electric-powered vehicles represent a paradigm shift in urban mobility, offering comparable capacity to traditional trams at significantly reduced implementation costs and timelines.

    Each articulated tram will feature three carriages with a 300-passenger capacity—triple that of conventional buses—with operational speeds ranging from 25-60 km/h and maximum speeds reaching 70 km/h. The system combines the high capacity of rail transport with the flexibility of bus networks, operating on fixed routes with designated stations while avoiding the infrastructure constraints of fixed-track systems.

    These initiatives respond to Dubai’s pronounced traffic growth, which has surged at 10% over two years—far exceeding the global average of 2-4%. The comprehensive strategy includes dynamic toll pricing, heavy vehicle restrictions, and flexible work policies that could potentially reduce traffic volumes by up to 30% according to RTA estimates.

    The announcement coincided with revealing Dubai’s 2025 public transport statistics, which recorded 802 million users across metro, buses, marine transport, shared mobility, and taxi services, averaging 2.2 million daily riders. Al Tayer emphasized the authority’s commitment to developing “an intelligent, sustainable and integrated public transport system” leveraging artificial intelligence for data management and customer experience enhancement, aligning with Dubai’s aspirations as a leading global city.

  • Nvidia CEO Huang won’t attend India AI summit next week, company says

    Nvidia CEO Huang won’t attend India AI summit next week, company says

    In a significant development for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit, Nvidia Corporation announced on Saturday that its high-profile CEO Jensen Huang will not be attending the prestigious technology gathering scheduled for next week. The summit, which will be formally inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, was expected to feature Huang as one of its most anticipated participants.

    According to communications from MSL, Nvidia’s media representation agency in India, unforeseen circumstances have compelled Huang to cancel his planned appearance. The technology executive was scheduled to address media representatives in New Delhi on Wednesday prior to the main summit events.

    The absence of the Nvidia chief executive represents a notable change for the landmark artificial intelligence conference, which anticipates attendance from numerous global technology industry leaders and political figures. Huang’s participation had been widely anticipated given Nvidia’s dominant position in the artificial intelligence hardware sector and India’s growing significance as a technology market.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of increasing global competition in artificial intelligence development and India’s concerted efforts to establish itself as a major player in the AI ecosystem. The summit remains positioned as a crucial platform for discussing India’s artificial intelligence strategy and fostering international collaboration in technological innovation.

  • UAE’s du to invest in Singapore-India-Gulf subsea cable system for high data connectivity

    UAE’s du to invest in Singapore-India-Gulf subsea cable system for high data connectivity

    In a significant move to bolster digital infrastructure, UAE telecommunications provider du has entered a strategic partnership with Cyprus-based subsea infrastructure specialist Datawave Networks Limited. The collaboration centers on investment in and the landing of the Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) submarine cable system within the UAE.

    The next-generation SING cable is a major fiber optic network designed to interconnect six pivotal locations across the region: Kalba, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Mumbai, India; Chennai, India; Kedah, Malaysia; and Singapore. This infrastructure is engineered to provide ultra-high-capacity and exceptionally low-latency connectivity, creating a robust digital bridge linking the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

    A primary strategic objective of this project is to diversify international data pathways. By establishing a UAE landing point, the initiative will markedly reduce reliance on traditional and potentially vulnerable routes, such as those transiting the Red Sea corridor. This enhancement in route diversity is critical for strengthening global network resilience and ensuring uninterrupted data flow.

    The investment is a direct response to the UAE’s rapid emergence as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, advanced computing, and cloud expansion. This growth has triggered an exponential surge in demand for international bandwidth and premium low-latency connectivity. The SING cable’s flexible architecture is specifically tailored to allow hyperscalers, cloud providers, and major enterprises to scale their capacity efficiently, thereby supporting the accelerating adoption of AI and digital technologies across the UAE, the broader Gulf region, India, and Southeast Asia.

  • Experts examine AI’s potential risks

    Experts examine AI’s potential risks

    Washington witnessed a pivotal gathering of artificial intelligence experts this week as the Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted an in-depth analysis of the newly released International AI Safety Report 2026. This second edition of the comprehensive global assessment, chaired by Turing Award laureate Professor Yoshua Bengio of Universite de Montreal and the Mila-Quebec AI Institute, represents a collaborative effort spanning more than 30 nations and international organizations, including significant contributions from China.

    The seminar revealed that international coordination has emerged as the paramount concern in addressing AI’s rapidly evolving risks. Stephen Clare, the report’s lead writer, explained the foundational purpose: “to build a shared evidence base to inform decision-making about AI technologies” amid widespread uncertainty about the actual technical realities.

    Technical safeguards expert Stephen Casper presented a detailed examination of frontier model development stages, emphasizing that “different types of safeguards and risk management techniques apply at different parts in the life cycle.” While acknowledging progress in creating multi-layered defenses, Casper highlighted persistent governance gaps, particularly concerning open-weight models that cannot be recalled once released and whose safeguards are easier to remove.

    The report particularly noted China’s substantial contributions to the AI landscape, accounting for 24.2% of notable models in 2024. Chinese advancements including DeepSeek R1, Alibaba’s Qwen series, Tencent’s Hunyuan-Large, and Moonshot AI’s Kimi models have narrowed the capability gap with leading closed models to less than one year in certain cases. China’s AI Safety Governance Framework 2.0 (2025) received special recognition for providing structured guidance on risk categorization and countermeasures throughout the AI lifecycle.

    Despite the daunting challenges posed by AI’s rapid progression, Professor Bengio expressed optimism based on the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the international expert community. The report deliberately avoids specific policy recommendations, instead focusing on synthesizing scientific evidence to support informed policymaking and establish a shared evidence base for global decision-makers navigating this complex technological landscape.

  • China demonstrates AI computing power in outer space with satellite network breakthrough

    China demonstrates AI computing power in outer space with satellite network breakthrough

    China has achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful deployment of artificial intelligence models operating directly in orbit through an advanced satellite network. The breakthrough demonstrates the nation’s growing capabilities in space-based computing systems.

    The pioneering project, known as the “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” represents a collaborative effort between Zhejiang Lab and international partners. Initially launched in May 2025 with twelve satellites, the constellation has undergone extensive testing over nine months to validate its core functionalities including orbital networking, computational processing, AI model deployment, and scientific instrument verification.

    Among the technological achievements are the operation of two massive AI models in space: an 8-billion-parameter remote sensing system and an equally sophisticated astronomical time-domain model. These represent some of the largest AI parameter models currently operational in orbit worldwide.

    The remote sensing capability was demonstrated in November 2025 when it successfully conducted an infrastructure census across 189 square kilometers in northwest China, automatically identifying structures like stadiums and bridges despite challenging heavy snow conditions.

    For astronomical research, satellites equipped with specialized cosmic X-ray polarization detectors implemented an AI model that classifies gamma-ray bursts with remarkable 99% accuracy while significantly reducing data transmission requirements and processing timelines.

    A critical advancement includes the establishment of inter-satellite communication links among six satellites, forming the foundation for a comprehensive space network. When fully realized with over 1,000 planned satellites, the constellation is projected to deliver unprecedented computational power exceeding 100 quintillion operations per second.

    According to Li Chao from Zhejiang Lab, this space-based computing architecture enables direct data processing in orbit, allowing refined information to be delivered immediately to end-users rather than raw data requiring extensive ground processing.