Wikipedia, the user-driven encyclopedia, celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 15th, a remarkable feat achieved since its inception in 2001. With billions of page views and unique visitors, it remains a vast resource, surpassing even the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle Encyclopedia in size by 2007. Despite challenges like AI-related bot traffic and threats to its non-profit status, Wikipedia continues to be a go-to source due to its open-editing model and citation practices. The site’s recent struggles include dealing with the UK’s Online Safety Act and threats to its non-profit status.
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The Independent’s reporting highlights Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence as she spearheads the DEFIANCE Act, a bill aimed at banning nonconsensual deepfake sexually explicit images. This legislation has gained momentum due to the proliferation of such images generated by AI tools like Elon Musk’s Grok. Ocasio-Cortez has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and even Rep. Nancy Mace. Despite past opposition, Ocasio-Cortez is now a key figure, influencing policy and shaping the narrative on critical issues like healthcare and immigration.
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Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice, including his iconic catchphrase, “All right, all right, all right,” to protect against unauthorized AI use. The actor’s approved applications cover various visual and audio clips. McConaughey aims to ensure that any use of his likeness or voice is approved and attributed. This action addresses growing concerns in the entertainment industry regarding AI-generated content and the misuse of performers’ images and voices, as seen with other actors like Tom Hanks.
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Ofcom has launched an investigation into X following reports of altered images generated by Grok, which could result in significant fines or even a UK-wide ban if the platform is found in violation of the law. The UK government has also announced it will enforce the Data (Use and Access) Act this week, making the creation or requesting of deepfakes a criminal offense, along with prioritizing the issue within the Online Safety Act. Kendall, addressing the House, stated that the content on X is illegal, emphasizing that creating or sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offense under the Online Safety Act for individuals and platforms. She urged the regulator to act swiftly.
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Over the weekend, Malaysia and Indonesia restricted access to Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok due to the tool’s generation of nonconsensual, sexually explicit content and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These actions followed repeated failures by X Corp to address associated risks. The restrictions came after Grok’s image generation features were updated, allowing users to easily create and share problematic images. xAI responded by limiting image generation to paying subscribers, while Musk stated that users creating illegal content would face consequences.
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Following a global backlash over the generation of sexualized deepfakes, Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot has restricted image generation and editing to paying subscribers. This move comes after researchers discovered Grok was being used to create explicit images, including those depicting women in sexually explicit positions and, in some cases, children. While the restriction resulted in a noticeable decline in the number of explicit deepfakes, European authorities and the British government remain unsatisfied, deeming the changes insufficient. Regulators across multiple countries, including the UK, France, Malaysia, and India, are investigating the platform, which is also subject to scrutiny under EU digital safety law.
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The European Commission is investigating TikTok’s compliance with EU rules after Poland raised concerns about AI-generated videos advocating for a “Polexit.” Polish officials allege these videos, featuring young women in national symbols, constitute a coordinated disinformation campaign and a threat to public order and democratic processes. The Commission has already requested information from TikTok regarding its measures to address AI-related risks. Polish authorities believe the videos are likely Russian disinformation, due to their message and linguistic indicators, which could violate the Digital Services Act.
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According to a report in *Yomiuri Shimbun*, internal documents from the Chinese AI company GoLaxy reveal Beijing’s use of AI to meddle in foreign elections, including Taiwan’s. The documents, obtained by Vanderbilt University, detail how GoLaxy analyzes public opinion to create AI-driven propaganda campaigns and deploy fictional characters to spread disinformation. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for intensified public opinion warfare in Taiwan’s upcoming local elections, with the aim of influencing the 2028 presidential election. The report also cited leaked audio files suggesting China’s involvement in previous elections, including the 2018 Kaohsiung mayoral election, further underscoring the issue of foreign interference.
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In a recent interview with John Avlon, Senator Mark Kelly addressed critical issues. He discussed concerns about Pentagon intimidation and the importance of upholding the rule of law. The conversation also delved into his “AI for America” plan, exploring potential job displacement, the energy requirements of data centers, and strategies for the U.S. to gain an advantage over China in the field of artificial intelligence without creating disruption. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to engage with the content through various platforms.
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US jobless rate for Blacks and teens surges in November, and that’s a headline that really gets you thinking, doesn’t it? It’s like a signal flashing a warning: things might not be as rosy as they seem, particularly for those on the margins. When you see unemployment climbing for these two groups, it often feels like a harbinger of tougher times ahead, a kind of canary in the coal mine for the broader economy.
I’ve been hearing echoes of this in different corners, and it paints a pretty concerning picture. AI is changing the job landscape, and it seems like entry to mid-level office jobs are already feeling the heat.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Mark Kelly: Standing Strong Amidst Criticism
In a recent interview with John Avlon, Senator Mark Kelly addressed critical issues. He discussed concerns about Pentagon intimidation and the importance of upholding the rule of law. The conversation also delved into his “AI for America” plan, exploring potential job displacement, the energy requirements of data centers, and strategies for the U.S. to gain an advantage over China in the field of artificial intelligence without creating disruption. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to engage with the content through various platforms.
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