AI overview Microsoft is investigating a fictitious press statement about the death of political prisoner Alexei Navalny that was created by its AI co-pilot and falsely attributed to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Navalny, a lawyer and de facto opposition leader, died on February 16 while serving an additional 11-and-a-half years in prison for fraud and 19 years for extremism-related charges. His death sparked protests in Russia and events celebrating his life around the world.
When journalists at Sherwood Media, the publishing arm of financial services firm Robin Hood, urged Microsoft’s CoPilot to generate text for a news article about Navalny’s death, the service fabricated a statement. The paper claimed that US President Joe Biden had placed the blame for Narwarny’s death on Putin, who responded by calling the accusations “baseless and politically motivated.”
President Putin has not issued a public statement about Navalny’s death.
A Microsoft spokesperson told Sherwood Media: “We are investigating this report and are making changes to improve the quality of our response.” “As we continue to improve the experience, we recommend using your best judgment when viewing results, including reviewing source material and checking web links to learn more.” To do.”
Regulators halt Waymo’s self-driving vehicle expansion plans
The California Public Utilities Commission has temporarily stopped Waymo from expanding its self-driving car service beyond San Francisco.
The Google spinout wanted to run driverless cars along Highway 101, passing through the Bay Area’s Millbrae, San Mateo, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale, and reaching the peninsula. Waymo also wanted to cover a large area of Los Angeles, from Santa Monica to Monterey Park and Manhattan Beach to the Paramount.
But those plans have been delayed until at least June as regulators continue to consider expansion. San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa said the decision to suspend Waymo was made after the company failed to provide sufficient information about safety risks.
“With Waymo stalling meaningful discussions about its Silicon Valley expansion plans, the CPUC is putting the brakes on applications to test virtually free robotaxi services in both San Mateo and Los Angeles counties,” Canepa said in a statement, according to the newspaper. “I put it on,” he declared. san francisco standard.
“This provides an opportunity for self-driving car manufacturers to fully engage with the very real public safety concerns that are creating all sorts of dangerous situations for firefighters and police in neighboring San Francisco. That will happen.”
Earlier this month, a Waymo car collided with a bicycle at a four-way intersection. Fortunately, the accident was not too serious and the cyclist walked away without serious injuries.
Computer scientist hired as Justice Department’s chief AI officer
The U.S. Department of Justice has hired its first chief AI officer to provide technical expertise and advice as technology increasingly impacts law enforcement.
Jonathan Meyer, an assistant professor in Princeton’s School of Computer Science and School of Public and International Affairs, will take on the newly created role. He will be responsible for guiding attorneys in complex cases involving technical subjects such as AI, cybersecurity, etc.
“The Department of Justice must keep pace with rapidly evolving scientific and technological developments to fulfill its mission of upholding the rule of law, protecting the nation’s security, and protecting civil rights,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement this week. No,” he explained.
“Jonathan’s expertise will help ensure that the entire Department of Justice, including law enforcement, the Litigation Division, grant-making bodies, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prepared for both the challenges and opportunities that new technologies bring. It will be extremely valuable.”
Meyer will also lead the Justice Department’s Emerging Technologies Committee, which will work with other government agencies on AI and law. He has academic experience in computer science, policy, national security, and consumer protection. ®