AI looks inward, antitrust bites big tech again, and cybersecurity battles intensify
News may be slowing down this week in anticipation of the holiday next week, but cyber criminals, cyber cops, and antitrust hawks are not. Despite some high-profile antitrust fallout, such as Adobe abandoning its acquisition of Figma, consolidation and new fundings in enterprise software continue to occur. Meanwhile, generative artificial intelligence is taking some downtime for self-examination as companies seek to control its impulsive instincts.
OpenAI, one of the key players in the AI industry, continues to grapple with governance issues. Their safety team is now equipped with the power to block high-risk developments, reflecting the challenges they face maintaining control. However, AI startup Anthropic seems to have prioritized AI safety from its inception and is reportedly in talks to raise $750 million at a valuation of $15 billion.
In an effort to ensure AI models are not harmful, Patronus AI has rolled out SimpleSafetyTests. This tool helps identify AI models that may pose risks. Similarly, Google has taken steps to prevent abuse of its generative AI tools during U.S. elections, acknowledging the need to safeguard against potential misuse.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused pharmacy chain Rite Aid of being reckless in its use of facial recognition technology in stores. This incident highlights the importance of responsible use of AI and the potential consequences of misuse.
Harvey, a company specializing in generative AI for legal professionals, has raised $80 million to tackle privacy and hallucination issues. By addressing these concerns, Harvey aims to provide a reliable and secure solution for the legal industry.
In a concerning discovery, researchers have found child sexual abuse images within the AI training dataset known as LAION-5B. This serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with AI data and the importance of rigorous safeguards.
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that AI systems cannot patent their inventions, emphasizing the need to clarify the legal framework surrounding AI and intellectual property.
Apple has published research aimed at bringing AI models to iPhones and enabling the creation of 3D avatars from videos. This development showcases the company’s continued commitment to advancing AI technology.
Consumer AI startup Rabbit has secured $10 million in funding from Khosla Ventures. This investment highlights the growing interest in AI applications for consumers and the belief in Rabbit’s potential.
While Adobe and Figma’s proposed $20 billion merger has been abandoned due to regulatory issues, smaller acquisitions and fundings are still taking place within the industry. Despite uncertainties surrounding exits beyond initial public offerings (IPOs), there remains optimism in the overall venture capital landscape.
These developments occur in parallel with advancements in enterprise software. Companies like Snowflake, IBM, Alteryx, Cisco, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Qlik, Lightmatter, Visma, ScaleOps, UltiHash, and others are making acquisitions, securing funding, and expanding their capabilities.
On the cybersecurity front, the U.S. Commerce Department will conduct a review of the country’s chip supply chain, aiming to strengthen security. This comes as a response to the increased reliance on semiconductors and the need to address potential vulnerabilities.
During this eventful week, notable incidents include the shutdown of futuristic transit company Hyperloop One and Apple’s suspension of sales for certain Apple Watch and Ultra models in the U.S. due to an export ban.
Law enforcement agencies, supported by the FBI, have managed to disrupt the ALPHV ransomware gang, showcasing ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime. Additionally, the global police operation HAECHI IV has resulted in 3,500 arrests, marking progress in the crackdown on online financial crime.
Digital breaches have impacted several companies, including Comcast’s Xfinity unit, Insomniac Games, MongoDB, VF Corp, and Mr. Cooper. These incidents underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving threats.
In the tech industry, Okta has acquired identity security startup Spera in a deal reportedly worth over $100 million. This acquisition aligns with Okta’s aim to enhance identity security solutions.
Halcyon, a company focused on improving ransomware defense capabilities, has raised $40 million. As ransomware attacks become increasingly prevalent, the need for robust defense systems grows.
Fortinet has strengthened its operational technology (OT) security by enhancing the FortiGuard Service and introducing new hardware. This highlights the continued investment in OT security as organizations recognize the importance of protecting critical systems.
Phosphorus, a startup specializing in IoT security, has secured $27 million in funding for research and development. With the rise of interconnected devices, ensuring their security is of utmost importance.
As the week comes to a close, these developments reflect the ever-evolving landscape of technology, AI, antitrust regulation, and cybersecurity. The industry continues to grapple with challenges and find innovative solutions to ensure responsible and secure technological advancements.
