How Zoom is using your data to train AI ...

Good morning, friends—Today is a good day for AI news! Let’s see what’s going on. 🗞️

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DISNEY IS USING AI TO CREATE MAGICAL EXPERIENCES 🧚‍♂️

Q. Why did Mickey Mouse become an astronaut?

A. So he could visit Pluto! 🚀

What’s going on? Walt Disney is establishing a task force focused on the study and application of AI within its expansive entertainment conglomerate, from their streaming services and movie production to their coveted theme parks. This undertaking aims to harness AI's potential both through in-house development and strategic partnerships with innovative startups. Notably, Disney is actively seeking AI and machine learning experts, evident in its 11 current job openings.

Why? Disney views AI as a valuable tool to mitigate the large costs associated with movie and television production. Budgets for major releases like "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" can soar to $300 million, necessitating monumental box office returns to achieve profitability. However, AI's potential for cost savings over time holds the promise of reshaping this financial landscape. Additionally AI's integration in Disney parks could revolutionize customer support and aid in their goals of fostering unique, one-of-a-kind experiences.

What will this look like? A striking example of AI innovation within the parks was given by a Disney employee. He described Baby Groot, a free-roaming robot inspired by the "Guardians of the Galaxy" character. By drawing from the realm of machine learning, vision systems can empower computer systems like this to learn and navigate their environment autonomously. We can imagine Baby Groot roaming the park and interacting with guests, all through the power of AI. Only a child-like imagination could dream up the many other innovative uses for AI that will be implemented by some of the world’s most creative and enthusiastic minds.

ZOOM RESPONDS TO PRIVACY BACKLASH 💻

Zoom, our best friend for collaboration over the past few years, is now under fire. 🔥

What’s up? Zoom has decided to update their terms and conditions given backlash they have been facing, which raises concerns over user privacy.

Why is Zoom under fire? Zoom launched new AI-powered features in June, one of which allowed users to gain access to meeting summaries without the need to record their call. This type of monitoring, however, gave Zoom access to user data that could be used for purposes beyond just call summaries. Zoom claims that no user data was used for any purpose without user permission, but nonetheless, this potential invasion of privacy has prompted Zoom to take preventative action.

What has Zoom done? Zoom has now updated their terms to say: "Zoom will not use audio, video or chat customer content to train our artificial intelligence models without your consent.” When users enter Zoom meetings, they will now be transparently prompted to whether they are willing to share content with Zoom for "product improvement purposes" or to leave the meeting.

POPE FRANCIS ADDRESSES AI ⛪️

As many world leaders continue to address the potential impacts of AI on humanity, Pope Francis has decided to disclose his thoughts. 🤔

What happened? Pope Francis released his thoughts on AI (among other things) in a message for the next World Day of Peace of the Catholic Church. In this message, he warned of the technology’s "disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects."

What does the Vatican message say? The message emphasizes “The urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home, [which] requires that ethical reflection be extended to the sphere of education and law.” The Pope “recalls the need to be vigilant and to work so that a logic of violence and discrimination does not take root in the production and use of such devices, at the expense of the most fragile and excluded.”

Some context: Pope Francis is currently 86 years old, and he admittedly does not know how to use a computer. So the Pope’s comments are not meant to be taken as an informed, technical opinion. Rather, as one of the most influential figures in the world, his comments should be taken as a beacon for continual reflection on AI’s impact on community and on the future of humanity. The Pope regards the internet and technology as "a gift of God” provided they are used responsibly. 🙏

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