The Comunicano for Thursday January 23rd 2025
Welcome to today’s roundup of “What in the AI is going on?”—you daily dose of tech, innovation, and the occasional side-eye at humanity…First up, let’s talk about Agentic AI, which promises to do what ChatGPT can’t: act on its own without us needy humans. It’s like giving your Roomba free will. Sure, it’ll clean your floor, but what if it decides to redecorate your living room? Experts are already panicking about oversight and safety—which is AI speak for “We need to lock this thing down before it starts writing its own terms and conditions.”….Meanwhile, OpenAI’s rumored “Operator” feature is about to drop. Think of it like Siri, but smarter, and less likely to remind you about your dentist appointment mid-presentation. Businesses can now create custom AI workflows! Translation: Your customer service rep may soon be replaced by something that doesn’t take coffee breaks.
In Hollywood, AI is stealing the show—literally. “The Brutalist,” a film edited with AI, is up for an Oscar. While some critics are impressed, others clutch their SAG cards like life rafts. Imagine explaining to Meryl Streep that her understudy is a server farm….Over in the TikTok corner, buyers are still negotiating over Trump-era restrictions. The deal’s like a group chat where everyone’s typing, no one’s hitting send, and privacy policies are the unread terms at the bottom.
Finally, Cloudflare reported stopping the largest DDoS attack in history—56 terabits per second. That’s like trying to download the entire Netflix catalog in one go. It was a heroic save for the internet, though I’m sure your ISP still blames you for the lag.
So there you have it—AI, ethics, and digital chaos. The future’s here, folks. And it’s oddly hilarious here, today, in THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
AI Watch
Agentic AI to Surpass ChatGPT (3 Quarks Daily) —As artificial intelligence progresses, “Agentic AI” systems, which can act independently to complete complex tasks, are poised to eclipse tools like ChatGPT. Unlike current generative models, Agentic AI could adapt to new problems in real-time without human input, bringing profound implications for industries, ethics, and human-AI collaboration. Experts warn that this leap raises urgent questions about oversight and safety. The move toward such capabilities underscores the need for more robust policy frameworks as the AI landscape evolves.
Read more here
ChatGPT’s “Operator” Feature Nears Launch (BGR)—OpenAI is reportedly set to introduce a groundbreaking “Operator” feature in ChatGPT, potentially launching this week. This tool promises to allow businesses and individuals to create custom AI workflows, blending automation with personalization. The feature may transform how companies use AI for customer service, content creation, and more. By enabling tailored interactions, the Operator could redefine productivity and streamline business processes, signaling OpenAI’s growing influence on enterprise solutions. Read more here
Scientists Experiment with AI Pain Perception (Futurism)—-Researchers are exploring whether AI systems can experience “pain” as a way to simulate more human-like empathy. Scientists aim to enhance AI’s understanding of human suffering by creating algorithms that mimic responses to harmful stimuli. However, this raises ethical questions about the nature of AI consciousness and the potential consequences of imbuing machines with feelings.
Read more here
Stargate AI: OpenAI’s Bold New Initiative (OpenAI Blog)—OpenAI announced the Stargate Project, an ambitious venture aiming to build the next generation of AI systems. Combining cutting-edge neural network designs with multi-modal capabilities, Stargate seeks to develop AI with a deeper understanding of human reasoning and perception. The initiative marks a step toward achieving more powerful, general-purpose AI while maintaining ethical safeguards. OpenAI emphasizes collaboration with academic and industry leaders to ensure safety and global benefits.
Read more here
Oscars Watch
AI-Generated Voices in Film: A Legal and Ethical Debate (Fast Company)—The use of AI voice editing in “The Brutalist” has reignited debates around the ethical and legal implications of AI in filmmaking. By recreating performances through AI, creators risk facing backlash over authenticity and intellectual property. While the technology offers creative opportunities, it also raises concerns about the role of actors and the potential misuse of their digital likenesses. This case underscores the ongoing tension between innovation and ethical boundaries in media.
Read more here
AI Takes Center Stage at the Oscars (Variety) —For the first time, a movie extensively edited with AI, “The Brutalist,” is a major contender at the Oscars. This signals a new era for AI-driven content in Hollywood, where technology’s creative potential continues to evolve. Critics are divided: some praise AI’s ability to push cinematic boundaries, while others worry about its implications for human creators. Regardless, AI’s increasing role in the film industry is impossible to ignore.
Read more here
TikTok Watch
TikTok Buyers Seek Resolution Amid Trump-Era Controversy (The Hill)—Amid ongoing negotiations, prospective buyers of TikTok face challenges stemming from Trump-era policies targeting Chinese-owned apps. Concerns over data privacy and national security have prompted scrutiny of potential deals. Buyers are eager to resolve these issues to unlock TikTok’s growth potential, but regulatory uncertainty remains a major obstacle.
Read more here
Regulatory Watch
UK Investigates Apple and Google for Market Dominance (TechCrunch)— The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal investigation into the mobnd Google.Google's mobile ecosystemsnquiry focuses on potential monopolistic practices, including app store policies and default app restrictions, which critics say harm competition and innovation. Regulators aim to address concerns that these tech giants hold disproportionate power over app developers and consumers, shapi and shapebile market to their advantage.
Read more here
Security Watch
Record-Breaking DDoS Attack Mitigated by Cloudflare (Bleeping Computer) —Cloudflare successfully thwarted a massive 56 Tbps DDoS attack, the largest ever recorded. The attack targeted multiple networks but was quickly mitigated using advanced filtering systems. This milestone underscores the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and highlights the need for robust defense mechanisms in the face of growing digital threats. Cloudflare’s response demonstrates the critical role cybersecurity companies play in protecting global internet infrastructure.
Read more here
Trump Watch
Elon Musk Criticizes Trump’s $500B Stargate AI Plan (The Street) —Elon Musk took to social media to deride Donald Trump’s ambitious $500 billion Stargate AI initiative, calling it poorly planned and overly ambitious. The project aims to boost the U.S.’s AI infrastructure but has drawn criticism for its lack of detailed strategy. Musk’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Silicon Valley leaders and policymakers as governments look to invest heavily in AI development.
Read more here
Trump’s $500B AI Build-Out Plan (Politico Pro)—President Donald Trump has announced a $500 billion AI initiative called the Stargate Project, aimed at strengthening U.S. AI capabilities. The plan includes investments in supercomputing infrastructure, workforce development, and collaborations with private industry. While proponents see it as a bold step toward technological leadership, critics argue it lacks specifics and raises concerns about accountability.
Read more here
Uber Watch
Ola and Uber Face Scrutiny Over Pricing Practices (Hindustan Times)—Indian regulators have issued notices to ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber regarding discrepancies in pricing for iPhone and Android users. Allegations of algorithmic favoritism have sparked concerns about fairness and transparency in digital marketplaces. Regulators are calling for detailed explanations from both companies as they investigate whether these practices violate consumer protection laws.
Read more here
Innovation Watch
Inventions Ahead of Their Time (Bored Panda)—History is filled with groundbreaking inventions that were years ahead of their time, from early prototypes of digital assistants to pre-modern solar power designs. These creations often failed to gain traction due to societal, technological, or economic barriers. However, they paved the way for modern innovations, highlighting the role of visionaries in shaping the future.
Read more here
Sillyness Watch
Macron Promises Review of Smartphone Toll Policies (Particle)—French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed growing criticism over fines for toll payments made via smartphones. Amid concerns about transparency and accessibility, Macron has promised a comprehensive review of the policies. Critics argue that current regulations disproportionately impact low-income drivers and call for more equitable solutions in mobile payment systems.
Read more here
