Governance
Top tech stories today: January 24, 2024
Say goodbye to endless web searches for tech news! Discover a brief and captivating recap of global tech highlights right here. Dive in now! 1. North Korea’s AI development raises sanctions concerns, report says North Korea is investing in AI and machine learning, employing the technology for COVID-…
Headline
Say goodbye to endless web searches for tech news! Discover a brief and captivating recap of global tech highlights right here. Dive in now! 1. North Korea’s AI development raises sanctions concerns, report says North Korea is investing in AI and machine learning, employing the…
Context
Say goodbye to endless web searches for tech news! Discover a brief and captivating recap of global tech highlights right here. Dive in now! North Korea is investing in AI and machine learning, employing the technology for COVID-19 response, nuclear reactor safety, and wargaming simulations, despite international sanctions posing challenges in acquiring AI hardware. Collaboration with foreign scholars raises concerns over sanctions. ( U.S.News )
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Google terminated its contract with Appen, an Australian data firm involved in training its AI models for Bard, Search, and other products. Appen, also serving Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, faces the impact on its revenue, with $82.8 million from Google alone in 2023. Transition efforts are underway. ( The Verge ) Google’s Chrome browser introduces AI features, including a Tab Organizer to group similar tabs, AI-upgraded theme generation, and a “Help me write” feature for text boxes. Google plans further AI integration, hinting at the inclusion of its Gemini model. These updates aim to enhance user experience and streamline browsing. ( The Verge ) Bitcoin has dropped 20.6% from its recent high of $49,000 following the approval of the first spot bitcoin ETF in the U.S. The decline was driven by selling from investors anticipating the approval, capital outflows from Grayscale, and asset sales from bankrupt FTX exchange. Coinbase shares dipped 4% after a JPMorgan downgrade, citing potential disappointment in the bitcoin ETF catalyst. ( CNA ) German software firm SAP unveils a €2 billion restructuring, cutting 8,000 jobs for AI-driven growth. The company plans a €1 billion investment in AI startups, aiming for €500 million in operating profit gains by 2025. SAP anticipates double-digit revenue growth in its cloud business for 2024. The 2025 operating profit target is adjusted to €10 billion. ( CNA )
Key Points
- 1. North Korea’s AI development raises sanctions concerns, report says
- 2. Google cancels contract with an AI data firm that’s helped train Bard
- 3. Google is using AI to organize and customize your Chrome browser
- 4. Bitcoin down 20% from post-ETF highs
- 5. SAP announces restructuring plan covering 8,000 employees, provides 2024 outlook
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
