🔒 Can we control self-improving AI?

Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:

☀️ On this day: On December 16, 1955, Arthur Samuel created the first self-learning checkers program, laying the groundwork for machine learning. Using "rote learning," it recorded moves to improve over time, marking a key milestone in AI by showing machines could learn and adapt.

What’s happening:

• 🤖 Ex-Google CEO: “Unplugging” AI may become necessary

• 🚀 Microsoft releases small but mighty: Phi-4

• 🚨 Tech firms face strict penalties under UK safety law

• 🔒 FBI urges encrypted apps after massive telecom hack

• 🍎 Apple explores foldable iPhone and iPad designs

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

🤖 Ex-Google CEO: “Unplugging” AI may become necessary ↗️LINK

• What: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt cautioned that AI systems nearing self-improvement could reach a critical point where society may need to consider shutting them down. He warned of the unforeseen risks posed by unchecked AI advancement.

• Why: Schmidt highlighted the accelerating AI race, with systems potentially making their own decisions within 2-4 years. While he praised the progress, he emphasized the dangers of granting such intelligence unchecked power, especially as U.S. and China compete for dominance.

• Impact: Schmidt proposed two solutions: ensuring the West wins the AI race and using AI to monitor AI. His remarks underscore the urgent need for regulation and preparedness to manage the immense potential and risks of autonomous AI systems.

🚀 Microsoft releases small but mighty: Phi-4 ↗️LINK

• What: Microsoft unveiled Phi-4, a 14-billion-parameter language model that outperforms larger competitors like GPT-4o and Gemini Pro 1.5 on mathematical reasoning and graduate-level STEM tasks, despite its smaller size.

• Why: Trained on 400 billion synthetic tokens, Phi-4’s success highlights the power of efficient architecture over sheer size. It also features double the input capacity of its predecessor, Phi-3, handling up to 4,000 tokens.

• Impact: Phi-4 challenges the "bigger is better" paradigm, signaling a shift toward smarter, resource-efficient AI development. Currently in research preview, its broader release on Hugging Face could reshape industry benchmarks.

🚨 Tech firms face strict penalties under UK safety law ↗️LINK

• What: Ofcom released its first codes of practice under the UK’s Online Safety Act, targeting over 130 priority offenses like terror, hate, fraud, and sexual abuse. Tech companies must conduct risk assessments and begin implementing safety measures by March 16, 2025.

• Why: The act aims to address the longstanding lack of regulation in online platforms, prioritizing user safety over profits. Ofcom emphasized its commitment to holding tech firms accountable with strict oversight and enforcement.

• Impact: Non-compliant companies face fines of up to £18M or 10% of global revenue, and possible UK bans. This marks a significant step in tech regulation, setting a global precedent for online safety enforcement.

🔒 FBI urges encrypted apps after massive telecom hack ↗️LINK

• What: Following the Salt Typhoon cyberattack linked to the Chinese government, the FBI warns that regular text messages are not secure. The attack compromised private communications of high-profile Americans and potentially ordinary users.

• Why: Hackers gained access to metadata and sensitive communications, using it to map social networks and exploit vulnerabilities. Federal agencies recommend switching to encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp, which protect messages during transmission.

• Impact: While encryption isn't foolproof, it significantly reduces risks. Ordinary users remain vulnerable, especially as hackers use metadata for misinformation or targeting strategies. The government has issued technical guidance to bolster telecom security.

🍎 Apple explores foldable iPhone and iPad designs ↗️LINK

• What: Apple is reportedly developing two foldable devices: a foldable iPhone with a larger screen than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and a 19-inch foldable iPad that could rival desktop monitors. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch by 2026, though delays are possible.

• Why: Apple aims to address issues like visible screen creases seen in existing foldables. The company has prioritized perfecting foldable screens, which have been in development for years, signaling its commitment to innovation in the foldable market.

• Impact: If successful, these devices could redefine user expectations and set a new standard for foldable technology. The launch would intensify competition with Samsung and others in the growing foldable segment.

Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

OpenAI’s For-Profit Transition: Necessary or Unethical?

• A) Necessary – It enables faster innovation and funding - 75% 👑

• B) Unethical – It exploits non-profit origins unfairly - 25%

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