⚖️ OpenAI sued by big media outlets

AND: More tech news from Elon Musk and Starlink

Roni Rahman
November 30, 2024

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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here 🤖

What’s happening:

What: Major Canadian media organizations, including the National Post, Toronto Star, and CBC/Radio-Canada, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI. They allege the AI company used their journalism without permission to train its GPT models, violating copyright laws.
Why: Media outlets argue that OpenAI’s use of their content for commercial AI purposes undermines journalistic integrity and revenue. They seek damages of up to C$20,000 per article and an injunction to stop further use of their content in AI training.
Impact: If the lawsuit succeeds, OpenAI could face billions in damages and be forced to reassess its data usage practices. This case could set a global precedent, influencing how AI companies engage with publishers and handle copyrighted material in training models.

What: Thanksgiving 2024 saw global online sales reach $33.6 billion, up 6% from last year. U.S. sales grew 8% to $8.1 billion, while Europe led with a 10% increase. Mobile shopping played a major role, with 72% of orders placed on mobile devices.
Why: Retailers leaned on steep discounts, averaging 27% in the U.S., to combat economic challenges and drive consumer spending. Mobile shopping surged as people opted for convenience during holiday gatherings, reflecting changing buyer habits.
Impact: The rise in mobile-driven sales signals a shift in shopping behaviors and highlights the growing reliance on e-commerce. AI-powered retail tools also saw increased use, suggesting new opportunities for innovation in holiday shopping strategies.

What: Chinese firms, including Huawei, are aggressively recruiting engineers from Western tech giants like ASML and Zeiss SMT with offers of higher salaries. Governments in Germany, Taiwan, and the U.S. are investigating these efforts due to risks to sensitive intellectual property.
Why: With tighter export restrictions on advanced tech, China is focusing on hiring talent to bridge gaps in areas like semiconductors and AI. Engineers bring expertise that could accelerate China's progress in key industries.
Impact: This talent war risks eroding the West’s tech advantage and exposing companies to IP theft. Some nations, like Taiwan and South Korea, have imposed stricter laws, but enforcement remains tough. If unchecked, China’s recruitment could reshape global tech power dynamics.

What: Elon Musk announced plans for his company xAI to launch a game studio aimed at combating what he calls the "woke" influence of corporate-owned game studios. Musk claims the studio will use AI to revolutionize gaming and "make games great again."
Why: Musk criticized large gaming corporations for being ideologically driven and lacking authenticity, echoing sentiments shared by some online communities. His goal appears to be creating AI-driven games without "woke lectures."
Impact: Skepticism abounds, with critics pointing out the irony of a billionaire's mega-corporation attempting to "save" gaming from other corporate giants. Industry experts note that creating successful games, even with AI, is a daunting challenge, as shown by failures from tech giants like Amazon and Google.

What: The FCC granted Starlink approval to offer cellular phone services through its satellites in areas without terrestrial coverage. This enables SpaceX and T-Mobile's partnership to provide text services this year and voice/data services by 2025, though certain conditions and emission limits remain.
Why: The service aims to eliminate cellular dead zones, improve access to emergency services, and extend connectivity to remote regions, including coastal and ocean areas. However, concerns over potential interference and orbital debris require ongoing coordination with NASA and compliance with FCC regulations.
Impact: The approval marks a step forward for satellite-enabled connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. However, deferred decisions on broader emissions waivers could delay real-time communications like voice and video, limiting the service's effectiveness in emergencies.

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