Today in AI - November 23, 2024

The Squirrel Agent AI tool, with a 97% accuracy rate, differentiates between grey and red squirrels to enhance red squirrel survival by managing feeder access and grey squirrel population control. This technology is being tested across the UK, with future applications for broader species monitoring and conservation efforts.

The European Union has reached a consensus on a team of 26 commissioners to implement President Ursula von der Leyen's policy plan, focusing on digital infrastructure, technology investment, and strict regulation of Big Tech. Key figures like Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Henna Virkkunen, and Ekaterina Zaharieva will oversee significant portfolios to foster innovation, enforce regulations, and support startups within the EU's tech ecosystem.

Microsoft's new Recall feature, designed to enhance productivity by capturing and storing screenshots for easy search, has faced significant privacy concerns and technical challenges. This has prompted the company to delay its broad release and make it an opt-in feature. Despite security measures like encryption and biometric authentication, the feature's vulnerabilities have drawn scrutiny from cybersecurity experts and regulatory bodies, highlighting the need for thorough testing and user feedback before wider deployment.

The rapid expansion of data centers, fueled by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, is leading to unprecedented electricity consumption, posing significant challenges for power generation and grid infrastructure. This growth raises environmental concerns due to the heavy reliance on natural gas and substantial carbon emissions associated with these facilities.

The DOJ is pushing for the sale of Google's Chrome browser to dismantle its search market monopoly, while OpenAI faces scrutiny for deleting evidence in a copyright lawsuit. These actions highlight the regulatory, legal, and technological challenges facing major tech companies, with implications for competition, innovation, and market dynamics.