Key Takeaways:
- Major firms are adopting Emotion AI, but it faces ethical and regulatory challenges.
- Microsoft’s September 16th event will showcase new Copilot features.
- Elon Musk’s xAI Colossus supercomputer debuts with 100,000 Nvidia GPUs, set to expand to 200,000.
This week has been buzzing with significant developments in the AI world. From OpenAI’s user base growth to new AI regulations in California, here’s a roundup of the top stories you might have missed.
Emotion AI Faces Ethical and Regulatory Scrutiny as it Gains Traction
Emotion AI is increasingly being integrated into business software, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon leading the charge. However, the technology is not without controversy. Concerns over accuracy, ethical use, and regulatory compliance in the EU and U.S. continue to cast a shadow over its widespread adoption. Experts warn that “the line between useful and invasive AI is thin,” highlighting the need for stringent guidelines to ensure responsible use.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Sees Explosive Growth
OpenAI’s ChatGPT user base has doubled in under a year, now boasting over 200 million weekly users. A staggering 92% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporating it into their workflows. Despite fierce competition from other AI chatbots, OpenAI remains a leader. Recent reports suggest that Apple and Nvidia may join the ranks of potential investors, with OpenAI’s valuation surpassing $100 billion.
California Passes Bill Requiring Consent for AI Replicas of Deceased Actors
In a landmark move, the California Senate approved AB 1836, a bill that requires estates of deceased performers to provide consent before AI-generated replicas of them can be used. The bill, which has the backing of SAG-AFTRA, aims to curb unauthorized AI use and deepfake manipulations in media. Governor Newsom’s approval is now awaited to make this bill law.
OpenAI Develops In-House AI Chips with TSMC
OpenAI is collaborating with TSMC to create in-house AI chips using the A16 process, similar to what Apple is pursuing. Mass production is expected in 2026. These chips are designed to power advanced AI models like Sora, which can generate videos from text, in alignment with Apple’s AI strategy.
Elon Musk’s xAI Colossus Supercomputer Goes Live
Elon Musk’s xAI has launched its Colossus supercomputer, which is powered by an astonishing 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs. This machine, located in Memphis, will support the training of the Grok AI chatbot and Tesla’s Optimus robot. Plans are in motion to expand the system to 200,000 GPUs, making it one of the most powerful AI infrastructures globally.
Microsoft’s Upcoming Event to Showcase New Copilot Features
Microsoft is set to reveal the future of its Copilot AI at a livestream event on September 16th. Expected announcements include new features for Copilot AI and updates to Microsoft 365. The event could mark the debut of Copilot Pro, as Microsoft aims to stay competitive in the growing AI workplace sector against rivals like Google and Anthropic.
Ilya Sutskever’s Safe AI Initiative Secures $1B in Funding
Ilya Sutskever’s Safe Superintelligence (SSI) initiative has raised $1 billion in funding from major investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital. SSI is focused on ensuring that AI development remains safe and beneficial for humanity. “Our goal is to make superintelligence safe for everyone,” said Sutskever, as the funding will be used to expand SSI’s team and research capabilities.
US, UK, and EU to Sign International AI Treaty
In a groundbreaking move, the US, UK, and EU are set to sign the Council of Europe’s new AI treaty, which emphasizes the protection of human rights throughout the AI lifecycle. While the treaty is a significant step forward, it lacks financial penalties for non-compliance. The treaty will come into force three months after it has been ratified by at least five countries.
Nvidia-Backed Sakana AI to Build AI Research Lab in Japan
Sakana AI, supported by Nvidia and with $100 million in funding, is establishing a major AI lab in Japan. The facility will focus on advancing AI research, infrastructure, and community development, leveraging Nvidia’s technology to boost Japan’s AI capabilities and position it as a leader in the field.
Australian Government Introduces ‘Guardrails’ for AI Regulation
Australia is rolling out 10 voluntary guidelines to regulate AI, with the possibility of making them mandatory for high-risk applications. Industry Minister Ed Husic emphasized that trust is critical in AI’s future, noting that the technology could add up to $115 billion to the Australian economy and generate 200,000 jobs by 2030.
YouTube to Help Creators Combat Deepfakes
In response to growing concerns over deepfakes, YouTube is introducing AI tools designed to detect unauthorized use of creators’ likenesses. These new features will assist creators in identifying and removing AI-generated content that misuses their faces or voices. Additionally, YouTube plans to pilot a feature next year that will help detect AI-simulated singing.
UK Approves Microsoft-Inflection AI Partnership
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given the green light to Microsoft’s $650 million partnership with Inflection AI. The partnership will allow Microsoft to hire former Inflection employees and access their AI models. The CMA determined that Inflection AI posed minimal competition to Microsoft’s chatbot operations, paving the way for further collaboration.
