AI in Politics: Texas Deepfakes, Montana Law Blocked

Key Takeaways

• NVIDIA, Alphabet, and Microsoft are the three AI stocks retail investors are watching amid shifting US-China trade policies
• Anthropic raised $30 billion at a $380 billion valuation while removing its safety pledge
• Big Tech is investing $300 billion in AI through loans and guarantees that carry hidden risks for investors
• A federal judge blocked Montana's AI campaign ad law, ruling it violated free speech
• Texas state Rep. Vikki Goodwin filed a police report over AI-generated deepfake ads used against her by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's campaign
• Case Western Reserve University is adding five AI-focused courses covering data science, healthcare, cybersecurity, education, and human-computer interaction
• Kazakhstan has expanded free AI training to 14 regions, with over 100,000 university students completing advanced courses
• Bill Harris, former PayPal and Intuit CEO, launched a new AI-powered financial advice platform
• A lawsuit against Workday alleges its AI hiring tools discriminated against Black applicants, women, people over 40, and people with disabilities
• J&TC will invest $250 million in a glass substrate plant in South Korea for AI chip manufacturing

Texas candidate files police report over AI campaign ads

State Rep. Vikki Goodwin filed a police report against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's campaign. She says AI-generated ads from September broke state law. The ads included deepfake images of Goodwin and misrepresented her views. She filed the report with the sheriff's office in Travis County.

Federal judge blocks Montana AI campaign ad law

A federal judge blocked Montana's law on AI campaign ads. Judge Susan Watters ruled the law violated free speech. The law banned AI tools that misrepresented a candidate's position. The ruling allows candidates to use AI-generated ads in upcoming legislative races without the disclosure requirement.

AI political ads grow despite voter concerns over data centers

AI-shaped ads are common on the campaign trail. They are growing even as AI data centers become a key midterm issue. Republican candidates face potential liability over the technology. In Texas, Ken Paxton's campaign used deepfake claims against opponents. Similar races are playing out in Georgia.

CWRU adds five AI-focused courses to curriculum

Case Western Reserve University is adding five courses that use AI. The courses cover data science, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, education, and healthcare. Students work on real-world projects in each course. The university aims to prepare students for industries changing due to AI.

Kazakhstan expands free AI training across 14 regions

Kazakhstan is expanding its free Tomorrow School for AI and programming to 14 regions. Over 100,000 university students have completed advanced AI courses. The school offers an 18-month course with no prior experience needed. TUMO Astana serves teenagers aged 12 to 18 and plans to grow to 5,000 students by end of 2026.

3 AI Infrastructure Stocks Retail Investors Watch Amid US China Trade Shifts

US and China are changing AI rules and trade policies, which affects companies linked to both economies. Retail investors are watching three AI stocks: NVIDIA, Alphabet, and Microsoft. These companies develop AI technology and may be helped or hurt by the shifting trade relationship. The article explains how each stock could be affected as policy signals evolve. Investors need to pay attention to where capital and supply chains might re-route.

How to Manage AI Spending Like a Business Investment

AI is pushing organizations to rethink how they measure technology value. Gartner vice president Robert Naegle says AI costs are genuinely dynamic because businesses pay for both seats and token usage. Unlike traditional software, AI spending can vary greatly and potentially blow up budgets if not managed properly. Companies need to tie AI spending to clear value propositions and segment consumption based on the value it creates. Efficiency gains from AI do not always translate into measurable business value.

Trump to Decide on US China AI Hotline Agreement

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will present President Donald Trump with a US-China agreement that would open a hotline for direct communication on AI. This hotline would be similar to the military's direct line of communication. It would allow either side to address AI-related problems such as hacking, national security concerns, and rogue AIs. Trump will decide whether to approve the agreement.

Bill Harris Launches AI Financial Advice App

Former PayPal and Intuit CEO Bill Harris launched a new AI-powered financial advice platform. The app helps investors create personalized investment plans based on their financial goals and risk tolerance. It provides customized portfolios and regular performance updates without requiring minimum balances. Harris aims to make high-quality investment advice accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation. The platform represents a shift toward more democratized wealth management strategies.

Workers Say AI Hiring Platform Discriminated Against Them

A lawsuit against Workday tests who is responsible when AI hiring tools allegedly discriminate against Black and other applicants. Job seekers are asking a federal judge to certify four subclasses for African Americans, women, people over 40, and people with disabilities. In 2024, more than 356 million applications were submitted via Workday Recruiting and over 27 million job offers were extended. The plaintiffs seek back pay, front pay, and punitive damages. A hearing on class certification is scheduled for March 9, 2027.

Big Tech's $300B AI Gamble Carries Hidden Risk for Investors

Big Tech is investing $300 billion in artificial intelligence through loans and guarantees for data centers and AI chip production. These financial guarantees may give investors a false sense of security. The reliance on these guarantees could leave investors exposed if they fail. Investors should carefully consider this hidden risk before funding AI ambitions.

Anthropic Safety Leader's Resignation Post Hits 169 Million Views

Jacob Coxon left Anthropic and his resignation post passed 169 million views. The Superalignment team meant to keep superintelligence aligned no longer exists. Former President Barack Obama and investors like Eric Schmidt and Bill Gates warned about AI dangers. Anthropic closed a $30 billion round at a $380 billion valuation while removing its safety pledge. The resignation highlights a closed loop where investor warnings drive massive funding rounds.

J&TC to Invest $250M in South Korea AI Chip Glass Plant

South Korean semiconductor parts maker J&TC will invest $250 million in a glass substrate plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The plant will produce high-quality glass substrates for AI chip manufacturing. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2023 and create over 1,000 jobs. The investment aims to expand J&TC's presence in the global semiconductor market.

Sources

• Vikki Goodwin files police report saying Dan Patrick broke law with AI-generated campaign ads
• Federal Judge Blocks Montana’s AI Campaign Ad Law
• AI ads flood campaign trail despite growing data center outrage, ‘doomsday’ warnings
• Evolving curriculum: Learn about 5 CWRU courses integrating AI | CWRU Newsroom
• Kazakhstan AI Training Expands Nationwide as Programs Scale Up - The Times Of Central Asia
• 3 AI Infrastructure Stocks Retail Investors Are Watching As US China Trade Rules Shift
• Managing AI like a business investment
• Trump to decide whether to green light US-China artificial intelligence 'hotline' agreement: sources
• Bill Harris Launches AI Financial Advice App
• These workers say an AI hiring platform discriminated against them. But who should pay?
• Big Tech's $300B AI Bet Hides a Risk Investors Can't Ignore
• The 169-Million-View Resignation
• Dealroom.co | J&TC to invest $250M in South Korea glass substrate plant for AI chips