AI Regulation, AI Adoption and AI Impact

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) span multiple sectors, highlighting both its potential and the challenges it presents. ProPublica reported that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) used a flawed AI model, created by engineer Sahil Lavingia, to cut Veterans Affairs contracts, impacting critical services such as cancer treatment and nursing care. The AI's errors stemmed from outdated information, limited analysis, and poorly defined terms. In response to concerns, the VA reduced the number of canceled contracts from 875 to 585. Meanwhile, the Senate is debating the extent to which states should regulate AI, with some senators expressing concerns about federal overreach and the violation of state rights. Senate Republicans are modifying a tax bill to limit state AI regulation by potentially denying broadband funding to states that regulate AI. Despite regulatory debates, AI is being rapidly adopted across various industries. An international digital agency has replaced sales jobs with AI, while MIT researchers have released Boltz-2, an open-source AI model that accelerates drug discovery by predicting molecular binding affinity. The Philippines is leading in generative AI (GenAI) course enrollments, demonstrating a strong commitment to adopting new technologies. Utah universities are planning to cut 'inefficient' programs to boost AI, engineering, and nursing programs. Meta and Anduril Industries are partnering to equip soldiers with AR-AI headsets for real-time combat intelligence. AI tools like ChatGPT are also assisting car tuners by processing log files and aiding in data analysis. Visual Capitalist and ACT | The App Association have identified 25 promising AI startups driving innovation across sectors. A Forbes survey reveals that a significant majority of billionaires are using AI in both their businesses and personal lives for tasks such as deal analysis and drafting memos.

Key Takeaways

  • DOGE used flawed AI to cut Veterans Affairs contracts, impacting critical services.
  • The Senate is debating the extent of state versus federal AI regulation.
  • Senate Republicans are modifying a tax bill to limit state AI regulation.
  • An international digital agency has replaced sales jobs with AI.
  • MIT researchers released Boltz-2, an open-source AI model for faster drug discovery.
  • The Philippines leads in GenAI course enrollments globally.
  • Utah universities plan cuts to boost AI, engineering, and nursing programs.
  • Meta and Anduril Industries are partnering on AR-AI headsets for soldiers.
  • AI tools like ChatGPT are assisting car tuners with data analysis.
  • Most billionaires use AI in their work and personal lives.

ProPublica reveals how DOGE's AI cuts hurt veterans' care

ProPublica reported that DOGE used flawed AI to cut Veterans Affairs contracts, impacting critical services. Engineer Sahil Lavingia, tasked with reviewing contracts, used AI that made errors due to outdated information and limited analysis. Key contracts for cancer treatment and nursing care were canceled. Experts found the AI's code poorly defined essential terms, leading to bad decisions and highlighting the risks of using AI without proper oversight.

Report: DOGE's flawed AI tool slashed Veteran Affairs contracts

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) used a flawed AI model to review contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Engineer Sahil Lavingia created the AI, which canceled contracts not directly supporting patient care. The AI only reviewed the first part of the contracts and lacked clear definitions, leading to errors. The VA initially planned to cancel 875 contracts but reduced it to 585 after concerns were raised.

Report: DOGE's flawed AI tool slashed Veteran Affairs contracts

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) used a flawed AI model to review contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Engineer Sahil Lavingia created the AI, which canceled contracts not directly supporting patient care. The AI only reviewed the first part of the contracts and lacked clear definitions, leading to errors. The VA initially planned to cancel 875 contracts but reduced it to 585 after concerns were raised.

Senate debates AI regulation amid state rights concerns

The Senate is debating whether states should be able to regulate artificial intelligence. A House bill proposes a 10-year ban on state AI regulations, sparking controversy. Some senators worry this violates state rights and could hinder efforts to regulate Big Tech. The Senate Commerce Committee is trying to revise the bill to address these concerns, but the issue remains hotly debated.

Senate Republicans adjust AI regulation ban to save controversial plan

Senate Republicans are changing their tax bill to preserve a policy that would limit states from regulating AI for ten years. The new plan would deny states broadband funding if they regulate AI. This is a change from the House bill that simply banned state AI regulations. The goal is to pass the tax bill with a simple majority vote, but the changes must comply with Senate rules.

AI replaces sales jobs at UK agency

An international digital agency has used AI to replace sales jobs.

Boltz-2 democratizes AI molecular modeling for faster drug discovery

MIT researchers released Boltz-2, an open-source AI model for drug discovery. It predicts molecular binding affinity faster and more accurately than before. Boltz-2 builds on Boltz-1, which was widely used for predicting the 3D structure of biomolecular complexes. The model helps identify promising drug leads earlier, cutting costs and timelines. Recursion collaborated on Boltz-2, aiming to integrate technology, biology, and chemistry for better drug development.

Philippines leads in GenAI course enrollment, surpassing US and China

The Philippines is leading the world in generative AI (GenAI) course enrollments. According to Coursera's 2025 Global Skills Report, the Philippines saw a 383% surge in GenAI course enrollments. This is much higher than the Asia Pacific and global averages. This shows the country's strong commitment to adopting new technologies. Many Filipinos are using AI tools to improve skills and assist with tasks.

Utah universities plan cuts to boost AI, engineering, and nursing

Utah universities are planning to cut 'inefficient' programs to boost engineering, AI and nursing.

Meta and U.S. Army partner on AR-AI headset for soldiers

Meta and Anduril Industries are partnering to equip soldiers with AR-AI headsets. These headsets will provide real-time combat intelligence and enhance situational awareness. The technology integrates Meta's AI tools with Anduril's Lattice platform. This initiative aims to transform soldiers into 'technomancers' with better control and perception in combat. The partnership signifies a growing trend of tech companies contributing to national defense.

AI and ChatGPT impact car tuning, experts say

Experts say that AI tools like ChatGPT are now helping car tuners. Matt Sanford, a GM tuner, uses ChatGPT to recalculate settings for modified cars, saving time. ChatGPT helps process log files and build tables from data. While AI can't flash a car, it assists with data analysis and corrections. Tuners are using AI to work faster and focus on complex tasks.

Top 25 AI startups to watch in 2025

Visual Capitalist and ACT | The App Association have identified 25 promising AI startups. These companies are driving innovation and competing with larger tech companies. The startups cover various sectors, including AI development tools, productivity, creativity, and machine learning. These investments show that the AI sector is dynamic and competitive. Small and medium-sized AI businesses are building innovative solutions to everyday problems.

Survey: Most billionaires use AI in work and life

A Forbes survey found that 77% of billionaires use AI in their businesses, and 65% use it in their personal lives. Many use AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Some billionaires employ AI virtual assistants. Robotics are also used in various businesses. Billionaires are finding AI useful for tasks like deal analysis, drafting memos, and summarizing articles.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Veterans Affairs DOGE Sahil Lavingia AI Regulation State Rights Senate GenAI Generative AI Philippines Coursera Drug Discovery Boltz-2 MIT Molecular Modeling Meta U.S. Army AR-AI Headset Anduril Industries ChatGPT Car Tuning AI Startups Billionaires AI Adoption Contract Review AI Errors AI Oversight AI in Healthcare AI in Defense AI Tools Machine Learning Open-Source AI AI Virtual Assistants Robotics AI in Business AI in Personal Life