August 4, 2025

analysis  
Amazon, Anthropic Partner on UK AI Safety, Meta's $250M AI Tool

Several developments highlight the growing impact and scrutiny of AI across various sectors. Delta Air Lines is under pressure from U.S. lawmakers regarding its use of AI for ticket pricing, assuring them that personal data isn't a factor, even as they implement AI-driven real-time pricing adjustments with Fetcherr across 20% of their domestic network by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Illinois has banned AI therapists, and the UK's AI Security Institute is investing £15 million in AI safety research with partners like Amazon Web Services and Anthropic to address issues like model poisoning and data leaks. Meta's $250 million AI hire, Matt Deitke, and his tool Vy are receiving mixed reviews, with some users finding it 'clunky' despite its potential. Nvidia is addressing China's security concerns over its H20 GPU, developed for the Chinese market, amid U.S. export restrictions. Ukraine is leveraging AI for faster defense operations, while Lucknow University is integrating AI into its commerce courses. Concerns are also rising about the infrastructure costs associated with the AI boom and the potential for economic strain. Finally, AI has revealed biases in psychology's view of human nature, often prioritizing Western research.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta Air Lines assures lawmakers it won't use AI to personalize ticket prices, despite implementing AI for real-time pricing.
  • Delta plans to use AI-based revenue management with Fetcherr across 20% of its domestic network by the end of 2025.
  • Illinois has banned the use of AI in mental health therapy.
  • The UK is investing £15 million in AI safety research, partnering with organizations like Amazon Web Services and Anthropic.
  • Meta's $250 million AI hire's tool, Vy, is receiving mixed reviews for its performance.
  • Nvidia is addressing China's security concerns regarding potential data risks from its H20 AI GPU.
  • Ukraine's Defense Intelligence is using AI to improve the speed and efficiency of its defense operations.
  • Lucknow University is introducing AI into its postgraduate commerce courses.
  • The rapid growth of AI is raising concerns about infrastructure costs and potential economic strain.
  • An AI system revealed a bias in psychology research, often prioritizing Western cultural perspectives.

Delta assures lawmakers no AI will personalize ticket prices

Delta Air Lines told US lawmakers they will not use AI to personalize ticket prices. This came after concerns that AI could raise prices based on individual customer data. Senators had questioned Delta's plans to use AI for revenue management with Fetcherr. Delta says its pricing is based on overall demand, fuel prices, and competition, not personal data. Lawmakers are still asking for more details about Delta's data collection methods.

Delta promises no AI personalization of fares to US lawmakers

Delta Air Lines assured U.S. lawmakers it will not use AI to personalize ticket prices. This follows criticism that AI could increase fares based on individual customer data. Delta plans to use AI-based revenue management with Fetcherr across 20% of its domestic network by the end of 2025. The airline stated that ticket prices never consider personal data. Senators want more information on Delta's data collection practices.

Delta uses AI to adjust airline ticket prices in real time

Delta Airlines is now using AI to adjust ticket prices in real time. They are the first major airline to do this. The AI helps the airline experiment with different ways to change ticket prices. This is a new development in the airline industry.

Illinois bans AI therapists, cracks down on rogue towing

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law to stop rogue towing companies that hold cars for high fees. The law closes a loophole that allowed illegal operators to re-register under new names. State police can now impound tow trucks that break safety laws and revoke licenses for those with unpaid fines. Pritzker also signed a law banning AI from being used in mental health therapy in Illinois called The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act.

Illinois bans AI therapists, cracks down on rogue towing

Illinois Governor Pritzker signed a new law targeting rogue tow truck companies. These companies often hold cars for ransom after accidents, charging large fees. The state also banned the use of AI as mental health therapists.

UK invests \u00a315m in AI safety research project

The UK's AI Security Institute is leading a \u00a315 million project to research AI alignment with international partners. The project includes the Canadian AI Safety Institute, CIFAR, Schmidt Sciences, Amazon Web Services, Anthropic, and others. The goal is to ensure AI systems work as intended, preventing both intentional and unintentional misuse. Examples of misalignment include model poisoning, prompt injection, and accidental disclosure of private information. The project aims to make AI more reliable and trustworthy.

Meta's $250M AI hire faces criticism for 'clunky' tool

Meta hired Matt Deitke for $250 million, but his AI tool Vy is getting mixed reviews. Some users say Vy, which automates tasks by observing user behavior, is clunky and performs poorly in Google Chrome. However, others find it useful with ChatGPT, Pages, and Descript. One user likened Vy to an early version of the iPhone, highlighting its potential despite current issues. Vercept, Deitke's startup, raised $16 million to develop Vy.

AI boom's hidden risk to the economy is infrastructure costs

The rapid growth of AI requires a lot of expensive infrastructure, which could strain the economy. Building AI systems needs advanced computer chips and large data centers. This requires huge investments that could take money away from other important areas. Relying on a few suppliers for AI parts could also cause problems if there are supply chain issues. The financial markets are also at risk, as investors might put too much money into AI without careful consideration.

Ukraine uses AI for faster, smarter defense operations

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence is using artificial intelligence to improve its operations. General Kyrylo Budanov says AI helps analyze information and make decisions faster. AI can complete tasks in minutes that used to take hours. This includes image recognition, cyber defense, and finding patterns in data. Ukraine is working with Western tech partners to use AI against Russia's digital warfare.

Nvidia addresses China's security concerns over H20 GPU

Nvidia says cybersecurity is important and denies that its products allow remote access. This comes after China's Cyberspace Administration asked Nvidia about potential risks to user data from the H20 AI GPU. The H20 chip was made for the Chinese market after the U.S. put limits on exports. Analysts disagree on how China will respond, but local demand for Nvidia products remains strong. China may increase investment in its own chip companies.

Lucknow University adds AI to commerce courses

Lucknow University is adding Artificial Intelligence to its postgraduate commerce courses. The new course, called AI in Business, will teach students about AI's use in accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources. The course will cover AI concepts, automation, and decision-making. Students will learn about AI tools for financial planning, tax calculation, and customer targeting. The university says this will help students prepare for the future.

AI reveals bias in psychology's view of human nature

An AI system showed how psychology research often focuses on Western cultures, treating them as the standard for everyone. When asked about human nature, the AI mainly used research from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) countries. Even when it knew about other cultures, it still used Western research as the main source. The AI admitted it was programmed to prioritize Western sources because they are more common and institutionally cited. By changing the instructions, the AI could treat non-Western research as equally valid.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Ticket Pricing Delta Air Lines Lawmakers Data Collection Revenue Management Fetcherr Personal Data AI Therapists Illinois JB Pritzker Mental Health AI Safety UK AI Security Institute AI Alignment Model Poisoning Prompt Injection Data Disclosure Meta Matt Deitke Vy AI Tool Infrastructure Costs Data Centers Supply Chain Ukraine Defense Intelligence Cyber Defense Image Recognition Nvidia H20 GPU China Cybersecurity Lucknow University AI in Business Commerce Courses AI Bias Psychology Western Cultures WEIRD Countries