August 29, 2025

analysis  
Anthropic Lawsuit Settled, OpenAI Ransomware, Nvidia Valuation

Here's a look at the latest developments in AI: Japan is using AI simulations to prepare Tokyo residents for a potential Mount Fuji eruption, highlighting risks like ashfall and disruptions to daily life. These simulations aim to raise awareness and encourage disaster preparedness. However, AI is also being used maliciously, as seen in a deepfake scam where a California woman lost her home and $80,000 to scammers impersonating 'General Hospital' star Steve Burton. On the legal front, Anthropic has settled a copyright lawsuit with authors who claimed their books were used to train the Claude AI assistant. The terms are confidential, but the settlement could impact similar cases against OpenAI and Meta. In cybersecurity, the first AI-powered ransomware, PromptLock, has been discovered, using OpenAI's gpt-oss 20b model to generate malicious code, raising concerns about AI's role in cybercrime. Meanwhile, Nvidia's growth is under scrutiny, with some analysts questioning whether its high valuation is sustainable amid slowing data center growth and stalled sales in China. Data center operators are also expressing caution about handing over control to AI, preferring to use it for tasks like data analysis rather than equipment adjustments. Old Town, Maine, is adopting Placer.ai to track residents and visitors using smartphone data for marketing purposes. The rise of AI also brings ethical questions, as seen with AI afterlife avatars, a market projected to reach $118 billion by 2034, raising concerns about consent and exploitation. Finally, church leaders are planning a conference in Minneapolis in 2025 to discuss the ethical and religious implications of AI, and musicians are grappling with how AI impacts copyright and fair compensation.

Key Takeaways

  • Japan is using AI simulations to warn Tokyo residents about the potential impact of a Mount Fuji eruption, including ashfall and infrastructure disruptions.
  • A California woman was scammed out of her home and $80,000 by AI deepfakes impersonating actor Steve Burton.
  • Anthropic settled a copyright lawsuit over the use of copyrighted books to train its Claude AI assistant; the terms are private.
  • PromptLock, the first AI-powered ransomware, uses OpenAI's gpt-oss 20b model to generate malicious code.
  • Analysts are questioning whether Nvidia's high valuation is sustainable given slower growth in data centers and stalled sales in China.
  • Data center operators are hesitant to cede control to AI, preferring its use for data analysis and predictive maintenance.
  • Old Town, Maine, will use Placer.ai to track residents and visitors via smartphone data for marketing purposes.
  • The AI afterlife avatar market is projected to reach $118 billion by 2034, raising ethical concerns about consent and exploitation.
  • Church leaders will discuss the ethical and religious implications of AI at a conference in Minneapolis in 2025.
  • Musicians are raising concerns about AI's impact on copyright and fair compensation for their work.

AI video shows Tokyo's potential chaos if Mount Fuji erupts

The Japanese government created an AI video showing what could happen if Mount Fuji erupts. The video shows volcanic ash falling on Tokyo within hours, disrupting transportation, power, and health. Officials say the video aims to raise awareness and encourage people to prepare for disasters. Some experts think the video is too alarming, but authorities believe it's important to show possible scenarios.

Tokyo uses AI video to prepare for possible Mount Fuji eruption

Tokyo officials released an AI-generated video showing a worst-case scenario if Mount Fuji erupts. The video explains how an eruption could affect Japan's capital city. Experts are sharing their opinions on the likelihood of such an event.

Japan warns Tokyo residents of Mount Fuji eruption with AI video

Japan released an AI video showing what could happen if Mount Fuji erupts. The video warns Tokyo residents about dangers like ash, health risks, and transportation problems. Mount Fuji is an active volcano that last erupted 318 years ago. The video aims to help people prepare for emergencies by having supplies and evacuation plans.

Japan uses AI to simulate Mount Fuji eruption, preparing Tokyo

Japanese officials released AI videos showing what could happen if Mount Fuji erupted. The videos are meant to help the 37 million people living near Tokyo prepare for a possible disaster. The simulation shows ash covering Tokyo within hours, which could stop transportation and disrupt food and power. Officials want people to learn the facts and get ready for a disaster.

Eerie AI simulation warns Japan of Mount Fuji eruption risks

Japan released an AI video warning Tokyo residents about the possible effects of a Mount Fuji eruption. The video shows ash spreading across the city soon after an eruption. Although an eruption isn't expected, Mount Fuji is still active. The simulation warns about health risks and disruptions to power, traffic, and food. The government advises residents to prepare for potential disasters.

Japan releases AI simulation of violent Mount Fuji eruption

Japan released an AI video showing a simulation of Mount Fuji erupting. The video warns that an eruption could happen at any time. It shows ash falling on Tokyo, which is about 60 miles away, causing transportation to stop and disrupting supplies. The government wants people to be aware and prepare for a possible disaster.

AI deepfake scam costs SoCal woman her home

A woman in Southern California lost her home after being scammed by someone using AI. The scammer created deepfake videos pretending to be Steve Burton from General Hospital. The woman thought she was in a real relationship with the actor and sent the scammer money. She ended up selling her condo for $350,000 and sending the money to the scammer.

AI deepfake of 'General Hospital' star scams woman

A California woman was scammed out of $80,000 by fake AI videos of Steve Burton from 'General Hospital'. The scammer used deepfake technology to create the videos.

Anthropic settles copyright case, adding twist to AI legal battles

Anthropic settled a class action lawsuit with authors over AI copyright issues. The company was accused of using copyrighted books to train its AI assistant, Claude. The settlement's terms are private, but it could influence other AI copyright lawsuits against companies like OpenAI and Meta. Experts say Anthropic was in a unique situation, facing potentially huge piracy damages.

Church leaders discuss AI's future at Minneapolis conference

Church leaders are meeting in Minneapolis from September 2-5, 2025, to talk about the future of AI. The conference, called 'Faithful Futures Guiding AI with Wisdom and Witness', will explore AI's impact on religion and ethics. People can join the conference online to hear speakers, plan scenarios, and share ideas. The conference will use Richard Osmer’s practical theology framework to guide discussions.

First AI-powered ransomware PromptLock discovered, raising cybersecurity concerns

Researchers found the first AI-powered ransomware called PromptLock. This malware uses AI to create malicious code that can steal and encrypt data. PromptLock uses OpenAI's gpt-oss 20b model to generate Lua scripts. Experts warn that generative AI is making it easier for cybercriminals to launch attacks. This type of AI-driven malware is hard to detect because it creates unpredictable patterns.

Is Nvidia's AI growth slowing down?

Nvidia's rapid growth is being compared to past tech booms, and its high valuation might not be sustainable. Recent reports show slower growth in data centers and stalled sales in China. While there's a lot of excitement about AI investments, much of the expected profit is already factored into the market. Nvidia's current value seems fair, but future success depends on meeting high growth expectations.

Data center operators wary of AI control

Data center engineers are hesitant to let AI control important equipment. A survey shows that only a small percentage trust AI to change equipment settings, even with years of training data. Many organizations haven't seen a clear return on investment from AI systems. Operators are more willing to use AI for tasks like analyzing sensor data and predicting maintenance.

Old Town, Maine, to use AI to track residents and visitors

Old Town, Maine, will use an AI program called Placer.ai to track people in the city. The program uses smartphone data to see where people go and how long they stay in certain areas. The city will use this information to improve marketing and attract businesses. Other towns in Greater Bangor will also use the program, which is funded by the Greater Bangor Recreation Economy for Rural Communities group.

Can music survive the rise of AI technology?

AI is changing the music industry, raising concerns about how artists create and protect their work. Artists are protesting copyright law changes and asking tech companies to stop devaluing music. Sampling has always been a part of music, but AI makes it harder to track and compensate artists. Some believe AI licensing and direct deals are needed to support independent artists and ensure fair payment.

AI afterlife avatars market grows, raising ethical questions

AI afterlife avatars, which recreate deceased people, are becoming a big business. The market is expected to reach $118 billion by 2034 through subscriptions and ads. However, there are ethical concerns about consent, exploitation, and psychological harm. Experts say it's important to balance innovation with ethics in this growing industry.

Sources

AI Mount Fuji Eruption Japan Tokyo Disaster preparedness AI video Simulation Deepfake Scam Copyright Anthropic Lawsuit Religion Ethics Conference Ransomware Cybersecurity PromptLock Nvidia Data centers AI control Placer.ai Surveillance Music industry Copyright law AI avatars Afterlife Ethical concerns