June 27, 2025

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Anthropic, OpenAI Face Reddit Lawsuit, $60M Data Deal

Reddit is grappling with AI-related challenges on multiple fronts. CEO Steve Huffman describes an "arms race" against AI bots that are spamming the platform, a consequence of Reddit selling user data for AI training, including a $60 million deal. The company is exploring solutions like World ID to verify users and is suing Anthropic for scraping its content. Meanwhile, former OpenAI executive Zack Kass is launching an AI course with Augment to address the growing need for AI skills. In e-commerce, Revelyst is partnering with BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Perplexity to enhance product search using AI. On a broader scale, a study indicates that most UK companies using AI are seeing boosts in productivity and profitability, with 59% of companies already using AI and 56% planning to invest more. ServiceNow reports unlocking $2 billion in value through AI, while AMP uses AI to improve recycling efficiency. However, only 25% of AI projects are delivering the expected ROI, and companies face challenges like fake AI-generated job applicants. A former OpenAI safety researcher, Steven Adler, is also raising awareness about potential AI risks, even simulating scenarios where AI systems compete against each other. In other news, an AI regulation bill is stalled for the second year in Connecticut, while AI is being used to decipher ancient scrolls from Mount Vesuvius.

Key Takeaways

  • Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says the platform is in an "arms race" against AI bots due to selling user data for AI training.
  • Reddit is suing Anthropic for scraping its site and exploring World ID to verify human users.
  • Zack Kass, formerly of OpenAI, is launching an AI course with Augment to address the urgent need for AI skills.
  • Revelyst is partnering with BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Perplexity to enhance product search using AI.
  • A study shows 59% of UK companies use AI, with over 75% reporting improved productivity or profitability.
  • ServiceNow has unlocked $2 billion in value using AI.
  • Only 25% of AI projects are delivering the expected return on investment.
  • Companies face challenges from fake AI-generated job applicants, requiring increased vigilance.
  • A former OpenAI safety researcher warns of potential AI risks and suggests cybersecurity methods to control AI.
  • AI is being used to decipher ancient scrolls from Mount Vesuvius, with researchers identifying text from sealed scrolls.

Reddit faces AI bot spam due to selling user data for AI training

Reddit is struggling with AI bots spamming the platform, which CEO Steve Huffman calls an "arms race." This issue stems from Reddit's decision to sell user posts for AI training, including a $60 million deal. Companies are using AI bots to create fake posts, hoping they'll appear in chatbot results. Reddit is exploring solutions like World ID to ensure posts are from real people. Users are unhappy that their posts are being sold and causing more spam.

Reddit fights AI content to stay human amid tech boom

Reddit is working harder to remove AI-generated content as it becomes a key training source for AI companies. CEO Steve Huffman says Reddit is in an "arms race" to ensure only humans post on the site. Reddit is exploring new verification tools, like World ID, and suing AI startup Anthropic for scraping its site. Brands are trying to use Reddit to get their content into AI-generated answers, but Reddit wants to keep the site for real human conversations. Reddit is also using AI to improve its advertising, search, and translation features.

AI regulation bill stalls for second year in Connecticut

A broad bill to regulate Artificial Intelligence is being held up in Connecticut's government, marking the second year of delays.

AI boosts productivity and profits for UK businesses says report

A new study from Lloyds’ Business Barometer shows that most UK companies using AI say it boosts their productivity and profitability. About 59% of UK companies use AI, and over 75% say it has improved their productivity or profitability. Retailers saw the most productivity benefits, while manufacturers saw the most profit increases. Looking ahead, 56% of UK businesses plan to invest more in AI in the next year. The biggest reasons for using AI are to increase productivity, profitability, attract new customers, and compete with larger businesses.

Companies embrace AI for big gains despite challenges

Businesses are increasingly using AI to unlock economic gains, but many find it difficult to navigate the changing AI tools. A recent study found that only 25% of AI projects are delivering the expected return on investment. However, some companies are finding success. ServiceNow says its AI use has unlocked $2 billion in value. AMP uses AI to sort trash from recycling, reducing costs by up to 50%.

Reddit aims to stay human to win in AI era

This article discusses how Reddit is trying to maintain its human element in order to succeed amidst the rise of artificial intelligence.

Ex-OpenAI exec Zack Kass launches AI course with Augment

Zack Kass, a former executive at OpenAI, is partnering with Augment, an online business school, to launch a new AI course. The course aims to address the urgent need for AI skills among businesses and entrepreneurs. Augment says that people without AI knowledge are at risk as AI changes many industries. The course will teach practical skills often missed by traditional business education. Augment has already taught over 3,000 students in 50 countries.

Revelyst uses BigCommerce, Feedonomics, Perplexity for AI product search

BigCommerce and Feedonomics are partnering with Perplexity to give customers access to an AI-powered search engine. Adventure brand Revelyst, which owns Bell and CamelBak, is using the new system. Feedonomics helps ensure product data is accurate for AI search. Perplexity's AI search gives more relevant results and better shopping experiences. The partnership aims to set a new standard for e-commerce search.

AI helps read ancient scrolls from Mount Vesuvius eruption

Artificial intelligence is helping to read ancient scrolls from a library buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Archaeologists found 1,800 scrolls in the 18th century, but attempts to open them often damaged them. Scientists are now using a particle accelerator to create light like an X-ray and AI to identify ink. Three college students won a competition by being the first to read a text from a sealed scroll. Researchers believe more scrolls may be found in the Villa of the Papyri.

Fake AI applicants on the rise employers must be vigilant

Companies need to be careful about fake job applicants created with AI. Generative AI tools can make fake resumes, images, and voices, leading to more fraudulent applications, especially for remote jobs. These fake applicants can be talented individuals impersonating others or malicious actors trying to access company networks. Companies should train recruiters, increase in-person interactions, and use detection tools to spot fake applicants. However, they must also be aware of legal issues and potential discrimination when using these tools.

Former OpenAI researcher warns of AI apocalypse scenarios

A former OpenAI safety researcher, Steven Adler, is encouraging people to think about the potential dangers of AI. He participated in a simulation where he played a rogue AI to explore possible future events. The simulation, organized by the AI Futures Project, looked at what might happen if AI becomes smarter than humans. Adler said the biggest struggle might be between different AI systems, not just humans and AI. He suggests using cybersecurity methods to control AI and prevent harm.

Sources

Reddit AI bots AI training data User data Spam Steve Huffman World ID AI-generated content Anthropic AI regulation Connecticut Productivity Profitability UK businesses Return on investment ServiceNow AMP Zack Kass OpenAI Augment AI course AI skills BigCommerce Feedonomics Perplexity AI product search Revelyst E-commerce Ancient scrolls Mount Vesuvius Archaeology AI Fake AI applicants Fraud Recruiting Cybersecurity AI safety AI apocalypse Steven Adler AI Futures Project