October 26, 2025

analysis  
Microsoft Copilot Clarifies Data Use, Scale AI Veteran Launches Startup

Recent events highlight the growing integration and challenges of artificial intelligence across various sectors. In education, the widespread use of AI by students, with 84% reportedly using it for schoolwork, is prompting a reevaluation of traditional homework assignments, pushing educators to redesign tasks for deeper learning and to teach responsible AI use. India is set to introduce an AI curriculum from Class III in 2026-27, aiming to equip students for a tech-driven economy, though concerns exist about the early introduction of complex concepts. Meanwhile, AI's application in school security has drawn scrutiny after an AI system at Kenwood High School in Baltimore mistakenly identified a student's bag of chips as a firearm, leading to the student being handcuffed and searched. While the AI company, Omnilert, stated the system alerted for human verification, the incident has sparked community outrage and calls for accountability. In the film industry, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro has firmly rejected generative AI, stating he would 'rather die' than use it in his films, citing concerns about its misuse and the potential 'death of cinema.' Microsoft has also addressed user concerns regarding its Gaming Copilot feature, clarifying that gameplay screenshots are used to improve responses, not to train AI models, and that the feature is optional. In the industrial sector, Wyoming startup MNVR is building digital twins using AI to predict faults and optimize performance in industries like mining and energy. Further bolstering AI infrastructure, Scale AI veteran Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh launched a new startup, 1001, securing $9 million in seed funding to modernize large industries in the Middle East and North Africa. In cybersecurity, Morpheus AI offers a solution for MSSPs to enhance SOC performance by automating the handling of security alerts. The electronics manufacturing sector is also exploring AI's transformative potential, with an upcoming symposium in Avondale, Arizona, focusing on AI-driven fabrication, inspection, and predictive maintenance.

Key Takeaways

  • An AI security system at Kenwood High School in Baltimore mistakenly identified a student's bag of chips as a firearm, leading to the student being handcuffed and searched, prompting a review of the system.
  • Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has stated he would 'rather die' than use generative AI in his films, expressing concerns about its misuse and impact on cinema.
  • Microsoft clarified that its Gaming Copilot feature uses gameplay screenshots to improve responses, not to train AI models, and that the feature is optional.
  • India plans to introduce an AI curriculum starting from Class III in the 2026-27 academic session to prepare students for a technology-driven economy.
  • Wyoming startup MNVR is using AI to build digital twins for industrial sectors like mining and energy, aiming to predict faults and optimize performance.
  • Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, a former leader at Scale AI, launched a new startup called 1001, securing $9 million in seed funding to modernize industries in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Morpheus AI provides a solution for Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to improve Security Operations Center (SOC) performance by automating the handling of security alerts.
  • The widespread use of AI by students, with 84% reporting using it for schoolwork, is causing educators to question the relevance of traditional homework and redesign assignments.
  • An AI Meets Electronics Manufacturing Symposium will be held in Avondale, Arizona, on November 6, 2025, to discuss AI's role in transforming the electronics manufacturing sector.
  • An English teacher claims that the overuse of the em dash by AI writing tools like ChatGPT has led to its decline as a mark of human intuition.

AI security system mistakes chips for gun, triggers police response

An artificial intelligence security system at Kenwood High School in Baltimore, Maryland, mistakenly identified a student's bag of chips as a gun. This error caused an armed police response, leading to the student being handcuffed and searched. Officials are now reviewing the AI system's performance and the incident response to prevent future mistakes. The event raises concerns about the reliability of AI in school security.

Baltimore school AI flags chips as gun, sparking review

An AI security system at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, wrongly identified a student's bag of chips as a firearm, leading to police handcuffing the student. Officials are reviewing the use of the AI gun detection system after the student was searched despite school safety officials quickly confirming no weapon was present. The company behind the AI, Omnilert, stated the process functioned as intended by prioritizing safety and awareness for human verification. The incident has caused community outrage, with calls for accountability and safeguards.

AI security system mistakes chips for gun, police respond

A student at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, was handcuffed and searched after an AI security system flagged his empty bag of chips as a possible firearm. The Baltimore County Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person with a weapon but found the student unarmed after a search. School officials are reviewing the AI system's use, and the company Omnilert expressed regret for the incident, stating the system is meant to alert humans for verification. The event has led to community concern and demands for accountability.

AI mistakes Doritos bag for gun, police handcuff teen

Police in Maryland handcuffed a 16-year-old student after an AI gun-detection system flagged his empty Doritos bag as a possible weapon. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person and ordered the student to the ground, handcuffed, and searched him, finding no firearm. The school principal stated the alert was reviewed and canceled, but a communication failure led to police being called. The company Omnilert noted the system alerted for human verification, but the incident highlights concerns about AI reliability and communication protocols.

School AI flags chips as gun, student handcuffed

A student at Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, was handcuffed and searched after a new AI-powered security system mistook his bag of Doritos for a firearm. The student, Xavier Wood, expressed confusion and fear during the incident. The school district has apologized and is reviewing the AI system's performance to prevent similar occurrences. This event raises questions about the reliability of AI technology in school safety.

AI security system mistakes chips for gun at Maryland school

An AI security system at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, mistakenly identified a student's bag of chips as a possible firearm, leading to the student being handcuffed. Principal Katie Smith reported that the gun detection alert was reviewed and canceled, but the school resource officer called local police before the cancellation was fully realized. The company Omnilert stated the process functioned as intended by alerting for human verification, despite the error. The incident has raised concerns about AI's role in school safety.

AI blunder: Police handcuff teen after mistaking chips for gun

A teenage student in Baltimore was handcuffed after an AI security system mistakenly identified his bag of chips as a gun, prompting a police response. The student later explained the situation, and the police department stated officers acted appropriately based on the information received. The incident highlights potential errors in AI security systems and the importance of human verification.

AI thinks Doritos bag is gun, police handcuff teen

Body camera footage from Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, shows police handcuffing and searching 16-year-old Taki Allen after an AI-powered gun detection system flagged his bag of chips as a weapon. An officer suggested the AI may have misinterpreted the way Allen was holding the chips. The Baltimore County Police Department stated officers responded appropriately to the information provided and the incident was safely resolved. The event underscores the potential for AI errors in security systems.

Maryland school AI flags chips as gun, police respond

An AI security system at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, mistakenly identified a student's bag of Doritos as a firearm, leading to police officers arriving with guns drawn. The student, Taki Allen, described being ordered to the ground and handcuffed. Police found the Doritos bag and realized the AI's error. The incident raises questions about the accuracy of AI security systems and the potential for misidentification.

AI flags chips as weapon, teen handcuffed

An AI security system at Kenwood High School in Maryland incorrectly identified a bag of chips as a firearm, resulting in police handcuffing 16-year-old Taki Allen. Body camera footage shows officers detaining Allen before discovering the error. An officer suggested the AI misinterpreted the way Allen held the chips. The incident highlights the limitations of AI in security and the need for human verification, though police stated their response was appropriate given the alert.

AI security system mistakes chips for gun, student handcuffed

A student in Baltimore was handcuffed after an AI-driven security system used by Kenwood High School flagged his empty bag of chips as a possible firearm. The school's security department reviewed and canceled the alert, but police were called before the cancellation was fully processed. The company Omnilert stated the system alerted for human verification, and while they regret the incident, they believe the process functioned as intended. This event raises concerns about AI's accuracy in school safety.

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro rejects generative AI

Acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has stated he would 'rather die' than use generative AI in his films. He expressed no interest in the technology, citing concerns about 'natural stupidity' driving the misuse of AI. Del Toro compared the arrogance of some tech developers to Victor Frankenstein, emphasizing the need to consider consequences. He previously called AI 'the death of cinema' at a premiere event.

Guillermo del Toro refuses generative AI for films

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro declared he would 'rather die' than use generative AI in his movies, stating he is 'not interested' in the technology. He believes the real danger lies in 'natural stupidity' leading to the mishandling of AI, comparing tech developers to Victor Frankenstein creating something without considering consequences. Del Toro's upcoming film 'Frankenstein' explores these themes. He hopes to remain uninterested in using AI until he dies.

Microsoft addresses Gaming Copilot AI concerns

Microsoft is responding to controversy surrounding its Gaming Copilot feature, which some users claimed automatically installed and used screenshots of gameplay to train AI models. Microsoft clarified that screenshots are used to understand in-game events for more helpful responses and are not used for training AI models. Gaming Copilot is an optional feature that only accesses gameplay when actively used. The company also stated that text or voice conversations may be used to improve AI, with privacy settings adjustable in the Game Bar.

AI overuse kills the em dash, writer claims

An English teacher argues that the em dash, once a mark of human intuition and cadence, is now a sign of AI authorship. He states that AI writing tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly overuse the em dash, making it a predictable indicator of machine-generated text. This overuse has led to suspicion from teachers and readers, effectively 'killing' the punctuation mark's original meaning. The writer believes AI homogenizes writing styles and diminishes human voice, making originality about sounding human rather than expressing unique thought.

India introduces AI curriculum from Class III

India's Ministry of Education will introduce an artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum starting from Class III in the 2026-27 academic session to prepare students for a technology-driven economy. This initiative, part of the SOAR program, aims to bridge the digital divide and provide AI skills. However, critics question the early introduction of complex AI concepts to young children, especially in a country where basic digital tool usage is not widespread. The curriculum covers areas like computer vision, natural language processing, and AI ethics, raising questions about pedagogical appropriateness and realistic expectations for primary students.

Wyoming startup MNVR uses AI for industry

Wyoming startup MNVR is using artificial intelligence to modernize industrial sectors by building digital twins. These virtual models mirror real-world equipment and systems, using live data and AI algorithms to predict faults, optimize performance, and capture operational expertise. Founded by CEO Doug Kenik, MNVR aims to bridge traditional industry with modern automation. Their technology is being integrated into projects with Disa Technologies for mining equipment and with Energy Solutions for microgrids, enhancing efficiency and reliability.

AI challenges homework's role in education

The widespread use of AI by high school students, with 84% reporting using it for schoolwork, has created an existential crisis for traditional homework. Educators like Alyssa Bolden question homework's relevance when AI can solve problems and write essays. While some teachers are adapting by assigning in-class work, others believe homework still teaches discipline and responsibility. Experts suggest assignments must be redesigned to deepen learning and account for AI's capabilities, while schools are shifting focus to teaching responsible AI use.

AI and manufacturing symposium in Avondale

The City of Avondale, Arizona, in partnership with the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA), will host the 'AI Meets Electronics Manufacturing Symposium' on November 6, 2025. The event will bring together industry leaders to explore how AI is transforming electronics manufacturing, from PCB design to automated assembly. Topics include AI-driven fabrication, inspection, predictive maintenance, and workforce automation. The symposium also features a Student Technology Challenge for AI-powered manufacturing solutions.

Scale AI veteran launches 1001 startup

Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, a former leader at Scale AI, has launched a new startup called 1001, securing $9 million in seed funding led by Accel. The company aims to build AI infrastructure for the physical world, focusing on modernizing large industries like construction, manufacturing, and energy in the Middle East and North Africa. 1001 plans to use AI to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in these sectors. The funding will support team expansion, platform development, and strategic partnerships.

Morpheus AI boosts SOC performance for MSSPs

Morpheus AI offers a solution for Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to improve Security Operations Center (SOC) performance by handling 100% of security alerts. The platform normalizes data from over 800 tools into a unified model, allowing analysts to investigate incidents from a single interface. Morpheus AI investigates alerts immediately, triages 95% in under two minutes, and provides an IR Priority Score for efficient threat management. It also offers link analysis and forensic timelines to reconstruct attack chains, providing specific remediation recommendations.

Sources

AI security systems AI gun detection False positives School safety AI errors Police response Student privacy AI ethics Generative AI Filmmaking AI in education AI curriculum AI in industry Digital twins AI in manufacturing AI infrastructure AI for physical world AI in cybersecurity Security Operations Center (SOC) Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) AI model training Gaming Copilot AI authorship Em dash Human vs AI writing AI in electronics manufacturing Automated assembly Predictive maintenance Workforce automation