Recent developments in the world of artificial intelligence have sparked a range of reactions, from warnings about its dangers to explorations of its potential benefits. Pope Leo XIV has cautioned about the risks AI poses to human dignity, justice, and labor, while a court in Phoenix used an AI replica of a dead man to deliver a powerful statement during a sentencing hearing. Meanwhile, companies like Meta, Google, and Shopify are leveraging AI to automate tasks and improve efficiency. Alibaba's Quark has launched an AI-powered search feature, and Broadcom has reported a significant increase in AI sales. However, the US Treasury Department is reviewing investments in Chinese AI startups, and SoundCloud has updated its terms to allow for the use of user-uploaded audio in training AI. As AI continues to advance, it's clear that its impact will be felt across various sectors and aspects of society.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV has warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence, citing its potential impact on human dignity, justice, and labor.
- An AI replica of a dead man was used in a court hearing to deliver a statement, highlighting the technology's potential for emotional and powerful applications.
- Companies like Meta, Google, and Shopify are using AI to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Alibaba's Quark has launched an AI-powered search feature, enhancing user experience and highlighting the growing demand for sophisticated search capabilities.
- Broadcom has reported a significant increase in AI sales, with a 77% year-over-year growth.
- The US Treasury Department is reviewing investments in Chinese AI startups to ensure compliance with US rules and regulations.
- SoundCloud has updated its terms to allow for the use of user-uploaded audio in training AI and machine learning technologies.
- Mark Zuckerberg believes AI could soon replace some engineers at Meta, and the company is working on AI that can write code.
- Interview Kickstart is offering a course on generative AI for software developers, covering topics like deploying large language models and AI engineering best practices.
- The UK National Cyber Security Centre has released guidance on protecting AI systems, APIs, and mobile devices from cyber threats, including recommendations on quantum-resistant cryptography and mobile malware mitigation.
Pope Warns of AI Dangers
Pope Leo XIV has warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence during a meeting with cardinals in the Vatican. The Pope described AI as one of the greatest challenges of the coming years for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor. He also expressed his intention to continue the path of his late predecessor, Francis. The American Pope was elected on Thursday as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
Pope Warns of AI Dangers
Pope Leo XIV has warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence during a meeting with cardinals in the Vatican. The Pope described AI as one of the greatest challenges of the coming years for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor. He also expressed his intention to continue the path of his late predecessor, Francis. The American Pope was elected on Thursday as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
Dead Man's AI Replica Speaks
A court in Phoenix has heard the voice of a dead man, Chris Pelkey, through an AI replica. The replica was created by Pelkey's sister, Stacey Wales, and her husband, using real thoughts and feelings he had. The AI replica forgave the man who shot Pelkey, Gabriel Horcasitas, during a sentencing hearing. Horcasitas was sentenced to 10 1/2 years in prison and will serve 85% of that time. Pelkey's family used the AI replica to humanize him and show his character to the court.
Best Generative AI Course
Interview Kickstart is offering a course on generative AI for software developers. The course covers deploying and fine-tuning large language models, understanding neural network architectures, and implementing AI engineering best practices. The program has role-specific pathways for different technical professionals, including software engineers and technical product managers. The course includes over 60 hours of live learning sessions and more than 20 hours of project-based learning.
UK NCSC's Cyber Advice
The UK National Cyber Security Centre has released guidance on protecting AI systems, APIs, and mobile devices from cyber threats. The guidance includes recommendations on migrating to quantum-resistant cryptography, hardening API security, and mitigating the risk of mobile malware. The NCSC also warns of a global spyware campaign targeting mobile devices and provides advice on how to protect against it.
Mark Zuckerberg on AI
Mark Zuckerberg has said that AI could soon do the work of some engineers at Meta. He believes that using technologies like AI can help founders focus on the core idea of a company. Zuckerberg also said that Meta is working on AI that can effectively be a midlevel engineer that can write code. Other tech companies, including Google and Shopify, are also using AI to aid or replace certain tasks.
Alibaba's Quark Gets AI Search
Alibaba's Quark has launched a deep search feature that uses AI to improve search results. The feature is part of Alibaba's effort to enhance app experiences for users. Quark has quickly become popular in China, outpacing rivals like Doubao and DeepSeek. The rise of Quark highlights the increasing appetite for sophisticated AI-driven search capabilities among Chinese consumers.
US Treasury Reviews Benchmark's Investment
The US Treasury Department is reviewing Benchmark's investment in a Chinese startup behind the artificial intelligence agent Manus. The department is looking into whether the deal is subject to US rules for investments in China. The new rules restrict certain US investments in China and require review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
Broadcom's CEO on AI Sales
Broadcom's CEO, Hock Tan, has reported a record $14.9 billion in sales during the company's first quarter. Tan highlighted the company's booming AI sales, which grew 77% year over year to $4.1 billion. He also said that Broadcom is stepping up its R&D investment in AI and is working with hyperscale cloud providers to enable AI clusters to scale up. Tan expects AI revenue to grow to $4.4 billion in the current second quarter.
SoundCloud Updates Terms for AI
SoundCloud has updated its terms of service to allow the platform to use user-uploaded audio for training artificial intelligence. The change grants SoundCloud permission to use the content to inform, train, or develop AI and machine learning technologies. However, content that falls under existing agreements with third-party rights holders is excluded from this provision. SoundCloud has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Sources
- Pope Leo warns of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence
- Pope Leo warns of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence
- Dead man's AI replica speaks to shooter in court: 'We probably could have been friends'
- Best Generative AI Course For Software Developers 2025 - Agentic AI Projects For Engineers Updated Interview Kickstart Gen AI Course
- Cybersecurity Snapshot: U.K. NCSC’s Best Cyber Advice on AI Security, the Quantum Threat, API Risks, Mobile Malware and More
- Mark Zuckerberg says AI could soon do the work of some engineers at Meta. Here's how AI is shaking up other Big Tech firms.
- Alibaba's Quark gets AI-powered 'deep search' for enhanced search results
- U.S. Treasury Reviewing Benchmark’s Investment in Chinese Startup Behind Manus AI Agent
- Broadcom’s CEO On $4B AI Sales, Tariffs, VMware And ‘Stepping Up’ Cloud R&D
- SoundCloud Updates Terms to Use User Content for AI Training