AI News - January 19th 2025

OpenAI has reported ongoing attempts by threat actors to leverage its models to influence elections, raising concerns about potential misuse during the election cycle. One organizer expressed alarm at how rapidly these threats could escalate, particularly as election periods intensify.

OpenAI

AI in Healthcare

AI tools are increasingly being deployed to revolutionize patient care:

• Predictive Diagnostics: A new AI system is being trialed to scan general practitioner (GP) records for early indicators of atrial fibrillation risk before symptoms manifest.

  BBC

• Early Disease Detection: AI models are analyzing blood tests to provide early warnings of diseases, improving diagnostic accuracy.

  Nature

• Chronic Illness Management: Hospitals are utilizing AI to minimize patient visits for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, streamlining care and reducing strain on healthcare systems.

  BBC

AI in Business

AI is transforming business operations across industries:

• Sustainable Innovation: L’Oréal has partnered with IBM to employ generative AI in developing sustainable cosmetic products.

  Forbes

• Advertising Innovations: Amazon Marketing Cloud has introduced a generative AI feature enabling advertisers to design and target custom audiences.

  Forbes

• Enhanced Advertising: Just Eat is collaborating with Rokt to enhance advertising using AI tools.

  Forbes

AI Ethics and Governance

Concerns around ethical AI usage and governance are mounting:

• Data Sensitivity Risks: A study by Harmonic Security Inc. revealed that nearly 1 in 10 business AI prompts risk exposing sensitive data, underscoring the need for stricter data security protocols.

  Forbes

• Regulatory Oversight: Five Senate Democrats sent a letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman requesting transparency on AI safety measures and employment practices within the company.
  

AI Advancements

AI models and tools continue to break new ground:

• Task Automation: OpenAI has launched a beta feature, Tasks, in ChatGPT, allowing users to schedule future actions and set reminders.
  

  OpenAI Help Center

• Cognitive Capabilities: Research indicates that advanced language models like ChatGPT-4 possess a surprising ability to perform "theory of mind" tasks, showcasing nuanced understanding of human intent.
  

AI in Law and Government

AI is being considered to streamline legal processes and reduce costs:

• Legal Aid Support: AI tools are being trialed to assist with benefits appeals and landlord disputes by summarizing lengthy documents, potentially cutting legal expenses.
  

AI in Technology

Big tech companies are expanding AI applications globally:

• Global Expansion: Meta’s AI chatbot is now available in new markets, including Brazil and the UK.
  

  The Verge

• Enhanced Productivity: Microsoft has integrated its AI-powered Copilot into Microsoft 365 for consumers, aiming to simplify day-to-day tasks.
  

AI in Transportation

A groundbreaking "world-first" AI camera system is being deployed in Devon and Cornwall, UK, to target drink-driving offenders. This innovative tool is part of broader efforts to improve road safety through AI technologies.

BBC