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Driving rats, another deepfake nude scandal, AI powered machine guns, and DOJ cracks down on Google monopoly [11-18-2024]

Rats Learn to Drive: Exploring the Neural Basis of Behavior and Positive Emotions

Neuroscientists have trained rats to drive miniature cars as a means to study how rodents acquire new skills. The rats showed an intense motivation for their driving training, often displaying positive behaviors associated with joy. This unexpected experiment has led to further studies on the effects of anticipation and positive experiences on rat behavior, shedding light on the potential neural principles guiding everyday behavior. The research also revealed the potential for rats to exhibit positive emotions and provided insights into the impact of enriched environments on neuroplasticity.

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/these-rats-learned-to-drive-and-they-love-it/


AI-Generated Nude Photo Scandal Forces Pennsylvania School Shutdown

A Pennsylvania private school shut down after an AI-generated nude photo scandal involving nearly 50 female students. The school's leaders faced pressure to resign or face a lawsuit for failing to report the explicit deepfakes, prompting the head of the school and the school board's president to step down. The incident has sparked a debate on the need for urgent measures to counter AI deepfakes, with proposed laws seeking to criminalize the creation and sharing of such harmful content.

Source: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/11/school-failed-to-report-ai-nudes-of-kids-for-months-now-parents-are-suing/


US Military Explores AI-Powered Machine Guns to Counter Drone Threats

The US military is exploring the use of AI-powered machine guns, called the Bullfrog, to counter the escalating threat of drone attacks. Developed by Allen Control Systems, the Bullfrog combines a 7.62-mm M240 machine gun with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to track and take down drones with pinpoint accuracy. Despite excitement for the Bullfrog, concerns about the unpredictability of AI systems and the ethical implications of fully autonomous weapons persist.

Source: https://www.firstpost.com/tech/us-military-planning-to-use-ai-powered-machine-guns-to-counter-drone-attacks-13834430.html


DOJ Seeks to Force Google to Sell Chrome in Historic Tech Crackdown

The Department of Justice is seeking to push Google to sell its Chrome browser as part of a historic crackdown on the tech giant, following a ruling that Google had illegally monopolized the search market. The DOJ, along with states involved in the case, also plan to propose measures related to artificial intelligence and the Android operating system. Google has expressed opposition to these proposals, arguing that they would harm consumers, developers, and American technological leadership. The case, which began under the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden, marks a notable attempt to address antitrust concerns in the tech sector.

Source: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/doj-will-push-google-to-sell-off-chrome-to-break-search-monopoly


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