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Surveillence in retail stores, foreign election interference with ChatGPT, Apple expands commitment to mobile satellite services, nuclear propulsion for space travel, and new investments in semiconductor manufacturing [11-01-2024]

ESA Develops Nuclear Propulsion Spacecraft

The European Space Agency has developed a candidate design spacecraft that could flight test Nuclear Electric Propulsion or "NEP" systems for deep space missions by 2035. With its high energy density, NEP offers the speed, autonomy, and flexibility capable of sending spacecraft to Mars and beyond for future manned expeditions.

Source: https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/esa-nuclear-propulsion-spacecraft-could-be-flying-by-2035.html


Foreign Election Interference uses ChatGPT to Spread Misinformation

Foreign governments, particularly the Iranian government, have been discovered using OpenAI's ChatGPT to spread false content about the US presidential election on social media. This covert operation named Storm-2035 also generated false content in Spanish and English about politics in Venezuela and the rights of Latino communities in the United States. These events underscore the need for continued vigilance and education among the public to verify information on social media.

Source: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/foreign-governments-are-using-chatgpt-to-influence-voters-report-finds/3754321/


Facial Recognition Technology Detects Suspicious Friendliness in Retail Stores

Artificial intelligence company Corsight AI has released a new facial recognition system designed to detect 'sweethearting' in retail stores, where employees give discounts or free items to customers they know. The system tracks anomalous interactions between customers and staff, triggering alerts to store security. However, advocates for retail workers have raised concerns about the system's assumption that customer loyalty to a specific salesperson is a sign of wrongdoing, as well as the potential biases and misuse of facial recognition technology in the workplace.

Source: https://gizmodo.com/facial-recognition-that-tracks-suspicious-friendliness-is-coming-to-a-store-near-you-2000519190


Apple Commits $1.5 Billion to Globalstar for Expanded iPhone Satellite Services

Apple has committed $1.5 billion to satellite communications company Globalstar to expand iPhone services. The funding will allow Globalstar to purchase new satellites and enhance its ground infrastructure, reinforcing Apple's push into the direct-to-device satellite connectivity market. This investment underscores the increasing convergence of traditional smartphone capabilities with space-based technologies, pointing to a future where seamless communication is augmented by satellite connectivity.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/01/apple-commits-1point5-billion-to-globalstar-for-iphone-satellite-services.html


US Plans $825 Million Investment in New York Semiconductor R&D Facility

The Biden administration has announced an $825 million investment in a new semiconductor research and development facility in Albany, New York, with a focus on driving innovation, boosting high-tech manufacturing, and reducing reliance on foreign technology. This initiative aims to ensure the United States remains a global leader in semiconductor research and development, potentially reshaping U.S. chip production.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-administration-selects-new-york-semiconductor-rd-facility-2024-10-31/


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