Breathtaking advances in technology, from genetic engineering to quantum computing, have opened policy vistas and security challenges that were completely unanticipated even five years ago. The next decade will bring smaller devices, larger networks and anthropomorphic computers that will extend human thought where they dont replace human thought beyond, literally, imagination or belief.

Although AI-doomsday forecasts designed to stoke public anxiety make great headlines and popular podcasts, from the perspective of many Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers the life-under-borg predictions are strangely overwrought. One of the reasons artificial intelligence (AI) captures so much attention is that it, like satellite navigation and drug discovery, is hardly distinguishable from magic. Large language models like Bard, Copilot and ChatGPT sound like a real person, which makes their wizardry even more fascinating. But they are fraught with errors and sweet-sounding hallucinations, and they will never be infallible.

Our obsession with AI diverts attention and energy away from more imminent and transcendent threats to our society and global human progress. The dangerous misalignment is not of moral values between people and computers, but between people and their ideological opponents. Irrefutable facts and valid (if mistaken) opinions have been replaced by deliberately false ideas injected into our discourse like a potent and addictive narcotic of delusion. If we cannot agree on objective and repeatable scientific insights, or a true historical record, how will we collaborate in the best long-term interests of the country or our planet?Today there is nothing that filters the shibboleths from the facts that are fed to AI computers.

The real hazard is not machine-derived calamity. It is bad human decisions that are accelerated and amplified by AI. There are plenty of things we think we know, from calculating financial risk to determining criminal recidivism, that in the immortal words of Mark Twain, just aint so. Training computers based on discriminatory precedent is irresponsible at best and prejudicial at worst. Repairing flawed ideology in human memory or computer storage is wickedly difficult, and it takes time to focus ethical lenses in both media.

In the real world, and for all of pre-broadcast history, new information or edicts, provable or not, sustainable or not, diffused very slowly. The worst ideas, designed to oppress, exclude, incite, and subjugate, were eventually extirpated, sometimes painfully, from the social system. Good ideas including the demolition of the bad ones take even longer, but eventually succeed. As Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Golda Meir, and Nelson Mandela reassure us: The defeat of harmful structures is always just a question of time. The ultimate strategic intelligence is that authentic liberty is renewable but not self-executing. It needs debate and nourishes criticism; AI is capable of neither.

Another deficit, and a source of contamination, is the weaponized misinformation inserted by foreign interests into our popular press and social media. Those pathogens are ingested into the training sets that teach generative platforms how to speak and what to say. AI has neither ambition nor judgement. It is just advanced and impressive pattern recognition. Unless we are much more careful and deliberate, it will be years before we expunge toxic spew from the training sets and align them to our expectations and laws. 

Finally, the global market and (until recently) our national security depend on sophisticated components that come from China. We taught them ourselves. Policymakers from both parties expected the Middle Kingdom to become a large market and friendly competitor. Instead they are a fierce commercial rival and Americas most worrisome military antagonist. They already train almost 10 times the number of engineering students we do and will soon produce twice as many engineering Ph.D.s. The AI misalignment here is that they have more of it than we do.

The clear and present danger is not artificial intelligence. It is the integrity of its training. 

Like a real brain, AI only learns what we teach it. Todays computer models are vulnerable to absorbing wrong ideas and disproven theories about science, history, economics and philosophy. This is no different than schools that promote creationism, holocaust denial, mercantilism, and oppression theories cloaked as real science. Dumb ideas are being embedded into massive computer memories (now about as big as a human brain) that indiscriminately produce conclusions that sound real but cannot be independently validated, traced, checked or challenged. The real-world implications are identical: spiritual superstition, entrenched suspicion, and fabricated conflict.

AI has no imagination; it is a mix master of ideas some good, some bad that we have already considered. Sometimes the results are interesting, like a new chess move or a previously unseen protein fold, and sometimes theyre ridiculous.But hand wringing over AI itself will lead nowhere. Instead, we should focus on a far-superior policy, suggested by the fabulous title of the most influential computer science paper of the last 10 years: attention is all you need.

No machine created this misalignment, and only human ingenuity will solve it. Our attention should be on listing the ingredients, just like we already do with food, gasoline, medicines and clothes. We need to make sure that were teaching these machines things that are scientifically proven, socially aligned and integrity tested for both accuracy and fairness.

Peter L. Levin is adjunct senior fellow in the Technology and National Security program at the Center for a New American Security, and CEO of Amida Technology Solutions Inc.

Read more here:

The real issue with artificial intelligence: The misalignment problem - The Hill

Failure to disclose that content was created using artificial intelligence could incur a financial penalty.

Other states have made efforts in recent years to regulate AI election content, with mixed results. Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington state all passed legislation last year to address the issue. But proposals to require disclosure have failed elsewhere, including Indiana, Illinois, and New York according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Those are the kinds of things that, when done in proximity to an election, can upend what people want to do in that election, how they vote if they vote, and that is a threat to democracy, said Titone. Shes not just worried about local actors, but that foreign adversaries might take advantage of this technology to create disinformation and try to influence U.S. elections.

However, Titone noted that legislation can only do so much to limit how much-manipulated content is created and distributed. And because any restrictions could potentially butt up against the First Amendment, lawmakers will have to be careful with how the bill is crafted.

Separately, Secretary Griswold is also pushing for a new law to add penalties for anyone who acts as a fake elector in future presidential elections. Some states have prosecuted individuals who submitted certificates naming themselves to the Electoral College based on false claims that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

We want to make sure that it's very clear that if someone tries to do this, they will be facing major penalties, said Griswold.

Democratic Rep. Lorena Garcia of Adams County said she decided to sponsor the false electors bill because she wants to protect the fundamental safeguards of democracy.

We know that Trump's camp is going to go all out in the 2024 election, and we just want to make sure we set our state up for continued success in safe elections, she said.

Read the rest here:

If artificial intelligence is going to get involved in elections, Colorado lawmakers want voters to know - Colorado Public Radio

CINCINNATI Artificial intelligence is creating a new way for individuals to learn about the Holocaust.

At the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, the Dimensions in Testimony exhibit features testimony from Pinchas Gutter, a man now living in Canada but who spent time in six Nazi concentration camps as a young boy.

Visitors can ask him questions about his experience, how he feels about being a hologram, his favorite foods, his message to young people and pretty much anything else they can think of.

Gutter sat for several full days of recording. Artificial intelligence is used to understand questions and retrieve the most appropriate responses.

Holland Rains/WCPO

Because the algorithm pulls only from the testimony of the survivor, there is no risk for hallucination, which is when an AI model generates false or misleading information, museum representatives said.

Al Miller, a Jewish resident of Hamilton, Ohio, escaped Nazi Germany in 1937. He returned to Germany for the U.S. Army to interrogate suspected war criminals as a Ritchie Boy.

Last year, at the age of 100, Miller recorded his testimony for five full days of recordings. His daughter-in-law, Barbara Miller, who is also on the board of the museum, said this type of technology is a significant development for Holocaust education.

Theres almost nothing more important we can do than to share these stories, she said. Young people, in particular, many of whom know nothing about the Holocaust, need to be educated.

A December 2023 YouGov pollfound 20% of young people strongly agree or tend to agree that the Holocaust is a myth.

Barbara said Al found it important to share his story, no matter the crowd size: As long as he could make an impact and talk to them and inspire them, he felt he had done his job.

The museum said Als testimony, along with survivor and retired University of Cincinnati professor Henry Fenichel, will be available in early 2025.

Barbara Miller said that Al's message was always the same: "The Holocaust didn't start with bullets, it started with words."

She said she's worried that is something that is coming to fruition in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League has reported an increase in antisemitic incidents following Hamas' surprise attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Various artifacts from Millers experience are featured throughout the museum. Barbara said those items will be enhanced by museum guests getting an opportunity to speak with him.

Al had a tremendous sense of giving back. And he really wanted to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust would not repeat, she said.

His efforts will continue.

Kara Driscoll, Director of Marketing & Events at Holocaust & Humanity Center said data shows that students, often digital natives, feel more comfortable interacting with this technology than they might talking to someone across from them.

This technology allows us to interact with their stories, their biographies, and keep their memories alive in an interactive way that is really meaningful to the visitors that experience it, she said.

Watch Live:

WCPO 9 News Headlines

View original post here:

'There's almost nothing more important': Local Holocaust survivors living on through artificial intelligence - WCPO 9 Cincinnati

Local experts weigh in on AI applications in real estate and marketing By Al Parker | Jan. 27, 2024

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing dramatically, with new uses popping up almost overnight, like morels after a spring rain. For some, AI takes the stress out of daily work tasks. For others, AI has actually taken their jobs.

Generative AIthat is artificial intelligence like ChatGPT that creates contenthas been the latest game changer. Roughly 300 million jobs worldwide are expected to feel the benefits (and challenges) of the technology, and as many as 85 million jobs could be replaced by 2025.

How will AI affect our lives tomorrow, next year, or 10 years from now? Will it be a blessing or a curse for businesses and workers across the region? We asked a few local experts in the field for their thoughts.

Chris Linsell is a Traverse City-based realtor, content strategist, writer, real estate analyst, and self-described technology pundit who relies on AI every day.

There are certain tasks that AI is very good at, even at this stage in its development, says Linsell. I use it daily to aid in my production of written content. Its a part of the workflowall content gets a pass through AI to check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, missing words, etc. AI isnt writing my content for me, but it is making sure Im not making any easy mistakes.

Linsell believes AI is well suited at the present time for chores like data entry, simple communication, basic content generation, and objective question-answer interactions. In the real estate industry, a big chunk of a professionals time is spent executing tasks, many of which are largely administrative, he explains.

However, the true value of a real estate professional is rooted in their ability to serve their clients and build relationships with them, Linsell says. The rise of AI-powered tools will allow real estate professionals to spend dramatically less time executing tasks and dramatically more time focusing on their purposeserving the real estate needs of their clients and the community at large.

He continues, For realtors whose value is rooted in purpose, this is going to allow them to flourish. For realtors whose value is rooted in their ability to execute tasks, well, theyre going to be in trouble.

But does he think one day soon AI-powered tech will be handling home sales from end to end? Not so much.

AI will not likely, at least not in our lifetimes, ever replace humans when the task requires specific, unique experience and insight, Linsell predicts. Remember, the current AI models work by aggregating all the experience and input across the internet in order to answer questions. Which works great when your questions are things like, How much flour do I need to make a batch of 20 cookies, but terrible when the questions are things like What kind of cookies should I bake for my sister who has expressed her preferences over the many years of knowing each other?

In the real estate world, AI has long had applications for agents, buyers and sellers alikethink of the Zestimate tool on Zillow, for example, which estimates a homes value based on a number of factors. Thats the kind of AI Linsell expects to see significantly integrated into real estate technology in the next two years.

Most notably, searching for a home will likely get a lot easier and more efficient, he says, since AI will allow searchers to identify preferences based on criteria like whats in the listing photos. Additionally, I think well see the tools real estate professionals are using to automate much of the administrative tasks. Gone will be the days where realtors will be trapped behind a computer all day.

But what if you are someone whose job is all about being trapped behind a computer?

CNBC reports more than one-third (37%) of business leaders say AI replaced workers in 2023, and an article from Forbes listed media and marketing as two industries that are most impacted by AI. Indeed, copywriters and content creators have been cut loose left and rightfor example, both CNET and Insider trimmed 10 percent their staff last springwith some companies saying theyll now rely on AI-generated content that is checked over by a real human.

Oneupweb, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Traverse City, is taking a more intentional approach to using the powerful technology.

As an experienced team of digital marketers, were experimenting and evaluating how to use AI assistants while prioritizing human experience, says Oneupwebs Brand Manager Tessa Lighty.

Rather than leap blindly into the AI fray, the firm has developed an in-house manifesto on using AI responsibly. These are their eight guiding principles:

1. We believe artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable, ever-changing tool we can use to expedite, streamline and multiply our efforts. 2. We understand the limiting and concerning aspects of AI and will consider those factors in our decisions. 3. We believe AI to be assistive but not autonomous; no final product will be 100% produced by AI. 4. Individual team members are accountable for decisions and actions produced by AI under their instruction. 5. Continued transparency, education and experimentation is critical to maintaining a proactive and productive approach to AI. 6. We believe humans are integral to producing creative, engaging, intelligent, human-centered content in all forms. 7. We will prioritize educating our teams, our clients and our industry on the responsible use of AI tools. 8. We believe AI is not, and never will be, a replacement for humanity.

On that last note, Lighty says, I dont necessarily think that we really feel threatened [by AI] at this point. In our agency, we havent found an AI that is able to replace a human.

She says Oneupweb uses generative AI to create outlines, help with brainstorming, and build the base of an image that would then be heavily tweaked by a human staff member. (If youve ever seen the many-fingered hands produced by art bots, youll understand why.) Lighty points to improvements in image editing, like Photoshops Generative Fill, and tools like Grammarly as the place where AI and humans work best together.

But were not having Grammarly write entire books for uswere simply using it to check our spelling, she explains. AI is really good for very black and white, cut and dry items. Its really great for data analysis, things like that. It can help speed up processes. But at the end of the day, the stuff that is being created is better created by a human.

There are other drawbacks, too, when using AI, which is part of the reason Oneupweb treads lightly. According to Lighty, there have been a lot of changes to AI within the last year and theres not a lot of regulation over it. She points to litigation over how intellectual property is being used by AI when it comes to everything from image and text generation to Google responses to search questions.

The world has changed forever because of it. Theres just no doubt about it, Lighty says. But for the foreseeable future, Oneupweb plans to work with AI rather than let AI do the work.

She concludes, A quote that sticks with us as an agency is that marketers will not be replaced by AI, but marketers who use AI will replace those who do not use it. So its all about learning how to use it, how to make it better.

More:

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: How Could AI Affect NoMi Businesses? - northernexpress.com

Ill try not to make this article sound like a plea for my job as I delve into AI and the mark its made on my world as an astrologer and spiritual practitioner. Ive always assumed this line of work would be safe from digital interference; after all, it seems impossible to program intuition and human compassion into a computer. Then again, technology has always been as mysterious to me as astrology charts, tarot cards, and psychic phenomena might be to the average person. With the rise of increasingly popular astrology apps and websites that rely on AI to generate horoscopes and predictions, I couldnt resist the temptation to explore these trends for myself.

Before I start poking holes in AIs approach to astrology, Ill admit that technological advancements have made decoding the stars much more accessible than it used to be. Technology in general has played a huge role in making astrology not only approachable but also as big as it has become in recent years. In ancient times, astrologers did all their birth chart analysis by hand and now, there are many different programs that help speed the process, explains

While I wholeheartedly value the convenience planetary tracking programs offer, the information I receive is more data-centric than predictive. Im not asking the computer how Mercury entering Aquarius will impact my communication skills; I just need to know when this shift will occur so I can tell my readers what to expect. From my knowledge about AI, its not reliable in writing opinion-based articles on astrology or horoscopes since interpretation is key, says author and astrologer Lisa Stardust. For a debriefing in transits, itll be effective, but remember that transits dont affect everyone the same, which is why an astrologer is vital. When we astrologers are unpacking birth charts or writing your horoscopes, were looking at more than planetary interaction. We make intuitive judgments on how the cosmos will impact a single person or the collective while taking into consideration themes being dealt with as a society.

Digging further, I began my research by conversing with the AI program du jour ChatGPT, asking simple questions like What is my rising sign? and including all the necessary info needed to generate an answer, such as birth time, date, and location. Im immediately underwhelmed as my rising and moon signs are incorrectly predicted but also feel vindicated at this technological misstep. To its credit, the application suggests consulting with a professional astrologer for more accurate insights, an added touch I greatly appreciated.

In March 2023, Google Docs launched a Help Me Write application, leading to the ever-present pen and star icon in the top left margin of any document Ive drafted since then. Im curious if it offers astrological accuracy, wondering if any of my fellow astrology writers will utilize this tool as a way to cut corners or save time. I click the button and ask what Scorpios can expect in 2024. After a few seconds, I receive the following write-up:

Scorpios can expect a year of transformation and growth in 2024. The planet Pluto will be in your sign for the entire year, which will bring up deep issues and emotions that need to be addressed. This can be a challenging time, but it will also be an opportunity for you to grow and evolve. Jupiter will also be in your sign for part of the year, which will bring good luck and opportunities. This is a great time to start new projects or take risks.

Ill be frank here and say this is straight-up malarkey and nonsense. Pluto will move from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2024 with no appearance in Scorpio. In fact, Pluto hasnt been in Scorpio since 1995 and wont return to the sign of death and rebirth until the year 2229. Meanwhile, Jupiter will be happily housed in Taurus until May 25, 2024, before it shifts into Gemini, where it will ride out the rest of the year. So, thats a total strikeout for AIs astrological know-how in this instance.

With that being said, there are companies programming artificial intelligence to offer more specific and accurate astrological predictions. The Co-Star app living in many of our phones isnt delivering advice from the mind of a human practitioner. Rather, the information is generated by an algorithm using astrological methods and NASAs planetary data. While I have never connected with the app in a way that was meaningful, Im aware of its extreme popularity, and many of my clients swear by it. I will begrudgingly state that it does offer a more complex and complete review of what someone might be experiencing at any given time since it takes into consideration the entire birth chart of its users. Upon downloading, youre asked to contribute your birth date, time, and location, allowing the program to track significant transits that are unique to you. This provides a slight edge over daily horoscopes if you dont mind taking advice from a robot.

I learned of an astrology machine residing at the Grove in Los Angeles, the latest promotional brainchild of Co-Star and perhaps the most cutting-edge AI astrology tool available at the moment. On a recent trip to visit my partners family for Thanksgiving, I dragged him to check out this celestial droid with me, in the name of research, of course. After locating the boxy gray console, I couldnt help but feel slightly excited. The sensation was reminiscent of being a child with a quarter in front of a Zoltar machine.

I plugged my birth chart info into the screen, then chose from its selection of preprogrammed questions. I cheekily smiled at my significant other as I selected the query Am I actually in love? It took my photo, lights flickered, then a receipt spit out with a write-up validating that I am indeed entranced with my companion. Upon further inspection, I saw that transits were documented at the bottom, noting that Venus was in conjunction with my natal Mars, which I double-checked and found to be true.

I nudged my partner to ask the same question and provided him with his birth time, information I got from his mother a few months into our relationship because thats what falling in love with an astrologer looks like. Its a good thing I am confident in our bond because the computer wasnt convinced of his feelings, giving a firm No, you are not actually in love. My biggest annoyance here is that he now has the pleasure of teasing me with this prediction. Im also highly aware of the fact that a solid relationship reading requires a look at both partners natal charts. This process viewed our planetary placements separately and made a judgment call. On a more serious note, it seems kind of reckless on Co-Stars end.

Ive given tarot readings to friends since I was 10, started a coven during my 13th birthday party, and have eight years under my belt as a professional adviser. I know firsthand how much stock people put into faith and the readings they receive. While many are sensible enough to understand the importance of making their own choices, Ive definitely had clients who wanted me to make decisions for them. I shudder to think that someone could walk up to this device, ask a question about love, money, or a career path, and make life-altering choices accordingly. I ponder what might have happened if a younger, less experienced couple had a reading similar to the one my sweetheart and I had. Would a fight or worse ensue?

I decided to ask two more questions. The results varied, and I couldnt help but roll my eyes when it was stated that I should choose another line of work. AI claimed I was holding on to my current position out of fear, when in reality Im grateful every day for the work I do because I love it. I will say that when I asked what I should be famous for, it replied that I would benefit from sharing my expertise with others, which hello! If this session had been with a human astrologer, those conflicting answers wouldnt have emerged.

The problem with artificial intelligence offering readings is there seems to be a lack of discernment and consistent results. When Im interacting with a client in real time, Im picking up on their energy and emotional disposition and making judgments based on these subtle cues. Oftentimes, people come to me when they are in fragile states, so my job is to hold space in a way that is compassionate and nurturing in order to allow them to feel comfortable in their vulnerability. If AI can be an empathetic and intuitive reader, then that would be amazing, Stardust adds, but Im not sure if robots are built for that. Though it can be amusing to check out computer-generated readings for the fun of it, it may not be the best call for major life guidance.

Nothing compares to words of comfort when youre feeling blue, anxious, or scared, and AI simply isnt advanced enough to offer spiritual support in this capacity. A robot will always lack the human touch and human experience, regardless of how much it is trained, adds Montfar. The reason an astrology reading is so powerful is because [we] astrologers have experienced astrology very intimately. We know how certain astrological transits affect us because we ourselves have experienced them in our lives and at a personal level. For that reason, we are able to sympathize with clients and understand their perspective. Im not suggesting you should ditch your favorite astrology apps, especially when theres plenty of entertainment to be had. Just remember to take the advice with a grain of salt, and consider booking with a reputable practitioner when bigger questions arise.

Rene Watt is a Pacific Northwest-based professional psychic, astrologer, and witch. Her mystical insights have been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. She hosts the weekly podcast The Glitter Cast, which features celebrity ghost stories and interviews with leading professionals in her field.

Get Shondaland directly in your inbox:

See original here:

What Is the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Astrology? - Shondaland.com

Introduction

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly its sub-field machine learning (ML), has witnessed substantial global progress over the past decade, fueled by advancements in computation power and a surge of data accessibility since the 2010s. While many nations have significantly invested in these technologies for a myriad of civilian and military applications, assessing North Koreas AI/ML landscape poses a unique challenge. Following the development of its Eunbyul AI program in 1998, the countrys increasingly isolated, secretive nature and constraints posed by the current sanctions regime would arguably make evaluations of its current capabilities extremely speculative. However, while attempts to procure hardware for AI development may be stymied, open-source information, including scientific journal articles and state media, suggests North Korea is actively developing and promoting AI/ML technology across various sectors to keep abreast of global progress.

As part of a comprehensive review project, this analysis presents an initial survey of North Koreas AI/ML research, shedding light on the countrys AI/ML development efforts across North Koreas government, academia and industry. Among those, it is worth noting that North Korean researchers have applied AI/ML for sensitive applications, such as wargaming and surveillance, and continued scientific collaboration with foreign scholars until recently. Given that AI/ML is a software-centric technology that can be transferred via intangible means, called intangible transfer of technology (ITT), it is important to monitor such activities and, if necessary, implement measures to mitigate potential sanctions risks within the academic and private sectors. This can be achieved by enhancing academic scholars awareness of such risks, particularly in the realms of international conferences and cloud computing services.

Overview of North Koreas AI/ML Development

North Korean efforts to develop AI/ML have been consistently seen over three decades across various sectors. The DPRKs foray into AI/ML appears to have commenced in the 1990s, primarily to address nationwide challenges, from forecasting air pollution levels to better preparing for droughts, monitoring hydro turbine vibration, and most recently, applying AI/ML during the COVID-19 pandemic to create a model for evaluating proper mask usage and prioritizing clinical symptom indicators of infection.[1]

In recent years, the state has placed a strong emphasis on the development of AI/ML as an informatized/digitized economy, as reflected in its Socialist Constitution. Specifically, North Korea amended Article 26 of the Constitution in April 2019 to add informatization () to its core lines of economic efforts, including Juche-oriented, self-reliance, (), modernization () and scientization () to achieve a socialist independent national economy. In that same year, state media reported that the country believes its digital economys growth is driven by advancements in AI and that data is more valuable than gold and crude oil in the era of AI.

To spearhead these efforts, North Korea established the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute () under the Bureau of the Information Industry Guidance () in 2013, which has been incorporated into the Ministry of Information Industry () since 2021. This initiative aims to elevate the Bureaus authority to the ministry level, thereby actively promoting the informatization and digitalization of the country. Previously, these efforts were impeded by internal competition and a lack of cooperation among government agencies.

In academia, North Korea has embraced AI/ML across various educational levels. In 2014, Kim Il Sung University established the High-Technology Development Center (renamed the Center for Advanced Technology Research and Development [CATRAD]), focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as voice and text recognition, simultaneous interpretation and big data analysis. Since 2018, many universities have followed suit and introduced AI-focused programs.

At the enterprise level, North Korean companies have recently been promoting their commercial products that employ AI/ML technologies. In 2020, the Mangyongdae Information Technology Corporation ( ) launched two mobile phones, the Azalea 6 and 7 (Jindallae 6, 7, 6, 7). The company claims to have successfully incorporated technologies for fingerprint, voice, facial and text recognition, based on deep neural networks (DNN), into this device. The company is staffed by dozens of researchers, primarily from Kim Il-sung University and Kim Chaek University of Technology and is currently promoting domestic technical cooperation with other research institutes. In addition, according to a flyer posted in North Korean media, the Yalu River Technology Development Company () has applied DNN to its security surveillance systems and intelligent IP cameras. The company claims to actively promote collaborative research and development with renowned IT companies from over 20 countries (Appendix 1).[2]

North Korea has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to developing its AI/ML capabilities across sectors, encompassing government initiatives, academia and commercial applications. There is evidence of concerted efforts to leverage these technologies, such as nuclear safety and wargaming, to achieve its broader economic and technological goals, as discussed in the case studies that follow. It should be noted that the current sanctions regime limits scientific collaboration with North Korea, as these transfers of knowledge through collaboration with foreign scholars pose risks of dual-use applications, even for non-military and non-nuclear purposes.

Study Highlight 1: Civilian ApplicationNuclear Safety

In 2022, the North Korean nuclear scientists Ho Il Mun, So Chol and others published a study titled PWR core loading pattern optimization with adaptive genetic algorithm in the academic journal Annals of Nuclear Energy. Genetic algorithms (GA) are a machine learning technique that aims to find optimized solutions for a problem by mimicking the evolution of genes, such as mutation and crossover. In a pressurized water reactor (PWR), ensuring the optimal arrangement of fuel rods, known as the fuel loading pattern, is essential for maintaining reactor safety. Specifically, by optimizing this pattern, nuclear operations can secure a necessary safety margin to prevent particular fuel rods from overheating. This optimization involves arranging the fuel rods with varying properties, such as levels of enrichment, and mitigates the risk of nuclear accidents, ultimately contributing to the overall safety of the reactor and an increase in power generation. The study concludes that their version of GA is proven to be faster and more effective than other referenced GAs in finding optimal fuel loading patterns.

As faculty members of the Energy Science Department of Kim Il-sung University, Ho Il Mun and So Chol have primarily focused on the civilian applications of nuclear technology. The two scholars appear to have been collaborating on fuel assembly and burnup analysis in the context of PWRs or light water reactors (LWRs) since 2005 and have worked together on more than ten projects (Appendix 2). Their primary focus for scientific simulations is 1,000 MWe PWR reactors, with specific design data presented in Appendix 3.[3]

Study Highlight 2: Military ApplicationWargaming/Battle Simulation

In 2022, the North Korean journal Information Science indicated that a research project was conducted focusing on the development of a wargaming simulation using a machine learning method called reinforcement learning (RL).[4] In RL, an agent is trained to maximize rewards in a given environment through trial and error, aiming to achieve goals set by an engineer. For instance, consider an engineer who wants to develop an algorithm that enables a robot to ride a swing to reach the highest possible height. In this case, the robot capable of bending its knee acts as the agent, and reaching the maximum height is a goal set by the engineer to which the reward is given. The environment is the swing ride, where the robot continually adjusts its knee-bending timing to propel the swing optimally, thereby leading to maximum accumulated rewards. As exemplified by Googles AlphaGo, RL is extensively employed across a myriad of domains, necessitating decision-making and optimization, potentially extending its utility to military applications (Appendix 4).

The study indicates that North Korean scientists opted for RL for wargaming purposes since they view the running speed of RL as faster than that of other methods. While the specifics of the agent and environment are not explained, information related to the rewards provides insight into what North Korea aims to achieve with this simulation. Specifically, the study established three criteria for reward calculation: victory in battle, the ratio between the number of artillery shells landed on the enemy and the number of shells fired by the agent, and the ratio of survival time of the agent to total conflict duration.[5] This suggests North Koreas conceived wargaming environment might be actual conflicts at a tactical level involving artillery shells.

There are also clues for assessing potential military considerations of the simulation. In their research, the North Korean authors referenced a study titled Adaptive Human Behavior Modeling for Air Combat Simulation, conducted by Chinese scholars and published on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) platform. The Chinese lead author, Jian Yao, is associated with the Academy of Military Sciences or the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), which is listed on the US trade denylist called the Entity List. Her research primarily focuses on military applications, as evidenced by her works: Analyzing Ballistic Missile Defense System Effectiveness Based on Functional Dependency Network Analysis and Weapon Effectiveness Simulation System (WESS) (Appendix 5). Given Yaos consistent focus on military applications and her affiliation with the military organization, it is plausible that North Korea may also aim to develop wargaming simulations applicable to the military domain beyond the current embryonic gaming simulations to enhance its strategic planning.

Sanctions and Export Control Implications

As evidenced by the aforementioned cases, despite the current sanctions regime, especially the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2321 of 2016 and the prohibition of scientific collaboration with North Korea, unintended risks abound.

Regarding North Korean companies, there is a significant risk that any international cooperation on AI with Yalu River Technology Development Company could lead not only to a breach of sanctions, but also to being listed on the US Entity List. US export regulations allow the Department of Commerce to add entities whose activities act against US foreign policy interests, including human rights abuses. For this reason, a Chinese tech company, HikVision, was listed in 2019 for its surveillance products allegedly used in human rights abuses in China. North Koreas Yalu River Technology Development Company currently advertises its scientific collaborations with enterprises from roughly 20 countries (Appendix 1). If such cooperation exists and continues, they may lose access to US technologies and products as long as the US continues to view North Korea as a country with human rights concerns.

As for the nuclear safety-related studies, there has been no record of international academic collaboration involving the authors. However, it is worthwhile to keep monitoring scholars academic activities concerning applications of AI. For example, authors expertise in and activities related to burnup analysisfuel containing plutonium isotopes desirable for nuclear weaponscould shed insight on current and potential proliferation activities.

North Koreas AI-driven military study also suggests significant implications for sanctions and export controls. First, the North Korean authors collaborated with Chinese scholars associated with a company currently under US financial restrictions. The North Korean journal does not provide detailed information about the lead author, Ri Jong Hyok. However, an open-source database shows a publication history for an individual with the same name specializing in AI/ML. Specifically, the database indicates that Ri Jonghyok (author identifier: 57203266720), affiliated with Kim Il-sung University, coauthored a few studies with Chinese scientists between 2018 and 2020.

Moreover, one of these collaborators, Wenliang Huang (Author identifier: 56161896800), is associated with China Unicom Ltd., an organization currently subject to financial restrictions imposed by the US Treasury Department. Unicom is also included in the Non-Specially Designated Nationals Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List (NS-CMIC List) since the US considers activities of its related organizations to be detrimental to US national security and foreign policy interests.

Second, Ris publication history hints at potential channels for technology transfers. In 2023, Ri published a paper titled Target adaptive extreme learning machine for transfer learning. Transfer learning is a technique for fine-tuning a pre-trained model to enhance its performance under specific conditions. Unlike traditional machine learning methods, transfer learning does not require the entire training dataset used for the pre-trained model. Instead, it only requires data that a developer is interested in to further train the pre-trained model for their specific needs or circumstances.

In this regard, transfer learning offers several advantages, including reduced training time and resource requirements, such as data storage and computational power. Moreover, it is theoretically feasible to fine-tune a model initially developed for civilian applications for military purposes. For instance, a model trained by foreign scholars for object detection purposes in aerial environments could be adapted for further fine-tuning that uses data pertaining to military objects that North Korea is interested in. The scope of military simulation can also be expanded through transfer learning to cover more complex combat situations. For example, an agent trained in 2-versus-1 air combat scenarios could be transferred to 2-versus-2 scenarios for further training.

The benefits of transfer learning highlight potential risks associated with technology transfers via intangible means, such as sharing electronic files, a pre-trained model in this context, through email and cloud computing services. Many cloud computing services, such as Google Collab, Microsoft Azure and other enterprises, offer AI/ML development environments. These environments are supported by computing power, including a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), TensorFlow Processing Unit (TPU) and NVIDIAs A100 and H100 units. Therefore, the potential proliferation risks linked with ITT and cloud computing services could negate the effectiveness of the sanctions regime and export controls that mainly focus on the transfer of physical goods in general.

Finally, international conferences are platforms that can beand have already beenexploited by North Korean scholars to seek technical assistance from foreign researchers. The IEEE, for example, publishes numerous studies on AI/ML and military simulations and hosts various international conferences involving such topics (Appendix 4).[6] If North Korean scholars attend these conferences to seek technical advice from foreign experts, it could lead to potential violations of sanctions and export controls. It is because of this risk of ITT that UNSCR 2270 prohibits the transfer of any items, including both physical goods and technologies, that could enhance operational capabilities of the North Korean military and export control regulations of the US, the European Union (EU) and South Korea prohibit their nationals from providing technical assistance to foreigners posing military risks through intangible means such as conversation, visual inspection or demonstration.

Conclusion and Policy Recommendations

North Koreas recent endeavors in AI/ML development signify a strategic investment to bolster its digital economy. This commitment is underscored by constitutional amendments fostering the digitization and informatization of its socialist economy, coupled with institutional reforms to address competing self-interest across government offices. The promotion of AI also extends across academia, as evidenced by the establishment of AI-focused programs in secondary education and universities. North Korean scientific projects often focus on nationwide concerns, such as pandemics and environmental issues, and enterprises have recently begun launching commercial products incorporating AI/ML technologies and nuclear safety research, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach.

However, the inherent dual-use nature of AI/ML technologies presents numerous challenges. For instance, North Koreas pursuit of a wargaming simulation program using RL reveals intentions to better comprehend operational environments against potential adversaries. Furthermore, North Koreas ongoing collaborations with foreign scholars pose concerns for the sanctions regime. Moreover, the conversion of civilian AI technology into military applications poses a substantial risk, particularly in cloud computing environments that sidestep the need for specialized hardware. And finally, international conferences could be exploited by North Korea to seek technical assistance from foreign scholars.

To effectively address the potential sanctions and proliferation risks posed by North Koreas AI/ML endeavors, national authorities should proactively engage with cloud computing service providers and academic/professional associations that host international conferences on emerging technology. Discussions with cloud computing service providers should center on raising awareness of potential threats posed by North Korea and considerations for enhancing customer screening during onboarding. For conference hosts, deliberations should revolve around devising ways to apprise scholars of the risks associated with international collaborations, ensuring they do not inadvertently support undisclosed military applications in violation of UN and other unilateral sanctions while safeguarding academic freedom.

***

DOWNLOAD PDF OF APPENDICES HERE, OR VIEW BELOW

Appendix I. North Koreas Commercial Products Employing AI/ML.

Appendix II. Publication List of Ho Il Mun and So Chol.

Appendix III. Visual information on 1,000 MWe PWR.

Appendix IV. Examples of AI/ML/RL Studies for Potential Military Applications.

Appendix V. List of Jian Yaos Studies.

See the original post here:

North Korea's Artificial Intelligence Research: Trends and Potential Civilian and Military Applications - 38 North

AUSTIN, Texas The University of Texas at Austin is creating one of the most powerful artificial intelligence hubs in the academic world to lead in research and offer world-class AI infrastructure to a wide range of partners.

UT is launching the Center for Generative AI, powered by a new GPU computing cluster, among the largest in academia. The cluster will comprise 600 NVIDIA H100s GPUs short for graphics processing units, specialized devices to enable rapid mathematical computations, making them ideal for training AI models. The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) will host and support the cluster, called Vista.

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing our world, and this investment comes at the right time to help UT shape the future through our teaching and research, said President Jay Hartzell. World-class computing power combined with our breadth of AI research expertise will uniquely position UT to speed advances in health care, drug development, materials and other industries that could have a profound impact on people and society. We have designated 2024 as the Year of AI at UT, and a big reason why is the combination of the trends and opportunities across society, our talented people and strengths as a university, and now, our significant investment in the Center for Generative AI.

The growth of ChatGPT and similar generative AI technologies has put pressure on many industry groups, health care organizations and public agencies to work with academic institutions to harness AI for innovation. Experts from the center will collaborate with external partners to develop and apply generative AI solutions to challenging problems across industries.

With a core focus on biosciences, health care, computer vision and natural language processing (NLP), the new center will be housed within UTs interdisciplinary Machine Learning Laboratory and co-led by the Cockrell School of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences. In recognition of AIs growth across industries, it also includes faculty members and support from Dell Medical School, as well as researchers from the School of Information and McCombs School of Business.

We believe academia should continue to play a leading role in the development of AI, said Alex Dimakis, director of the center and professor in the Cockrell Schools Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Open-source models, open data sets and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed research is the safest way to drive the upcoming AI revolution. Universities are uniquely suited to shape this ecosystem, and we are excited to be on the frontier of generative AI here in Austin.

The University is currently home to the National Science Foundation-supported AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning (IFML) and TACCs Frontera, the most powerful supercomputer at a U.S. university. Center for Generative AI leaders envision applying fundamental algorithmic resources to solve large-scale applied problems, bridging academic and industrial goals for artificial intelligence.

UT has established a tremendous foundation in AI, said Adam Klivans, a professor in the College of Natural Sciences Department of Computer Science and director of the Machine Learning Laboratory. With this investment, we can accelerate the process of scientific discovery and find new solutions to major engineering challenges that would otherwise take years of experimental work.

The center offers a core pillar for advancing AI technologies while building on momentum generated in recent years.

Go here to see the original:

New Texas Center Will Create Generative AI Computing Cluster Among Largest of Its Kind - The University of Texas at Austin

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the fusion of startups and artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a beacon of innovation, reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of what is possible. This dynamic duo is not just a trend but a transformative force, with startups leveraging AI to solve complex problems, enhance efficiency, and create unprecedented value; but it is not without challenges.

The world of technology is witnessing a remarkable era where artificial intelligence has become the cornerstone of innovation.

Amidst this technological renaissance, startups play a crucial role, acting as the crucibles where the raw potential of AI is refined into groundbreaking applications.

These nimble entities, characterized by their innovative spirit, flexibility, and willingness to try anything, are exploring AIs capabilities to attack the status quo by offer solutions that were once discounted as science fiction.

Today you can:

All thanks to the power of AI and emergence of integrating technologies such as mixed reality and the metaverse.

But why are Startups where all of this magic is happening?

Follow this link:

The Synergy of Startups and Artificial Intelligence: | by Dr Richard Matthews - Chief AI Officer RHEM Labs | Jan, 2024 - Medium

AMSTERDAM Stellantis N.V. announced today the acquisition of the artificial intelligence framework, machine learning models and intellectual property rights and patents of CloudMade, a developer of smart and innovative big data-driven automotive solutions.

The acquisition as an asset deal will support the mid-term development of STLA SmartCockpit and reinforces Stellantis software strategy outlined in Dare Forward 2030.

The AI-powered framework created by CloudMade, with integrated graphical interfaces, is the industry-leading cloud and software development kit for collecting and analyzing automotive data sets and has been the reference point to transform the in-car and mobility user experience throughout the past decade.

The acquisition of CloudMades pioneering AI capabilities will accelerate our development journey on STLA SmartCockpit and help us deliver our Dare Forward 2030 goals, said Yves Bonnefont,Stellantis Chief Software Officer. Thanks to this adaptable technology and leveraging our growing connected car parc, we will create intelligent mobility solutions faster and with more flexibility, to delight our customers with in-vehicle and mobile experience personalization.

As part of the acquisition, 44 engineers and software developers from CloudMade, dedicated to the development of AI technology, will be joining Stellantis.

CloudMadeis extremely pleased with this transaction, said Jim Brown, founder and CTO of CloudMade. The team is excited to deepen their working relationship withStellantis to bring new features to the vehicles cockpit.

CloudMades framework architecture allows to maximize data value using three learning approaches: personalized learning, which predicts an individuals behavior in a particular context; fleet learning, using sensor data across devices to detect and share real world features; cohort learning, combining real world data with data from clustered groups of people distinguished by attributes.

CloudMades software technology will support Stellantis strategy to develop intelligent mobility products and enhance the overall customer experience with personalized features that will make their drive safer, their life easier and their trip exciting.

Services and products will include:

Through this acquisition, Stellantis will also be able to develop end-to-end and fully owned navigation features; enhance data privacy, since the data for training the models will be managed internally, reducing risks of possible exposure; and introduce development kits for making custom models for its software developers.

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the worlds leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. Its best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citron, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit http://www.stellantis.com

Read more:

Stellantis to Enhance Personalized Mobility Experience with Acquisition of CloudMade's Artificial Intelligence ... - Stellantis