The hallmarks of Russian-backed influence are consistent: trying to erode support for Ukraine, discrediting democratic institutions and seizing on existing political divides.
artificial intelligence
Posted inNPR
In a first, OpenAI removes influence operations tied to Russia, China and Israel
AI tools have helped the people behind influence operations produce more content, but OpenAI says the operations it disrupted didn’t gain traction with real people or reach large audiences.
Posted inNPR
It’s quick and easy to clone famous politicians’ voices, despite safeguards
Most of the tools tested by researchers at the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate could be used to successfully clone a wide range of voices belonging to European and American politicians.
Posted inNPR
U.S. elections face more threats from foreign actors and artificial intelligence
“Russia remains the most active foreign threat to our elections,” said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, noting that new AI technologies make influence operations easier to pull off.
Posted inNPR
It was a classic rap beef. Then Drake revived Tupac with AI and Congress got involved
AI can conjure the voice or likeness of a dead celebrity with just a few clicks. This opens a host of legal questions about the rights of the deceased and their heirs to control their digital replicas
Posted inNPR
What are sperm whales saying? Researchers find a complex ‘alphabet’
Researchers say sperm whales have a complex communication system, an example of how new technology is opening up the mysterious world of animal language.
Posted inNPR
Katy Perry’s own mom fell for her Met Gala AI photo. Do you know what to look for?
Katy Perry and Rihanna weren’t at the Met Gala on Monday night, despite the viral AI-generated photos showing them on the red carpet. Here are some tips for recognizing and investigating deep fakes.
Posted inPolitics, The Weekly Catch, Transportation
Decade-old report warned of Washington Bridge issues, envisioning the future of RIPTA, and more
An investigation by the Providence Journal this week revealed that the Washington Bridge has had structural problems for years – and that the state knew about it as long ago as 2014. Providence Journal reporter Patrick Anderson joins us to talk about what he found. Also, RIPTA is in need of a new leader now that CEO Scott Avedisian has stepped down. We hear from transit advocates about their vision for the agency, and who they’d like to see take the helm. And while many artists are concerned about the growing threat of artificial intelligence, Griffin Smith is teaching students at RISD how to work with AI and not run from it. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 19, 2024
School vacation week made for some swift journeys across the Washington Bridge. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE WEEK: As the […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Technology
As AI evolves, what role will the technology play in the world of art and design?
Rhode Island School of Design lecturer and digital artist Griffin Smith says that fine artists like painters and sculptors will be able to adapt to a world with AI-generated art – but it could eliminate a “middle class’ of designers and some freelance artists.
