Who’s Larry Ellison and what’s Oracle? Bezos challenged as No. 2 richest
Oracle chairman and co-founder Larry Ellison is making moves near the top of the list of the world’s richest people. The tech billionaire recently surpassed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to take over the No. 2 slot, although there is now back-and-forth for the position.
Ellison has an estimated net worth of just over $200 billion as of Wednesday, Sept. 18. But how did he amass such a fortune? Of the Top 10 richest people on the planet, chances are most people could identify the rest of their names or at the very least, know their companies.
Ellison is the chairman and chief technology officer at Oracle. According to the 80–year–old’s biography, he also races sailboats, flies planes, and plays tennis and guitar. He founded the tech company back in 1977, and it appears he knew exactly what he was doing.
“I decided on the computer business in college,” the entrepreneur said during an interview with the Academy of Achievement in 1997. “I started working part-time programming. I found that in a very short period of time, I could make more money writing programs than a tenured professor at the University of Chicago was making. And I was a teenager, and I said, ‘This is kind of cool,’ and it was also fun. It was like a big game. It was like working on puzzles. So I enjoyed it. [And] it paid extremely well.”
Oracle made headlines when it made a deal to store TikTok’s U.S. data. It was a concession Chinese parent company ByteDance made to try to prevent TikTok from being banned in the U.S. The move has so far not calmed concerns; TikTok was in court the week of Sept. 15, arguing its case against an app ban.
Like most successful tech companies, in 2024 Oracle is making a huge play in the artificial intelligence space. Ellison said the company is building data centers to meet the booming demand for generative AI.
“So we are literally building the smallest, most portable, most affordable cloud data centers all the way up to 200-megawatt data centers, ideal for training very large language models and keeping them up to date. This AI race is going to go on for a long time,” he said during Oracle’s fiscal fourth quarter earnings call in June.
Oracle announced data partnerships with some of the biggest names in AI, including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. As the AI race ramps up, one major problem in need of a solution is storage. Generative AI requires huge amounts of data for teaching the technology. And that’s where Oracle hopes to step in.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., signed a law Tuesday, Sept. 17, banning the use of AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns, marking the nation’s most aggressive regulation of artificial intelligence in elections. The law targets deepfakes that impersonate political candidates and spread misinformation ahead of the 2024 election.
The Associated Press
Newsom introduced the legislation after Elon Musk shared a manipulated video of Vice President Kamala Harris, which falsely depicted her as an incompetent candidate. The governor stated that deepfakes threaten the integrity of democratic elections and needed to be addressed urgently.
The law allows courts to block deceptive content and imposes civil penalties on those who distribute it. Starting next year, social media platforms will be required to remove flagged deepfakes. Additionally, political ads using AI must include disclaimers to inform the public about altered content.
Musk, a frequent critic of Newsom, attacked the law on his social media platform X. He compared Newsom to “The Joker” and argued that the legislation infringes on free speech. He accused the governor of trying to outlaw political parody and satire. Musk’s posts reignited debates about the balance between free speech and preventing misinformation.
This law comes at a pivotal time as AI-generated videos are expected to play a significant role in the 2024 presidential election. While supporters claim the law is necessary to protect voters, critics warn it could stifle free expression. As the legal debate continues, California remains at the forefront of AI regulation in politics.
Oracle’s Larry Ellison sees AI supervision keeping citizens on ‘best behavior’
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison recently predicted that AI-powered surveillance will become an integral part of daily life. During a Q&A session at Oracle’s Financial Analyst Meeting, Ellison said AI would play a major role in monitoring society through a vast network of interconnected cameras. This system would include security cameras, police body cams and vehicle dashcams.
“Citizens will be on their best behavior, because we’re constantly recording and reporting everything that’s going on,” Ellison said, envisioning a future where AI analyzes real-time data from this network to prevent crime and influence public behavior for a safer society.
Ellison’s proposal, however, raises privacy concerns. Critics argue that widespread surveillance could infringe on personal freedoms, creating a “surveillance state.” Proponents, on the other hand, suggest that such systems could help solve crimes faster and provide transparency in law enforcement, particularly in cases of excessive force.
“We’re going to have supervision. Every police officer’s going to be supervised at all times,” Ellison said, emphasizing AI’s potential to oversee law enforcement activities.
Ellison’s vision highlights a growing trend among tech companies to use AI for societal influence, which could reshape public life in the coming years.
New ChatGPT model designed to break down problems, ‘think’ before responding
Oprah Winfrey recently aired a special all about AI, titled “AI and the Future of Us.” After noting that “AI is still beyond our control,” Winfrey said humans will be able to adapt, saying, “The stakes could not be higher.”
The comments came with guests including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, tech influencer Marques Brownlee and current FBI Director Christopher Wray. Winfrey noted that she was ready for what AI could do for humanity, as the new o1 model is released for ChatGPT.
Nicknamed “Strawberry,” the new model is designed to think before responding. With hype around the new model, there is already debate on whether it lives up to those abilities.
Living up to the hype may be important for Altman, as this model is four times more expensive than the previous model GPT-4o. OpenAI admits that the older version may still be a better option for most everyday tasks.
What sets the new model apart is the ability to break down big problems into smaller steps and “think” through each one. This new feature can be powerful for tackling complex questions, but it’s not always the right fit for simpler tasks.
One user tested ChatGPT o1 by asking for help planning a Thanksgiving dinner for 11 people. The model paused to think, then gave a detailed 750 word response. It even suggested renting a portable oven, showing that it can give advice for a complex scenario.
However, when given a simple question, it delivered an 800 word essay. Given the same question, GPT-4o answered in just a few sentences.
That is where cost comes into play. The new ChatGPT model charges for what are called “reasoning tokens,” the extra steps it takes when thinking through a problem, which can quickly add up. This makes it less practical for quick, straightforward questions.
Experts are intrigued by the model’s potential for solving complex issues through step-by-step reasoning, but even Altman is managing expectations. The new o1 model is now available, and Altman said they are planning to bring a miniature version to all ChatGPT users for free.
OpenAI said it plans to continue to develop new models in the GPT series.
Trump was target of apparent ‘attempted assassination’ at his golf club: FBI
For the second time in just over two months, authorities say former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent “attempted assassination.” We have the latest on the investigation. And the red carpet was rolled out for TV’s biggest stars Sunday night. We recap who won at the 76th Emmy Awards. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
FBI: Trump was target of apparent ‘attempted assassination’
The FBI is investigating what it said “appears to be an attempted assassination” of former President Donald Trump near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida Sunday, Sept. 15. Authorities said Trump was playing a round of golf when Secret Service agents spotted the gunman a few hundred yards away pointing a weapon through the bushes.
The agents fired five to six shots at the gunman. The suspect dropped his weapon, described as an AK-47-style rifle, and fled in his vehicle. It was not clear if the suspect had fired any shots.
The suspect was soon taken into custody during a traffic stop in a nearby county.
Authorities said the rifle with a scope was found in the shrubbery along with two backpacks, ceramic plates, and a GoPro camera.
Shortly after the incident, a spokesperson for the Republican presidential nominee said Trump was safe. Trump later sent out a letter to supporters saying, “Nothing will slow me down! I will never surrender.”
Law enforcement sources have told multiple news outlets the suspect has been identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii. Authorities are said to be looking into Routh’s possible motives, including his reported grievances about the war in Ukraine. The New York Times reported the paper interviewed Routh last year about recruiting Afghan soldiers fleeing the Taliban to fight in Ukraine.
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw spoke about the Secret Service’s presence protecting Trump at the time of the assassination attempt.
“At this level that he is at right now, he’s not the sitting president. If he was, we would have this entire golf course surrounded,” Bradshaw said. “Well, because he’s not, the security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible. So, I would imagine the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter. But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.”
Biden said he has directed his team to ensure the Secret Service “has every resource” necessary for Trump’s “continued safety.” Harris said, “We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.”
Late Sunday night, Trump posted a message on Truth Social thanking law enforcement for “an incredible job done” and saying, “It was certainly an interesting day.”
I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible… pic.twitter.com/mV15rJygOR
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) September 16, 2024
Israel says Houthis will pay ‘heavy price’ after attack on Tel Aviv
Israel’s Prime Minister has vowed retaliation after a missile fired by Houthi rebels reached central Israel for the first time. A Houthi spokesman said the hypersonic ballistic missile, fired from Yemen, traveled more than 1,200 miles in just over 10 minutes Sunday.
Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from Yemen and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported.
The Israeli Defense Forces said there were repeated attempts to shoot down the missile mid-air, but it most likely fragmented as it approached Tel Aviv. Israel said there were no direct casualties from the missile, but at least nine people suffered minor injuries.
This is just the latest attack by the Houthis, in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians, in support of Hamas.
At least 8 dead as torrential rain triggers flooding in central Europe
At least eight people are confirmed dead as torrential rain continues to pound central Europe, causing widespread flooding. Thousands of people evacuated their homes in the Czech Republic Sunday as rivers overflowed their banks in various parts of the country.
A storm system named Boris has caused heavy downpours from Austria to Romania, leading to the worst flooding the Czech Republic and Poland have seen in nearly 30 years.
The relentless rain is expected to last at least through Monday.
US Coast Guard hearing into deadly Titan submersible implosion begins
Former employees of OceanGate are expected to testify. The company was behind the experimental submersible that imploded while on its way to the wreckage of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023, killing all five people on board.
On Friday, Sept. 13, the Coast Guard released a statement saying the hearing “aims to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and develop recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
The hearing will take place in Charleston County, South Carolina and is expected to last about two weeks. Witnesses scheduled to appear include one of OceanGate’s co-founders and the company’s former engineering, operations, and scientific directors.
Apple’s AI-powered operating system to launch Monday
Apple’s latest operating system, featuring the company’s artificial intelligence capabilities, is set to go live Monday. iOS 18 will come with changes for all compatible iPhone models, but Apple Intelligence will be the highlight of the update for iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
Some tech experts say this is Apple’s biggest update since it originally launched the iPhone.
Apple usually releases its updates at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.
‘Shogun,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘The Bear’ win at the 76th Emmy Awards
History was made at the 76th Emmy Awards Sunday night in Los Angeles. The big winner was the historical drama Shogun.
“Shogun” became the first non-English language series to win best drama. It claimed a total of 18 wins, including lead actor, actress, and directing.
Uber, Waymo unleashing fleet of self-driving taxis in Atlanta, Austin next year
Uber and Waymo announced the expansion of their partnership on Friday, Sept. 13, which will involve the release of a fleet of robotaxis in Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas, by early 2025. Riders will be able to get the autonomous taxis only through the Uber app, according to the press release.
The vehicles used for the service will be the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles that the companies say will “grow to hundreds over time.” However, the exact number of vehicles that will be on the streets of Austin and Atlanta has not yet been revealed.
The two companies called the relationship “mutually beneficial.” They said Uber will handle fleet management like repairing and cleaning the cars, while Waymo will oversee testing and operation of “Waymo Driver,” as well as handling roadside assistance and rider support. The two companies did not share how they would split profits.
The companies have not always been friendly with each other. In 2017, Waymo sued Uber over allegedly stealing its trade secrets and patent infringement. Waymo said Uber used its technology in Uber’s subsidiary self-driving truck known as Otto. The two companies eventually reached a settlement.
Waymo previously planned to partner with Lyft for robotaxis in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic took that plan out of commission. Uber was also developing its own fleet of autonomous taxis to reportedly replace all human drivers years ago. However, that effort ended in 2017 after an Uber vehicle struck and killed a woman. A federal investigation found that Uber was partly responsible for the incident.
Tech giants commit to removing nude images from AI training data
Several big tech companies have committed to removing nude images from AI training datasets. The news is in response to the Biden administration’s call for action.
Companies including Adobe, Anthropic, Cohere, Microsoft, and OpenAI have pledged to implement what they call responsible sourcing practices and incorporate feedback loops to guard against the output of image-based sexual abuse.
Tech companies have pledged to remove nude images from AI training datasets “when appropriate and depending on the purpose of the model.”
The White House reports an alarming increase in image-based sexual abuse. Platforms have become breeding grounds for the creation, dissemination, and monetization of deepfakes, alongside a concerning rise in sextortion cases.
The 2023-24 school year witnessed a global epidemic of deepfake incidents, with teenage girls being the primary targets of explicit content created and shared by their peers.
Commitments from these AI companies specifically target the prevention of nonconsensual intimate images of adults and child sexual abuse material.
However, critics argue that voluntary efforts are insufficient to tackle the complex challenges posed by AI-generated sexual content. The president of the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Mary Franks, emphasized that responsible and accountable practices by tech companies could have prevented the current crisis.
Another group of tech giants, including Bumble, Discord, Match Group, Meta, and TikTok, also announced a set of voluntary principles aimed at preventing image-based sexual abuse.
Australia weighs privacy law overhaul amid Meta photo scraping dispute
Australia is weighing how to best regulate artificial intelligence with lawmakers considering an overhaul of privacy laws following the revelations about Meta’s data collection practices. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, admitted to using public data from millions of Australian users without permission to train its AI models.
The admission includes nearly two decades’ worth of posts, photos, and status updates. During an Australian Senate inquiry, Meta’s Global Privacy Director Melinda Claybaugh confirmed the tech company’s extensive data harvesting practices and defended using “public data” from its platforms.
Labor Sen. Tony Sheldon voiced concerns over this practice, questioning Claybaugh on if the company had used posts dating back to 2007. She answered “we have not done that,” but the answer was quickly questioned by Greens Sen. David Shoebridge.
Shoebridge stated that unless posts were set to “private” since 2007, they have been scraped. Claybaugh answered that the statement was correct.
The ethics of using data from as far back as 2007 for AI training without explicit user consent was also questioned at the inquiry, especially when it comes to users who are underaged.
Meta claims it excluded data from users under the age of 18 and those who marked their posts as “private” but admitted it does not offer an opt-out option like it does for users in the EU.
The company also did not directly address whether images of children shared by adult accounts are included in its data scraping.
A recent investigation by Human Rights Watch revealed that hundreds of photos of Australian children, some as young as three years old, were included in a widely used AI training dataset.
This discovery has amplified calls in Australia for stronger legal protections to safeguard children’s data from potential misuse in AI technology.
AI has become more common in education, and a new study asks the question, does it help students learn? The study’s authors conducted an experiment with high school students, and the findings suggest the answer is not simple.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania tested Turkish high school students using ChatGPT on math practice problems. Students who had access to the tool during practice solved 48% more math problems correctly, but scored 17% lower on the subsequent test compared to those without it.
A third group used a modified ChatGPT, which acts at a tutor, offering hints instead of direct answers. They did much better on practice problems and were able to solve 127% more of them. But these students still did not perform any better on tests than normal.
The study suggests students rely too much on AI as a crutch, asking for answers instead of solving problems themselves. ChatGPT’s inaccuracies didn’t help either, as the tool was wrong about 42% of the time in its problem-solving approach.
Nearly 2/3 of Americans say they won’t buy new iPhone because of inflation
Apple revealed its new iPhone on Monday, Sept. 9, fit with artificial intelligence and cameras that just keep getting better. The iPhone 16 even has a camera control button on the edge. Sales start this month, but how many Americans will be racing to get the latest gadget?
Sixty-three percent of Americans said they would not be buying a new phone this year because of inflation, according to a WalletHub survey released Tuesday.
Inflation is coming down. This summer, annual inflation fell below 3% for the first time since early 2021, but prices are up more than 20% over the past four years.
The WalletHub survey reveals what people really think about spending money on an iPhone. Nine in 10 Americans say iPhones are overpriced.
Apple’s latest iteration starts at $799 for the basic version, $899 for Plus, $999 for Pro and $1,199 for Pro Max.
Even if they think it is overpriced, more than 2 in 5 Americans said an iPhone is worth going into credit card debt to get. Around the same amount of people think having the latest phone is important for their self-image.
Thirty percent of Americans said the person who always has the latest iPhone is rich, while 27% said that person is wasteful.
