Artificial Intelligence Archives

Google to use artificial intelligence to determine if users are under 18

February 14, 2025
- Google said it will begin testing a machine learning-powered age estimation model to help determine if a user is under the age of 18. The automation feature will be used across Google products, including YouTube.
- The tech giant’s move using artificial intelligence to determine age comes as lawmakers pressure online platforms to create better safety features for children.
- Google plans to roll out the AI-based age estimates feature later this year.
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Google plans to start testing artificial intelligence to determine whether users are the appropriate age to use its products. The company announced the new AI system in a blog post focused on “new digital protections for kids, teens and parents,” saying it will provide “more age-appropriate experiences” for young users.

The automation feature will be used across Google products, including YouTube.

Many online age verification services only have users input their birth date in order to see content that is restricted to those 18 years old and older, which has proven to be ineffective in preventing minors from accessing content that’s not for them.

How will it work?

CNET reported the estimation model will use machine learning to make sense of various data points already associated with the user’s account, such as what they’re searching for, the categories of videos they’ve watched, and how long they’ve had an account.

If the model incorrectly flags an account for being under the age of 18, the user can provide age verification by showing a government-issued ID.

What’s happening with the push to make online platforms safer?

Google’s move using AI to determine age comes as lawmakers pressure online platforms to create better safety features for children.

Meta rolled out a similar feature that uses AI to determine that someone may be lying about their age in September.

Google said it will roll out the AI-based age estimates feature later this year and to more countries over time.
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Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt worried about ‘Bin Laden’ AI scenario

February 13, 2025
- Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt expressed worries about AI being used by adversaries and rogue states to harm the public, citing potential malicious intent from countries like North Korea, Iran, and Russia.
- Schmidt made these comments while attending a summit in Paris with representatives from various countries to discuss artificial intelligence. The U.S. and U.K. declined to sign a pledge for more “inclusive” AI.
- Schmidt advocates for some regulation of AI but believes that private companies will largely shape its future. He previously mentioned the possibility of “unplugging” AI systems if they evolve unchecked.
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One of the founders of search giant Google worries about artificial intelligence getting into the wrong hands. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today that AI in the hands of an adversary could mean using an aspect of life and turning it against the public.

“I’m always worried about the Osama bin Laden scenario where you have some truly evil person takes over some aspect of our modern life and uses it to harm innocent people,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said “rogue states” could also use AI with malicious intent.

“Think about North Korea, Iran, or even Russia, who have some evil goal,” Schmidt told the host Amil Rojan. “This technology is fast enough for them to adopt that they could misuse it and do real harm.”

Schmidt was in Paris, where U.S. representatives and dozens of other countries convened for a two-day summit on artificial intelligence. The U.S. and U.K. notably declined to sign a pledge for more “inclusive” AI. Vice President J.D. Vance also criticized the measure, saying it would introduce burdensome regulations on a fledgling industry.

Schmidt took a middle-road approach to AI regulation. He said he thinks some regulation should be in place. However, he also said, “The truth is that AI and the future is largely going to be built by private companies.”

Last December, he told ABC News that we may eventually have to consider “unplugging it all” if AI systems continue to evolve unchecked.

Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden took steps to limit what countries had access to advanced microchips from American companies like Nvidia.
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Kanye West faces divorce rumors, talent agency fallout and AI controversy

February 13, 2025
- Kanye West, now known as Ye, is facing controversy on multiple fronts, including reports of a potential divorce. West’s representative denied the divorce claims, stating the couple will address their private life directly.
- An AI-generated video featuring deepfake images of Jewish celebrities responding to West’s antisemitic remarks has sparked backlash, with Scarlett Johansson condemning its use without consent.
- West is also experiencing professional fallout, as talent agent Daniel McCartney announced that his agency, 33 & West, is no longer representing him due to his “harmful” remarks.
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Kanye West has dominated the entertainment news cycle in recent days. The rapper, now known as Ye, is facing controversy on multiple fronts, from an AI-generated video to reports of a potential divorce and professional setbacks.

Divorce rumors spark confusion

On Thursday, Feb. 13, The Daily Mail reported that West and his wife, Bianca Censori, are allegedly heading for divorce. According to the report, Censori could receive a $5 million payment following their short-lived marriage, which began in December 2022.

The couple was last seen together at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where Censori wore a sheer, see-through dress while West opted for a fully covered outfit.

However, a representative for West pushed back against the divorce claims.

“Ye and Bianca are in Los Angeles, about to enjoy Valentine’s Day together. Announcements about their private life will come from them directly, not unsourced rumor[s] in the tabloid press,” said West’s representative, Milo Yiannopoulos, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

AI-generated video prompts celebrity backlash

West’s personal life isn’t the only reason he’s in the headlines. An AI-generated video featuring deepfake images of celebrities went viral after it appeared to respond to his recent antisemitic remarks.

The video depicted well-known Jewish celebrities wearing white t-shirts with the Star of David and a raised middle finger with “Kanye” written below. Celebrities featured in the video include Ben Stiller, Drake, Adam Levine, Lenny Kravitz and Scarlett Johansson.

Johansson, who has previously spoken out about the dangers of AI, condemned the video’s use of her likeness without consent.

“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it,” Johansson said in a statement to CNN. “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”

Johansson also criticized the U.S. government, calling its response to AI regulation “paralyzed.”

The deepfake video was created by generative AI artist Guy Bar, who defended his decision to use the celebrities’ images without permission. In an interview with The Jewish Chronicle, Bar explained the urgency behind the project.

“It had to be very, very fast,” he said. “If we took time, it wouldn’t be relevant.”

Talent agency parts ways with West

In the wake of these controversies, West is also dealing with professional fallout.

Daniel McCartney, a talent agent at 33 & West, announced on Instagram that the agency no longer represents West.

“Effective immediately, I’m no longer representing YE (F/K/A Kanye West) due to his harmful and hateful remarks that myself nor 33 & West can stand for,” McCartney wrote.
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Elon Musk says he’ll drop his $97 billion OpenAI bid on one condition

February 13, 2025
- Elon Musk said he will drop his offer to buy OpenAI if the company maintains its nonprofit status. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the offer itself “ridiculous,” saying the company is not for sale.
- Musk cofounded the company alongside Altman and others, but since leaving, the relationship has been contentious and litigious.
- If Musk’s offer isn’t withdrawn, OpenAI’s board will need to consider its value.
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Elon Musk’s investor group claims it will withdraw its $97.4 billion bid to buy ChatGPT-maker OpenAI if OpenAI drops its plan to shift to a for-profit model. However, the company said it’s not for sale and called the offer “an improper bid to undermine a competitor.”

“If OpenAI, Inc.’s Board is prepared to preserve the charity’s mission and stipulate to take the ‘for sale’ sign off its assets by halting its conversion, Musk will withdraw the bid,” lawyers for Musk wrote in a court filing late Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“OpenAI is meant to be [an] open-source nonprofit, and now it is closed,” Musk said during a virtual appearance at the World Governments Summit in Dubai early Thursday, Feb. 13. “They changed the name to closed for maximum profit, AI closed for voracious profit.”

A consortium led by Musk put in the offer to buy the AI heavyweight on Monday, Feb. 10. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman indicated he never took it seriously.

“It’s ridiculous,” Altman said on the sidelines of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris. “The company is not for sale. It’s like another one of his tactics to try to mess with us.”

The Musk-Altman feud over OpenAI goes back years

Musk cofounded OpenAI and said he provided the first $50 million of the company’s funding. Musk eventually left the company after disagreeing with his co-founders about the future direction of the company.

“OpenAI has gotten this far while having at least a sort of dual profit, nonprofit role,” Musk said Thursday. “What they’re trying to do now is completely delete the nonprofit, and that seems really going too far.”

“I provided all of the funding for opening at the beginning, for the first almost $50 million for nothing, for a nonprofit, and it was meant to be open source,” he continued. “I think this is analogous too. If you fund a nonprofit to preserve the Amazon rainforest, but instead, they turn into a lumber company and chop down the trees and sell them for wood, you’ll be like, ‘Wait a second, that’s the exact opposite of what I donated the money for.’”

What are OpenAI’s for-profit plans?

Since its founding in 2015, the AI innovator has been a nonprofit. In 2019, the company added a “capped profit” arm that was still controlled by the nonprofit’s board of directors. Musk twice sued OpenAI for branching out into the profit business, most recently in August 2024.

The next month, it was reported Altman was working to restructure into a for-profit company. The transition would eliminate the nonprofit arm’s control over the for-profit business.

“The nonprofit will continue as a very, very strong thing,” Altman told reporters in Paris this week. “The mission is really important, and we’re totally focused on making sure we preserve that.”

Altman conceded OpenAI “should probably open source somewhat more.”

In December 2024, OpenAI challenged Musk’s claims of AI altruism. The company said in a blog post that Elon Musk years ago wanted to make OpenAI for-profit.

During an interview at The New York Times’ Dealbook Summit, Altman also claimed it moved toward a for-profit model after Musk decided to stop funding the company as a nonprofit.

If Musk’s offer to buy OpenAI remains on the docket, OpenAI’s board will need to consider the offer and its value. That is because in order to turn OpenAI into a for-profit endeavor, Altman essentially needs to buy out the nonprofit arm’s controlling interest.
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AI can’t accurately summarize news: BBC

February 12, 2025
- The BBC asked four top AI platforms to summarize news stories. The British public broadcaster found that more than 51% of their responses had “significant issues.” They included factual errors and altered quotes.
- Researchers are concerned about the potential harm caused by inaccuracies and distortions in AI-generated news summaries. They fear it could undermine trust in news.
- Nineteen percent of AI-generated summaries introduced factual errors, and 13% altered quotes from BBC stories, highlighting specific areas of concern.
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Despite billions of dollars in research and technology invested in artificial intelligence, the programs still struggle to give users an executive summary of the news. That’s according to testing done by the BBC.

The British public broadcaster ran 100 of its stories through four of the most advanced AI platforms. They are OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini and Perplexity AI. It asked them all to give summaries of the stories it had entered.

The result left researchers unimpressed at best and, at worst, worried about the potential for harm.

It found that 51% of all AI answers to questions about the news had “significant issues.” Nineteen percent of the AI answers that cited BBC content introduced factual errors, including incorrect factual statements, numbers and dates. Thirteen percent of the quotes the platforms sourced from BBC stories had been altered from the original source or not present in the article.

In one test, Google’s Gemini produced a summation that included “The [National Health Service] advises people not to start vaping, and recommends that smokers who want to quit should use other methods.”

The UK’s NHS says vaping is one of the most effective tools to quit smoking.

“This matters because it is essential that audiences can trust the news to be accurate, whether on TV, radio, digital platforms, or via an AI assistant,” the researchers wrote. “It matters because society functions on a shared understanding of facts, and inaccuracy and distortion can lead to real harm.”

The report notes how much damage an incorrect or misleading headline could cause should it go viral via social media.

In response to the study, a spokesperson for OpenAI told BBC, “We support publishers and creators by helping 300 million weekly ChatGPT users discover quality content through summaries, quotes, clear links, and attribution.”

The BBC didn’t test DeepSeek, which news rating agency NewsGuard found it to have only provided accurate responses to news and information prompts 17% of the time. In 30% of the cases, it repeated false claims. Additionally, 52% of the time, it gave “vague or unhelpful responses” to news-related questions.
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Judge sides with Thomson Reuters in fair use copyright case against AI startup

February 12, 2025
- A Delaware judge has ruled that Ross Intelligence is liable for copyright infringement, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate about AI training methods. The lawsuit, filed by Thomson Reuters, claims Ross used its Westlaw database without permission.
- Ross’s defense argued fair use allowed the company to use copyrighted material to train its AI.
- This ruling could have a significant impact on future cases involving companies like OpenAI and Microsoft.
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A Delaware judge has delivered a landmark ruling that could significantly impact the way artificial intelligence companies train their models. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Thomson Reuters secured a major victory against an AI startup, Ross Intelligence, which was accused of using copyrighted work without permission.

Ross Intelligence liable for copyright infringement

Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled that Ross Intelligence is liable for copyright infringement, rejecting the company’s defense claims.

Bibas stated, “None of Ross’s possible defenses holds water. I reject them all.”

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, predates the ongoing debate over the use of copyrighted data by AI companies.

“We are pleased that the court granted summary judgment in our favor and concluded that Westlaw’s editorial content created and maintained by our attorney editors, is protected by copyright and cannot be used without our consent. The copying of our content was not ‘fair use.’“

Statement by Thomson Reuters spokesperson

Copyright law and fair use debate

Under U.S. law, copyright owners have control over their work, allowing them to sell and distribute it. However, the fair use doctrine provides an exception, allowing certain uses without permission, such as for research or teaching.

Thomson Reuters’ Westlaw database is a widely used tool that summarizes legal rulings. Ross Intelligence attempted to license Westlaw’s content but was denied due to being a direct competitor.

Court documents later revealed that Ross obtained its data from LegalEASE, a company using bulk memos containing information from Westlaw.

Ross’s cofounder publicly denied the allegations in a blog post, claiming the lawsuit was an attempt to hinder his company’s growth. Despite the defense, Ross announced months later it was shutting down its operations, saying the lawsuit had crippled the business.

Ross Intelligence argued its use of Thomson Reuters’ Westlaw database to train its AI models fell under fair use. However, the court disagreed, ruling the company’s actions did not meet the criteria for fair use.

Impact on future cases

This decision marks the first ruling of its kind regarding fair use and AI, which could influence future legal battles surrounding AI training methods. The case is particularly notable given its timing, potentially impacting the rise of AI systems like ChatGPT.

The ruling could have significant ramifications for high-profile cases, such as the ongoing lawsuit between OpenAI and The New York Times, which accuses OpenAI of using its copyrighted content to train its models.

While the judge’s decision on copyright infringement is a major development, the case is not over. The matter will still proceed to a jury trial to determine the full extent of the damages. Ross Intelligence did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ruling.
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Trump gives Hamas ultimatum amid threats to delay hostage release

February 11, 2025
President Donald Trump gives Hamas an ultimatum when it comes to the additional release of Israeli hostages. And new details are available about a deadly plane crash on the tarmac of the airport in Scottsdale, Arizona. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Trump gives ultimatum as Hamas threatens to delay Israeli hostage release

President Donald Trump issued a vague but thinly veiled warning to Hamas after the terror group announced it would delay the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. It puts the already tenuous ceasefire deal in danger of collapsing.

“Saturday at 12 o’clock, and if they’re not if they’re not here, all hell is going to break out,” Trump told reporters Monday, Feb. 10.

Hamas said it will not release the hostages who were scheduled to be freed this Saturday, Feb. 15, under the terms of the current ceasefire deal “until further notice,” claiming Israel had already violated the agreement.

In a post on X, a Hamas spokesperson said Israel delayed allowing displaced Palestinians to return to the Gaza Strip and denied humanitarian relief to the enclave, ravaged by more than 15 months of war.

Hamas later clarified this weekend’s hostage exchange, which would see three more Israeli hostages freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, would still go through if Israel “fulfill[s] its obligations.”

Relatives of some of the hostages gathered in Tel Aviv after the delay was announced, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of purposely sabotaging the six-week ceasefire deal.

Trump has gone to bat for the key U.S. ally, saying if Hamas does not return not just the hostages set to be released this Saturday but all the hostages still being held in Gaza, “all bets are off and let hell break out.”

When asked what that means, the president refused to elaborate.

“You’ll find out, and they’ll find out, too,” he told reporters. “Hamas will find out what I mean. You’re going to find out what I mean. These are sick people, and they’ll find out what I mean Saturday at 12 o’clock.”

Trump added it’s ultimately Israel’s decision what happens if the hostages are not returned this Saturday, saying Israel can “override” his ultimatum.

What happens this weekend could restart the war between Israel and Hamas. As of now, the war might resume in early March if no agreement is reached on the more complicated second phase of the ceasefire, which calls for the return of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce.

Trump may cut aid if Jordan, Egypt don’t take displaced Palestinians

Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after threatening to revoke aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse his demand to take in most Palestinian refugees from Gaza permanently. The U.S. provides both countries with millions of dollars of military and economic aid every year.

Trump received immediate pushback from the two allies after floating the idea last week as he announced his hopes the U.S. could ultimately take over the Gaza Strip, somewhat like a real estate venture, and redevelop it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

He doubled down on that plan Monday, saying Palestinians would not be allowed to return to the Gaza Strip as part of his plan for the U.S. to take ownership of the war-torn 25-mile territory.

In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier that aired on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, Trump reiterated he believes a deal could be reached with Egypt and Jordan to take in displaced Palestinians permanently.

At least 1 dead after private jet collision on Arizona runway

At least one person died, and others are injured after a plane crash on the tarmac at the Scottsdale, Arizona, airport late Monday afternoon. The city of Scottsdale released a statement saying the Learjet’s main landing gear failed as the plane landed.

The jet was coming in from Austin, Texas, with four people on board when it skidded off the runway and crashed into a Gulfstream jet parked in a nearby ramp with one person on board.

TMZ reported that Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil owns the Learjet. They said Neil was not on board, but his girlfriend was, and she was reportedly sent to the hospital with several broken ribs.

So far, the person who died has not been identified.

Jet Pros, which owns the Gulfstream, released a statement confirming no injuries on its aircraft.

The collision comes less than a month after the deadly crash of a medical flight in Philadelphia and the midair collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport. More than 70 people died as a result of those crashes.

EU vows retaliation if Trump imposes tariffs on steel, aluminum

European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed Tuesday that U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered.”

In a statement, von der Leyen said, “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests.” She added the U.S. can expect harsh countermeasures from the 27-nation group.

On Monday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to the U.S., which will take effect on March 4.

Diplomats said EU trade ministers will hold an unscheduled video conference on Wednesday, Feb. 12, to discuss the organization’s response to impending tariffs.

Judge extends pause on Trump’s federal employee buyout offer

A federal judge extended the pause on the Trump administration’s plan to offer tens of thousands of federal employees a “deferred resignation” buyout until the president responds to “the issues presented.”

Initially, U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. temporarily halted the administration’s plan until Monday. However, he said the delay would continue after Monday’s hearing until he rules on a preliminary injunction.

Three federal employee unions, with the support of 20 Democratic attorneys general, filed a lawsuit arguing the Office of Personnel Management’s deferred resignation offer is an “unlawful ultimatum” to force the resignation of government workers under the “threat of mass termination.”

During Monday’s hearing, a DOJ lawyer framed the offer as a “humane off-ramp” for federal employees before Trump enacts sweeping changes to “rebalance and reorganize the federal workforce.”

Before the pause, deferred resignation offered full pay and benefits until September for any federal employee who accepted by Feb. 6, with no obligation to work after they received the agreement. The Trump administration moved to get federal workers working remotely from home to go back to the office.

Sam Altman rejects Elon Musk’s offer to buy OpenAI

A group of investors, led by Elon Musk, has offered about $97.5 billion to buy the non-profit behind OpenAI, a company that Musk helped launch a decade ago.

Musk, his AI start-up xAI and a group of investment firms want to take control of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. ChatGPT’s success has created a significant revenue stream for OpenAI.

Last year, it announced plans to change its corporate structure. The matter is now in federal court in California.

no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want
— Sam Altman (@sama) February 10, 2025

Musk’s lawyer said the buyers want OpenAI to return to its original charitable mission. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman quickly rejected Musk’s offer, saying on Musk’s social media platform X, “No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.”

Musk and Altman started OpenAI together in 2015, but a power struggle led to a feud, and Musk left in 2018.

Super Bowl sets viewership record with big boost from streaming

Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just a big win for the Philadelphia Eagles. A record 126 million people tuned into the big game this year, according to preliminary numbers — which saw a big boost thanks to streaming services.

This marks the third straight year the Super Bowl set a viewership record.

According to Fox Sports, its game broadcast averaged 111.5 million viewers, while its free streaming service, Tubi, drew 13.6 million viewers. Another 800,000 watched on NFL digital platforms.

The Super Bowl viewing record comes after the regular season saw an average 2% drop in viewership. However, viewership did grow on NBC and Amazon Prime Video, the home to Thursday Night Football, particularly among younger audiences.
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Elon Musk wants to buy OpenAI for close to $100B, backed by investors

February 10, 2025
- Elon Musk is leading a $97.4 billion bid to take control of OpenAI. He’s calling for OpenAI to refocus on safety and openness, countering CEO Sam Altman’s vision for growth through partnerships.
- Musk’s bid is supported by his AI company, xAI, along with other investors.
- OpenAI is valued at $157 billion as of October 2024, with new investments potentially pushing it beyond $300 billion.
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Tech mogul Elon Musk is leading a group of investors in a $97.4 billion bid to take control of OpenAI, the nonprofit company behind ChatGPT. The move has reignited tensions between Musk and OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman.

Musk, backed by his artificial intelligence company xAI and other investors, said he aims to restore OpenAI to its roots as an open-source, safety-focused company.

Altman’s vision for OpenAI’s future

Altman is working to transform the company into a for-profit business. He is also focused on partnering with other AI leaders for Stargate, a new AI-driven initiative spearheaded by the Trump administration.

Altman took to Musk’s platform, X, to respond to the bid, saying, “No thank you, but we’ll buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want,” referring to Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of the social media platform in 2022.

OpenAI’s growth and start

Altman and Musk’s relationship dates back to 2015 when they co-founded OpenAI as a nonprofit organization. Musk left the company in 2019, and Altman took over as CEO. Since then, OpenAI has dominated the generative AI space, making significant technological advancements.

However, Musk has been vocal about his concerns with the company’s shift toward profitability. Last year, he filed a lawsuit claiming OpenAI violated its nonprofit mission by generating revenue through a subsidiary. The company has since partnered with Microsoft, one of its largest investors, to continue developing AI, and just last week, SoftBank announced at least a $15 billion investment into OpenAI.

As of October 2024, OpenAI is valued at $157 billion. However, with the new round of funding, that number could exceed $300 billion.

In January, Musk’s attorney called on the attorneys general in Delaware and California to open the bidding process for OpenAI.
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3,700 artists sign letter opposing Christie’s AI art auction

February 10, 2025
- Christie’s is set to make history with its first-ever AI-generated art auction, “Augmented Intelligence.” The auction, which kicks off Feb. 20 online and with an exhibition in New York, will feature pieces valued between $10,000 and $250,000.
- More than 3,700 people have signed an open letter urging Christie’s to cancel the auction. They claim that many of the AI artworks were created using models trained on copyrighted work without permission.
- Christie’s defends the auction, stating that many featured artists use AI as a collaborative tool rather than a shortcut, emphasizing the artistry involved in “bending AI technology to their will.”
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Christie’s is making history with its first-ever auction of art created using artificial intelligence. But thousands of artists are pushing back, calling the sale an endorsement of unethical digital art practices.

The “Augmented Intelligence” auction will begin online Feb. 20, alongside an exhibition in New York. The value of the works is between $10,000 and $250,000.

But the event is facing major opposition. More than 3,700 people have signed an open letter urging Christie’s to cancel the auction.

The letter, addressed to Christie’s vice president and digital art sales manager, claims that many auctioned artworks were created using AI models trained on copyrighted works without permission.

“These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them,” the letter states.

Artists question AI’s role in art

The collection features work from various AI artists, including the late Harold Cohen. Cohen, who passed away in 2016, was known for creating AARON, one of the first AI programs designed to generate art autonomously.

Christie’s defends the auction, stating that many featured artists use AI as a collaborative tool rather than a shortcut.

“AI art is so fascinating because you see artists bending the technology to their will,” said Sebastian Sanchez, Christie’s digital art manager. “They’re putting restraints in place, building parameters, and then letting AI run free within those boundaries.”

Some AI artists, like Mat Dryhurst, argue that the debate should focus on AI policy rather than individual artists.

“It is not illegal to use any model to create artwork,” Dryhurst told The Guardian. “I resent that an important debate that should be focused on companies and state policy is being focused on artists grappling with the technology of our time.”

Dryhurst was one of the first two digital artists invited to explore OpenAI’s DALL-E, a text-to-image AI tool.

The debate over AI-generated content extends beyond the fine art world.

In 2023, Hollywood writers called on major studios to combat AI plagiarism.

The music industry has also raised concerns. More than 200 artists, including Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj, signed an open letter last April calling for protections against the “predatory use of AI” in music.

Legal battles over AI and copyright

Meanwhile, major AI companies are facing lawsuits over their use of copyrighted materials.

In 2023, a group of artists filed a class-action lawsuit against Stability AI, Midjourney and DeviantArt. They claim the companies trained AI models using billions of online images without obtaining consent from the original creators.

Last year, a federal judge ruled that certain copyright claims in the case could move forward. The outcome could shape future policies around AI-generated art and intellectual property rights.

The future of AI in art

For now, Christie’s AI art auction remains on schedule. But as AI continues to reshape creative industries, the conversation around ethics, copyright and artistic ownership is far from over.

While some industries push back, others are embracing AI and working to establish standards for its use.
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AI experts react after Google amends AI weapons plan

February 8, 2025
- Google has dropped its pledge to not build AI systems for weapons. The company cited the need for free countries to use its technology for national security purposes due to an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
- Experts have mixed reactions to Google’s decision, with Geoffrey Hinton criticizing it as prioritizing profits over safety, while Andrew Ng supports the change, advocating for more tech companies to work with the government on national security.
- Google is involved in various military projects, including Project Nimbus with the Israeli military, which has sparked protests among employees concerned about the use of AI in conflict zones like Gaza.
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Experts in the world of artificial intelligence have reacted to Google’s change in its AI weapons plan. The tech giant dropped its pledge to not build AI systems for weapons.

What was Google’s AI weapon plan?

In 2018, activists protested the company’s Project Maven. The project was a partnership with Google and the Pentagon to use machine learning technology to identify potential targets, among other functions.

Following the protests, Google enacted an AI weapons plan. That plan states that the company won’t put AI technology into weapons.

Why did Google change its plan?

Google said it changed its plan because free countries need to use its technology for national security purposes. Google officials cited an “increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.”

Google’s AI head Demis Hassabis said the company believed, “democracies should lead in AI development” that was guided by “freedom, equality, and respect for human rights.”

What are experts saying?

Experts have both defended and criticized Google’s change.

Geoffrey Hinton, who is called the “godfather of AI” and pioneered Google’s work in the technology, said the company is putting profits over safety.

“It is another sad example of how companies behave when there is a conflict between safety and profits,” Hinton said.

Hinton joined Google in 2013 after he developed the neural network technology at the University of Toronto the year before. He left the company in 2023, saying he quit because he wanted to criticize companies and their decisions on AI.

However, other AI experts are happy with Google’s decision.

The man who founded and led Google Brain, Andrew Ng, supported the decision.

“I’m very glad that Google has changed its stance,” Ng said on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Ng said that more technology companies should work with the American government on national security.

Ng didn’t work at Google when the Project Maven protests happened. When he did work for the company, he was key in shaping Google’s AI efforts and its neural network.

What does this mean for Google?

Google’s blog post announcing the change did not say if the company made the change for a specific project. However, the company is currently involved in projects with groups around the world.

Both Google and Amazon are involved with the Israeli government on Project Nimbus. In April 2024, at least 28 employees were fired after arranging a sit-in to protest the company’s work.

According to the Israeli government, the country and the companies agreed on a $1.2 billion contract. The contract would allow both companies to provide the Israeli government with cloud computing services.

Google officials said the project does not handle highly sensitive information and deals with workloads related to finance, healthcare and transportation.

During the Project Nimbus protests, some said they were worried about Israel’s current use of AI targeting in Gaza during the Israeli-Hamas war.
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Google to use artificial intelligence to determine if users are under 18

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How will it work?

What’s happening with the push to make online platforms safer?

Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt worried about ‘Bin Laden’ AI scenario

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Kanye West faces divorce rumors, talent agency fallout and AI controversy

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Divorce rumors spark confusion

AI-generated video prompts celebrity backlash

Talent agency parts ways with West

Elon Musk says he’ll drop his $97 billion OpenAI bid on one condition

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The Musk-Altman feud over OpenAI goes back years

What are OpenAI’s for-profit plans?

AI can’t accurately summarize news: BBC

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Judge sides with Thomson Reuters in fair use copyright case against AI startup

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Ross Intelligence liable for copyright infringement

Copyright law and fair use debate

Impact on future cases

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum amid threats to delay hostage release

Trump gives ultimatum as Hamas threatens to delay Israeli hostage release

Trump may cut aid if Jordan, Egypt don’t take displaced Palestinians

At least 1 dead after private jet collision on Arizona runway

EU vows retaliation if Trump imposes tariffs on steel, aluminum

Judge extends pause on Trump’s federal employee buyout offer

Sam Altman rejects Elon Musk’s offer to buy OpenAI

Super Bowl sets viewership record with big boost from streaming

Elon Musk wants to buy OpenAI for close to $100B, backed by investors

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Altman’s vision for OpenAI’s future

OpenAI’s growth and start

3,700 artists sign letter opposing Christie’s AI art auction

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Artists question AI’s role in art

Legal battles over AI and copyright

The future of AI in art

AI experts react after Google amends AI weapons plan

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What was Google’s AI weapon plan?

Why did Google change its plan?

What are experts saying?

What does this mean for Google?