Tag: San Francisco

  • China Debuts First Homegrown 3D AI Chip; CuspAI Raises $450M with Jeff Bezos Backing

    China Debuts First Homegrown 3D AI Chip; CuspAI Raises $450M with Jeff Bezos Backing

    Good morning, tech enthusiasts. Here are the top tech stories making headlines today, from groundbreaking semiconductor advancements to major funding rounds and regulatory actions.

    China Launches Its First Homegrown 3D AI Chip

    China has officially launched its first domestically developed 3D AI chip, the DF1000, in Shanghai. Built by startup Dongfang Suanxin, the chip is engineered to enhance AI computing capabilities and reduce China’s reliance on foreign semiconductor technology. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the country’s AI and semiconductor industries, signaling growing self-sufficiency in critical tech sectors.

    Jeff Bezos Backs CuspAI in $450 Million Funding Round

    CuspAI, a UK-based AI startup, has secured $450 million in fresh funding, with support from Jeff Bezos and Sovereign AI investors. The company leverages artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of new materials for clean energy, computer chips, and other industrial applications. The capital will be used to expand research, refine its technology, and scale its business operations globally.

    MIT Expert Warns Against Replacing Entry-Level Jobs with AI

    MIT researcher Andrew McAfee has cautioned companies against using AI to replace entry-level positions. He argues that these roles are essential for young workers to develop skills and prepare for advanced responsibilities. Removing them could lead to a shortage of skilled talent and hinder long-term organizational growth.

    San Francisco Demands Apple and Google Remove AI Nudify Apps

    San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has formally requested that Apple and Google remove AI-powered “nudify” apps from their app stores. These apps generate fake nude images without consent, causing significant harm. Google has already removed many such apps, while Apple has yet to respond. Legal action may follow if the companies do not comply.

    Crypto Futures Market Sees $226 Million in Liquidations

    The cryptocurrency futures market experienced $226 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours due to sharp price fluctuations. The majority of losses came from traders betting on price increases. Bitcoin and Ethereum accounted for the largest liquidations, underscoring the ongoing volatility and risk in leveraged crypto trading.

  • San Francisco Demands Apple and Google Remove AI Deepfake Nudify Apps from Stores

    San Francisco Demands Apple and Google Remove AI Deepfake Nudify Apps from Stores

    San Francisco has taken legal action against Apple and Google, demanding the removal of AI-powered ‘nudify’ apps from their app stores. The city alleges these apps enable users to create non-consensual intimate deepfake images, violating California law.

    In cease-and-desist notices sent to both companies, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu accused Apple and Google of continuing to host dozens of such apps and processing payments for them despite the risks. The city warned that further legal action could follow if the companies fail to comply.

    ‘Nudify’ apps use artificial intelligence to generate fake nude images by digitally removing clothing from photographs. Authorities say the technology is increasingly used to target women and girls without their consent. The notices argue that Apple and Google are facilitating the distribution and monetization of software that enables non-consensual intimate deepfakes.

    The city has asked both companies to remove the apps, cut ties with their developers, and strengthen measures to prevent similar apps from appearing on their platforms. David Chiu stated that companies should not profit from software that enables digital exploitation.

    While AI technology has made image editing easy, it has also made it simple to create highly realistic fake images that can harm victims. According to San Francisco officials, investigations revealed that some nudify apps were still in use despite app store policies against abusive, exploitative, and sexually explicit material.

    This case adds to mounting pressure on major technology companies to take greater responsibility for AI-powered apps distributed through their marketplaces. Google stated that it removed hundreds of nudify apps and restricted related search terms. Apple had not publicly responded to the legal notices at the time of reporting.

    The move marks one of the strongest attempts by a U.S. city to hold app store operators accountable for hosting AI tools capable of generating non-consensual intimate deepfakes. It also signals growing regulatory pressure on technology platforms as AI-powered applications become more widely available.