top of page
Writer's pictureKrzysztof Kosman

Week in IT Digest 2024-07-18

The single most important news this week is the introduction of the COPIED Act in the US Senate, aimed at protecting the intellectual property of artists and journalists from unauthorized AI use. This is crucial for readers in the IT industry as it highlights the escalating need for ethical AI deployment and robust cybersecurity measures.


TL;DR

  • 📜 New Senate Bill to protect content from unauthorized AI use

  • 💰 Google plans $23B acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz

  • 🔒 Increase in regulatory actions like Apple opening NFC to competitors

  • 💻 Jobs and investment surging in AI advancements

  • 🚀 Innovations in hydrogen-powered air taxis by Joby Aviation


Change Summary


All signs point towards a shift in the technology sector where artificial intelligence and robust cybersecurity measures are paramount. With initiatives like the COPIED Act and major acquisitions such as Google’s purchase of Wiz, the industry is demonstrating an increasing commitment to protecting intellectual property and user data.


For developers and entrepreneurs, this focuses the need to prioritize secure, ethical use of AI technologies. Meanwhile, regulatory changes, such as Apple opening up its NFC compatibility following antitrust pressures, illustrate the evolving landscape where compliance and fair competition become critical.


As tech giants invest heavily in securing their platforms, offering more AI-driven services, the second-order effects on the market include a more inclusive approach towards technology access, standards conforming to privacy norms, and a demand for transparency from businesses dealing in AI technologies.


Change Patterns


Analyzing recent history, a notable pattern that has emerged is the tandem focus on AI advancements and cybersecurity enhancements. Investment in the AI sector, whether through acquisitions like those of Wiz or development of new AI models by companies like AWS and OpenAI, indicates a rapid acceleration towards smarter and more secure infrastructure.


However, compliance with regulatory standards has become a focal point, with significant actions such as the COPIED Act and Apple’s commitment to making its NFC technology more accessible. This suggests that the future of IT will likely be dominated by a drive to innovate responsibly while balancing security and privacy concerns.


Entrepreneurs, developers, and businesses will need to keep a dual focus on deploying advanced AI technologies and adhering to evolving regulatory landscapes to succeed.


Topic Clusters

AI and Regulatory Developments

  1. New Senate bill seeks to protect artists’ and journalists’ content from AI use The new Senate bill COPIED Act aims to protect artists, songwriters, and journalists from having their content used to train AI models or generate AI content without their consent.

  2. Google plans biggest acquisition yet, cybersecurity firm Wiz – report Google reportedly plans the biggest acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for $23 billion, marking its largest purchase.

  3. EU Apple Pay antitrust action is complete, after NFC opened to competitors EU Apple Pay antitrust action is complete, after NFC opened to competitors. Apple has agreed to open up its NFC technology to rival firms in the EU, following antitrust concerns from the European Union.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

  1. SoftBank snaps up troubled British AI chip developer Graphcore Japanese tech group SoftBank acquires British AI chip developer Graphcore, enhancing AI capabilities for tech companies. Investors seek next big AI advancements in Europe.

  2. GOOGLE IS OPENING ITS DARK WEB REPORTS TO ALL USERS FREE OF CHARGE Google is opening its dark web reports to all users free of charge. The feature was previously paid but will now be available to most Google Accounts.

  3. Threat actors exploited Windows 0-day for more than a year before Microsoft fixed it Threat actors exploited Windows 0-day for more than a year before Microsoft fixed it. The goal of the exploits was to open Explorer and trick targets into running malicious code.

AI Advancements and Innovations

  1. AWS aims its AI push at enterprises, and the chip industry dreams of an AI boom AWS aims to expand AI offerings for enterprises while the chip industry anticipates an AI boom, challenging the dominance of OpenAI and Microsoft.

  2. OpenAI creates five levels to track its progress toward AGI: Chatbots, Reasoners, Agents, Innovators, and Organizations, and says it’s nearly at level two OpenAI creates five levels to track its progress toward AGI: Chatbots, Reasoners, Agents, Innovators, and Organizations, and says it’s nearly at level two.

  3. Joby Aviation says it completed a 523-mile test flight of a hydrogen-powered air taxi Joby Aviation completed a 523-mile test flight of a hydrogen-powered air taxi, showcasing emissions-free regional aviation potential. The hydrogen-powered model offers faster refueling and emission-free inter-city travel possibilities.


bottom of page