January 2, 2025
Tech News
The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned a Russian organization, the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, and an Iranian group, the Cognitive Design Production Center, for attempting to interfere with the 2024 presidential election through AI-generated disinformation. The Russian group, linked to the GRU, created fake news outlets and manipulated videos to spread false information, while the Iranian group was involved in cyberattacks against political campaigns. The sanctions aim to counter foreign efforts to disrupt U.S. electoral processes.
Elon Musk’s social media platform X and Google’s YouTube have not applied for a new social media operating license in Malaysia, which requires platforms to have at least eight million users. X claims it does not meet this threshold, while Google has raised concerns about the classification of YouTube’s features. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is verifying these claims as the country seeks to regulate online platforms to combat illegal content.
In the U.S., several cities are using AI technology to monitor and fine drivers who block bus lanes. The system, developed by Hayden AI, employs cameras on buses to capture evidence of violations, which is then reviewed by human agents before fines are issued. This initiative aims to improve public transport efficiency and safety, with New York City recently implementing the technology on 14 bus routes, resulting in a notable increase in bus speeds and a reduction in collisions.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in one death and seven injuries. The vehicle, rented through Turo, was found to contain gasoline canisters and large firework mortars. Authorities are investigating the incident, which has raised security concerns, especially following a deadly attack in New Orleans on the same day. Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle’s operation and was caused by the materials inside.
Tech Explained
AI-generated disinformation – Refers to false information spread through artificial intelligence technologies to deceive or mislead people, often for political or malicious purposes.
Social media platform – Online platforms that allow users to create and share content with a large audience, facilitating social interactions and networking.
AI technology – Refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, including learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Cyberattacks – Deliberate and malicious attempts to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices.
AI model – A computational model inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, used in machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
