To prevent users from producing unauthorized movie posters featuring Disney’s brand, Microsoft is updating the Bing AI bot service. The trend of sharing AI-generated images resembling Disney characters on social media prompted Microsoft to temporarily block the term “Disney” in user queries, as reported by the Financial Times. While the restriction has been lifted, Bing now refrains from using Disney’s language or logo. This incident reignited debates about the potential copyright violations of AI text-to-image models, which not only utilize protected intellectual property but also generate content autonomously.
In a separate development, artificial text-to-image tool developers like Stability and Midjourney have faced legal action from artists who allege that these tools infringe on their creative work by mimicking their style. The defendants argue that AI-generated images should be considered transformative rather than derivative, thus warranting protection under fair use laws. However, concerns remain about the level of innovation these tools truly represent, especially in their ability to replicate existing training data.
In another industry update, Amazon has reportedly terminated hundreds of employees from the Alexa team as part of a strategic shift towards conceptual AI. The decision, confirmed by Daniel Rausch, VP of Alexa and Fire TV, reflects Amazon’s focus on advancing Alexa’s capabilities through conceptual AI technologies. While the specifics of the layoffs remain undisclosed, Amazon aims to align its efforts with business objectives and enhance the development of voice-activated AI assistants.
Furthermore, Airbnb has made headlines with its acquisition of the secretive AI startup GamePlanner, signaling a significant investment in enhancing its travel services. Led by industry veterans Adam Cheyer and Siamak Hodjat, GamePlanner aims to revolutionize travel planning through AI-powered solutions. Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky envisions leveraging conceptual AI to personalize travel experiences and offer tailored recommendations to users. The acquisition underscores Airbnb’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities into its platform to enhance customer interactions and streamline travel planning processes.
Lastly, Google has introduced Bard, an online robot designed for teenagers to engage with and seek assistance on various topics. Available to users aged 13 and above in most regions, Bard offers a platform for young individuals to explore ideas, seek guidance on specific subjects, and enhance their learning experience. With enhanced safety measures in place, Bard restricts discussions on sensitive topics and provides users with fact-checked responses to ensure a safe and informative interaction. Google’s initiative aims to empower young users to leverage AI technology for educational purposes while maintaining a secure and enriching online environment.
