Source: Shutterstock

The conversation around data misuse extends further than generative AI. Consumers are arguably savvier about whom they give their information to and the permissions they grant. This is a consequence of organisational data misuse in the past – individuals are fed up with spam texts and calls. Significant data breaches also frequently make the mainstream news, and word quickly spreads, tarnishing brand reputations.

In recent years, data regulations have tightened to help protect consumers and their information. However, we are only at the start of this journey with AI. While laws are being introduced elsewhere in the world to regulate the technology, like the EU’s AI Act, the Australian government has yet to reach that stage. Saying that, in September, Canberra agreed to amend the Privacy Act to give individuals the right to greater transparency over how their personal data might be used in AI. The government has been put under pressure by business groups to prevent AI causing harm and, in June 2023, a paper was published exploring potential regulatory frameworks. However, at the moment, the onus is primarily on individual organisations to handle their AI technologies responsibly. This includes where the initial training data is sourced and how user data is stored.

Using untrustworthy public data to train algorithms does have consequences. These include so-called ‘hallucinations’, where the AI generates incorrect information presented in a manner that appears accurate. Toxicity can also be an issue, where results contain inappropriate language or biases that can be offensive or discriminatory. Air Canada was recently ordered to pay damages to a passenger for misleading advice given by its customer service chatbot, resulting in them paying nearly double for their plane tickets.

On the other hand, if an organisation uses its own customer data for AI system training, it faces a distinct set of risks. Improper handling can result in the violation of data protection regulations, leading to heavy fines or other legal action. In December 2023, researchers at Google managed to trick ChatGPT into revealing some of its training material, and OpenAI is currently facing a number of lawsuits in relation to the data used to train its chatbot. In January, another data breach exposed that the Midjourney AI image generator was trained on the works of over 16,000 artists without authorisation, which could lead to significant legal action.

Source: Shutterstock

Many core business technologies, like contact centres, utilise large volumes of data, and these are often one of the first targets in a digital transformation. Continuous modernisation of CX is essential to meet the rising expectations of customers. AI instils new levels of intelligence in the platforms used by organisations, for example, anticipating customer needs, making tailored recommendations and delivering more personalised services.

Organisations need to evaluate platforms that have processes in place to ensure they safeguard data and privacy, especially if leveraging AI. So-called ‘green flags’ include compliance with the Notifiable Data Breach (NBD) scheme and the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Enabling consumer trust and confidence in how their sensitive data and transaction history are leveraged and stored is essential. Adherence to relevant governance means organisations are reducing the risk of fraud and security breach by improving data security and bolstering authentication methods, to name just a couple of necessary measures.

It can be easy to get in hot water when embarking on a new venture without expert guidance, and AI journeys are no exception. Partnering with a reputable organisation which understands how the technology best fits in a business can be the difference between success and failure. With Nexon’s expertise, organisations have successfully leveraged a range of AI-powered solutions, from Agent Assist and Co-Pilot tools that streamline customer support workflows, to Predictive Web Engagement strategies that deliver personalised digital experiences and increase sales.

Nexon has forged a strategic partnership with Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, which prioritises ethical data sourcing and customer privacy. Genesys is committed to understanding and reducing bias in generative AI models, which it uses in its software to automatically summarise conversations for support agents and auto-generate email content for leads and prospects. This is achieved through ‘privacy by design’ principles enacted from the inception of its AI development, an emphasis on transparency into how the technology is applied and the use of tools to find and mitigate possible bias.

Genesys envisions a future where ethical considerations play a central role in all AI applications. Genesys AI brings together Conversational, Predictive and Generative AI into a single foundation to enable capabilities that make CX and EX smarter and more efficient and delivers meaningful personalised conversations (digital & voice) between people and brands.

The company’s customer-centric approach ensures that its cloud platform and AI solutions meet ongoing needs and adhere to strict data, privacy and security protocols.

Source: Shutterstock

As AI elements are introduced, they are tested rigorously to ensure they do not violate the protections that its cloud platform promises. Unlike other solutions, Genesys AI was built securely from its inception. Genesys provides users with control over AI use, providing understanding of its impact on experiences and enabling continual optimisation for better outcomes. Additionally, it provides a thorough exploration of the transformative potential of AI and how to responsibly leverage its capabilities for unparalleled customer experiences. You can read more into this subject in the white paper ‘Generative AI 101‘

Genesys has named Nexon a Partner of the Year twice in a row, thanks to its proven experience and expertise in delivering integrated digital CX solutions. This partnership solidifies the two companies’ collaborative efforts to provide organisations with innovative AI-driven solutions while upholding the highest standards of data ethics and customer privacy. Through this strategic alliance, organisations can navigate the complexities of AI technology, harnessing its transformative potential and drive growth and customer satisfaction responsibly and sustainably.

Contact Nexon today to discover how its AI expertise can drive superior customer interactions and streamline your business operations.

The post Ethical AI: The renewed importance of safeguarding data and customer privacy in Generative AI applications appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Organizations and governments worldwide, including Japan, face the dual challenge of mitigating risks and embracing the rapid advancements in AI. This involves managing uncertainties while also accelerating innovation and adoption to reap the benefits of this transformative technology.

Japan’s unique position in AI

Although Japan is known for its cautious approach to risk, it is also renowned for its innovative contributions to technology, particularly in smart robotics and automotive AI. However, reports suggest that Japan’s prowess in AI-powered hardware does not equally extend to its software capabilities, making it reliant on foreign large language models for generative AI.

Japan faces unique AI development and adoption hurdles, including limited data availability and cultural attitudes towards business risk. These factors complicate the integration of AI technologies within traditional business frameworks.

A recent study by Barracuda, titled ‘SMB cyber resilience in Japan: Navigating through doubt to an AI-powered future,’ examines AI’s impact on small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Japan. It reveals a mix of optimism about AI’s benefits and concerns about security, knowledge, and skill gaps.

The research underscores general optimism among smaller Japanese organizations about the positive effects of AI on business operations. The majority of these businesses anticipate that adopting AI solutions will lead to workforce reductions over the next two years—66% foresee fewer full-time employees, and 70% expect to rely less on freelancers and contractors. This trend is expected to lower costs and reduce the human resource demands on companies, though it also highlights a precarious future for workers in roles vulnerable to automation.

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In addition to cost reduction, businesses expect AI to enhance operational efficiencies across various functions, including marketing and customer relations. Approximately 67% predict that AI tools will produce over half of their content soon, and 60% believe AI will become the primary interaction point for customers. Moreover, thanks to AI, 76% anticipate quicker and more accurate customer insights.

Strengthening cybersecurity through AI

On a broader scale, 65% of respondents are confident that AI tools can streamline their cybersecurity needs, reducing reliance on human security teams or third-party services. Given Japan’s acute shortage of cybersecurity professionals, integrating AI for automated threat detection and response is seen as essential for enhancing security across all business sizes.

Most organizations recognize the need for external assistance to fully leverage AI for business benefits. A significant majority of businesses surveyed—76%—indicate the necessity of partners for researching and exploring AI. The same proportion (77%) seek help with implementing AI solutions and managing these technologies on an ongoing basis. Security vendors and managed service providers in Japan are well-positioned to help smaller businesses exploit AI’s advantages.

The release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022 showcased the capabilities of generative AI tools in creating natural, engaging dialogues. Despite widespread attention, businesses exhibit cautious engagement with generative AI. Awareness does not equate to comprehensive understanding; 56% grasp the distinctions between generative AI and other AI types like machine learning, while 44% admit to limited or no understanding. Consequently, many Japanese companies impose restrictions on AI use due to potential risks.

Approximately 69% of businesses perceive risks with workplace generative AI usage. While 18% permit its use—6% broadly and 12% in limited team settings—62% do not officially sanction it, suggesting covert use that may heighten security risks. Concerns also include data protection (57% of respondents), the absence of regulatory frameworks (47%), and opaque AI decision processes (31%). Additionally, 13% fear AI systems being compromised by cyber attackers.

Risks of using generative AI (Source – Barracuda)

AI and cyber threat evolution

There’s notable uncertainty about AI’s role in evolving cyber threats. About 55% of businesses are unsure how AI could be utilized in email attacks, with similar uncertainty extending to denial-of-service (62%), malware (57%), API attacks (56%), and cyber espionage (55%).

Despite these uncertainties, email threats remain a prominent concern for Japanese small businesses, with 53% highlighting account takeover attacks as a top threat. This form of identity theft allows attackers to misuse accounts, potentially leading to phishing scams, data theft, and more. Other significant threats include phishing and social engineering (37%), with ransomware also critical (39% reported it as a top concern, predominantly initiated via email).

Cyber threats concerning businesses in Japan (Source – Barracuda)

Survey participants generally understand the role of AI in fortifying cyber defenses, especially in areas like email security and employee cybersecurity training. However, there’s some ambiguity about AI’s effectiveness in other domains, possibly due to these areas being less familiar to smaller enterprises.

When asked which AI-enhanced security measures would improve their organizational safety, 36% pointed to AI-enhanced email security, especially against sophisticated threats like deepfakes. Another 24% believed AI could support more tailored, frequent training programs. The benefits of AI in continuous threat intelligence and response, as performed by Security Operations Centers (SOCs), were not as clearly understood.

The survey reveals a deficiency in AI-specific practices and policies needed for responsible AI usage. While 52% of businesses conduct employee training on AI use and vulnerabilities, only 35% have formal policies dictating AI usage. Even fewer have comprehensive governance structures in place, such as legal frameworks. This indicates a lack of control and management over AI applications within businesses.

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The latest ICS2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study shows that Japan has nearly half a million cybersecurity professionals, a notable 23.8% increase from the previous year, contrasting with a global average of 8.7%. Despite this growth, the demand far exceeds supply, with a shortage of 110,254 professionals, marking a 97.6% increase year-over-year — significantly higher than the global average of 12.6%. This gap is unprecedented compared to other nations evaluated in the ICS2 study.

This macro perspective mirrors smaller businesses’ daily challenges, particularly with AI-driven cyber threats.

Makoto Suzuki, Regional Sales Director for Japan at Barracuda, highlights the survey’s findings: Japanese SMBs recognize AI’s benefits for enhancing business productivity but remain cautious about the cyber threats it poses. Suzuki notes, “This could hold businesses back from harnessing the full potential of AI to revolutionize business performance and competitiveness by optimizing processes, reducing costs, improving quality, and providing new insights and ideas.”

The post How Japan balances AI-driven opportunities with cybersecurity needs appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Last year, the European Commission took a significant step by launching a comprehensive investigation into Microsoft’s practice of integrating its Teams application with the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites, targeting the business sector specifically. Microsoft, recognizing the importance of this inquiry, committed to fully cooperating with the Commission and expressed its determination to find solutions that would mitigate any regulatory concerns.

In a notable development reported by Reuters, Microsoft announced its decision to offer its Teams application globally—a chat and video conferencing tool—separately from its Office suite. This strategic move, coming six months after these products were decoupled in Europe, was designed to preemptively address potential EU antitrust penalties.

The strategic response from Microsoft to offer Teams separately

The investigation by the European Commission was triggered by a 2020 complaint from Slack, a Salesforce-owned workspace messaging application. Since its integration into Office 365 in 2017 at no extra cost, and its replacement of Skype for Business, Teams experienced a rapid rise in popularity. This was particularly true for its video conferencing features during the pandemic. Competitors have contended that this bundling strategy unfairly advantages Microsoft. In response to these concerns, Microsoft initiated the separate sale of these products in the EU and Switzerland on October 1 of the preceding year.

In detailing the company’s revised strategy through a blog post, Nanna-Louise Linde, Vice President for European Government Affairs at Microsoft, introduced a new pricing model for unbundled products. This adjustment, offering a reduction of US$2.17 monthly or US$26.02 annually, aims at serving the core enterprise clientele in the EEA and Switzerland more effectively.

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Furthermore, Linde clarified that Teams would be accessible as a standalone offering, with a pricing set at US$5.42 per month or US$65.04 annually, catering to new enterprise clients. Those who previously integrated Teams into their suite have the flexibility to maintain their existing setup or transition to a Teams-excluded package.

Reiterating the company’s dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction, a Microsoft spokesperson conveyed the decision to extend the unbundling initiative worldwide. This adaptation, inspired by the European Commission’s feedback, is intended to offer multinational corporations enhanced flexibility in their licensing options across various regions.

Reflecting on Microsoft’s historical adjustments in response to antitrust challenges, particularly the lawsuit from the Justice Department in 1998, analysts like Rishi Jaluria from RBC Capital Markets point out that the current separation of Teams from Office marks a significant, though not unprecedented, shift in strategy. Despite these changes, the integration of Teams into business operations suggests that the immediate impact on the market might be limited.

Data from Sensor Tower indicates a consistent user base for the Teams mobile app, with monthly active users remaining steady at around 19 million in both the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. This stability suggests that the unbundling in Europe has not adversely affected the platform’s popularity.

Looking ahead: Licensing flexibility and pricing strategies

With the introduction of new commercial Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites, excluding Teams for areas beyond the EEA and Switzerland, Microsoft is also presenting a standalone option for enterprise customers. Starting April 1, these offerings allow customers to continue their current licensing arrangements or explore the new, unbundled options. The pricing structure for Office suites without Teams ranges from US$7.75 to US$54.75, with the standalone Teams option priced at US$5.25, although variations may occur based on country and currency.

Despite proactive measures, Microsoft could still encounter EU antitrust challenges, with concerns arising over pricing strategies and the interoperability of competing messaging services with Office Web Applications. Analysts like Gil Luria from D.A. Davidson suggest that Microsoft’s forward-thinking approach may somewhat mitigate future regulatory scrutiny. Given Microsoft’s history of incurring 2.2 billion euros in EU antitrust fines over the last decade for similar bundling practices, the company is keenly aware of the stakes involved.

J.P. Gownder, a Forrester VP and Principal Analyst, regards the unbundling of Teams as a strategic maneuver by Microsoft in anticipation of regulatory actions from the EU and possibly other regions. This strategy not only levels the competitive landscape by providing a choice to consumers but also simplifies the licensing landscape for multinational companies, which might face complexities under varying regional agreements.

Gownder also anticipates that pricing will emerge as a critical discussion point, with Microsoft potentially advocating for higher individual pricing for components formerly bundled, citing increased operational costs. This move could necessitate substantial marketing efforts to clearly communicate the value and structure of the unbundled offerings.

While Gownder foresees regulatory bodies potentially viewing any price increases critically, interpreting them as punitive measures against EU companies, he believes that the essential purchasing behaviors of enterprises, particularly outside the EU, are unlikely to be significantly altered. They may continue to favor bundled offerings, which are now enhanced by the addition of an unbundled option.

Gownder further speculates on the potential savings for organizations currently using Zoom, which might find financial benefits in dropping the Teams component for an unbundled SKU, though the exact financial implications will depend on the forthcoming pricing details. Zoom and Slack are poised to capitalize on this market shift, though the fundamental dynamics of the market are expected to remain largely unchanged.

The competitive landscape and potential beneficiaries

This strategic pivot could be an advantage for Zoom, which has faced challenges in competing with Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of communication tools. Slack, having been integrated into Salesforce and having previously lodged an antitrust complaint with the European Commission in 2020, has been particularly vocal about the need for such a separation, viewing the bundling of Teams with Office as competitively unfair.

Despite occasional preferences for Zoom, the integrated offering of Teams with Office 365 has consistently attracted customers. This trend was highlighted by CNBC, which pointed out Zoom’s slowing revenue growth from explosive rates in 2020 and 2021 to single digits in recent quarters. Mizuho analysts suggest that Teams’ unbundling could help mitigate some of Zoom’s challenges in retaining enterprise customers.

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Over the past year, Microsoft has reported nearly US$53 billion in revenue from its Office suite, including Teams, marking a 14% increase from 2022. The platform’s impact is undeniable, with Teams now boasting over 320 million active users monthly.

Salesforce’s acquisition of Slack in 2021 for US$27 billion, the company’s largest purchase to date, underscored the high stakes in the communication and collaboration tool market. Slack’s 2020 complaint to the European Commission against Microsoft’s practices highlighted ongoing competitive tensions, reminiscent of the ‘browser wars’ of the 1990s.

However, Slack’s stance towards Teams was more measured in 2019, with then-CEO Stewart Butterfield acknowledging the preference of many top customers for Slack over Teams, despite their use of Microsoft’s Office 365 suite.

Last year’s reports that Microsoft would allow companies to choose whether to include Teams in their productivity software subscriptions signaled a strategic shift intended to preclude further EU competition investigations. Subsequently, Microsoft began offering separate subscriptions for Teams and other productivity software across 31 European countries, aligning with the European Commission’s investigation into the bundling practices.

The post Microsoft splits Teams from Office Suite; who benefits? appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Elon Musk has declared that his artificial intelligence startup xAI will extend access to its chatbot Grok to all premium subscribers of the social media platform X. This announcement, made in a post on X, does not delve into further details but signifies a shift from the chatbot’s previous limitation to Premium+ subscribers. Amidst advertisers withdrawing from X, Musk is pivoting away from advertising revenue, focusing instead on enhancing subscription services.

In a move that critiques the profit-oriented use of technology by major tech firms such as Google, Musk plans to make Grok open-source. This follows his lawsuit against OpenAI, where he accuses the organization of straying from its non-profit roots towards profit-driven motives. By open-sourcing Grok, Musk aligns xAI with entities like Meta and France’s Mistral, which have also made their AI models publicly available, encouraging innovation and engagement from the wider community.

Elon Musk posted the availability of Grok for all premium subscribers (Source – X)

What’s going on with Elon Musk and the world of AI development?

Moreover, Musk’s legal confrontation with OpenAI, which he co-founded and eventually left, highlights his concerns about the ethical trajectory of AI development. Despite previously endorsing profit-focused strategies, including a merger proposal with Tesla, Musk’s latest initiatives and comments, especially at the AI Safety Summit in the UK, advocate for ethical AI development and the adoption of open-source principles, with the aim of developing a “maximum truth-seeking AI” at xAI.

This strategic direction not only challenges the methodologies of OpenAI and Google but also ignites a debate among technology leaders and investors about the implications of making AI technology open-source. While such transparency can foster innovation, there are concerns about its potential misuse, underscoring the balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations.

As reported by BBC, Elon Musk’s Neuralink has showcased its first patient, who, using a brain implant, controlled a computer cursor and played online chess. In a nine-minute live stream on X, viewers witnessed Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed below the shoulders due to a diving accident, using the device. Arbaugh, who received the chip in January, described the surgery as “super easy.”

A demonstration of the controlled a computer cursor and played online chess through the brain (Source – X)

Arbaugh also recounted playing the video game Civilization VI for eight hours straight, facilitated by the brain implant, though he mentioned encountering some issues with the technology. The Neuralink device, about the size of a one-pound coin, is designed to be inserted into the skull, with tiny wires that can read neuron activity and send wireless signals to a receiver.

Following trials in pigs and demonstrations of monkeys playing a basic version of Pong, the FDA approved Neuralink for human testing in May 2023. Neuralink is among a growing number of firms and academic departments pushing the boundaries of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

In a parallel development, the École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, Switzerland, enabled paralyzed individual Gert-Jan Oskam to walk by simply thinking about moving, using electronic implants on his brain and spine that wirelessly relay thoughts to his legs and feet, as reported in Nature.

BCIs aim to capture some of the electrical impulses generated by the brain’s approximately 86 billion neurons, which facilitate movement, sensation, and thought. These impulses can be detected by non-invasive caps or directly via implanted wires, drawing significant research investment.

Musk has boldly claimed that Neuralink’s technology can restore sight in monkeys, branding this technology as “Blindsight.” He envisions this technology, initially offering low-resolution vision akin to early video games, eventually surpassing human visual capabilities. He assures that the procedures have been safe for the animals involved.

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Neuralink’s advancements, including the “Telepathy” product enabling mind-controlled computer use, mark significant strides in the field. Following FDA approval for its first human trial, Neuralink released a video showing a quadriplegic patient playing chess through mind control, demonstrating the implant’s potential through 64 flexible threads that record and transmit brain signals.

Challenges and advances: Neuralink’s journey to human trials

According to Reuters, a U.S. health policy lawmaker has queried the FDA about its prior inspection of Neuralink, before approving it for human trials. This follows reports of issues discovered during inspections related to animal testing practices at Neuralink. These findings emerged shortly after Neuralink announced FDA clearance for human testing of its brain implants, which enable paralyzed individuals to control computers with their minds.

Representative Earl Blumenauer expressed concerns in a letter to the FDA about overlooked evidence from animal testing violations dating back to 2019. He questioned how the FDA reconciled these reports with its decision to authorize Neuralink’s human trials, amidst allegations of rushed experiments leading to unnecessary animal suffering and potential data integrity risks.

In response, the FDA indicated it would directly address Blumenauer’s inquiries, noting its post-approval inspection did not identify any significant safety concerns for the trial. Neuralink, having commenced human testing, recently demonstrated the implant’s capabilities in a live stream, highlighting the potential of brain-computer interfaces despite regulatory and ethical scrutiny.

This exploration into brain-computer interface technology, with companies like Synchron and Blackrock Neurotech also advancing in human trials, demonstrates the potential for patients to control digital interfaces solely through thought. The investigation into Neuralink’s regulatory approval underscores the critical balance between innovation in medical technology and the necessity of maintaining safety and ethical standards.

As the field progresses, the discussions around Neuralink’s practices and the FDA’s oversight reflect broader questions about the pace of technological advancement and the frameworks needed to ensure its responsible development.

The scrutiny faced by Neuralink, arising from concerns over its animal testing procedures and the subsequent approval for human trials, brings to light the challenges of pioneering medical devices within the rapidly evolving domain of brain-computer interfaces. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous regulatory processes that not only facilitate technological breakthroughs but also safeguard the welfare of both animal subjects and human participants.

The post Elon Musk takes AI and brain chips mainstream with Grok and Neuralink appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Generative AI’s marketing narrative has caught everyone’s attention, heralding a new era where it reshapes business strategies, particularly in learning and development. This comes at a critical juncture, where acquiring digital skills is beneficial and essential for businesses and their workforce. However, a recent study has highlighted a surprising trend: many Australians seem to underestimate the impact this technology could have on their professional lives.

A collaborative study conducted by RMIT Online and Deloitte Access Economics has shed light on an alarming gap in Australians’ understanding of generative AI’s potential to disrupt existing job roles. This lack of awareness is especially concerning, given the rapid pace of digital transformation across industries.

The skills gap in digital competencies among both employers and employees is becoming increasingly apparent. Employers have noted a particular shortage in digital skills within their organizations, with a significant emphasis on generative AI, machine learning, data science, coding, and cybersecurity. This scarcity has led businesses to offer a considerable premium for these in-demand skills. Meanwhile, employees have acknowledged an even more acute shortage of digital skills, exacerbating fears about future job security in the face of emerging technologies.

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Generative AI in the workplace: Use and relevance

This growing demand for digital skills underscores the urgency with which the Australian economy needs to address these skill shortages. Reports by Deloitte and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) project that an additional 1.3 million digital skills will be required by 2030 to keep pace with AI and data analytics advancements. This necessity is mirrored in the workforce’s sentiment, where most recognize the looming integration of technologies like generative AI into their daily tasks.

Despite the clear trajectory towards a more digitally integrated workplace, nearly half of the employees surveyed admit to having never used generative AI in their current roles, often citing its perceived irrelevance to their work. This viewpoint starkly contrasts with studies indicating that most occupations will eventually interact with these technologies. Employees do recognize the importance of digital literacy for their future success, although they underestimate the value of specific skills like data science and analytics.

The report reiterates the disconnect between employees’ current use of generative AI and their understanding of its relevance, despite widespread indications of its impending impact across various occupations. Furthermore, Deloitte’s research reveals that a mere fraction of Australian businesses feel fully equipped to adopt and utilize AI technologies effectively.

With digital skills in high demand, businesses are prepared to offer premiums for candidates proficient in data and digital competencies. This readiness highlights the critical skill gap in the Australian workforce, further magnified by the advent of AI and other pivotal technologies. RMIT Online’s CEO, Nic Cola, stresses the importance of proactive reskilling and upskilling to navigate the challenges posed by these technological shifts.

Echoing the need for a swift response to the evolving digital landscape, John O’Mahony of Deloitte Access Economics points out the unique advantages of generative AI in enhancing traditional learning and development. Its capability to produce customized content can significantly boost employee learning efficiency and knowledge retention.

Facing the future: The urgent need for strategic workforce development

Despite these insights, many employers have yet to introduce generative AI training within their organizations, underscoring a broader unawareness or hesitancy towards embracing these technologies. This reluctance occurs even as specific industries are poised for rapid and profound changes due to this revolutionary technology, emphasizing the critical need for a strategic approach to workforce development in the face of digital transformation.

Generative AI stands out from prior technological advancements with its ability to process vast amounts of unstructured data, eliminating a significant hurdle for business adoption. Its capability to generate new, multimodal content from straightforward user prompts opens up intelligence use to a wider audience, without requiring a background in computer science.

Currently, a mere 5% of Australian businesses are completely ready to integrate and utilize AI in their workflows. However, a substantial portion of the workforce and student body—32% of employees and 58% of students—already engage with generative AI, pushing its adoption across various sectors.

The main economic advantage of generative AI lies in its ability to enhance productivity by automating mundane and labor-intensive tasks. According to Deloitte’s survey on generative AI, regular users of these tools can save an average of 5.3 hours weekly. Those equipped with the skills to effectively employ the technology are at the forefront of these productivity improvements, with 59% of employees planning to enhance their generative AI skills within the following year.

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Towards a generative AI-ready Australia: Bridging the training gap

However, there’s a noticeable disparity between employees’ enthusiasm to learn about generative AI and businesses’ investment in training and adopting these tools. 78% of companies surveyed have not offered generative AI training, or are unaware of such initiatives within their organizations. Additionally, 17% do not foresee providing training on generative AI at any point.

This gap in training exacerbates potential risks associated with generative AI, such as data breaches, inaccuracies, and copyright issues, with 53% of employees expressing concerns over privacy when using the technology in their roles.

Nevertheless, investment in AI by Australian companies is expected to surge to AU$27.5 billion by 2030, a seven-fold increase. This investment aims to maximize generative AI’s benefits by training employees on tailored models that securely and responsibly incorporate the company’s data. It also seeks to enhance workplace training and experiences through AI, thereby attracting and retaining employees adept in generative AI technologies.

Generative AI’s impact on skill demand varies across roles and industries, depending on how it’s applied. For instance, generative AI could affect 98% of sales tasks but only 3% of finance-related tasks in the retail industry. In cases where generative AI augments tasks rather than fully automating them, employees with basic technical skills, like coding and prompt design, can significantly benefit.

Five key industries—financial services, ICT and media, professional services, education, and wholesale trade—are poised for rapid and transformative changes due to generative AI, representing 26% of the Australian economy or nearly AU$600 billion in economic activity.

Although coding has been a highly sought-after skill in Australia for the past decade, the rise of no-code generative AI tools is making programming skills more accessible to the broader workforce. This shift underscores the growing importance of soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, alongside technical abilities.

Top five in-demand skills for professionals from January to July 2023 (Source – RMIT Online)

Generative AI is also expected to generate new job roles, especially in managing customized AI models, necessitating specialized data skills. The demand for professionals capable of designing AI models, monitoring outputs, and ensuring training data is diverse and balanced is set to rise sharply. Projections from Deloitte and the ACS anticipate a 179% increase in demand for advanced data analytics skills and a 268% surge in high-performance computing skills by 2030.

The post Aussies don’t believe in the generative AI hype? appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

For years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stood out as the premier technology hub in the Middle East, a status bolstered by its appealing lack of personal income tax, accommodating visa policies, and enticing incentives for global businesses and professionals. However, Saudi Arabia is now positioning itself as a formidable challenger in this domain.

At this juncture, the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a contender in the tech arena should hardly come as a surprise. Last year, the country unveiled plans for the Mukaab, an ambitious cube-shaped skyscraper project. This supertall structure, envisioned to cover an area approximately one-third the size of Manhattan, aims to set a new benchmark as the world’s largest built structure.

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Saudi Arabia and its bold leap into AI investments

The latest developments from Saudi Arabia further underscore its tech ambitions, with The New York Times reporting the government’s intention to establish a US$40 billion fund dedicated to artificial intelligence investments. Informed by insiders, this significant initiative marks in the global race to harness and shape the future of AI technology.

The Mukaab is expected to be more than just an architectural marvel; it plans to house a museum, a technology and design university, and a versatile theatre. This could potentially mirror or even surpass the innovative features seen in Dubai’s Museum of the Future, which boasts a variety of AI-powered attractions, suggesting that the Mukaab’s offerings could integrate AI technology in groundbreaking ways.

Recent discussions between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and prominent figures in the venture capital world, including Andreessen Horowitz, indicate a serious interest in forging partnerships. Despite these plans being subject to change, the ambition behind them is clear, positioning Saudi Arabia as a potential heavyweight in the global tech landscape.

By aiming to establish the world’s largest AI investment fund, Saudi Arabia not only showcases its business acumen but also signals its intent to diversify its oil-dependent economy and assert a more dominant role in international geopolitics. This move leverages the sovereign wealth fund’s substantial assets, furthering the nation’s strategic objectives.

Discussions with Andreessen Horowitz, a firm already deeply invested in AI, hint at the scale of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions. This proposed US$40 billion investment positions Saudi Arabia alongside SoftBank as one of the most significant global tech investors, eclipsing the financial efforts of most U.S. venture capital firms.

Saudi Arabia plans US$40 billion push into AI (Source – X)

The tech fund is being organized with assistance from major Wall Street banks, entering a market already flush with investment capital. This surge of investment into AI reflects a broader trend of soaring company valuations and fierce competition among investors to back the next big breakthrough in technology.

Financing AI ventures is expensive, as highlighted by OpenAI‘s CEO, Sam Altman, who sought substantial funding from the UAE to support AI chip manufacturing. Saudi Arabia’s interest in funding AI extends to supporting startups in chip manufacturing and data center operations, indicating a broad and ambitious strategy to influence the future of tech.

The future of Saudi Arabia’s tech landscape

Plans set to possibly accelerate by late 2024 could see Saudi Arabia’s investment initiative, in partnership with entities like Andreessen Horowitz, significantly impacting the tech sector. Discussions have even included the possibility of Silicon Valley firms establishing a presence in Riyadh, further solidifying the kingdom’s tech ambitions.

This venture could attract other venture capitalists, drawn by Saudi Arabia’s vast financial resources and ambitious tech strategy. The Public Investment Fund, established in 1971, continues to be a focal point for those tracking international business developments, especially given its evolving role in global investment trends.

Despite past controversies, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and contentious investments, Saudi Arabia remains a compelling destination for technology investments. Its past financial engagements, including significant investments in companies like Uber and its contributions to SoftBank’s Vision Fund, highlight both successes and challenges in tech investing.

As Saudi Arabia reintegrates into the global business community, events like hosting Public Investment Fund officials during the Super Bowl showcase its ongoing efforts to forge connections and establish partnerships across industries, underscoring its enduring influence and ambition in the global tech landscape.

Saudi Arabia’s first AI humanoid robot (Source – YouTube)

Saudi Arabia’s economic milestones and talent attraction

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is making strides in attracting talent, a key accelerator of its ambition to become a significant player in the AI arena. CNBC highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s economy has surpassed the US$1 trillion mark for the first time, dwarfing the UAE’s economy, which stands at just over US$500 billion according to World Bank data. Despite this, the UAE maintains a significant advantage, having invested heavily in its Advanced Research Technology Centers, which focus on areas like generative AI, cyber technology, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

However, the kingdom is also investing significantly in its aspirations to become a tech hub.

Experts at Davos mentioned to CNBC that while MBS’s construction of extravagant megacities in the desert captures public attention, the primary mission is talent attraction to sustain a value creation loop in AI.

At the helm of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a mathematician from UCLA, who is pivotal in drawing talent to Saudi Arabia to foster innovation.

KAUST conveyed to CNBC its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global AI powerhouse by 2030, a journey supported by strategic partnerships. This includes the development of a National AI Strategy to aid startups and implement AI in government services, alongside Riyadh’s International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) and Saudi Aramco’s AI research hub focusing on cutting-edge oil and gas projects.

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The university also highlighted its contributions through the AI Initiative and the hosting of the SDAIA AI Center, under the guidance of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

With plans for a US$40 billion investment in AI and significant efforts to attract and cultivate talent, the kingdom aims to diversify its economy and enhance its global technological footprint by 2030. While challenges exist, including navigating past controversies and fostering international partnerships, Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to embracing the future of technology suggests a commitment to becoming a significant player in the global AI landscape.

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This year’s Nvidia GTC is packed with noteworthy revelations, including the introduction of the Blackwell B200 GPU. Branded as the ‘world’s most powerful chip’ for AI, it’s designed for its capacity to make AI models with trillions of parameters more accessible to a wider audience.

Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, inaugurated the company’s annual developer conference with a series of strategic announcements aimed at solidifying Nvidia’s supremacy in the AI sector.

Revolutionizing AI with the new Nvidia chip

Nvidia introduced the B200 GPU, boasting an impressive 20 petaflops of FP4 computing power, thanks to its 208 billion transistors. Additionally, Nvidia unveiled the GB200, which synergizes two B200 GPUs with a single Grace CPU, claiming it can enhance LLM inference workload performance by 30 times while also significantly boosting efficiency. This advancement is said to slash costs and energy usage by as much as 25 times compared to the H100 model.

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Previously, training a model with 1.8 trillion parameters required 8,000 Hopper GPUs and 15 megawatts of power. Now, Nvidia asserts that only 2,000 Blackwell GPUs are needed to achieve the same feat, reducing power consumption to just four megawatts.

The introduction of the GB200 “superchip” alongside the Blackwell B200 GPU marks a significant milestone. Nvidia reports that, in tests using the GPT-3 LLM with 175 billion parameters, the GB200 delivered seven times the performance and quadrupled the training speed of the H100.

A notable upgrade The Verge highlights is the second-generation transformer engine that enhances compute, bandwidth, and model capacity by utilizing four bits per neuron, halving the previous eight. The next-gen NVLink switch is a groundbreaking feature, enabling communication among up to 576 GPUs and providing 1.8 terabytes per second of bidirectional bandwidth. This innovation necessitated the creation of a new network switch chip, boasting 50 billion transistors and 3.6 teraflops of FP8 compute capability.

Bridging the gap: Nvidia’s new suite of software tools

Nvidia has also introduced a suite of software tools designed to streamline the sale and deployment of AI models for businesses, catering to a clientele that includes the globe’s tech behemoths.

These developments underscore Nvidia’s ambition to broaden its influence in the AI inference market, a segment where its chips are not yet predominant, as noted by Joel Hellermark, CEO of Sana.

Nvidia is renowned for its foundational role in training AI models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, a process that requires digesting vast data quantities, predominantly undertaken by AI-centric and large tech companies.

However, as businesses of various sizes strive to integrate these foundational models into their operations, Nvidia’s newly released tools aim to simplify the adaptation and execution of diverse AI models on Nvidia hardware.

According to Ben Metcalfe, a venture capitalist and founder of Monochrome Capital, Nvidia’s approach is akin to offering “ready-made meals” instead of gathering ingredients from scratch. This strategy is particularly advantageous for companies that may lack the technical prowess of giants like Google or Uber, enabling them to quickly deploy sophisticated systems.

For instance, ServiceNow used Nvidia’s toolkit to develop a “copilot” for addressing corporate IT challenges, demonstrating the practical applications of Nvidia’s innovations.

Noteworthy is Nvidia’s collaboration with major tech entities such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, which will incorporate Nvidia’s tools into their cloud services. However, prominent AI model providers like OpenAI and Anthropic are conspicuously absent from Nvidia’s partnership roster.

Nvidia’s toolkit could significantly bolster its revenue, as part of a software suite priced at US$4,500 annually per Nvidia chip in private data centers or US$1 per hour in cloud data centers.

Reuters suggests that the announcements made at GTC 2024 are pivotal in determining whether Nvidia can sustain its commanding 80% share in the AI chip marketplace.

These developments reflect Nvidia’s evolution from a brand favored by gaming enthusiasts to a tech titan on par with Microsoft, boasting a staggering sales increase to over US$60 billion in its latest fiscal year.

While the B200 chip promises a thirtyfold increase in efficiency for tasks like chatbot responses, Huang remained tight-lipped about its performance in extensive data training and did not disclose pricing details.

Despite the surge in Nvidia’s stock by 240% over the past year, Huang’s announcements did not ignite further enthusiasm in the market, with a slight decline in Nvidia’s stock following the presentation.

Tom Plumb, CEO and portfolio manager at Plumb Funds, a significant investor in Nvidia, remarked that the Blackwell chip’s unveiling was anticipated but reaffirmed Nvidia’s leading edge in graphics processing technology.

Nvidia has revealed that key clients, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Oracle, are expected to incorporate the new chip into their cloud services and AI solutions.

The company is transitioning from selling individual chips to offering complete systems, with its latest model housing 72 AI chips and 36 central processors, exemplifying Nvidia’s comprehensive approach to AI technology deployment.

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Analysts predict a slight dip in Nvidia’s market share in 2024 as competition intensifies and major customers develop their chips, posing challenges to Nvidia’s dominance, especially among budget-conscious enterprise clients.

Despite these challenges, Nvidia’s extensive software offerings, particularly the new microservices, are poised to enhance operational efficiency across various applications, reinforcing its position in the tech industry.

Moreover, Nvidia is expanding into software for simulating the physical world with 3-D models, announcing collaborations with leading design software companies. This move and Nvidia’s capability to stream 3-D worlds to Apple’s Vision Pro headset marks a significant leap forward in immersive technology.

Nvidia’s automotive and industrial ventures

Nvidia also unveiled an innovative line of chips tailored for automotive use, introducing capabilities that enable chatbots to operate within vehicles. The tech giant has further solidified its partnerships with Chinese car manufacturers, announcing that electric vehicle leaders BYD and Xpeng will incorporate its latest chip technology.

Last year, BYD surpassed Tesla, becoming the top electric vehicle producer worldwide. The company plans to adopt Nvidia’s cutting-edge Drive Thor chips, which promise to enhance autonomous driving capabilities and digital functionalities. Nvidia also highlighted that BYD intends to leverage its technology to optimize manufacturing processes and supply chain efficiency.

Additionally, this collaboration will facilitate the creation of virtual showrooms, according to Danny Shapiro, Nvidia’s Vice President for Automotive, during a conference call. Shapiro indicated that BYD vehicles would integrate Drive Thor chips starting next year.

The announcement was part of a broader revelation of partnerships during Nvidia’s GTC developer conference in San Jose, California. Notably, Chinese automakers, including BYD, Xpeng, GAC Aion’s Hyper brand, and autonomous truck developers, have declared their expanded cooperation with Nvidia. Other Chinese brands like Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, and Li Auto have also committed to using the Drive Thor technology.

Nvidia extends partnership with BYD (Source – X)

These partnerships reflect a strategic move by Chinese auto brands to leverage advanced technology, offsetting their relatively lower global brand recognition. BYD and its competitors are keen on increasing their market presence in Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions outside China, positioning themselves against Tesla and other established Western brands in their domestic market.

Shapiro emphasized the considerable number of Chinese automakers and highlighted the supportive regulatory environment and incentives fostering innovation and developing advanced automated driving technologies.

Nvidia also announced several other key partnerships in the automotive and industrial sectors, including a collaboration with U.S. software firm Cerence to adapt large language model AI systems for automotive computing needs. Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo is also working with Nvidia to deploy large language model technologies.

Another development is Soundhound’s utilization of Nvidia’s technology to create a voice command system for vehicles, enabling users to access information from a virtual owner’s manual through voice commands, marking a step forward in enhancing user interaction with vehicle technology.

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In the first half of 2023, a report from CyberSecurity Malaysia reveals a concerning trend: the government sector has experienced the highest number of data breaches, while the telecommunications sector has seen the largest volume of data leaked. This data underscores the pressing challenges in protecting sensitive information across different sectors.

National and global cybersecurity challenges

By October 2023, the National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre (NC4), under the auspices of the National Cyber Security Agency, had already registered close to 3,000 cyber incidents, highlighting the increasing focus on cybersecurity matters within the nation. Adding to the concern, cybersecurity firm Surfshark placed Malaysia as the eighth most breached country in the third quarter of 2023, with nearly half a million accounts compromised.

The frequency of cyber threats became even more pronounced, with statistics showing that there have been 74,000 attacks daily throughout the year. In a particularly alarming revelation by both Kaspersky and Surfshark, the rate at which Malaysian user accounts were compromised in Q3 2023 amounted to four leaks every minute.

This data not only underscores the urgency of the cybersecurity situation but also emphasizes the importance of understanding attackers’ tactics to safeguard our people, data, and infrastructure effectively.

Shifting the focus to a global perspective, IBM’s 2024 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index unveils a similar urgency in addressing cybersecurity threats. IBM has unveiled a growing global identity crisis caused by cybercriminals increasingly exploiting user identities to infiltrate enterprises worldwide. This report draws on observations from monitoring over 150 billion security events daily across more than 130 countries.

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The emerging crisis is stark: cybercriminals are shifting from hacking online accounts to using readily available internet and dark web data, with AI further simplifying these breaches. This shift allows for deeper incursions into personal lives, exposing everything from daily routines to hobbies and interests.

IBM X-Force, the offensive and defensive security services branch of IBM Consulting, noted a significant shift in 2023. Cybercriminals preferred using legitimate account credentials to breach corporate networks rather than hacking, making this strategy a favorite among threat actors.

Asia-Pacific cybersecurity landscape

The 2024 X-Force Study also provides a geographical breakdown of cyber incidents, with the Asia-Pacific region being the third most impacted in 2023, accounting for 23% of global incidents handled by X-Force. This marked a change from 2021 to 2022, when Asia-Pacific was most affected. In 2023, Europe rose to the top spot, with 32% of incidents, followed by North America at 26%, Asia-Pacific at 23%, Latin America at 12%, and the Middle East and Africa at 7%.

In the Asia-Pacific, manufacturing continued to be the industry most targeted by cyber attacks for the second consecutive year, comprising 46% of incidents. Finance, insurance, and transportation industries followed, each representing 12% of incidents, and education came in third at 8%.

Phishing remained the predominant method for gaining initial access, responsible for 36% of incidents, closely followed by attacks on public-facing applications at 35%.

Phishing in action (Source – IBM)

Once inside, malware was the leading action, with 45% of attacks involving this tactic, including ransomware (17%) and info stealers (10%).

The report suggests that the return on investment (ROI) from attacking generative AI platforms isn’t significant yet. However, X-Force anticipates large-scale attacks on these technologies once a single AI gains 50% market share or the market narrows down to three or fewer competitors.

Despite a 44% drop in phishing attack volume from the previous year, phishing remains a primary method of attack, particularly as AI can refine and accelerate these attacks by nearly two days, keeping it a preferred method among cybercriminals.

The role of AI in dealing with cyber threats

Amidst these cybersecurity challenges, AI emerges as a pivotal tool in both exacerbating and combating threats. AI is now widely recognized for its utility, especially in how it has revolutionized threat detection, response times, and the protection of user identities and data flow. According to the IBM Cost of Data Breach 2023 report, organizations worldwide have saved almost US$1.8 million on data breach costs by leveraging AI and automation, compared to those that haven’t embraced these technologies.

However, the advent of generative AI introduces new challenges and opportunities in both attacking and defending enterprise assets. As the AI capabilities of attackers evolve, we can expect their attacks to become faster, more precise, and scalable. Conversely, AI is also poised to boost the productivity of enterprise security, with its ability to quickly identify and prioritize threats like ransomware based on their signatures and behaviors—even if it’s a variant the system hasn’t encountered before.

Generative AI, with its capacity for self-learning, doesn’t require prior exposure to specific scenarios to detect new, sophisticated threats. This aspect makes it invaluable for cybersecurity, where it accelerates business processes by automating threat detection and investigation and adapts real-time organizational response strategies based on past incidents. It frees up security teams to tackle more complex and strategic security challenges.

The 2024 X-Force study suggests that as generative AI gains market dominance, it could also become a focal point for cybercriminals, encouraging further investment in tools designed for AI-engineered attacks. Despite the growing concern over such attacks, the primary security threat in the Asia Pacific region remains the exploitation of known, unpatched vulnerabilities.

Attention must also be directed towards protecting the region’s critical infrastructure and key sectors like manufacturing, finance, insurance, and transportation. This includes conducting stress tests and having a robust incident response plan ready.

With the increasing preference among global threat actors for exploiting user identities, there’s a pressing need for more effective user access control measures. This scenario underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to security in the era of generative AI, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and adaptation in cybersecurity strategies.

Strategic cybersecurity measures to prevent malicious cyber threats

Various strategies can mitigate cybersecurity threats, and it’s crucial to choose the one that best aligns with your specific needs or those of your business. While numerous AI solutions claim to offer protection against a wide array of cyber threats, the choice ultimately depends on what aligns best with your or your business’s specific needs. For instance, the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024 highlights insights and actionable recommendations for enhancing readiness and improving the speed and efficiency of response to cyberattacks.

One effective approach is to update identity management across multicloud environments. As cybercriminals increasingly exploit legitimate user accounts to gain access to networks—accounting for 30% of incidents responded to by X-Force in 2023—strengthening identity and access management (IAM) becomes crucial. Solutions like IBM Security Verify can bolster security in hybrid and multicloud setups by providing comprehensive IAM capabilities.

Beyond identity management, AI plays a critical role in optimizing cybersecurity resources. Tools such as IBM Security QRadar SIEM User Behavior Analytics (UBA) can aid in identifying compromised credentials and malicious activities, allowing teams to utilize their skills and time better. IBM Security QRadar EDR further enhances protection by securing endpoints and detecting unusual activities, such as data exfiltration or unauthorized account creation.

This pivot from ransomware to malware, particularly those targeting data theft, underscores the imperative of safeguarding data across hybrid cloud environments. This shift underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and robust data protection measures.

However, increasing security spending alone may not suffice. Embracing a zero-trust model and prioritizing trusted data can bolster your cybersecurity posture significantly. By fostering transparency and accountability, organizations can not only minimize risks but also actively prevent bias, making the zero-trust model and prioritization of trusted data essential strategies.

In light of these strategies, building trust and preparing for future threats become pivotal. A proactive security stance, grounded in careful partner selection and regular security reviews, complements the technical and strategic measures discussed. Building trust should be the foundation of every interaction, enhancing cyber-risk management and prioritizing cyber resilience to maintain and strengthen business relationships. This involves constantly monitoring and managing crucial points where trust is established or compromised.

Preparing for future threats requires a proactive security stance, including careful selection of partners and regular reviews of their security strategies and practices. This comprehensive approach to cybersecurity emphasizes the need for a balanced mix of technology, strategy, and a culture of trust and resilience.

As we prepare for future threats, a balanced mix of technology, strategy, and a culture of trust and resilience is crucial. The comprehensive approach discussed underscores the need for vigilance and adaptability in cybersecurity strategies to combat the evolving threat landscape effectively.

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Google has announced limitations on the types of election-related inquiries its AI chatbot, Gemini, can process, particularly in regions undergoing elections this year. This measure aims to curb the dissemination of information about political candidates, parties, and other political matters.

On its website, Google’s India team announced through a blog post that these restrictions are being implemented in India, in anticipation of the elections scheduled to begin in April. This decision is part of Google’s broader effort to mitigate further controversy surrounding AI technology.

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Emphasizing a commitment to the responsible usage of generative AI, Google stated that it is implementing these restrictions as a precautionary measure on a critical issue. The company underlines its dedication to delivering accurate information for such queries and is actively enhancing its safeguards.

The BBC has noted that this initiative aligns with strategies Google disclosed last year regarding its electoral engagement approach. Google explained to the BBC, “As we shared last December, in preparation for the many elections happening around the world in 2024 and out of an abundance of caution, we’re restricting the types of election-related queries for which Gemini will return responses.”

Google Gemini limits itself from answering election questions. (Source – X)

Elections are expected in several countries this year, including the USA, the UK, and South Africa. Google asserts the importance of safeguarding election integrity by preventing the misuse of its products and services. The company has established comprehensive policies to ensure the safety of its platforms and applies these standards uniformly across all content.

Google also highlights its application of AI models and policies, such as those found in YouTube’s Community Guidelines and political content policies for advertisers, to combat misinformation that could jeopardize democratic processes.

The urgency of these actions is fueled by the rapid advancements in generative AI, which have sparked global concerns over misinformation, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny. Recently, India mandated tech companies to seek approval before deploying AI tools deemed “unreliable” or under testing.

Google’s commitment to addressing these concerns was further underscored in February when it issued an apology following the erroneous depiction of a diverse group of US Founding Fathers and World War Two German soldiers by its AI image generator, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of generative AI responsibly.

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Evaluating AI chatbots: Accuracy in election information

A recent Proof News article critically evaluates the precision and trustworthiness of leading AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, in providing accurate election information. The investigation was spurred by instances where AI models provided incorrect responses to straightforward, verifiable inquiries about election regulations, like the prohibition against wearing campaign-related clothing at polling sites in certain states, including Texas.

Despite explicit rules, AI models like GPT-4 inaccurately suggested that wearing a MAGA hat to vote in Texas was permitted. This issue was prevalent across all five AI models tested, including Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, Meta’s Llama 2, and Mistral’s Mixtral.

The AI Democracy Projects, in partnership with over 40 election officials and AI specialists, evaluated these models on bias, accuracy, completeness, and harmfulness for 26 potential voter queries. The outcomes were concerning, with approximately half of the model responses being inaccurate and over a third deemed incomplete or harmful. Although GPT-4 exhibited slightly better accuracy than its counterparts, the overall findings underscored a significant issue with AI’s ability to provide dependable election information.

Errors ranged from complete fabrications, like Meta’s Llama 2 claiming Californians could vote via text message, to misleading information on complex issues, such as allegations of voter fraud in Georgia. These errors underscore the struggles of AI chatbots to manage nuanced and crucial election information accurately.

Meta’s Llama 2 spreading false information (Source – Shutterstock)

The study casts doubts on the preparedness of AI chatbots to distribute nuanced information accurately, especially in critical settings like elections. It questions the adherence of AI companies to their commitments on information integrity and misinformation mitigation. Despite OpenAI’s pledge to guide users towards legitimate election information sources, the study found instances where GPT-4 failed to comply, with some responses even misrepresenting voting processes.

Companies’ reactions to these findings acknowledge the inherent challenges in ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content, particularly through APIs widely used by developers. While some companies, like Anthropic, have initiated steps to direct users to trustworthy sources, the effectiveness of such measures, especially when accessed via APIs, remains uncertain.

This examination marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI technology and its role in disseminating sensitive information like election details. It underscores the need for continuous improvements in AI models, clear and responsible usage guidelines for developers, and safeguards against misinformation, which are essential for the responsible integration of AI technologies into society.

Looking forward: AI’s role in future elections

Google elaborated on its commitment to election transparency, highlighting strict policies for election-related advertising on its platforms. Advertisers wishing to run election ads must undergo identity verification, obtain pre-certification where necessary, and ensure ads disclose their funding sources transparently.

In anticipation of the General Election, Google supports Shakti, the India Election Fact-Checking Collective, comprising news publishers and fact-checkers united to combat online misinformation, including deepfakes. This initiative aims to foster the early detection of misinformation and establish a shared repository to address misinformation challenges at scale.

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Islamic banking operates on principles of Shariah law, emphasizing ethical, moral, and social values in all transactions. In Malaysia, a country with a significant Muslim population and a strong commitment to Islamic finance, banks like Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Muamalat) are at the forefront of integrating traditional values with the latest technological advancements. This blend of tradition and innovation sets the stage for Bank Muamalat’s strategic partnership with Google Cloud, aiming to lead the digital transformation in Islamic banking.

This alliance is set to harness Google Cloud’s comprehensive suite of capabilities, including modern infrastructure, data analytics, security measures, and generative AI, to offer Malaysians personalized and inclusive digital banking services.

Amidst the banking sector’s growing recognition of artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, a study by Google Cloud underscores the industry’s increasing interest in generative AI. The research, which surveyed 350 banking executives and over 2,000 consumers, highlighted a widespread demand for generative AI technologies. A substantial 92% of executives acknowledged a “high demand” within the sector, with 95% affirming its capacity to revolutionize the industry.

These executives anticipate generative AI to significantly contribute to revenue growth through enhancements in investment research, marketing, customer segmentation, and customer acquisition and retention strategies.

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The consumer sentiment towards generative AI shows a division based on age, with younger generations more open to the technology than older age groups. Highlighted applications for AI include improved AI chatbots, expedited credit card processing, and comprehensive financial insights, indicating critical areas for enhancing adoption and perception.

Enhancing customer experience with AI

Zac Maufe, Global Head of Regulated Industries for Google Cloud, highlighted generative AI’s potential to redefine banking and investment, noting its role in boosting productivity and operational efficiency within the sector. Maufe also noted the technology’s ability to create personalized digital experiences, catering to the preferences of new banking consumers.

As generative AI evolves, it is expected to attract increased regulatory attention. Maufe advocates for a forward-looking risk management strategy to securely leverage this technology. Reflecting on the research, a trend emerges of executives planning to expand their generative AI investments, anticipating returns on their initial outlays.

Nearly half of the banking executives are exploring generative AI through proof-of-concept projects, with 35% already engaging in active pilot and testing phases. These projects primarily aim to enhance employee productivity and innovate in content creation, marketing, and software development.

Yolande Piazza of Google Cloud observed that the industry has moved beyond experimental stages with generative AI, now focusing on practical applications to improve efficiency. She believes success will favor banks that solve specific business challenges in alignment with strategic goals.

Bank Muamalat’s comprehensive cloud transformation includes adopting technologies from Mambu and Backbase, reinforcing its dedication to delivering advanced digital banking solutions that comply with Shariah principles.

Mambu announces Bank Muamalat’s partnership with Google Cloud (Source – X)

Khairul Kamarudin, Bank Muamalat’s CEO, stated the bank’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s Islamic banking sector through digital innovation. Leveraging Google Cloud is expected to streamline IT operations and foster innovation, notably through enterprise-grade generative AI, enhancing overall banking experiences.

The bank’s strategic shift towards a cloud-based model includes migrating digital applications and databases to Google Cloud. This integration with Mambu’s digital core banking platform and Backbase’s engagement banking platform aims to introduce a suite of new Islamic financing and deposit products. This transition is poised to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and expedite software development, facilitating quicker deployment of banking services.

Bank Muamalat is utilizing Google Cloud’s infrastructure to enhance its Muamalat Application Platform (MAP), focusing on improving personal and home financing applications. Innovations like automated document data capture are expected to significantly reduce application times and increase the Islamic financing share in Malaysia’s banking sector.

Additionally, the bank plans to bolster its security measures using Google Cloud’s platforms, integrated with advanced threat detection capabilities. Mambu’s CEO, Fernando Zandona, acknowledged Bank Muamalat’s pioneering role in adopting cloud banking solutions in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the initiative’s endorsement by Malaysia’s regulatory authority and its potential to modernize core banking systems.

Embracing a data-driven, AI-first strategy with the help of Google Cloud

Bank Muamalat’s strategy to advance its digital banking platform involves integrating Google Cloud BigQuery and Looker with its marketing platform for comprehensive customer data analysis. This move aims to enhance the bank’s understanding of customer behaviors and preferences through data gathered from direct interactions and marketing activities. By creating detailed customer profiles, the bank intends to offer more personalized banking products, particularly to underserved segments of the Malaysian population.

Additionally, the bank plans to implement generative AI tools like Vertex AI Search and Conversation to streamline internal processes. These tools will enable staff to quickly access insights from the bank’s data, reducing the time spent on information retrieval and allowing more time for customer engagement.

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This approach is part of Bank Muamalat’s broader strategy to improve its banking services by leveraging data analytics and AI, without compromising the personal touch essential to Islamic banking. The initiative is designed to make banking more efficient and customer-centric, aiming to meet the evolving needs of their clientele.

Through this partnership, Bank Muamalat sets a new standard for traditional financial institutions to embrace technological innovation to better serve their customers and society.

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