I am introducing cryptography.
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Researchers from the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad revealed a newly discovered attack, named AutoSpill, during a presentation at the Black Hat Europe 2023 conference.
AutoSpill targets popular Android password managers, potentially exposing usernames and passwords.
The attack takes advantage of Android’s WebView framework, commonly utilized by services like Microsoft, Google, and Apple to open web pages within apps, allowing users to log in quickly without using the main browser.
Android password managers also leverage the WebView framework to automatically input account credentials on login pages.
AutoSpill exploits this process when an app prompts users to log in using WebView, enabling the interception and theft of usernames and passwords.
The researchers attribute this vulnerability to the lack of clear guidelines in Android regarding the handling of autofill data, providing an avenue for threat actors to acquire sensitive information discreetly.
The study conducted tests on devices running Android 10, 11, and 12, revealing vulnerabilities in popular password managers like 1Password, Keeper, Enpass, Keepass2Android, and LastPass without requiring JavaScript injection.
However, Google Smart Lock and DashLane proved to be immune to AutoSpill due to their use of a different mechanism. Nevertheless, all mentioned password managers could be exploited if JavaScript injection is employed.
The researchers responsibly shared their findings with the Android security team and password manager developers, and both parties acknowledged the validity of the discovered vulnerabilities. This collaboration aims to address and rectify the identified issues to enhance the security of Android password managers.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Pros:
– Excellent display
– Awesome speakers
– Solid build quality
– Dependable performance
– Good bunch of accessories
– Strong value proposition
Cons:
– Below-average cameras
– Average battery life with only 20W charging
– No cellular connectivity option
– Should have come with an included stylus
Rating: Starts at Rs 26,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant Price: 4/5
Over the course of the year, we have seen several Android tablets flooding the market that promise great value. However, most of them make some compromises or the other. They will either come with a terrible screen that just sucks the joy out of using a tablet, or they will be nerfed by the hardware that it packs internally and offer terrible performance.
In this regard, Lenovo’s latest release, the Tab P12, comes closest to solving the problem that many consumers are facing. It combines affordability with a generous screen size and pretty good performance.
For the P12, Lenovo has not merely focused on the tablet’s internal components but has also revamped its aesthetics as well/ We get a much larger display than its previous gen 11 series, Furthermore, under the hood, Lenovo has opted for a different SoC for the Tab P12. Sporting the MediaTek Dimensity 7050, a relatively new processor, the tablet offers a significant boost in performance.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Despite these changes, the Tab P12 maintains its versatility, supporting various accessories such as a stylus and keyboard, which makes it even more functional. In this comprehensive review, we explore whether this overall package justifies its price tag.
Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Design
The Tab P12, boasting a 12.7-inch display, showcases an aluminium case with a slim 6.9-mm profile reminiscent of Lenovo’s business laptops, featuring a sophisticated two-tone Storm Gray design.
Although weighing 690 grams, making it not the lightest in its category, the XXL tablet provides a comfortable grip. The 8-mm frame surrounding the device contributes to an 87 per cent display-to-surface ratio, ensuring a secure hold without unintended touches to the screen.
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The seamless transition between the display, frame, and back cover imparts a premium feel to the Lenovo Tab P12, striking a balance between quality and stability suitable for family use. While the case can be bent with relative ease, resulting in some creaking, this is unlikely to be a concern in typical usage. Notably, the tablet lacks an IP certification for water and dust resistance.
In terms of features, the Tab P12 incorporates a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, offering fast and responsive unlocking. The convenience extends to registering multiple fingers for unlocking in various orientations. Additionally, the left side houses a microSD slot along with the power button.
A significant highlight is the tablet’s compatibility with the folio keyboard case, effectively transforming it into a laptop-like device and introducing a dedicated desktop mode. Users can even pair a wireless mouse for enhanced functionality.
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For prospective buyers, investing in the official folio keyboard case is highly recommended, as it seamlessly connects via the pins located on the tablet’s bottom. Furthermore, the tablet’s four speakers, with Dolby Atmos support, are strategically positioned in pairs along both short sides. The Pogo PIN connection with three contact points at the device’s bottom serves as a dock for the optional keyboard, enhancing its versatility.
Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Display
The standout feature of the Tab P12 that makes it worth considering is undoubtedly its impressive display. Boasting a 12.7-inch screen, it is pretty substantial in size. The Tab P12’s display is among the best I’ve encountered in the sub-40,000 price range.
The tablet sports a 3K resolution screen with HDR10 support and a 60Hz refresh rate, which, while respectable, falls short of some competitors offering a 120Hz refresh rate at a lower price point. Despite not reaching 4K resolution and featuring an unconventional resolution, the Tab P12’s display limitations are evident when streaming on most OTT platforms, restricted to 1080p content, with native 4K content confined to YouTube.
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However, the Tab P12 excels in video upscaling during playback, enhancing the sharpness and vibrancy of even 1080p content. Notably, the display settings menu includes an “video quality enhancement” option that, when enabled, optimizes the viewing experience.
The tablet’s colour reproduction, particularly for hues like red and green, is commendable, delivering ample contrast without sacrificing naturalness. In summary, the Tab P12 proves itself as a reliable choice for immersive movie-watching and reading experiences.
Despite its impressive features, it’s essential to note a couple of drawbacks with the Tab P12. The tablet’s substantial weight, which is 600 grams, can lead to discomfort when held for extended periods.
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Another notable concern is the screen’s tendency to reflect a significant amount of light because of its glossy finish, particularly in daylight. This hinders the viewing experience and may require users to adjust their position or seek shaded environments for optimal visibility.
Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Audio & Camera
The Tab P12 boasts Dolby Atmos certification and incorporates a quad-speaker setup from JBL, ensuring a robust audio experience even at higher volume levels. The tablet provides an immersive and joyous audio experience when enjoying well-crafted content.
Optimized for Dolby Atmos, the Tab P12 elevates the watching experience for movies and TV shows. Notably, viewing a film like Birdbox showcases the tablet’s ability to deliver sound as intended by the director, providing an impressive level of audio quality. While it may not match the excellence of Apple’s spatial sound, the Tab P12’s speaker setup performs admirably, especially considering its price point.
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However, a notable drawback is the absence of a 3.5mm jack. While this omission may be acceptable for some users, it can be a cause for concern, particularly for a device heavily focused on content consumption like a tablet. The absence of a traditional audio jack limits users’ flexibility in connecting wired headphones or external speakers, impacting the versatility of the tablet for certain users.
The Lenovo P12 is also equipped with a single 13MP rear camera and an 8MP selfie camera, the Lenovo Tab P12 delivers average camera performance, particularly under controlled lighting conditions. In optimal settings, the camera produces satisfactory results; however, challenges arise in low-light environments.
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Photos captured in low light exhibit noticeable noise and muted colors, indicating limitations in low-light performance. The overall sharpness of images in such conditions is compromised, likely to mitigate the impact of noise.
While the microphones function adequately for video calling, there is room for improvement in image quality. Enhancements in the camera system could elevate the overall photography and video-calling experience on the Tab P12. Users should be aware of these camera limitations when considering the tablet for tasks that require advanced imaging capabilities.
Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Performance, Software and Features
The Lenovo Tab P12 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7050 SoC and comes with 8GB of LPPDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage in the variant under review.
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Performance across various benchmarks is commendable, with the Dimensity 7050 SoC proving to be a stable chipset in throttle tests. However, it’s worth noting that the Xiaomi Pad 6, featuring the Snapdragon 870 SoC, outperformed the Tab P12 in most performance-oriented benchmarks.
In day-to-day use, the Lenovo Tab P12 proves reliable, particularly for multimedia consumption. While there may be some noticeable stutters when switching between apps, they are not significant. Running on Android 13-based Lenovo ZUI 15, the tablet offers a mostly clean user interface, with a few pre-installed apps. Notably, the Lenovo Freestyle app stands out, allowing users to mirror their PC screen on the tablet. Lenovo promises two years of Android updates and four years of security updates, which is respectable in this segment.
Gaming on the Tab P12 is smooth, and the four surround sound speakers contribute to an immersive audio experience. For instance, in PUBG Mobile, the tablet maintains a stable 40 FPS in HD/Ultra settings. The device also handles less GPU-demanding games like Armajet and Subway Surfers well, though the 60Hz display limits the frame rate.
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The tablet runs on stock Android 13 for tablets, featuring a user-friendly interface with an iPad-like dock for quick app switching. Lenovo includes first-party apps like Lenovo Freestyle, facilitating screen and data sharing. The “Tide” app offers wellness features, including exercises for focus improvement and anxiety reduction, making the software experience refreshing and straightforward.
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While the Lenovo Tab P12 can serve as a laptop substitute for light browsing and schoolwork with Google apps, it’s advisable not to expect high-end laptop performance. Additionally, the separately sold Lenovo Tab Pen Plus at Rs 5,000 (MRP) adds versatility, enabling doodling and quick picture-taking, but professional creators may find its capabilities limited.
Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Battery
The Lenovo Tab P12 boasts an impressive battery life, thanks to its massive 10,200mAh battery. Although it comes with a 20W charger, users have the flexibility to leverage faster charging using a 45W USB-PD charger.
On a single charge, the Lenovo Tab P12 consistently delivered over seven to eight hours of battery life, making it well-suited for extended usage. For the average user, the tablet should easily last through an entire work shift without encountering any battery-related issues.
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However, the noteworthy battery performance is somewhat tempered by the tablet’s slow charging capability. Using the provided 20W charger, the Lenovo Tab P12 reached approximately 25 percent battery in the first 30 minutes of charging. A complete charge can take over to two hours.
Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Verdict
While the Lenovo Tab P12 may not be a perfect tablet, its price-to-performance ratio is remarkable. The combination of excellent speakers and a large, high-resolution display positions it as an outstanding entertainment tablet. While the performance may not reach the highest levels, it is sufficient for playing many games at medium graphics settings.
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The tablet offers a nearly pure Android experience, promising two version updates, and features like a reliable stylus and keyboard, along with amenities such as a fingerprint reader. The only drawback appears to be the fact that the stylus is an optional extra.
However, considering its asking price, the Lenovo Tab P12 impresses with its solid build, exceptional screen, and remarkable speakers. While not a performance powerhouse, it stands out as one of the best tablets in its budget range, particularly excelling in content consumption.
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India is set to embark on a new mission that will combine the powers of AI with healthcare and agriculture. This will also bolster India’s computing capabilities, with a specific focus on providing support to small businesses and startups, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023, Modi outlined the mission’s objective to establish robust AI computing power within the country, facilitating improved facilities for innovators and startups.
“This will help India’s innovators and startups get better facilities. Under this mission, AI applications in agriculture, healthcare and education-related sectors will be promoted,” said the Prime Minister.
Underlining the importance of inclusivity in AI technology, Modi emphasized the need for development guided by human and democratic values.
He stated, “The more inclusive the development journey of AI, the more inclusive will be the results.” The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of incorporating emotions, ethics, and efficiency in the direction of AI development. “The direction of AI development will totally depend on human and democratic values. It is up to us to keep a place for emotions along with efficiency, ethics along with effectiveness,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI, emphasizing the dual nature of the technology as both a tool for development and a potential threat.
He highlighted challenges such as deep fake technology, cybersecurity risks, data theft, and the possibility of terrorists exploiting AI tools.
“While AI can become the biggest tool for development, it can also play a vital role in destroying the 21st century. The entire world is facing the challenge of deep fake. Apart from this, cybersecurity, data theft and terrorists getting hold of AI tools also present grave dangers for the world,” Modi said.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the union minister for electronics and information technology, shared India’s commitment to harnessing AI for inclusive growth.
Vaishnaw outlined the vision for AI applications in sectors such as native language-based citizen services, accessible healthcare, and precision agriculture techniques to enhance crop yield.
“India believes in harnessing the potential of AI for inclusive growth. This vision translates into AI use in sectors such as serving citizens through native language, making healthcare accessible and improving yield through precision agriculture techniques,” Vaishnaw said.
Addressing the event, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the minister of state for electronics and information technology, acknowledged the accelerated pace of AI development in the last 18 months.
He stressed the importance of transparency and bias-free algorithms in AI models to build trust among users.
The GPAI, a global alliance consisting of 29 countries including the US, the UK, the EU, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Australia, Belgium, and France, aims to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.
The alliance is grounded in principles such as human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth. The GPAI Summit 2023 marks a pivotal moment in international collaboration on shaping the future of AI.
(With inputs from agencies)
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In response to the ongoing growth in the cryptocurrency market, Google has announced revisions to its advertising policies, permitting crypto coin trusts to display advertisements.
However, this comes with certain terms and conditions as the tech giant aims to balance promotional content with investor protection.
Starting January 29, 2024, advertisers of cryptocurrency coin trusts will be allowed to market their products in the United States through Google ads. Despite this move, Google emphasises that advertisers must comply with local laws and be certified by Google.
The certification process involves meeting local licensing requirements and ensuring adherence to legal standards in the respective country or region.
Google clarified that advertisers promoting cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets are also allowed to advertise through Google Ads but must undergo certification and comply with local legal requirements.
Cryptocurrency coin trusts, as defined by Google, refer to financial products enabling investors to trade shares via trusts holding significant amounts of digital currencies.
Examples include Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which may or may not receive approval in the US next year. ETFs allow individuals to invest in cryptocurrencies through traditional market exchanges rather than being limited to cryptocurrency exchanges.
The announcement aligns with the broader trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny around the crypto sector globally.
Governments and tech giants have been cautious about promotional content related to digital assets to safeguard investors amid the high-risk nature of these investments.
The lack of regulatory clarity has also deterred advertisers from participating in significant advertising spaces.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to deliver a verdict on Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in January 2024, coinciding with Google’s planned implementation of changes to its advertising policies.
The move signals a cautious yet evolving approach by major platforms to accommodate the growing presence of cryptocurrencies while prioritizing regulatory compliance and investor protection.
(With inputs from agencies)
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In a significant development, a federal jury in California has ruled that Google’s mobile app store, the Play store, holds a monopoly in the market for program distribution and payments on its Android software.
The decision is a setback for Google in its high-stakes antitrust battle with Epic Games Inc. The jury found that Google willfully wields a monopoly through anticompetitive conduct in the operation of its Play store.
The verdict, reached after less than four hours of deliberation following a month-long trial in San Francisco, raises concerns for Google’s app store revenue, potentially jeopardizing billions of dollars.
US District Judge James Donato, overseeing the trial, will determine whether Google must allow alternative payment and app distribution methods outside its own app store in light of the ruling that Google Play policies are unlawful.
Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, initiated a legal challenge against Google three years ago, alleging that the tech giant monopolized the Android app distribution market through exclusive deals with rivals and using its resources to stifle competition.
Google argued that its partnerships were aimed at helping Android-based phones better compete with Apple’s iPhone in the smartphone market.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, celebrated the ruling on social network “X.” The trial featured testimony from both Sweeney and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, along with high-ranking executives from Google and antitrust law experts.
Confidential internal emails and presentations from Google were presented as evidence, providing insight into the company’s efforts to develop Google Play and its Android mobile operating system business.
Notably, Epic was the sole party challenging Alphabet at trial, as the company had recently reached settlements with consumers, state attorneys general, and Match Group Inc., who had all raised concerns about Google Play policies.
This ruling comes two years after Epic largely lost a similar antitrust challenge against Apple over its app store.
During the trial, Alphabet counterclaimed against Epic, alleging breach of contract and bad faith for attempting to establish its own app store in 2020 as a workaround to the Google Play billing system. However, the judge ordered the jury to skip ruling on Google’s counterclaims after Epic executives admitted to attempting to bypass the Play store.
The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for the broader landscape of app store competition and antitrust scrutiny in the technology industry. Legal experts and analysts, however, claim that Google is bound to appeal the ruling.
(With inputs from agencies)
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A US District Judge, Robert Pitman, has upheld Texas’ ban on the use of the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok by state employees, including those working in public universities, on state-owned devices or networks.
The decision comes after the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed a lawsuit in July, asserting that the TikTok ban in Texas was impeding faculty research related to the platform.
Judge Pitman rejected the lawsuit, stating that the Texas ban was motivated by legitimate data protection concerns. He deemed the restriction on access to TikTok as “reasonable” in light of the state’s worries about data security.
In his ruling, Pitman clarified that public university faculty and all public employees are free to use TikTok on their personal devices, as long as those devices do not access state networks.
This decision contrasts with a recent case in Montana, where a US judge blocked the state’s attempt to ban all TikTok use starting January 1. The judge in Montana ruled that the ban violated the Constitution and exceeded the state’s power.
TikTok had previously sued Montana in May, arguing that the state ban infringed upon the First Amendment free speech rights of both the company and its users.
The issue of TikTok bans extends beyond Texas and Montana, with more than 30 states and federal agencies in the US, including the White House, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department, prohibiting TikTok use on government devices.
A federal ban on TikTok for government devices, mandated by Congress in December 2022, includes exceptions for national security, law enforcement, or security research activities.
TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has faced scrutiny globally due to concerns over its ties to the Chinese government and the handling of user data worldwide. Despite having over 150 million users in the United States, TikTok denies any improper use of US data. The ongoing legal battles underscore the complex challenges surrounding the popular social media platform’s operations in the country.
(With inputs from agencies)
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In a groundbreaking move, Apple has reportedly diverted its product development focus for the iPad to Vietnam, signalling a significant shift in the Southeast Asian nation’s role as an alternative manufacturing hub outside of China, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.
Nikkei reports sources familiar have said that Apple is collaborating with China’s BYD, a key iPad assembler, to relocate New Product Introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam.
NPI involves the collaborative design and development of new products with suppliers to ensure the feasibility of blueprints. This marks the first time that Apple has transferred NPI resources to Vietnam for a core device.
The engineering verification process for test production of a new iPad model is set to commence around mid-February next year. The model is expected to hit the market in the second half of the following year. It’s worth noting that BYD was the initial Apple supplier to assist in relocating iPad assembly to Vietnam in 2022, as reported by Nikkei.
This particular shift of NPI engineering resources is concentrated on entry-level iPad models rather than the premium iPad Pro. NPI entails substantial resources from both the tech company and its suppliers, including engineers and investments in lab equipment for testing new features and functions.
While the majority of Apple’s NPI activities have historically taken place in China, recent geopolitical uncertainties have compelled the company to reconsider its approach. Additionally, Apple plans to extend some NPI processes for the iPhone to India, as previously reported by Nikkei Asia.
As the world’s leading tablet manufacturer, Apple currently commands a market share of 36.6% in the first three quarters of 2023, according to IDC data. Counterpoint Research estimates that approximately 10 per cent of all iPads were manufactured in Vietnam this year, with the majority still produced in China.
Vietnam has emerged as a crucial tech manufacturing hub for Apple, with the company urging suppliers to establish new capacity for nearly all its products, excluding the iPhone.
This move positions non-China hubs, including Vietnam, as genuine alternative manufacturing bases. Industry executives and experts assert that Vietnam consistently plays a crucial and strategic role in manufacturing, potentially evolving into one of the next global manufacturing centers.
Ivan Lam, a tech analyst at Counterpoint Research, emphasized Vietnam’s pivotal role, stating, “Apple’s recent supply chain mapping has demonstrated the capability of its production site in Vietnam to manufacture the iPad and scale up production.” Lam added that, given the maturation of production conditions and the reduced difficulty level of iPad manufacturing in Vietnam, it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a reality, with an initial focus on non-pro models.
Although several analysts acknowledge the emergence of India and Vietnam as pivotal manufacturing ecosystems, they also emphasise that despite US-China tensions, Apple will continue to collaborate closely with Chinese suppliers during its supply chain transition.
(With inputs from agencies)
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It seems that OpenAI has some massive plans for India. The AI giant, led by Sam Altman, is forging a collaboration with Rishi Jaitly, former head of Twitter India, to gain insights into the complexities of India’s AI policies and regulations.
Jaitly has joined OpenAI as a senior advisor, with a focus on facilitating discussions with the Indian government regarding AI policies. This strategic partnership aims to navigate the intricate landscape of AI governance in India.
According to a report by TechCrunch, OpenAI also has plans to establish a local team in India, which signals an effort to engage with the rapidly growing AI ecosystem in the country.
Rishi Jaitly brings a wealth of experience to this collaboration, having previously served as the head of the public-private partnership for Google in India from 2007 to 2009. Subsequently, he joined Twitter in 2012 as the company’s first employee in India, where he joined as the Founding Managing Director, and left in 2016 as Vice President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & North Africa.
While OpenAI currently does not have an official presence in India, Sam Altman had a significant interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the country in June. The discussions focused on India’s growing tech landscape and the potential benefits of AI for the country.
The collaboration with Rishi Jaitly and the establishment of a local team reflect OpenAI’s commitment to understanding and contributing to India’s evolving AI landscape.
Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s vice president of global affairs, is set to participate in the upcoming Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence summit in Delhi. The event, titled “Collaborative AI for Global Partnership (CAIGP) – Global Cooperation for Equitable AI,” will feature discussions with industry experts and international leaders. According to sources quoted by TechCrunch, Jaitly played a role in arranging Makanju’s involvement in the summit.
During a June event in New Delhi, Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, responded to a question about building foundational models with a $10 million budget, stating it was “hopeless.”
Despite facing criticism from Indian entrepreneurs, Altman clarified that his remarks were taken out of context. He emphasized the challenge of competing with well-funded organizations like OpenAI with a limited budget and encouraged startups to focus on innovative contributions.
India, as the world’s most populous country and the second-largest internet market, offers growth opportunities. Altman expressed OpenAI’s interest in India during his visit to IIIT Delhi, acknowledging the country’s enthusiasm for embracing AI and other technologies.
While OpenAI has not disclosed any investments in India, an investor mentioned that the company views India as a key market and is exploring opportunities to expand its presence. However, the pace of OpenAI’s move into the Indian market remains uncertain.
With a more aligned board supporting OpenAI’s commercial initiatives, regulation appears to be one of the few obstacles in the company’s path. Working on the regulatory front may be a crucial focus for the company at this juncture.
In contrast, Microsoft, OpenAI’s major investor and strategic partner, has a significant presence in India, with a strong foothold established since 1990s. The software giant operates one of its largest R&D centres in Bengaluru, along with three data centres across the country. With over 20,000 employees in 10 Indian cities, Microsoft actively invests in Indian startups, showcasing a robust presence in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Since the abrupt removal of Sam Altman from the OpenAI board two weeks ago, the circumstances leading to this dramatic event remain shrouded in mystery.
Altman, who swiftly returned to the CEO position after his ouster, has maintained silence about the incident, and Microsoft, a significant OpenAI backer, has offered no insights. Even former board members, who resigned in the aftermath of Altman’s departure, have refrained from public disclosure.
Speculations abound, with various theories emerging to explain Altman’s sudden exit. Reports have surfaced, alleging manipulative and double-crossing behavior by Altman, including attempts to get a co-worker fired.
Recent coverage from the Washington Post claims that complaints were lodged with the OpenAI board, accusing Altman of “psychologically abusive” and “toxic” conduct, leading to internal debates among board members about addressing his behaviour.
Citing unnamed sources, the Washington Post suggests that these complaints played a significant role in the board’s decision to fire Altman.
The sources assert that Altman’s behaviour would have made it challenging for the board to effectively oversee the CEO. Additionally, Altman was accused of lying to the board in an attempt to have another board member, Helen Toner, ousted.
Another report sheds light on the conflict between Altman and Toner, who disagreed on the direction OpenAI should take. Toner, an academic, had co-authored a paper critical of OpenAI’s decision to release ChatGPT at a specific time.
Allegedly, Altman accused her of harming OpenAI and actively sought support from other board members to have her fired.
While the prevailing theory initially pointed to disagreements over the pace of AI technology commercialization, evidence now suggests that Altman’s personality and behaviour were substantial factors in his ousting.
Toner, commenting on Altman’s firing, stated that the decision aimed to strengthen OpenAI and align with the organization’s original mission.
Despite Altman’s reinstatement as CEO, the aftermath has left lingering questions. The Washington Post report notes that Altman’s removal jeopardized an investment deal that allowed long-time employees to sell their stock back to OpenAI, impacting the company’s internal dynamics.
OpenAI and Altman have resumed operations, with Microsoft integrating the startup’s tools into its Copilot virtual assistant. However, Altman’s image may have sustained lasting damage, requiring time for the repercussions to fully unfold and clarity to emerge from the unresolved situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
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In a significant milestone toward establishing the world’s inaugural comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, the European Union (EU) has achieved a provisional agreement that imposes restrictions on the operations of cutting-edge AI models, including the highly advanced ChatGPT.
As outlined in a document obtained by Bloomberg, developers of general-purpose AI systems, characterized by their versatility across various applications, are mandated to adhere to fundamental transparency criteria. Notably, these requirements do not apply to models offered as free and open-source software.
The stipulations include the implementation of an acceptable-use policy, the maintenance of updated information on model training methodologies, the submission of a comprehensive data summary used in training, and the establishment of a policy to uphold copyright laws.
The regulations escalate for models identified as presenting a “systemic risk,” a determination based on the computing power employed during training. Models exceeding the threshold of 10 trillion-trillion or septillion operations per second fall into this category, with experts highlighting OpenAI’s GPT-4 as the sole model automatically meeting this criterion. The EU’s executive arm reserves the authority to designate other models based on factors such as dataset size, EU business users, and end-user registration.
Highly capable models must commit to a code of conduct while the European Commission refines more cohesive and enduring controls. Failure to sign onto the code compels models to demonstrate compliance with the AI Act to the commission. Notably, the exemption for open-source models does not apply to those posing systemic risks.
Additional obligations for these models include the disclosure of energy consumption, internal or external adversarial testing, assessment and mitigation of systemic risks, reporting incidents, implementation of cybersecurity controls, divulging information used in model fine-tuning, and adherence to energy-efficient standards if developed.
Despite the tentative agreement, final approval is pending from the European Parliament and the EU’s 27 member states. Previous reservations voiced by France and Germany about potentially stifling regulation for general-purpose AI models, thereby disadvantaging European competitors like Mistral AI in France and Aleph Alpha in Germany, still linger.
Spain’s Secretary of State, Carme Artigas, indicated that Mistral AI, currently in the research and development phase, may not be immediately subject to general-purpose AI controls. The evolving landscape of AI regulations remains a focal point as the EU navigates the complexities of balancing innovation and oversight.
(With inputs from agencies)
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