Commentary and a selection of the most important recent news, articles, and papers about AI.
Today’s Brief Commentary
I spent this last week at the Q2B conference in Santa Clara, California, so my mind has focused more on quantum technologies than AI. That’s my excuse for playing catch-up on AI topics in this newsletter edition. There were some discussions about AI, but much less than the dedicated Inside Quantum Technologies Quantum + AI conference in New York City at the end of October, of course.
If you only follow one link and read one article in today’s collection, make it the first one about the database of AI risks. I think it’s a good idea to immerse yourself in this collection so you can watch AI progress and innovation with a fuller perspective.
I’ve included an article by IBM about photonics for networking in data centers. This is an active area of product development for several vendors because we must move data faster to keep up with the requirements of AI training and inferencing.
Photonics is also critical to the future of quantum computing. The neutral atom, trapped ion, and photonic (obv.) modalities all require the tech to operate. They and all the rest will require it for quantum networking among quantum processing units, memory, and sensors. To emphasize: you knew about the importance of electronics and computing, and now photonics is becoming just as core and critical.
General News, Articles, and Analyses
New database details AI risks | MIT Sloan
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/new-database-details-ai-risks
Author: Beth Stackpole
(Tuesday, November 26, 2024) “Given the scope and seriousness of the risk climate, a team of researchers that included MIT Sloan research scientist Neil Thompson has created the AI Risk Repository, a living database of over 700 risks posed by AI, categorized by cause and risk domain. The project aims to provide industry, policymakers, academics, and risk evaluators with a shared framework for monitoring and maintaining oversight of AI risks. The repository can also aid organizations with their internal risk assessments, risk mitigation strategies, and research and training development.”
Semiconductor Chipsets and Infrastructure
IBM Brings the Speed of Light to the Generative AI Era with Optics Breakthrough | IBM Newsroom
(Monday, December 9, 2024) “IBM researchers have demonstrated a way to bring optics’ speed and capacity inside data centers. In a technical paper, IBM introduces a new CPO prototype module that can enable high-speed optical connectivity. This technology could significantly increase the bandwidth of data center communications, minimizing GPU downtime while drastically accelerating AI processing.”
Generative AI and Models
How CEOs Can Navigate the New Geopolitics of GenAI | BCG
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/how-ceos-navigate-new-geopolitics-of-genai
Authors: Nikolaus Lang; Leonid Zhukov; David Zuluaga Martínez; Marc Gilbert; Meenal Pore; and Etienne Cavin
(Monday, December 9, 2024) “While the US and China have established early dominance in supplying this crucial technology, other competitors are emerging. Here’s what leaders need to know.”
Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the generative AI models | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/12/what-is-google-gemini-ai/
Authors: Kyle Wiggers and Maxwell Zeff
(Thursday, December 12, 2024) “Wondering what all the fuss is about Gemini, Google’s next-gen generative AI model family? Here’s a handy roundup to get you up to speed.”
Government Policy, Legislation, and Regulation
Nvidia facing Chinese anti-monopoly probe as business practices come under scrutiny | TechRadar
https://www.techradar.com/pro/nvidia-facing-anti-monopoly-probe-as-gpu-practices-come-under-scrutiny
Author: Craig Hale
(Tuesday, December 10, 2024) “The recent run of high-profile antitrust investigations could be set to intensify even further with the launch of a Chinese-backed anti-monopoly investigation into Nvidia.
The country’s probe focuses on alleged violations linked to Nvidia’s near-$7 billion acquisition of networking company Mellanox Technologies in 2020.”
New York Governor Sets Out AI Ambitions at AI Summit New York
https://aibusiness.com/responsible-ai/new-york-governor-sets-out-ai-ambitions-at-ai-summit-new-york
Author: Berenice Baker
(Thursday, December 12, 2024) “During her State of the State address in January, [New York Governor Kathy] Hochul announced Empire AI, a 10-year, $400 million partnership between the state of New York, the private sector and academic institutions to develop a model of how AI can be used for public good.”
Legal Affairs
Nvidia must face lawsuit alleging it downplayed crypto’s impact on its success | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24318794/nvidia-supreme-court-investor-lawsuit-cryptocurrency
Author: Lauren Feiner
(Wednesday, December 11, 2024) “Nvidia must face an investor lawsuit claiming it misled shareholders about the impact of the cryptocurrency market on its sales after the Supreme Court dismissed the company’s appeal.”