AI-Driven Phishing Scams Increase 617% in Latin America
AI isn't human. Pentagon's AI lethal weapons initiatives. Mercado Libre uses AI to detect fraudulent advertisements. OpenAI's Board of Directors Drama. Artificial General Intelligence.
The latest news and trends in the Latin American AI startup scene.
Share your stories to ai@contxto.com.
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Why it’s important to remember that AI isn’t human
Language models like ChatGPT have sparked debate within the scientific community. Some experts see them as a potential threat to civilization, while others view them as mere auto-complete tools. The question arises as to whether the link between language and the mind has been severed or if a new type of mind has been created.
When conversing with language models, it is easy to mistake them for rational beings, but this impression is not reliable. Our brain's mechanism for guessing intentions can be misleading when interacting with these models. It is challenging to have a productive exchange with them if we treat them as mindless databases. Anthropomorphism and anthropocentric chauvinism can hinder our understanding of language models.
It is important to study them without relying heavily on the human mind as a guide and to approach them with an open-minded curiosity. By accepting that language models do not possess a deep fact about having minds, we can better evaluate their capacities and explore their mechanisms without dismissing their competencies. (Vox).
Pentagon’s AI initiatives accelerate hard decisions on lethal autonomous weapons
The Pentagon is pushing forward with its Replicator initiative to deploy thousands of AI-enabled autonomous vehicles by 2026, aiming to keep up with China's advancements.
This raises questions about the deployment of fully autonomous lethal weapons and the role of humans in supervisory positions. AI technology is already being used in various military applications, including surveillance drones, space monitoring, aircraft maintenance prediction, and fitness tracking.
The development of AI in the military is seen as crucial for future warfare, but challenges remain in terms of funding, trustworthiness, and the recruitment of AI talent. (Associated Press)
Quick News
Ecometric develops device to measure noise from wind farms
Startup Ecometric, originally an environmental consultancy, has developed an AI-based device in collaboration with Xenitt that measures the acoustic impact of companies on local communities.
The device, installed near wind farms, monitors real-time noise levels and detects mechanical failures, potentially saving the industry up to USD$100 billion in repairs.
Ecometric currently has over 100 devices in Chile and Guatemala and plans to expand to Brazil and Mexico in 2024. To fund its expansion, Ecometric aims to secure up to $2 million through the ScaleX program of the Santiago Stock Exchange. (Contxto)
Mercado Libre uses AI to detect fraudulent advertisements
Mercado Libre, a leading e-commerce platform in Latin America, is using artificial intelligence and machine learning to combat irregularities on its platform.
In the first half of 2023, only 0.74% of the over 614 million ads created or modified had to be removed due to violations. AI and ML tools helped detect and remove 98% of these ads automatically.
The platform can analyze over 5,000 variables in less than a second to identify non-compliant ads. Users can report suspicious ads, which are then paused and investigated. (Contxto)
Graymatics launches partnership program
Graymatics, a multimedia cognitive processing company, has announced its new partnership program in Brazil to expand its distribution channels for its AI solutions.
The company is seeking partners in Brazil who integrate systems and technology solutions, as well as CCTV infrastructure suppliers.
Graymatics already has advanced conversations with global partners in Brazil and aims to expand its distribution channels in Latin America.
Partners in the program will be responsible for selling Graymatics software and will receive training and support from the company. (EnterpriseTalk)
In this interview, Elena Gil Lizasoain, Director of the Artificial Intelligence & Big Data business unit at Telefonica Tech reflects on her 20-year experience with the company.
Elena discusses her pride in launching LUCA, Telefónica's data unit for the enterprise segment, and the transformative potential of digital technologies.
Elena admits they would find it difficult to live without a mobile phone due to its dependence on communication, work, and entertainment. (Telefónica)
Accurate data, proper policies, regulations needed for...
The president of the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Prakash Persad, and Planning and Development Minister, Pennelope Beckles, highlighted the importance of accurate data and policy decisions for the effective use of big data and AI.
They noted that the inadequacy of current data records and the lack of application of AI to industrial problems are hindering the digital transition in the country.
They identified challenges such as data privacy, data obsolescence, unequal access to technology, and the need for a skilled workforce. (Daily Express)
AI-Driven Phishing Scams Increase 617% in Latin America
The integration of AI tools has led to a 617% increase in phishing attacks in Latin America, according to Kaspersky.
The region recorded 286 million phishing attempts in 2023, with 42.8% targeting the financial sector. Trojan attacks on the banking sector have also increased by 50% compared to 2022.
Brazil and Mexico are the most affected countries. The lack of digital literacy among users makes them vulnerable to cyber threats, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity awareness. (Mexico Business News)
From 5G to AI: The ICT deals in Uruguay-China accords
China and Uruguay have signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen their bilateral relationship, with a focus on the digital economy and ICT.
The MOUs cover areas such as the development of the digital economy, financial payments, smart storage, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.
Uruguay has welcomed Chinese companies to supply its 5G networks, emphasizing technological neutrality. Other agreements include the exchange of talents in research and development, scholarships for Uruguayans to study in China, and cooperation in telemedicine and digital transformation in industries. (bnamericas)
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and its innovation laboratory, IDB Lab, have announced fAIr LAC+, a new phase of their initiative to promote the responsible adoption of AI in Latin America and the Caribbean.
fAIr LAC+ will provide advice, training, and a comprehensive portfolio of tools to help countries in the region harness the power of AI to address social inequality and improve public services.
The initiative will focus on regulatory frameworks, technology development and adoption, and skill-building. It will support policymakers, promote ethical AI use, and facilitate pilot projects to test the impact of regulations and strategies. (bnamericas)
Global AI security guidelines endorsed by 18 countries
The UK and the US have released global guidelines for securing AI systems against cyberattacks, with endorsements from 17 other countries.
The guidelines, developed by the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the US' Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), aim to ensure the safe and secure development of AI technology
The full list of endorsing countries includes G7 members and spans Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas, including Chile. (AI News)
Bard can now watch YouTube videos for you
Google's AI chatbot, Bard, is getting an upgrade to its YouTube integration that allows it to analyze videos and provide specific information without needing to play the video.
This feature could be useful for users, but it raises concerns for content creators as it may bypass their video content and potentially affect their revenue.
If this tool becomes integrated into YouTube in the future, it could have implications for creators and their content. Google will need to find a solution to address this issue to keep YouTube creators satisfied. (The Verge)
AI Education
Algorithmic Aspects of Machine Learning
This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of machine learning and deep learning, emphasizing the design and analysis of algorithms with provable guarantees. The course covers various topics such as non-convex optimization, tensor decomposition, nonnegative matrix factorization, and finding similar items using techniques like locality-sensitive hashing.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
The exam is designed for candidates who have expertise in applying data science and machine learning on the Azure platform. The responsibilities of this role include designing a working environment, exploring data, training machine learning models, implementing pipelines, running jobs, and managing scalable solutions
Mediterranean Machine Learning summer school 2023
The Mediterranean Machine Learning Summer School aims to provide advanced education and networking opportunities for participants from diverse backgrounds in order to promote equal representation and mastery of AI technology. Enjoy the classes for free.
Food for Thought
The Aftermath of the OpenAI Board of Directors Drama
The article discusses the recent events at OpenAI, including the ousting of CEO Sam Altman and the subsequent turmoil within the company. Altman was fired due to a lack of candor, specifically regarding the capabilities of OpenAI. The board of directors, which is focused on developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) in a beneficial way, made the decision.
Concerns were raised about a project called Q*, which could potentially lead to AGI. Altman's firing led to an internal revolt, with many employees demanding his return or considering leaving. However, Altman was reinstated as CEO with a new board that included prominent figures such as Bret Taylor and Larry Summers.
The article questions the future of OpenAI and suggests that it may not be the only leader in the AI industry. Other foundation models and consuming OpenAI models through Microsoft are considered alternatives. (The Artificially Intelligent Enterprise)
The Incoming Wave of Artificial General Intelligence
This essay explores the potential and challenges of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). It discusses various domains that could be transformed by AGI, such as mathematics, optimization, predictive modeling, autonomous systems, and creativity.
It emphasizes the need for ethical engagement and governance to harness AGI's potential while mitigating risks. The essay also highlights the limitations of current AGI systems, including algorithmic biases and reliability issues.
It calls for collective action and responsible innovation to ensure AGI serves humanity's best interests. Overall, the text paints a picture of both promise and peril in the evolving landscape of AGI. (AI for Dinosaurs)
Fostering innovation via the next generation
The collaboration between the data center industry and universities in Latin America is crucial for promoting innovation, talent development, and economic growth in the region.
By connecting universities with data center companies, opportunities for joint research and the development of cutting-edge solutions are created. This collaboration benefits both the industry and students by providing practical experience, relevant skills, and stronger job opportunities.
It also strengthens the workforce and infrastructure of the data center industry, attracting investment and boosting economic development. Collaboration is essential for driving innovation and addressing technological challenges in an increasingly digitalized world. (Data Centre Dynamics)
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