Today in AI - November 30, 2024

Space exploration is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, with spacecraft and satellites being prime targets. The integration of AI in space operations heightens these risks, leading the U.S. government and private companies to bolster cybersecurity measures to protect critical space infrastructure from sophisticated threats and geopolitical tensions. Jonathan Birch's book, The Edge of Sentience, delves into the ethical challenges of managing beings with uncertain sentience, such as animals, AI, and neural organoids. Birch calls for a precautionary approach to prevent potential suffering, stressing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and strong policy development. Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi service has been granted its first permit for autonomous vehicle trials in Hong Kong. This milestone highlights Hong Kong's dedication to innovation and positions the city as a significant player in the global autonomous vehicle industry. GE Vernova is advancing the nuclear power sector with its small modular reactors (SMRs) to address rising electricity demands and reduce carbon emissions. The BWRX-300 reactor, noted for its cost efficiency and flexibility, is key to this initiative, offering substantial economic and environmental benefits as efforts intensify to achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2035. Elon Musk has filed for a preliminary injunction against Open AI, Microsoft, and several key individuals, accusing them of anticompetitive practices and self-dealing that undermine Open AI's original nonprofit mission. Musk's legal action raises concerns about Open AI's transition to a for-profit model, alleging it limits competition and compromises the ethical development of AI technologies.