Director James Cameron referred to AI actors as “terrifying” and remarked that what generative AI technology generates is merely “average.”
Cameron told CBS on Sunday morning. As the third Avatar film, titled Fire and Ash, approaches its release, he discussed the groundbreaking technology utilized in the film. He expressed admiration for the motion-capture performance, calling it “a celebration of the actor-director moment” but voiced his concerns about artificial intelligence. “Go to the other side of the spectrum.” [from motion capture] There is also a generative AI that allows for character creation. They can compose actors and build performances from scratch using text prompts. No, it’s not like that. That’s unsettling to me. It’s the antithesis of what we are not doing. ”
He added, “I don’t want a computer to perform tasks that I take pride in doing with actors. I have no desire to replace actors. I enjoy collaborating with them.”
Cameron, who is associated with UK-based company Stability AI, mentioned that the creative advantages of artificial intelligence are constrained. “Generative AI cannot create something new that hasn’t been seen before. The model can be trained on all previous works, but it lacks the ability to innovate beyond existing creations. Essentially, it yields a human art form born from a blend of experiences, which results in something average. What you miss is the distinctive lived experiences of individual playwrights and the unique traits of specific actors.”
“It also compels us to maintain high standards and to continue to think creatively. The act of witnessing an artist’s performance in real time becomes sacred.”
The Justice Minister informed the House of Lords on Monday that artificial intelligence chatbots could play a role in preventing the accidental release of prisoners from jail.
James Timpson announced that permission had been granted for the use of AI at HMP Wandsworth after a specialized team was assembled to explore “quick-fix solutions”.
This response follows a dual investigation initiated last week after a sex offender and fraudster was mistakenly released from a prison in south-west London.
Opposition MPs have seized upon recent release blunders as proof of governmental negligence amid turmoil in the criminal justice system.
Attorney-General David Lammy is set to address Parliament regarding the number of missing prisoners when MPs reconvene on Tuesday.
It is reported that AI technology can assist in reading and processing paperwork, aiding staff to cross-check names and prevent inmates from concealing prior offenses under false identities. It can merge various datasets while calculating release dates and notifications.
Currently, many of these tasks are performed by untrained staff utilizing calculators and piles of paperwork.
In response to a query in the Upper House on Monday, Lord Timpson remarked: “The frequency of releases from one prison to another varies significantly. At HMP Gartree, the average is just two releases per year, while at Wandsworth it reaches 2,000.”
“That’s why our digital team visited HMP Wandsworth last week to explore potential opportunities for adopting digital solutions quickly.
“We have an AI team in place, and they believe an AI chatbot could provide significant assistance, among other benefits. It can also cross-reference aliases, as we know some criminals may use over 20 different names.”
He further stated: “We have authorized the team to move forward with this.”
Brahim Kadour Sherif, 24, was mistakenly released on October 29 and was re-arrested on Friday following a police operation.
He was serving time for burglary with intent to steal and had a record for indecent assault.
Sherif is believed to have overstayed his visitor visa after arriving in the UK in 2019 and was in the process of being deported.
Another inmate, Billy Smith, 35, who was accidentally released from Wandsworth on Monday after being sentenced to 45 months for fraud, voluntarily returned to custody on Thursday.
The wrongful release of these two individuals heightened scrutiny on Ramy, who had introduced a new checklist for prison staff just days earlier after mistakenly releasing sex offender Hadush Kebatu on October 24.
Kebatu, who arrived in the UK via a small boat, created a disturbance in Epping, Essex, after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was improperly released from Chelmsford Prison and tried to return to the prison at least four times before finally being arrested in Finsbury Park, North London, and given funds for deportation back to Ethiopia.
According to government statistics, 262 prisoners were mistakenly released over the 12 months leading to March this year, marking a 128% increase from 115 the previous year. The majority of these incidents (233) occurred in prisons, with the remaining 29 happening in court settings.
Unions and prison governors have cited the complicated early release protocols and reliance on paper systems as contributing factors to the recent surge in errors, with numerous documents going missing between prisons, courts, and the Ministry of Justice.
The chief inspector of prisons remarked that the recent surge in early prisoner releases indicates “a system on the brink of collapse”.
In a recent piece, Charlie Taylor stated that the escalation in erroneous early releases is “concerning and potentially hazardous”.
Last weekend, reports surfaced indicating that four individuals remain unaccounted for following wrongful releases, with two having been released in June this year and two more scheduled for release in 2024.
On Monday, government sources suggested that one of these individuals had been apprehended.
However, in a sign of an ongoing crisis within the prison system, it appears he was never mistakenly released, but was incorrectly listed among those who had been.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson commented: “These incidents highlight the nature and extent of the prison crisis this government has inherited.
“It’s evident that these issues won’t be resolved overnight, which is why we are constructing 14,000 new prison spaces, engaging technical experts to modernize systems, and providing immediate support to staff.”
The Technology Secretary has urged a comprehensive restructuring of the UK’s foremost AI Institute, emphasizing defense and national security, as evidenced by a detailed letter advocating for leadership modifications.
Peter Kyle expressed that it is evident that additional measures are necessary to ensure that the government-backed Alan Turing Institute realizes its full potential.
In a letter to the ATI chair, which was reviewed by the Guardian, Kyle suggested that the institute’s focus should shift towards prioritizing defense, national security, and “sovereign capabilities,” referring to the ability of nations to regulate their own AI technologies.
Seeking new priorities implies that ATI’s current focus has been on health and environmental issues. Under the proposed “Turing 2.0” strategy, defense and security will become two of the lab’s three main areas of concentration.
“Advancements in defense and national security initiatives should be central to ATI’s operations, and ties with the UK’s security, defense, and intelligence reporting communities should be reinforced accordingly,” Kyle stated.
Revealing that the Turing 2.0 strategy falls short of governmental expectations, Kyle expressed his desire for a change in ATI’s leadership.
“In order to achieve this vision, it is crucial that ATI’s leadership aligns with the institute’s newly defined focus,” he wrote as first reported by Politico. “While we recognize the current leadership’s achievements in reforming the institute during challenging times, we must carefully evaluate the importance of having management with relevant experience and industry knowledge to guide this transition.”
ATI is chaired by Doug Gurr, the former head of Amazon’s UK operations and interim chair of the UK competition watchdog.
The Institute is undergoing a reorganization under CEO Jean Innes, with indications that one in five employees may place ATI’s reliability in “serious jeopardy.” Late last year, ATI expanded its staff by 440, but has since initiated a redundancy process.
Although ATI operates with nominal independence, it recently secured £100 million from the government under a five-year funding agreement. The letter indicated that ATI’s “long-term funding arrangement” could be assessed next year. Kyle noted that the government intends to maintain its current levels of research and development in national security and defense over the next three years while increasing the number of defense and national security personnel integrated into the lab.
Dame Wendy Hall, a professor of computer science at the University of Southampton and co-chair of the 2017 Government AI Review, cautioned that the proposed changes would result in ATI no longer functioning as a national laboratory.
“If the lab centers on defense and security, it won’t serve as a national lab for AI,” Hall remarked. “The scope is too narrow. If the government seeks an AI lab focused solely on defense and security, it should explicitly state that.”
In February, the government demonstrated its focus on national security within its AI strategy by renaming the AI Safety Institute, which was established under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Kyle’s letter labeled the government’s 50-point AI action plan as a “demonstration” of the UK’s AI ambitions. The plan aims for a 20-fold increase in publicly managed AI computing resources by 2030, with a goal of integrating AI into the public sector.
An ATI representative stated that the institute is committed to “critical missions” supporting the UK, including defense and national security.
“We align with the government’s vision of AI to enhance the UK, welcome acknowledgment of our pivotal role, collaborate closely with the government to advance its priorities, and continue to provide scientific and innovative contributions for the public good,” the spokesperson affirmed.
The Departments of Science, Innovation, and Technology asserted that these proposed changes represent a “natural progression” for ATI following the renaming of the Safety Institute.
“We believe these suggested changes not only ensure that the Alan Turing Institute delivers genuine value but also play a significant role in safeguarding our national security,” the spokesperson concluded.
British workers need to embrace AI and turn their apprehensions into “exhilarating” experiences, or risk being outpaced by their peers, stated the technical secretary.
Peter Kyle urged both employees and businesses to “act quickly” to engage with new technologies.
Innovations like the advent of ChatGPT have triggered significant investments in technology, although it is expected that numerous roles across various sectors, including law and finance, will be impacted.
Kyle remarked: “[Using AI] leads to a sense of exhilaration, as it is often simpler than people think and more rewarding than they anticipate.”
After speaking with the leader of a technology firm, Kyle addressed the government’s initiative to train 7.5 million British workers in AI by 2030, with support from companies like Google, Amazon, and BT.
He added:
“It’s an optimistic message: act now, and you’ll prosper in the future. Failing to act could leave some behind, which is my biggest concern.”
Kyle pointed out a generational divide in AI usage, noting that individuals over 55 are adopting AI technologies more than those over 35. He suggested that merely two and a half hours of training might bridge this gap.
“There’s no need for people to delve into quantum physics,” Kyle emphasized. “They simply need foundational training on how AI functions and how to engage with it, discovering the opportunities available to them in the workplace.”
This week, Keir Starmer acknowledged that many are “skeptical” about AI and anxious about their job security. At London Tech Week, the Prime Minister stated that the government aims to demonstrate how technology can “generate wealth in your community” and significantly enhance public services.
According to recent polling data shared with the Guardian, individuals in English-speaking nations, such as the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada, express greater anxiety about AI’s rise compared to those in the largest EU economies.
Predictions regarding AI’s impact on employment vary, with organizations like the OECD warning that automation may lead to job losses in skilled sectors like law, healthcare, and finance. The International Monetary Fund reports that 60% of jobs in advanced economies like the US and UK are at risk from AI, with half potentially facing negative repercussions.
Nonetheless, the Tony Blair Institute advocates for the broad adoption of AI across both public and private sectors, arguing that potential job losses in the UK private sector will be offset by new roles created through technology.
Kyle expressed his intention to reset the conversation around AI and copyright after opposing the government’s proposed revisions to copyright law. The Data Bill, which included controversial provisions allowing AI firms to use copyrighted material without consent, was approved after no further amendments related to copyright were submitted by the Lords.
“I approach this with humility and a willingness to reflect on how I could have handled things better,” he stated. “I am committed to moving forward with a renewed focus on what creative rights can offer in the digital age, akin to the benefits enjoyed by generations in the analog era.”
As stated by the new Minister of Industry and Science, Tim Ayles, Australia must either “aggressively pursue” the advantages of artificial intelligence or risk becoming “dependent on someone else’s supply chain.” The Labor government intends to impose further regulations on these rapidly advancing technologies.
Ayles, previously associated with a manufacturing union, recognized that there is significant skepticism surrounding AI in Australia. He emphasized the need for dialogue between employers and employees regarding the implications of automation in the workplace.
The minister insisted that Australia has “no alternative,” stating that the country is embracing new technologies while striving to become a global frontrunner in regulating and utilizing AI.
Ayers remarked to Guardian Australia, “The government’s responsibility is to ensure that we not only lean towards the opportunities for businesses and workers but also to be assured of our capacity to tackle potential challenges.”
“Australia’s strategy must prioritize regulation and strategy for the advantage of its people,” he added.
Ayers, who was elevated to Cabinet last month after serving in a junior role within manufacturing and trade, now leads the direction of the Labor Government’s flagship initiative. This comprehensive plan connects manufacturing, energy transition, research, and business policies.
Ayers faces immediate challenges regarding AI policy. His predecessor, Ed Husic, established critical frameworks focused on developing the local industry and setting essential guidelines for AI usage, which included discussions around new independent AI regulations.
Less than a month into his new role, Ayers stated that the government is still defining its actions, considering the rapid advancements in technology from similarly-minded countries. He indicated that the response would involve laws and regulations that have yet to be finalized, emphasizing the importance of swift action for Australia.
“There is no alternative but to adopt an Australian approach,” he asserted. “This approach dictates how we shape Australia’s digital future and how we ensure that we gain agency in technology development alongside global partners in these matters.
“The alternative is to remain passive and find ourselves at the mercy of someone else’s supply chain.”
The minister highlighted that Australia stands to “reap significant benefits” from AI adoption, particularly emphasizing increased productivity and economic growth. Ayers, who grew up on a cattle farm near Lismore, noted that both white-collar and blue-collar jobs have much to gain from automation and new technologies.
Drawing from his experience with manufacturing unions, he acknowledged the harsh reality that many workers have internalized the belief that the only more detrimental alternative would be for Australia to become a technological dead-end.
“However, I want to encourage companies and employers to consider the impact of AI adoption on enhancing job quality,” Ayers stated.
“Our industrial relations framework allows for adequate consultation and engagement at the corporate level, fostering discussions about these issues on an individual workplace basis.”
Recently, Australia’s Business Council released significant reports detailing Australia’s potential to emerge as a global leader in AI, enhancing productivity and boosting living standards through economic expansion.
“A recently published BCA document highlighted a significant level of skepticism among Australians regarding this new wave of technology, which is not unusual for our country,” Ayles remarked.
“Every wave of technological transformation shapes the labor market. This is a fact. The adverse consequences of technological evolution in employment have historically been outweighed by new investments and developments within employment and technology.”
Ayers also affirmed that the Labor party would sustain its forward agenda for Australia, emphasizing an “active” focus on boosting the production of key minerals, iron, and steel as part of the renewable energy transition.
“I am committed to doing everything in my power to establish new factories and enhance industrial capacities,” he stated.
“Specifically, areas like Central Queensland and Hunter and Latrobe have the opportunity to intersect with future energy benefits and industrial capabilities, permitting Australia to better support these communities as well.”
Proposals for regulating artificial intelligence are lagging by at least a year as the UK minister aims to advance a significant bill addressing the use of this technology and its associated copyrighted content.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is set to present a “detailed” AI bill in the upcoming Congressional session to tackle pressing issues, including safety and copyright concerns.
This delay in regulation raises concerns ahead of the next King’s speech. While no date has been confirmed for this event, some reports suggest it may occur in May 2026.
Initially, Labour had intended to introduce a concise, targeted AI bill shortly after taking office, focusing specifically on large-scale language models like CHATGPT.
The proposed legislation would have mandated companies to provide their models for assessment by the UK AI Security Institute, aiming to address fears that advanced AI models might pose threats to humanity.
However, with the bill behind schedule, the minister has opted to align with the approach of Donald Trump’s administration in the US, fearing that excessive regulations might dissuade AI companies from the UK.
Now, the minister is eager to incorporate copyright regulations for AI firms within the AI bill.
“We believe this framework can help us tackle copyright issues,” a government source commented. “We’ve been consulting with both creators and tech experts, and we’ve uncovered some intriguing ideas for the future. Once the data bill is finalized, our efforts will begin in earnest.”
The government is currently facing a dispute with the House over copyright provisions in a separate data bill. AI companies can utilize copyrighted materials for model training unless the rights holders opt out.
This has led to a strong backlash from the creative community, with notable artists like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Kate Bush lending their support to a campaign against these changes.
Recently, Piers backed an amendment to the data bill that would require AI companies to declare whether they are using copyrighted materials for model training, ensuring compliance with existing copyright laws.
Despite Kyle’s expressed concerns over the government’s approach, he has resisted calls to backtrack. The government contends that the data bill does not adequately address copyright matters and has vowed to publish an economic impact evaluation alongside several technical papers on copyright and AI.
In a letter to legislators on Saturday, Kyle further pledged to create a cross-party working group on AI and copyright.
Beevan Kidron, a film director and crossbench peer advocating for the creative sector, remarked on Friday that the minister “has neglected the creative industry and disregarded Britain’s second-largest industrial sector.”
Kyle mentioned in Commons last month that AI and copyright should be included in another “comprehensive” legislative package.
An overwhelming majority of the UK populace (88%) believes the government should have the authority to halt AI product usage if deemed a significant risk. This finding was published in March by the ADA Lovelace Institute and the Alan Turing Institute, which shows that over 75% of people feel that safety oversight for AI should be managed by governments or regulators, alongside private companies.
Scott Singer, an AI specialist at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted: “The UK is strategically navigating between the US and the EU. Similar to the US, the UK is aiming to avoid overly stringent regulations that could stifle innovation while exploring meaningful consumer protection methods.”
The Minister employs obscure parliamentary tactics to block amendments to data bills that demand artificial intelligence firms to reveal their use of copyrighted material.
Last week, the government removed the transparency amendment, backed by their colleagues in the House of Representatives. Consequently, there is no budget allocated for new regulations during the Commons discussion on Wednesday afternoon.
This amendment would have compelled tech companies to specify the copyrights utilized in their models.
168 members opposed, whereas 297 lawmakers voted for the elimination of the amendment.
Data Protection Minister Chris Bryant acknowledged that this situation “feels like an apocalyptic moment” for many in the creative sector, but he argued that a revision on transparency wouldn’t solve the core issues, emphasizing it “should be done comprehensively, not just piecemeal.”
Bryant stated that the more data bills are approved, the quicker he can move to update copyright laws.
Mrs. Kidron remarked that the Minister then responded with a roundtable session and misleading queries about technical solutions.
“It’s astonishing that the Labour government is abandoning the workforce of the entire sector. My inbox is flooded with messages from individual artists and global companies expressing that the government allows widespread theft and is comfortable with being associated with thieves. Yet, this government has chosen to disregard these concerns.
“Throughout the creative and business communities, as well as in Congress, people are bewildered by the government’s maneuvering over issues that affect their livelihoods.”
Kidron plans to propose a rephrased amendment next week, ahead of the bill’s return to the Lords, setting the stage for another round of contention. This proposal entails eliminating references to regulations or disregarding implemented timelines.
Owen Meredith, CEO of the News Media Association, commented: “It is regrettable that the government has overlooked the serious concerns of the creative sector, especially news publishers, regarding democratic values.
“Instead, the government has utilized Parliamentary measures to dismiss industry concerns, rather than seizing this critical opportunity to promote transparency that could enhance the UK’s vibrant licensing market for valuable creative content. The time remains for Parliament to support the UK’s creative industry while granting AI companies access to high-quality data. The focus is shifting towards the Lords. The government must acknowledge the urgent necessity to wield the required powers now.”
Recently, hundreds of artists and organizations, including Paul McCartney, Jeanette Winterson, Dua Lipa, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, urged the Prime Minister to “not sacrifice our work for the interests of a few powerful foreign tech companies.”
The government’s copyright proposal is set for consultations this year, but opponents of the plan are leveraging the data bill to voice their dissent.
The primary government proposition is to permit AI companies to utilize copyrighted works for model training without prior consent from copyright holders unless they choose to opt out.
The government contends that the creative and tech sectors are being hindered and that new legislation is essential to address this issue. They have already made one concession to the data bill by pledging to conduct an economic impact assessment of their proposal.
A spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology stated: “We aim to enable both the creative industry and AI companies to flourish. That’s why we’re negotiating individual packages of measures that we hope will benefit both sectors. We are not rushing into decision-making or advancing with legislation until we are confident we have a viable plan to achieve each objective.”
Before the global AI summit in Paris, British technology secretary warns that Western, liberal, democratic countries should lead artificial intelligence races, hinting at China’s involvement in the competition. He emphasized the importance of liberal values in advancing AI technology.
Peter Kyle mentioned that political leaders and tech executives will convene in France to discuss the emergence of a new Chinese AI powerhouse, posing a challenge to Silicon Valley’s dominance. Kyle highlighted the UK’s potential to lead AI development.
The summit aims to facilitate collaboration between global leaders and businesses to showcase the UK’s expertise and role in advancing AI technology. Kyle stressed the significance of democratic countries maintaining leadership in this critical field.
Kyle also emphasized the impact of AI on various sectors, including national security and defense. He underscored the need for democratic principles to guide the development and deployment of AI technology.
The emergence of Deepseek, a Chinese AI model, has sparked competition among countries and businesses to accelerate their efforts in technology development. Kyle expressed enthusiasm and determination to stay competitive in the AI race.
The AI Litigation Summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will bring together top leaders and tech experts to discuss AI advancements and global governance.
Peter Kyle said the government “has an agency on how this technology is developed, deployed and consumed.” Photo: Linda Nylind/The Guardian
Kyle defended the decision of British Prime Minister not to attend the summit, highlighting the government’s role in shaping the AI action plan. He stressed the importance of focusing on issues such as work, culture, and global governance in the summit.
The summit aims to promote sustainable AI development and make technology more environmentally friendly and accessible worldwide. It also addresses concerns about using copyrighted material to build AI models and emphasizes the importance of safety and transparency in AI development.
Kyle announced plans to establish an “AI Growth Zone” in the UK to support the training and operation of AI systems. The government aims to revitalize regions that have historically lagged behind in technological advancements.
Efforts are underway to provide energy infrastructure to support the growth zone and enhance the country’s capacity to lead in AI technology. The government is working with network operators to meet the energy demands of AI data centers.
The government has identified potential sites for the AI Growth Zone, including regions in Scotland, Wales, and England. Kyle highlighted the opportunity for energy-intensive regions to benefit from AI technology advancements.
The upcoming summit aims to address concerns and promote trust and safety in AI development, ensuring that AI technology benefits both people and the planet.
TikTok’s ability to provide “uplifting” content and its impact on UK-China relations have raised concerns for the UK government regarding the use of data of millions of Britons, according to the technology secretary. The acceptance of video apps is being shaped by these concerns, the secretary stated.
After a US court upheld legislation that could potentially result in TikTok being banned or sold in the US, Peter Kyle expressed his worries about the platform’s data usage in relation to ownership models. “I am genuinely concerned about their use of data in relation to ownership models,” he told the Guardian.
However, following President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily suspending the US ban for 75 days, Kyle referred to TikTok as a “desirable product” that enables young people to embrace different cultures and ideologies freely. He emphasized the importance of exploring new things and finding the right balance between the euphoria TikTok offers and potential concerns about Chinese propaganda.
A recent study from Rutgers University indicated that heavy users of TikTok in the US demonstrated an increase in pro-China attitudes by around 50%. There are fears that the Chinese government could access the data collected by the app. TikTok claimed to use moderation algorithms to remove content related to alleged abuses by the Chinese Communist Party and the suppression of anti-China material.
The study concluded that TikTok’s content aligns with the Chinese Communist Party’s goal of shaping favorable perceptions among young viewers, potentially influencing users through psychological manipulation. It described TikTok as a “flawed experiment.”
In response to these findings, Kyle urged caution when using TikTok, highlighting the presence of bias in editorial decisions made by various platforms and broadcasters. He emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring social media trends and taking action if necessary to safeguard national security.
When asked about concerns regarding TikTok as a propaganda tool, Kyle stated that any actions taken by the government would be made public. He also mentioned being mindful of China’s relationships with other countries, clarifying that his comments were not specifically directed at China.
Regarding the ban on TikTok in the US, Kyle noted the potential risks associated with using the Chinese version of the app, which could involve data collection and the dissemination of propaganda. He expressed concerns about the implications of such actions.
A representative from TikTok emphasized that the UK app is operated by a UK-registered and regulated company, investing £10bn to ensure user data protection in the UK and Europe through independent monitoring and verification of data security.
The Chinese government stated that it does not hold shares or ownership in ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, which is majority-owned by foreign investors. The founder, Zhang Yiming, owns 20% of the company.
In 2018, Mr. Zhang posted a “self-confession” announcing the shutdown of an app due to content conflicting with core socialist values and failing to guide public opinion properly. Following criticism on state television, he acknowledged corporate weaknesses and the need for a better understanding and implementation of political theories promoted by Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
TCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision this week to resign as leader of the Liberal Party brings the impending general election, which will be held amid political turmoil caused by President Donald Trump's “America” policies. The race for leadership has begun against the backdrop of the Deaf general election. First, there is “economic nationalism.” It also gave Tesla CEO Elon Musk an opportunity to insert himself into yet another country's political turmoil.
Since Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation on Monday, Mr. Musk has repeatedly posted about Canadian politics on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion in 2022. He celebrates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's ouster, interacts with Canada's right-wing influencers, and has praised a video by Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poièvre.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have promoted the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States, but all major Canadian party leaders, including Mr. Poilievre, reject this idea. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on Tuesday that there is “no snowball effect” for President Trump's proposal to become a reality.
“Miss, you're no longer the Governor of Canada, so it doesn't matter what you say,” Musk tweeted late Tuesday night.
Musk's post symbolizes a widening of his attempts to influence global politics over the past year, during which he has allied himself with a number of right-wing populist leaders and sought to influence far-right influence. It has expanded its power and persistently voiced conservative dissatisfaction. After spending more than $200 million to support President Trump's reelection campaign, he positioned himself as a key figure in determining U.S. policy and forcing foreign leaders to take Trump's provocations seriously. Ta.
Outside the United States, most of Mr. Musk's attention has been focused on the United Kingdom, where he has recently reignited the uproar over a child sex abuse scandal while promoting anti-immigration views, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer a “rapist.” “I'm doing it,” he accused. British”. Mr. Musk is also exerting influence on Germany's upcoming elections. Supports far-right, anti-immigration AfD party In an editorial, he hosted leader Alice Weidel for a livestream interview on his platform.
Musk's meddling in European politics has prompted leaders in Britain, France and Germany to speak out against his election interference and misinformation. Now it looks like it's Canada's turn to deal with the world's richest man.
While Musk remains in the background, Prime Minister Trudeau's Liberal Party is likely to hold a leadership election to replace Musk as prime minister, followed by a general election soon after.
Enliven Poièvre
In a series of posts after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, Musk expressed support for Poièvre, whose Conservative Party is widely expected to dominate Canada's general election after three years in Liberal government. There is. Musk's posts to his more than 200 million followers have already drawn comments from major political party leaders, highlighting how important he is as the country faces this year's political turmoil. Indicates whether it has the potential to become an element.
Canada's left-wing NDP leader Jagmeet Singh responded to Musk's tweet, saying, “Elon Musk and other billionaires support Pierre Poièvre because if he wins, they will… Because it will make you richer,” he posted.
In the days of Poilievre Asked about support for Mr. Musk “It would be great if we could convince Mr. Musk to open some factories here in Canada,” he said at a press conference Thursday. He also mentioned Musk's ambitions for space travel.
“My 3-year-old son wants to go to Mars, so I think Mr. Musk is the right person to reach out to him,” Poièvre said. “If I had a chance to meet with Mr. Musk, I would say, 'How can we create an economy that brings hundreds of billions of dollars of investment back to Canada?'”
Mr. Poièvre fits the mold of other conservative politicians who have appealed to Mr. Musk. He was once known as a combative, baby-faced lawmaker nicknamed “Skippy” by other members of Congress, but in recent years he has ditched his glasses and tie and taken on a more populist personality. Poilievre, an Alberta native, has positioned himself as an opponent of “Prime Minister Trudeau's woke authoritarian policies.” used for conspiratorial rhetoric About “Globalist Elite” and Promises to reduce immigration While blaming the Liberal Party for economic inflation.
Many of Poièvre's points revolve around the adoption of virtual currencies, cuts to government funding, and a new punitive government position with the power to withhold government subsidies to universities that don't protect free speech. It's reminiscent of ideas that Musk himself might promote, such as creating a “guardian of the world.” We are committed to protecting freedom of speech on campus. Poilievre also Support ban on trans women It promised to cut funding from women's bathrooms, locker rooms and sports, and cut funding to Canada's national public broadcaster and news organizations.
Musk posted a 2023 clip of Poièvre eating an apple while disdainfully answering questions from a local news editor, calling it a “masterpiece.” The billionaire also praised Poièvre's video talking about spending cuts and inflation. In a third post, Musk tweeted, “Great interview,” sharing Poilievre's remarks. Talking with right-wing commentator Jordan PetersonIn it, the Conservative leader promised “the biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history.” Mr Poièvre's interview with Mr Peterson drew condemnation from both the Liberal Party and the NDP over the fact that it was sponsored by a US-based Christian anti-abortion group.
According to opinion polls taken before Prime Minister Trudeau resigned, the Conservative Party has great advantages And Canada this year, even if Last month's survey It has been shown that only 37% of Canadians view Poièvre himself favorably.
Despite Musk's support, Poièvre may also face a balancing act over how closely to work with Trump, who remains an unpopular figure in Canada. According to a public opinion poll during the US presidential election, Only 21% of Canadians support it While Trump was re-elected, another poll in November showed that About 19% of Canadians trust Musk's opinion. about their country's politics.
As in the U.S., many of the Canadian political accounts Musk is associated with tend to be respected conservative media influencers, which Musk spreads to his millions of followers. are.
In one post this week, Musk shared misleading claims about Trudeau from far-right media entrepreneur Ezra Levant, which were later corrected by a community note. Levant publishes the website Rebel News, whose contributors include British anti-Muslim extremist Tommy Robinson, Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and former top commentators. face goldiewas fired after appearing on a neo-Nazi podcast. Musk also exchanged tweets with Lauren Southern, an early “alt-right” Canadian influencer and former Rebel Media host who gained notoriety by creating anti-immigrant YouTube videos. promote of white supremacist “The Great Successor” conspiracy theory.
Jordan Peterson is another Canadian touchstone for Musk. In addition to sharing Peterson interviews with Poièvre and exchanging the occasional tweet, Musk appeared on Peterson's show last year. In it, the tech mogul claimed that his transgender child “died” after receiving gender-affirming care and was “killed by a wake-up mind virus.” . Vivian Wilson, Musk's transgender daughter, responded that Musk's characterization was wrong and that her father was absent.
Musk also frequently interacts with Canadian marketing professor Gad Saad at X. Gad Saad has developed an online following through his books and podcast appearances attacking what he calls “the parasitic ideas that are destroying the Western world.”
“I read your insightful book on the parasitic wake-mind virus,” Musk tweeted on Third last year. “It gave me nightmares.”
Musk celebrates Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation
While Mr. Musk has expressed support for Mr. Poièvre, he is relishing Mr. Trudeau's fall from grace. On Wednesday, he shared an AI-generated meme of Donald Trump playing a sad violin in the background of Trudeau's resignation speech, and also responded to an old tweet of his own in which he predicted Trudeau would lose power. did.
Musk has expressed opposition to Trudeau multiple times in recent years over issues such as COVID-19 safety restrictions, most notably in 2022 when he shared a meme comparing Trudeau to Hitler. It was. Musk deleted the tweet after being criticized by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Holocaust Museum, but as recently as December he again called for Trudeau's political ouster.
Prime Minister Trudeau had been a target of right-wing media long before the Musk attack, with far-right commentators such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson portraying him as some kind of socialist dictator and of Canada as a dystopian hellscape. He dedicated a corner to drawing like this.
Within Canada, the reasons for Trudeau's resignation are more complex. Although he maintained a progressive glow internationally, many Canadians across the political spectrum came to find Mr. Trudeau's personality sinister and hypocritical. domestic scandal. Rising cost of living, inflation and fatigue with the minority Liberal government lost significant support from his party. The recent collapse of the cabinet, the failure of last year's by-elections and the threat of a no-confidence vote ended up being a death sentence for his leadership.
Nick Clegg, former UK deputy prime minister and current director of international affairs at Meta, is leaving the company after six years.
“It truly was an adventure of a lifetime!” said Clegg. post On facebook. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done leading and supporting teams across the company to ensure innovation goes hand in hand with increased transparency and accountability, and new forms of governance.”
Clegg joined Facebook’s parent company in 2018 as vice president of global affairs and communications for the social media platform. At the time, the company was under intense scrutiny over the Cambridge Analytica data scandal and its role in the 2016 US presidential election. He was promoted to director of policy in 2022 after helping establish the Facebook Oversight Board, an independent board that makes decisions about the social network’s moderation policies.
“My time at the company coincided with a major reset in the relationship between ‘big tech’ and the social pressures expressed in new laws, institutions and norms impacting the sector,” Clegg said. wrote. “I hope that I have played a role in bridging the disparate worlds of technology and politics, worlds that continue to interact in unpredictable ways around the world.”
Mr. Clegg will be replaced by Vice President Joel Kaplan, who is “clearly the right person for the right job at the right time,” Mr. Clegg wrote. Mr. Kaplan previously served as deputy chief of staff for policy under former President George W. Bush. He is known as the company’s most prominent conservative voice and rose to the top during a difficult time for Facebook. liberal bias claims.
During his tenure, Kaplan pushed for a partnership with the fact-checking arm of the right-wing news site The Daily Caller, responding to Republican concerns about the company’s affiliation with mainstream news outlets. Most recently, Kaplan caught in the photo Alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance at the Time Person of the Year award ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange.
The policy team reshuffle comes just weeks before President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. As President Trump enters and leaves office, tech companies including Meta have vacillated between enforcing moderate provisions such as account bans on Trump or reversing their decisions. Days after Trump’s election, Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. This comes after President Trump threatened to punish Zuckerberg if his policies had any impact on the election.
In response to Clegg’s Facebook post, Zuckerberg thanked the executive and said, “Given his deep experience and insight over many years leading our policy efforts,” Kaplan said. said he is excited to take on the role.
Zuckerberg responded to Clegg’s post, writing, “You have had a significant impact on advancing Meta’s voice and values around the world, and our vision for AI and the Metaverse.” “You have also built a strong team to advance this work.”
Ministers have stated that the social media ban for under-16s is not currently being considered, despite teenagers urging a reconsideration of plans to restrict access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat following Australia’s example.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, issued a warning to social media platforms about potential fines and prison sentences for breaching online safety laws coming into effect next year. Efforts are being made to increase prevention of online harm.
During a meeting with teenagers at NSPCC headquarters, Mr. Kyle emphasized that there are no immediate plans to ban children from using smartphones, as it is not his preferred choice.
Teenagers expressed concerns about platform addiction and difficulties in seeking help for hacked accounts or offensive content, but did not call for a ban. They highlighted the importance of social connections, support, and safety.
Mr. Kyle’s initial comments about considering a ban caused worry among teenagers, but he clarified that a ban could be a possibility depending on evidence of its effectiveness, especially in light of similar legislation in Australia.
The main focus remains on preventing child fatalities linked to social media activity, with Mr. Kyle citing instances of tragic outcomes. Efforts are ongoing to enhance age verification software to protect children from inappropriate online content.
The education secretary of Northern Ireland has issued a sincere apology after the personal information of over 400 individuals who volunteered to assist with a review of special needs education was accidentally leaked.
The breach was discovered when the Department of Education mistakenly sent a spreadsheet to 174 individuals, containing the names, email addresses, and job titles of 407 people interested in participating in the review of special educational needs events in Northern Ireland.
The spreadsheet included comments from several individuals.
The department has requested the 174 recipients to delete the information they received and has confirmed that this has been done.
Many affected individuals have reported their concerns to authorities regarding the data breach.
Education Secretary Paul Givhan stated, “The Department of Education takes data protection seriously and deeply regrets this incident. We apologize to all those impacted and have informed them about the breach.”
Givan has ordered an internal audit department to conduct a thorough investigation into the data leak to prevent such incidents in the future.
An initial report has been submitted to the Information Commissioner’s Office, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
This data breach is not the first in Northern Ireland, as a similar incident occurred last year involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Around 5,000 officers and staff from PSNI took legal action after personal details of approximately 9,500 employees were mistakenly disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information request.
The leaked information included employee last names, initials, ranks, grades, workplaces, and departments, and was later discovered to have reached dissident republicans.
Griffiths appears to have demonstrated to her how education is done. “He pointed to a hanging sphere in the science museum that changed its appearance from planet to planet and declared, 'This is Mars!'” An employee gently informed him that it was actually the sun. All I had to do was give it to you. Still, Griffith exclaimed, “That's Saturn!” As the Earth changes. The employee interjected. “No, no, that’s Jupiter.”
Back in 1991, one of the first Ig Nobel Prizes was awarded to then-U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. Quayle was given additional duties, and he became the chairman of something called the National Space Council. He was often in the news for educating the masses. statement Something like:
“[It’s] The time has come for humanity to enter the solar system. ”
“We saw the pictures [of Mars] We believe that where there are canals, there is water. ”
“Really, very strange people can get into sensitive positions and have a huge impact on history.”
Ig Nobel Prize Quote explained He praised Quayle for being a “consumer of time and occupier of space” who “demonstrated the need for science education better than anyone else.”
As we watch Vim for Education spread from country to country, the feedback is encouraging. No matter where the sky is, the sky is the limit.
base notes
Andy Howe celebrates a somewhat musical discovery about fish that spend much of their time on the muddy ocean floor. Does Andy Howe delight in details? And how! He said: nature communications) This concerns the apparently suspicious noises of the Plainfin Midshipman, a species also known as `california singing fish'`. They are endowed with a “sonic swim bladder” that allows them to communicate through modulated, trumpet-like hums and growls. There is a double resonance here as the lead author is his A Bass. ”
“Bass” is Andrew Bass, a professor of neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University in New York. When Bass isn't out at sea chasing fish, he spends his time at the office. mud hole. I can't help but notice that Bass's feedback is imbued with nominative determinism.
light entertainment
Retired internist John Innes rallies in Call for Feedback (December 9, 2023) to refute the old adage that “Medicine is primarily about entertaining the patient; nature cures disease.” or asked for first-hand testimony in the affirmative.
He sets the scene first. “In the 1890s, Faroese and Danish physician Niels Finsen showed that ultraviolet light could treat tuberculosis (TB) in the skin. This work earned Finsen the Nobel Prize in 1903. The first studies used artificial ultraviolet light, which was widely used to treat tuberculosis in the 1920s and 1930s.
“However, it was already known that natural ultraviolet light was present in sunlight. This was one of the factors that encouraged the development of sanatoriums for the treatment of tuberculosis. In the 1950s, antibiotics were introduced. After its introduction changed the treatment of tuberculosis, ultraviolet light therapy was lost to history.
John then describes his experiences as a physician specializing in infectious diseases in Birmingham, England in the 1980s: At that time, all new entrants to nurse training were to be offered the tuberculosis vaccine if they had not already done so. In her case, an ulcer appeared at the injection site and gradually enlarged over two months to about 8 centimeters in width. I recommended antibiotics. However, she did not have time to pick up her prescription because she was scheduled to go on vacation the next morning. So I told her to postpone her treatment and come back in 4 weeks.
“She came back after spending two weeks sunbathing on the beach near Tangier. The ulcer had healed and she didn't need anything more. So she left it alone while nature healed her illness. was enjoying it.”
loop soup
What is loop soup? It's hard to say. It's difficult to say succinctly.
Wojtek Furmanski and Adam Kolawa of the California Institute of Technology appear to have injected the phrase into the world of physics in 1987 in the middle of a 35-page paper called `Yang-Mills vacuum: an attempt at lattice loop calculus`Published in the magazine Nuclear Physics B.
Loop soup is only mentioned once. This is their word. “This medium is still far from an asymptotic ‘loop soup’ and is beyond our reach.”
This text may be incomprehensible to those without a deep education in nuclear physics. Still, the phrase stuck. Just 33 years later, Valentino Voigt and Matthew Kleban of New York University `New recipe for Brownian Loop Soup`This may definitely whet your appetite.
Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers.his website is impossible.com.
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A ban on social media use for under-16s has been branded “speculative”, but the government must “continue to consider” the need to protect children, the minister said.
Science Minister Andrew Griffiths dismissed “speculative” reports that some young people’s access to social media could be restricted as part of a “potential consultation” into the issue.
Ministers are reportedly discussing the impact of sites such as TikTok and Instagram on young people’s wellbeing, with future plans potentially forcing them to get parental permission before using social networks. It is said that there is a sex.
Asked by Sky News whether such a proposal could be enforceable, Mr Griffiths said: “Well, we’re just talking about speculation.”
He said the government had already passed online safety laws that would “make activities that were illegal offline illegal online.”
Latest politics: Businesses face ‘period of uncertainty’ over Home Office visa changes
But he went on to say that social media has had “real harm” as well as “good”.
“As a parent myself, I understand that parents feel a very strong need to protect their children from the evils of society that have been prevalent on social media in the past,” he said.
“We have already taken action and it is right to continue to consider it. I don’t think we can ever say the job is done.
“That is speculation about the possibility of talks taking place in the new year.”
Asked whether talks were taking place, he said: “I don’t think any of us know what’s going on and I’m not going to comment on any further talks at this point.”
The Online Safety Act was passed in October and aims to make the UK “the safest place online in the world”.
Under this law, regulations are imposed on businesses such as: meta and apple This is to ensure that inappropriate and potentially dangerous content is kept away from young people and vulnerable people.
Examples include content that promotes suicide or self-harm. The coroner handed down the verdict last year. that it contributed to teenagers Molly Russell to take one’s own life.
read more: What is the Online Safety Bill? Who is for it, who is against it, and how will it be enforced? Pornographic websites may require the use of photo ID and credit card checks to protect children
The law would also hold platforms accountable for illegal content such as child sexual abuse images, force adult websites to properly enforce age restrictions, and prevent underage children from creating social media accounts. The purpose is
Media regulator Ofcom will be responsible for enforcing the new rules, and companies that fail to do so will face fines of up to £18m or 10% of their global annual turnover, whichever is greater.
Companies and senior managers could also face criminal charges if it is determined that they are not doing enough to protect children, and in the most extreme cases, the platform’s operations in the UK could be suspended completely. There is also a possibility that it will be blocked.
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