Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent veto of California’s Senate Bill (SB) 1047, known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, reignited the debate about how best to regulate the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Newsom’s veto illustrates a cautious approach to regulating a new technology and could pave the way for more pragmatic AI safety policies.
An emerging body of research suggests that large language models (LLMs) can “deceive” humans by offering fabricated explanations for their behavior or concealing the truth of their actions from human users. The implications are worrisome, particularly because researchers do not fully understand why or when LLMs engage in this behavior.
I was excited to contribute to a group of over 20 prominent AI researchers, legal experts, and tech industry leaders from institutions including OpenAI, the Partnership on AI, Microsoft, the University of Oxford, a16z crypto, and MIT on a paper proposing "personhood credentials" (PHCs) as a potential solution to the growing challenge of AI-powered online deception. PHCs would provide a privacy-preserving way for individuals to verify their humanity online without disclosing personal information. While implementation details remain to be determined, the core concept warrants serious consideration from policymakers and tech leaders as AI capabilities rapidly advance, threatening to erode the trust and accountability essential for societies to function.
The increasing capabilities of AI have sparked an important debate: Should the "weights" that define a model's intelligence be openly accessible or tightly controlled? This article dives deep into the arguments on both sides. Proponents say open-weight models accelerate innovation, enable greater scrutiny for safety, and democratize AI capabilities. Critics warn of risks like misuse for disinformation or military purposes by adversaries. The piece examines recent developments like frontier open-weight models from Meta and Mistral, Mark Zuckerberg's case for openness, concerns about China's AI ambitions, and the US government's cautious approach.
The recent AI policy roadmap from the bipartisan AI working group in Congress strikes a thoughtful balance between promoting AI innovation and addressing potential risks. It lays out a nuanced approach including increased AI safety efforts, crucial investments in domestic STEM talent, protections for children in the age of AI, and "grand challenge" programs to spur breakthroughs - all while avoiding hasty overregulation that could stifle progress
The federal Opportunity Zone program offers the chance to invest in entrepreneurs in overlooked communities. A central animating theme of the American dream is that anyone with an idea can launch their own business. This entrepreneurial energy makes enormous contributions to society by addressing unmet needs, improving lives and solving pressing problems. These entrepreneurs also serve as an economic engine for communities by creating jobs that lift people out of poverty.
I had the privilege of participating in the event where Pope Francis inaugurated the new headquarters in Vatican City of Scholas Occurrentes. The event was also used to serve as a ceremonious launch for the U.S. chapter based in Los Angeles. I’m honored to be part of the advisory board and look forward to the important discussions that will emerge from this work.
Credentials have become the coinage of the realm as labor markets demand higher levels of skills and experience. What was once confined to high school diplomas and college degrees has now become an ever-expanding range of credentials offered by schools, post-secondary institutions, apprenticeships, certifications programs, and boot camps. Unfortunately, there has been little data on what credentials exist, how portable they are, and which employers recognize them.
The non–profit Credential Engine has taken the first step in filling this information gap. It recently released a report containing what is believed to be the most comprehensive count of credentials in the labor market, finding a staggering 738,428 unique credentials that include…
I’ve had the chance to do a few aerial flights with FLYNYON and loved experiencing the city from a different perspective. But nothing prepared me for the beauty of the city at night, nor how powerful it would be to see the Tribute of Light on the 18th anniversary of the horrific attacks of 9/11. Incredible tribute to those lost, but also a symbol of resolve and resiliency.
Pictures from a recent trip to South Africa visiting andBeyond’s Phinda Lodge, Londolozi, and Jabulani. Incredible experience learning about important conservation efforts to protect species, including elephants and rhinos. And a very powerful experience visiting the Apartheid Museum and several places that played important roles in Nelson Mandela’s journey.
Department of Education grants could boost these community projects that are tailored to local needs. Schools and universities are anchor institutions for many communities and can play a critical role in helping children climb out of poverty. The Department deserves credit for prioritizing Opportunity Zones as a way of ensuring that grant dollars reach the communities that need them most, and where they will have the biggest impact on children’s lives.
"We in education have just so siloed ourselves from these broader economic and development conversations, we're potentially missing our generation's largest economic development program," Bailey said in an interview. "Even if a school never takes in one cent of Opportunity Fund investments, there's all sorts of ways [for communities] to leverage Opportunity Funds to build out grocery stores, food options, stable housing. ... There's a lot of those types of investments that have direct education benefits."
The Opportunity Zones program is the largest community-development initiative in a generation, but its success isn’t guaranteed. Policymakers, mayors, community leaders, investors, developers, and philanthropic organizations will have to work together to get the best results for Opportunity Zone residents. If education leaders pursue these investment opportunities, they, too, can benefit from the program—and ensure better outcomes for those in distressed communities for generations to come.
The Opportunity Zone program received a considerable boost last week with several announcements during a White House convening of mayors, state policymakers, investors, and community organizations. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin announced a second tranche of proposed regulations for the Opportunity Zone program, this time clarifying how Qualified Opportunity Funds can be used for business investment in struggling communities. He also announced a new process to explore reporting requirements. Additionally, HUD Secretary Ben Carson released the implementation plan for the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.
