AI apocalypse team formed to fend off catastrophic nuclear and biochemical doomsday scenarios

October 31, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, bringing unprecedented benefits to us, yet it also poses serious risks, such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, that could have catastrophic consequences for the world.

How can we ensure that AI is used for good and not evil? How can we prepare for the worst-case scenarios that might arise from AI?

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How OpenAI is preparing for the worst

These are some of the questions that OpenAI, a leading AI research lab and the company behind ChatGPT, is trying to answer with its new Preparedness team. Its mission is to track, evaluate, forecast and protect against the frontier risks of AI models.

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, bringing unprecedented benefits, yet it also poses serious risks. (Cyberguy.com)

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What are frontier risks?

Frontier risks are the potential dangers that could emerge from AI models that exceed the capabilities of the current state-of-the-art systems. These models, which OpenAI calls “frontier AI models,” could have the ability to generate malicious code, manipulate human behavior, create fake or misleading information, or even trigger CBRN events.

The dangers of deepfakes

For example, imagine an AI model that can synthesize realistic voices and videos of any person, such as a world leader or a celebrity. Such a model could be used to create deepfakes, which are fake videos or audio clips that look and sound real. Deepfakes could be used for various malicious purposes, such as spreading propaganda, blackmailing, impersonating or inciting violence.

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Anticipating and preventing AI catastrophe scenarios

Another example is an AI model that can design novel molecules or organisms, such as drugs or viruses. Such a model could be used to create new treatments for diseases or enhance human capabilities. However, it could also be used to create bioweapons or release harmful pathogens into the environment.

An AI model could be used to create new treatments for diseases or enhance human capabilities. (Cyberguy.com)

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These are just some of the possible scenarios that frontier AI models could enable or cause. The Preparedness team aims to anticipate and prevent these catastrophe scenarios before they happen or mitigate their impact if they do happen.

How will the Preparedness team work?

The Preparedness team will work closely with other teams at OpenAI, such as the Safety team and the Policy team, to ensure that AI models are developed and deployed in a safe and responsible manner.

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Managing the risks of cutting-edge AI

The team will also collaborate with external partners, such as researchers, policymakers, regulators and civil society groups, to share insights and best practices on AI risk management. The team will conduct various activities to achieve its goals, such as:

Developing a risk-informed development policy: This policy will outline how OpenAI will handle the risks posed by frontier AI models throughout their lifecycle, from design to deployment. The policy will include protective actions, such as testing, auditing, monitoring and red-teaming of AI models, and governance mechanisms, such as oversight committees, ethical principles and transparency measures.

Conducting risk studies: The team will conduct research and analysis on the potential risks of frontier AI models using both theoretical and empirical methods. The team will also solicit ideas from the community for risk studies, offering a $25,000 prize and a job opportunity for the top 10 submissions.

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Developing risk mitigation tools: The team will develop tools and techniques to reduce or eliminate the risks of frontier AI models. These tools could include methods for detecting and preventing malicious use of AI models, methods for verifying and validating the behavior and performance of AI models and methods for controlling and intervening in the actions of AI models.

An AI model could be used to create deepfakes, which are fake videos or audio clips that look and sound real. (Cyberguy.com)

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Why is this important?

The formation of the Preparedness team is an important step for OpenAI and the broader AI community. It shows that OpenAI is taking the potential risks of its own research and innovation seriously and is committed to ensuring that its work aligns with its vision of creating “beneficial artificial intelligence for all.”

It also sets an example for other AI labs and organizations to follow suit and adopt a proactive and precautionary approach to AI risk management. By doing so, they can contribute to building trust and confidence in AI among the public and stakeholders and prevent possible harms or conflicts that could undermine the positive impact of AI.

The Preparedness team and its allies

The Preparedness team is not alone in this endeavor. There are many other initiatives and groups that are working on similar issues, such as the Partnership on AI, the Center for Human-Compatible AI, the Future of Life Institute, and the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute. These initiatives and groups can benefit from collaborating with each other and sharing their knowledge and resources.

Kurt’s key takeaways

OpenAI is taking the potential risks of its own research and innovation seriously and is committed to ensuring that its work aligns with its vision of creating “beneficial artificial intelligence for all.” (Cyberguy.com)

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AI is a powerful technology that can bring great benefits to us. Yet it also comes with great responsibilities and challenges. We need to be prepared for the potential risks that AI could pose, especially as it becomes more advanced and capable.

The Preparedness team is a new initiative that aims to do just that. By studying and mitigating the frontier risks of AI models, the team hopes to ensure that AI is used for good and not evil and that it serves the best interests of humanity and the planet.

How do you feel about the future of AI and its impact on society? Are you concerned about where we are headed with Artificial Intelligence? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover .

We need to be prepared for the potential risks that AI could pose, especially as it becomes more advanced and capable. (Cyberguy.com)

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Fragmentation in DeFi: DeFi’s liquidity challenge

Reporters News Wire

October 31, 2023

DeFi enthusiasts know all too well the benefits that decentralization can bring to finance: trustless operations, innovation and greater control for users.

Yet, as with any transformational shift, growing pains are inevitable. Among these, fragmentation, particularly in terms of liquidity, casts a shadow over the DeFi horizon.

At its core, fragmented liquidity — where available liquidity is spread across multiple trading venues—is the reason why decentralized protocols have failed to capture the majority of volume from centralized exchanges within the space. It is hindering DeFi’s ability to onboard the next wave of users, as the cost of moving assets from various chains does not make it feasible for users.

If this phenomenon persists, we will be continuously reliant on centralized entities, which is clearly incompatible with DeFi’s ethos. As an industry, we need to solve the fragmentation paradox to retain the core tenets of decentralization while providing sufficient liquidity to ensure the long-term sustainability of DeFi, and to make the onboarding of new users seamless.

The fragmented liquidity challenges

The issues surrounding fragmented liquidity boil down to three main areas: price inefficiency, poor UX and broader market impacts.

The nature of fragmentation means it is inherently inefficient. In a fragmented market, different platforms may display different prices for the same asset at the same time. This means traders might struggle to get the best price by virtue of not being connected to the right platform. Because traders need to access multiple venues to achieve the best price, this has a knock-on effect of higher transaction costs.

Having to shop around for the best price inevitably leads to a poor user experience. Engaging with different platforms to try and achieve the most optimum price adds an unnecessary layer of complexity and will likely deter users from engaging with DeFi. Aggregation is starting to solve this problem, but the underlying issue remains.

When liquidity is fragmented, even relatively small trades can have a significant impact on the market price of an asset, resulting in slippage. The price differentials across platforms also give sophisticated traders with access to more advanced technology the opportunity to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities. Not only does this risk increasing regulatory scrutiny of the sector, but it also goes against the core ethos of DeFi — to democratize financial services and enable open and fair access for all.

All of these factors complicate the process of engaging with DeFi and create unnecessary barriers to entry for new users looking to explore opportunities within the DeFi space.

Band-aid solutions to an existential threat

So far, the industry has failed to adequately resolve the issue. At present, if a user wants to conduct a cross-chain trade, they’re faced with numerous obstacles, all compounded by the fact liquidity is scattered across so many trading venues.

Wrapped tokens and bridges are the most widely used solutions so far. But they not only introduce unnecessary risk and complexity into the DeFi system — a week doesn’t seem to go by without hearing of another bridge exploit — but they exacerbate the fragmentation problem by offering many non-fungible versions of the same asset.

Even with these band-aid solutions, liquidity in DeFi still isn’t what it could and should be. If we carry on as we are without properly addressing the liquidity issue, DeFi may never reach the point of mass adoption.

Potential solutions

Consolidation is naturally occurring. The last 18 months have forced smaller venues to close and for solutions to congregate around stablecoins as a base pair in order to address a shrinking market with fewer artificial incentives.

That being said, aggregation and consolidation can be further developed. We are seeing this with the introduction of intent-based systems and cross-chain aggregation with UniswapX, but also with the adoption of JIT liquidity systems in the cross-chain arena and much better aggregator services for single and multi-chain routes, such as SquidRouter and xDeFi Wallet. Native asset support is crucial to eliminate the need for bridges and wrapped assets which fundamentally fragment liquidity for a given asset.

The better DeFi can leverage aggregation systems, efficient market structures and provide a user experience that can compete with the centralized exchanges in speed, pricing and control, the faster the space can defragment liquidity through a process of elimination.

Simon Harman is CEO and founder at Chainflip Labs.

This article was published through Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, a vetted organization of senior executives and experts in the blockchain technology industry who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.

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Vikings trade for Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs after Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury

Reporters News Wire

October 31, 2023

The Minnesota Vikings have found a potential replacement for the injured Kirk Cousins, who is out the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles.

The Arizona Cardinals are sending Josh Dobbs and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, the team announced prior to the NFL’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline Tuesday.

The trade comes one day after the Cardinals announced Dobbs, who had been starting since Week 1 while Kyler Murray recovers from a torn ACL, would be benched after head coach Jonathan Gannon reviewed film from the team’s latest loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

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Joshua Dobbs of the Arizona Cardinals after a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field Oct. 22, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Dobbs will be joining Jaren Hall, a Vikings fifth-round pick from the 2023 draft, who replaced Cousins Sunday in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers following Cousins’ injury. Hall completed three of four passes for 23 yards.

Dobbs was picked up by the Cardinals just one week before the start of the season, and he started instead of rookie Clayton Tune, who had been backing up veteran Colt McCoy before McCoy was cut.

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Tune may start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns unless Murray is healthy enough to go. Murray has been practicing with the Cardinals but wasn’t considered healthy enough for Sunday’s contest. Dobbs’ benching could be a sign Arizona is ready to see its No. 1 overall pick under center again.

Dobbs has another opportunity to take over an offense, and he joins a 4-4 Vikings team that has won three straight games to improve its playoff chances after starting slow.

Joshua Dobbs of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at State Farm Stadium Oct. 29, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)

It’s not certain Dobbs will get the start on the road against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday. He’ll need to learn Kevin O’Connell’s offense. But Dobbs quickly picked up the Cardinals’ playbook and managed to run the offense surprisingly well in the first few weeks of the season.

He did the same thing with the Tennessee Titans last year. Though he was 0-2 in his starts, he threw for two touchdowns with two interceptions and 411 yards with Tennessee.

The 28-year-old will have some reliable offensive weapons to work with if and when he gets under center for the Vikings. Jordan Addison has taken over as the team’s top receiver with All-Pro Justin Jefferson dealing with a hamstring injury.

Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson and fellow receiver K.J. Osborn, have been lighting it up for the Vikings during their win streak. Whether they have chemistry immediately with Dobbs or Hall is the big question in Minnesota.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) throws a pass during the first half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens Oct. 29, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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With their playoff hopes still alive, the Vikings will do what it takes to win while Cousins’ future with the team is in question as he rehabs his Achilles. Dobbs could be the answer, and the Vikings clearly think it’s worth a shot.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Mary Lou Retton breaks silence on bout with pneumonia, says recovery will be ‘long and slow process’

Reporters News Wire

October 31, 2023

Mary Lou Retton provided a statement to her fans on Instagram Monday night following her release from a hospital after a bout with a rare pneumonia.

Retton was hospitalized earlier this month and was “fighting for her life.”

However, she was released a couple weeks later.

“I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement. I am overwhelmed with the love and support from the world as I fight,” Retton wrote on the social media platform.

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Mary Lou Retton of the U.S. poses for a portrait session for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. (USA Today Sports)

“I am forever grateful to you all! I’m with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process.”

Retton requested privacy as she continues her recovery.

“When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health issues and hope I can help others who may face the same battle as me. I love you all.”

One of Retton’s daughters said Retton had a “scary setback” while in intensive care, noting upon her release it would be “baby steps” to recovery.

Mary Lou Retton waves to the crowd during the Parade of Olympians Celebration at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., July 9, 2016. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)

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Retton was nicknamed “America’s sweetheart” during her gold medal-winning performance at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. She was just 16 when she scored perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault in the final two rotations to become the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around title.

She earned five medals that year — one gold, two silver and two bronze.

Mary Lou Retton competes at Pauley Pavilion at the 1984 Summer Olympics Aug. 1, 1984. (Ken Regan /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

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After she retired from gymnastics, Retton became a motivational speaker and frequently shared messages about the benefit of proper nutrition and exercise. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under former President George W. Bush.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj, Chantz Martin, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

No driver, no problem with this revolutionary camper

Reporters News Wire

October 31, 2023

Are you one of those people who would consider going camping if you didn’t have to rough it too much? You might be more of the “glamping” type.

That’s where the Pebble Flow all-electric camper comes in, although, this is not your ordinary camper. It can do just about everything for you, so you get the best of both worlds and enjoy the outdoors without giving up any comforts or conveniences.

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Pebble Flow is a smart camper. (Pebble)

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Smart and autonomous camper

Pebble Flow is a smart and autonomous camper that can hitch itself to your car with the touch of a button.

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The Pebble Flow can hitch itself to a vehicle. (Pebble)

It also has a remote control feature that allows you to move the camper around a campsite or driveway via an app without having to back up.

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The Pebble Flow can steer, brake and park. (Pebble)

You also don’t need to worry about steering, braking or parking, because Pebble Flow does it all for you, using dual electric motors, sensors and cameras to detect your car’s movements.

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The camper uses dual electric motors, sensors and cameras to detect what your car is doing. (Pebble)

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Off-grid independence

Pebble Flow also has its own power source, so you can camp anywhere without relying on external hookups. The camper’s battery pack can store enough energy to power the camper’s appliances, lights and climate control for up to a week, depending on the usage and weather conditions. And if you need more juice, you can recharge the battery pack with its solar roof.

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The camper comes with its own power source. (Pebble)

Comfort meets convenience

Pebble Flow is also cozy and spacious. It can accommodate up to four people, with a queen-size bed, a convertible sofa, a kitchenette and a bathroom. Not sure why you’d want to while you are camping, but you can watch your favorite shows on the flat-screen TV. It also has plenty of storage space for your gear and gadgets, as well as a retractable awning for some extra shade.

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A family lays in bed together while reading a book.

The Pebble Flow camper can accommodate up to four people. (Pebble)

Seeing is believing

The camper also has a 270-degree panoramic view, and you can enjoy those views from the wraparound electrochromic windows, which go from opaque to semi-transparent at the touch of a button.

The camper can be controlled by your voice or app

You can control the camper’s settings with voice commands or gestures or use the app to monitor the battery level, temperature or security.

You can also access online services such as maps, weather or entertainment through the app. The app can also communicate with other Pebble Flow campers, so you can stay connected and safe wherever you go.

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Tablet with quick controls for the Pebble Flow.

The smart camper can be controlled with an app. (Pebble)

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When is the camper available?

The Pebble Flow is expected to be available in late 2024 with a starting price of $109,000. You can preorder yours today with a refundable deposit at Pebble’s website.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Pebble Flow is a game-changer for those of you who want to go camping and explore new places without compromising on comfort or convenience. It is a camper that drives itself and charges itself, making towing and trailering more accessible and efficient. So if you are in the market for an all-electric supped-up camper, it may be it’s time to go with the flow.

What’s the one tech device you absolutely can’t live without when you go camping? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter .

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

● What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android devices from getting hacked?

● What is the best way to stay private, secure, and anonymous while browsing the web?

● How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services?

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SBF criminal trial moves to closing arguments

Reporters News Wire

October 31, 2023

The ongoing criminal trial involving FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) will move into closing arguments on November 1.

On Day 15 of the SBF trial, lead defense attorney Mark Cohen’s request for acquittal was denied by presiding judge Lewis Kaplan. Instead, the case will move to closing arguments from both sides at 9:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. UTC) on Nov. 1, with all evidence discovery concluded. Attornies from both sides declined to call any further witnesses.

SBF has pleaded not guilty to all seven fraud-related charges in his criminal case, but is expected to face five more counts in a second trial scheduled to start in March 2024, including the alleged $150 million bribe of a Chinese government official.

During discovery, prosecutor Danielle Sassoon presented documents, tweets, and corporate messages attesting that the crypto executive siphoned $8 billion worth of FTX customers’ deposits to fund a series of risky trades at his hedge fund, Alameda Research. SBF, on the other hand, denied that such actions constituted fraud. In his defense, SBF claimed that taking customers’ deposits was merely a “risk management” procedure necessary for Alameda’s portfolio, and the said process was in line with company policies.

Key FTX personnel, such as Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison, FTX CTO Gary Wang, and former FTX head of engineering Nishad Singh, have all pled guilty to charges relating to the exchange’s collapse last November and are currently cooperating with the U.S. government in their testimonies against SBF. If convicted, Bankman-Fried faces a maximum penalty of 115 years in prison.