In Barcelona, a pink-haired 25-year-old named Aitana captivates social media with her stunning images and relatable personality. But Aitana isn’t a real person—she’s an AI model created by The Clueless Agency. Launched during a challenging period for the agency, Aitana was designed as a solution to the unpredictability of working with human influencers. The virtual model has proven successful, earning up to €10,000 monthly by featuring in advertisements and modelling campaigns.
Aitana has already amassed over 343,000 Instagram followers, with some celebrities unknowingly messaging her for dates. Her creators, Rubén Cruz and Diana Núñez, maintain her appeal by crafting a detailed “life,” including fictional trips and hobbies, to connect with her audience. Unlike traditional models, Aitana has a defined personality, presented as a fitness enthusiast with a determined yet caring demeanour. This strategic design, rooted in current trends, has made her a relatable and marketable figure.
The success of Aitana has sparked a new wave of AI influencers. The Clueless Agency has developed additional virtual models, including a more introverted character named Maia. Brands increasingly seek these customisable AI creations for their campaigns, citing cost efficiency and the elimination of human unpredictability. However, critics warn that the hypersexualised and digitally perfected imagery promoted by such models may negatively influence societal beauty standards and young audiences.
Despite these concerns, Aitana represents a broader shift in advertising and social media. By democratising access to influencer marketing, AI models like her offer new opportunities for smaller businesses while challenging traditional notions of authenticity and influence in the digital age.
ChatGPT search found vulnerable to manipulation
New research by The Guardian reveals that ChatGPT Search, OpenAI’s recently launched AI-powered search tool, can be misled into generating false or overly positive summaries. By embedding hidden text in web pages, researchers demonstrated that the AI could ignore negative reviews or even produce malicious code.
The feature, designed to streamline browsing by summarising content such as product reviews, is susceptible to hidden text attacks—a well-known vulnerability in large language models. While this issue has been studied before, this marks the first time such manipulation has been proven on a live AI search tool.
OpenAI did not comment on this specific case but stated it employs measures to block malicious websites and is working to improve its defences. Experts note that competitors like Google, with more experience in search technology, have developed stronger safeguards against similar threats.
German parties outline technology policies ahead of election
As Germany prepares for national elections on February 23, political parties are outlining their tech policy priorities, including digitalisation, AI, and platform regulation. Here’s where the leading parties stand as they finalise their programs ahead of the vote.
The centre-right CDU, currently leading in polls with 33%, proposes creating a dedicated Digital Ministry to streamline responsibilities under the Ministry of Transport. The party envisions broader use of AI and cloud technology in German industry while simplifying citizen interactions with authorities through digital accounts.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD, polling at 15%, focuses on reducing dependence on US and Chinese tech platforms by promoting European alternatives. The party also prioritises faster digitalisation of public administration and equitable rules for regulating AI and digital platforms, echoing EU-wide goals of tech sovereignty and security.
The Greens, with 14% support, highlight the role of AI in reducing administrative workloads amid labour shortages. They stress the need for greater interoperability across IT systems and call for an open-source strategy to modernise Germany’s digital infrastructure, warning that the country lags behind EU digitalisation targets.
The far-right AfD, projected to secure 17%, opposes EU platform regulations like the Digital Services Act and seeks to reverse Germany’s adoption of the NetzDG law. The party argues these measures infringe on free speech and calls for transparency in funding non-state actors and NGOs involved in shaping public opinion.
The parties’ contrasting visions set the stage for significant debates on the future of technology policy in Germany.
UN discusses ethical tech and inclusion at IGF 2024
Speakers at IGF 2024 highlighted digital innovation within the United Nations system, demonstrating how emerging technologies are enhancing services and operational efficiency. Representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, the UN Pension Fund, and UNICC shared their organisations’ progress and collaborative efforts.
Michael Walton, Head of Digital Services at UNHCR, detailed initiatives supporting refugees through digital tools. These include mobile apps for services and efforts to counter misinformation. Walton stressed the importance of digital inclusion and innovation to bridge gaps in education and access for vulnerable groups.
Fui Meng Liew, Chief of Digital Center of Excellence at UNICEF, emphasised safeguarding children’s data rights through a comprehensive digital resilience framework. UNICEF’s work also involves developing digital public goods, with a focus on accessibility for children with disabilities and securing data privacy.
Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio from the UN Pension Fund presented a blockchain-powered proof-of-life system that uses biometrics and AI in support of e-Government for the aging population. This system ensures beneficiaries’ security and privacy while streamlining verification processes. Similarly, Sameer Chauhan of UNICC showcased digital solutions like AI chatbots and cybersecurity initiatives supporting UN agencies.
The session’s collaborative tone extended into discussions of the UN Digital ID project, which links multiple UN agencies. Audience members raised questions on accessibility, with Nancy Marango and Sary Qasim suggesting broader use of these solutions to support underrepresented communities globally.
Efforts across UN organisations reflect a shared commitment to ethical technology use and digital inclusion. The panellists urged collaboration and transparency as key to addressing challenges such as data protection and equitable access while maintaining focus on innovation.
Uber expands gig workforce for AI data labeling
Uber is expanding its gig worker ecosystem with a new initiative aimed at data labeling and AI annotation. The new division, called Scaled Solutions, provides services not only for Uber’s internal needs but also for outside clients like self-driving car company Aurora Innovation and game developer Niantic. This move highlights Uber’s effort to diversify beyond its core ride-hailing and delivery businesses.
The company has started recruiting contractors across multiple countries, including the US, Canada, and India. Scaled Solutions aims to tap into the booming demand for data annotation services, a critical component for training AI models. The initiative positions Uber in a growing market dominated by companies like Scale AI, which recently secured a $1B funding round at a $13.8B valuation.
Uber’s entry into data labeling reflects its push to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI world. By leveraging its gig workforce model, the company could establish a foothold in this high-demand sector while diversifying its revenue streams.
AI voice theft sparks David Attenborough’s outrage
David Attenborough has criticised American AI firms for cloning his voice to narrate partisan reports. Outlets such as The Intellectualist have used his distinctive voice for topics including US politics and the war in Ukraine.
The broadcaster described these acts as ‘identity theft’ and expressed profound dismay over losing control of his voice after decades of truthful storytelling. Scarlett Johansson has faced a similar issue, with AI mimicking her voice for an online persona called ‘Sky’.
Experts warn that such technology poses risks to reputations and legacies. Dr Jennifer Williams of Southampton University highlighted the troubling implications for Attenborough’s legacy and authenticity in the public eye.
Regulations to prevent voice cloning remain absent, raising concerns about its misuse. The Intellectualist has yet to comment on Attenborough’s allegations.
Krakow radio station replaces journalists with AI presenters
A radio station in Krakow, Poland, has ignited controversy by replacing its human journalists with AI-generated presenters, marking what it claims to be ‘the first experiment in Poland.’ OFF Radio Krakow relaunched this week after laying off its staff, introducing virtual avatars aimed at engaging younger audiences on cultural, social, and LGBTQ+ topics.
The move has faced significant backlash, particularly from former journalist Mateusz Demski, who penned an open letter warning that this shift could set a dangerous precedent for job losses in the media and creative sectors. His petition against the change quickly gathered over 15,000 signatures, highlighting widespread public concern about the implications of using AI in broadcasting.
Station head Marcin Pulit defended the layoffs, stating that they were due to the station’s low listenership rather than the introduction of AI. However, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski called for regulations on AI usage, emphasising the need to establish boundaries for its application in media.
On its first day back on air, the station featured an AI-generated interview with the late Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. Michał Rusinek, president of the Wisława Szymborska Foundation, expressed support for the project, suggesting that the poet would have found the use of her name in this context humorous. As OFF Radio Krakow ventures into this new territory, discussions around the role of AI in journalism and its effects on employment are intensifying.
Rebranded World Network boosts iris-scanning crypto push with new devices
Sam Altman’s cryptocurrency project, Worldcoin, has rebranded as World Network and is intensifying its efforts to scan irises worldwide using its “orb” devices. The project’s core feature, World ID, acts as a digital passport to verify individuals as real humans, helping to distinguish them from AI bots online. At an event in San Francisco, World Network revealed an updated version of its orb device, boasting 5G connectivity and enhanced privacy features, alongside new initiatives to improve access to the technology.
Despite signing up over 6.9 million people since its launch in July 2023, the project has faced criticism from privacy advocates regarding the collection and storage of personal data. Several countries, including Spain and Portugal, have temporarily banned the use of the orb devices, while Argentina and Britain are currently reviewing the project.