The SEC Newgate AI Weekly

On today's AI Weekly blog, we explore the latest AI developments around the world, including the UK government's new AI chatbot for small business support, Meta's advanced age verification on Instagram, Amazon's AI-powered TV recaps, and a major funding boost for robotics software.

UK Government Launches AI Chatbot to Support Small Businesses

The UK government is trialling a new AI chatbot, GOV.UK Chat, aimed at helping small businesses access essential information. Up to 15,000 users will test the chatbot, which links to 30 business-related pages on the GOV.UK website, making it easier for users to find advice on topics like tax and business regulations. Previous trials indicated that nearly 70% of users found the chatbot helpful, leading to improvements in its accuracy. Developed using OpenAI’s GPT-4o technology, the chatbot will provide personalized responses to user inquiries, consolidating information that may be spread across multiple pages. As part of a strategy to streamline government services, Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the importance of using emerging technologies to reduce bureaucratic delays. With safety measures in place, the results from this trial will help inform future developments and potential wider rollout across the entire GOV.UK platform.

Meta Implements AI for Enhanced Age Verification on Instagram

In response to growing concerns over social medias effect on teens mental health, Meta Platforms Inc is using artificial intelligence to improve age verification on Instagram. The newly developed “adult classifier” will analyse user profiles, follower interactions, and content engagement to assess whether users are under 18. If the algorithm suspects a user is underage, their account will automatically transition to stricter privacy settings designed for teens, limiting messaging capabilities and content exposure. This initiative addresses the widespread issue of underage users misrepresenting their age on social media, a challenge that has drawn scrutiny and legal action against Meta. While their efforts aim to create a safer online environment for young users, experts suggest that greater accountability from app stores could further enhance age verification processes.

Amazon Introduces AI-Powered TV Recaps on Prime Video

Amazon has launched X-Ray Recaps, a new AI feature on Prime Video that offers spoiler-free summaries for its original series, designed to help viewers catch up on episodes and seasons without losing track of the plot. Initially available for Amazon MGM Studios shows like The Boys and The Wheel of Time, the feature uses Amazon Bedrock and SageMaker models to analyse video segments and subtitles, creating brief summaries for full seasons, individual episodes, or specific scenes. Currently in beta on Fire TV devices in the U.S., with wider support expected soon, X-Ray Recaps only show details up to the point last watched, ensuring that key plot twists remain hidden. Accessible from the playback screen or details page, X-Ray Recaps expands on Amazon’s existing X-Ray features, which already provide cast and production trivia to enrich the viewing experience.

Physical Intelligence Raises $400 Million for Robot Software

Physical Intelligence, a startup developing universal software for robots, has secured $400 million in early-stage funding from notable investors, including Amazon's Jeff Bezos and OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT. Valued at $2 billion, the company aims to create software that allows robots to perform various tasks without needing specific programming for each one. As major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia invest heavily in AI, funding for AI and cloud startups is expected to reach $79.2 billion by the end of 2024. The robotic AI field is growing rapidly, with companies like Vicarious and Tesla entering the market. Recently, Physical Intelligence showcased its π0 (pi-zero) software, demonstrating robots' ability to fold clothes, pack shopping, and even toast bread. This innovation represents a significant step toward more versatile and efficient robotic systems.