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Feb 10, 2024 • 5 min read

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Google AI
U.S. Robocalls

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Google AI:

Gemini (Google’s new AI), previously known as Bard, introduces a significant update with the launch of a mobile app alongside Gemini Advanced featuring the new Ultra 1.0 model. Sissie Hsiao, the Vice President and General Manager at Google, overseeing Gemini experiences and Google Assistant, heralds this development as a leap forward in AI collaboration tools. Since its inception, Bard, now Gemini, has facilitated innovative AI interactions worldwide, aiding users in various tasks from coding assistance to creative brainstorming.
Embracing a mission to democratize access to advanced AI models, Gemini embodies the evolution of these efforts, offering enhanced interaction across over 40 languages globally. Gemini Advanced launches as a groundbreaking platform powered by the Ultra 1.0 model, acclaimed for its superior performance in complex tasks over other chatbots. This version promises more in-depth conversations and an improved understanding of context from previous interactions, catering to diverse needs from tutoring to digital content creation.
Gemini Advanced represents Google's stride in AI reasoning, promising ongoing enhancements and exclusive features to enrich user experience in more than 150 countries. Additionally, Google introduces the Google One AI Premium Plan at $19.99/month, featuring a two-month free trial, which bundles Gemini Advanced with benefits like 2TB storage and forthcoming integrations into Google Workspace. In response to user demand for mobile accessibility, Google rolls out a new app for Android and an integration within the Google app for iOS, making Gemini readily accessible for on-the-go interactions.
This update marks a step towards a comprehensive AI assistant, blending conversational, multimodal capabilities for a variety of tasks, from generating creative content to navigating everyday challenges. Gemini's deployment begins in the U.S. in English, with plans to expand languages and regions shortly, inviting users to explore these updates and contribute feedback for further refinement.

U.S. Robocalls:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington, D.C., has officially made it illegal to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create voice imitations for robocalls. This decision came into light following an incident where a robocall, mimicking President Joe Biden's voice, aimed to influence voter behavior in New Hampshire's Democratic primary election. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized that this new ruling equips state attorneys general with enhanced capabilities to prosecute the creators of such deceptive robocalls, targeting their use of AI for creating misleading or harmful messages.
This measure addresses concerns over AI's role in fabricating robocalls for various malicious purposes, including scams targeting vulnerable individuals, impersonating public figures, and spreading misinformation during election periods. The ruling makes the act of employing AI to simulate voices in robocalls a direct violation, shifting from previous approaches that focused more on the consequences of these calls. The issue gained attention when New Hampshire's Attorney General, John Formella, identified a company based in Texas, Life Corp, led by Walter Monk, as the source of a deceptive robocall impersonating President Biden.
This led to a cease-and-desist order against the company and the initiation of a criminal investigation. The FCC's action against such AI-driven voice cloning in robocalls is a step towards mitigating new threats to public trust and election integrity, highlighted by the potential of voice cloning technology to deceive individuals into believing they are hearing from someone they trust. In a related action, the FCC had previously imposed a $5.1 million fine on activists for over 1,100 illegal robocalls made before the 2020 U.S. election, demonstrating the severity with which it views the misuse of robocalls to influence voter actions and spread falsehoods.

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