Meta removes language that raised AI training concerns
Today, Meta made headlines by backing down on controversial terms that appeared to allow it to scrape data from business accounts for AI training. Also in the round-up, Nvidia launched new AI-powered Windows laptops, and Anthropic shared insights into how AI is changing its own workforce dynamics.
In this round-up
- Meta removes controversial AI training language from business terms
- Nvidia launches new RTX Spark AI laptops for Windows, starting at over £1,900
- Websites block AI agents from accessing services
- Anthropic workforce becomes more senior, spends more time in meetings due to AI
- Replit switches default AI model from Anthropic to OpenAI due to cost and performance
- Mastercard launches stablecoin platform for converting crypto to card payments
Meta removes controversial AI training language from business terms
Meta has removed language from its commercial terms of use that suggested it could use content from business accounts' websites to train its AI models. The original wording had caused concern among legal experts, who saw it as a broad permission to scrape publisher websites. A Meta spokesperson initially stated the terms did not change how they crawl the web, but the company has now clarified and removed the specific provision.
For the UK events industry, this is important because many businesses use Meta platforms for advertising and promotion. While Meta maintains its web crawling practices haven't changed, the initial wording and subsequent removal highlight the ongoing debate around data usage for AI. It is a reminder to always be aware of the terms and conditions of platforms you use, especially as AI development continues to evolve. However, there's no immediate action needed other than continued vigilance.
Read more: techcrunch.com · theverge.com
Nvidia launches new RTX Spark AI laptops for Windows, starting at over £1,900
Nvidia has launched its new range of RTX Spark laptops, bringing powerful AI capabilities to slim Windows PCs. These new devices, starting from around £1,900 ($2,399), feature Nvidia Blackwell RTX graphics and up to 128GB of unified memory. Brands like ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and MSI are offering these laptops.
While these machines offer significant processing power for local AI tasks, their direct impact on the UK events industry is currently limited. Most event professionals rely on cloud-based AI tools rather than needing such high-end local processing. However, as AI tools become more integrated into creative and production workflows, powerful local hardware like this could eventually benefit those working with complex visualisations, 3D modelling, or high-fidelity content creation for events.
Read more: blogs.nvidia.com
Websites block AI agents from accessing services
Various popular websites, including Yelp, Delta Air Lines, JPMorgan Chase, and Charles Schwab, are blocking AI agents from performing tasks. Companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Google are developing these 'autonomous agents' to book reservations, manage inboxes, or shop online. Yelp has stated it only allows AI agents that pay for its data licensing programme, while others cite security concerns. Amazon has also been involved in legal disputes over AI agents accessing its platform.
This trend is significant for the events industry because it highlights the friction between AI's potential for automation and websites' control over their content and user experience. If you're considering using AI agents for tasks like booking venues, managing registrations, or researching suppliers, be aware that many online services are actively preventing them. This suggests that while AI can streamline some back-office functions, direct interaction with many online platforms might still require human involvement.
Read more: theverge.com
Anthropic workforce becomes more senior, spends more time in meetings due to AI
AI company Anthropic has reported a shift in its workforce, with fewer junior hires and technical teams making up a smaller proportion of staff. The company attributes this to AI coding tools allowing non-technical employees to do more software-related work. Despite AI increasing productivity, employees are spending 20% more time in meetings than a year ago, particularly for 'human trust and accountability' and 'face-to-face coordination'.
This insight from a leading AI developer could offer a glimpse into future workforce changes within the events industry. While AI might automate some tasks, it suggests that complex coordination, decision-making, and human-centric roles could become even more crucial, potentially increasing the need for skilled, experienced professionals to oversee AI-driven processes and manage human-to-human interactions.
Read more: techcrunch.com
Replit switches default AI model from Anthropic to OpenAI due to cost and performance
Replit, a popular AI coding platform, has made OpenAI's models the default for its services, moving away from Anthropic's Claude. The CEO, Amjad Masad, cited cost, partnership, and performance as reasons for the switch, stating that OpenAI's ChatGPT is 'better now'. While users can still access Anthropic models, the change in default is expected to significantly reduce Replit's spending with Anthropic.
For the events industry, this is largely an internal tech industry story. It highlights the competitive landscape between major AI model providers and how factors like cost and performance drive platform decisions. While not directly impacting event operations, it’s a good example of how rapidly the underlying AI technology is evolving and how companies are constantly evaluating the best tools for their needs. It does not require any action from event professionals.
Read more: techcrunch.com
Mastercard launches stablecoin platform for converting crypto to card payments
Mastercard has launched its Global Money Platform, allowing businesses to combine traditional currency and stablecoin accounts. This platform, developed after Mastercard acquired BVNK, enables real-time conversion between fiat and stablecoins, offers stablecoin-linked cards, and facilitates payouts to bank accounts. It aims to let banks, fintechs, and other enterprises offer crypto-to-fiat payment services under their own brands.
While still in its early stages, this could eventually offer new payment options for the events industry, particularly for international transactions or for audiences accustomed to cryptocurrency. Imagine a future where delegates could pay for tickets or services using stablecoins, which then seamlessly convert to pounds for the event organiser. However, widespread adoption in the UK events sector will depend on regulatory clarity, ease of use, and demand from event attendees and suppliers.
Read more: hackernoon.com
Sources
- Meta removes language that raised scraping and AI training concerns
- Meta removes language that may have allowed it to scrape news sites
- RTX Spark Ignites Global Celebration as New Windows PCs Arrive
- Websites are closing their doors to AI agents
- Anthropic says its workforce has become less junior and is spending more time in meetings
- Replit makes OpenAI its default over Anthropic, CEO says
- Mastercard Launches Stablecoin Platform: How Crypto Turns into Card Swipes and Bank Payouts