Chinese companies repurpose gaming chips for AI development, Charles Michel's resignation sparks a scramble for new EU leader, a TV show rekindles interest in a post office scandal, and Prime Minister Sunak aims to compensate miscarriage of justice victims.
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Quick takeaways
Chinese companies are repurposing gaming chips for AI due to US sanctions, but these chips lack precision for high-level AI training.
The resignation of European Council President Charles Michel has created urgency in finding a replacement to prevent Viktor Orban from assuming a powerful position in the EU.
Deep dives
Chinese companies repurpose chips to bypass US sanctions
Chinese companies are facing challenges in obtaining the necessary chips for developing artificial intelligence due to US sanctions. As a workaround, they are repurposing Nvidia graphics cards designed for gaming. However, industry experts highlight that these gaming chips lack the precision required for high-level AI training. This strategy showcases the desperate measures Chinese companies are taking to navigate around sanctions.
EU urgently seeks a replacement for Council President Charles Michel
The resignation of European Council President Charles Michel has created urgency in finding a replacement. The usual negotiation process for filling these top EU positions will not align with Michel's mid-July departure, leaving the rotating presidency of the Council to Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister. This prospect has caused anxiety, as Orban has actively challenged EU functioning. Mario Draghi, the former Italian Prime Minister, is emerging as a potential candidate, known for his leadership during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis. The EU faces a critical decision in selecting a strong and dependable replacement to prevent Orban from assuming one of the most powerful positions in the bloc.
TV drama exposes injustice against post office workers
A UK television drama, 'Mr. Bates versus the post office,' has captivated audiences and shed light on a real-life scandal involving wrongfully prosecuted post office workers. Over 20 years ago, discrepancies in the post office's new IT system led to postmasters being accused of theft and fraud. The scandal resulted in the loss of their businesses, severe health consequences, and even tragic suicides. The TV series has resonated with the public, highlighting the emotional toll of the miscarriage of justice. Politicians, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are now calling for compensation for the victims and an expedited process of exonerating those falsely convicted. This scandal raises broader questions about bureaucratic processes and the need for accountability in the UK.
Chinese companies are resorting to chips repurposed from standard PC gaming products to develop artificial intelligence tools, and Charles Michel’s run for European parliament is causing a scramble to replace him. Plus, a new TV show is firing Brits up over a decades-old post office scandal.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.