Bytes: Week in Review — Google on trial, underwater data centers and how AI spurred a celebrity endorsement
Sep 13, 2024
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Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, joins Taylor Swift, a renowned singer and songwriter, for a lively discussion on the intersection of technology and politics. They dive into Google's second antitrust trial, emphasizing its massive influence on advertising. Swift's endorsement of Harris shines a light on AI-driven misinformation in politics, sparking a conversation about ethical AI use. Additionally, the duo explores visionary solutions like underwater data centers aimed at making tech more sustainable, highlighting the balance between innovation and regulation.
Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris highlights the critical impact of AI-generated misinformation on political engagement and celebrity influence.
Google's antitrust trial emphasizes the ongoing struggle over advertising monopolies and the implications for fair competition and consumer choice in tech.
Deep dives
Taylor Swift's Political Endorsement
Pop icon Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the upcoming presidential election, a decision driven by her concerns over AI-generated misinformation. Swift's Instagram post received over 10 million likes within 24 hours, significantly surpassing her usual engagement levels. Her action follows recent instances of manipulated deepfake videos falsely attributing endorsements to her, highlighting the growing influence and potential dangers of AI in the political sphere. This situation raises important questions about how generative AI could impact future elections and voter manipulation.
Google's Antitrust Challenges
Google is facing a second antitrust trial focused on its advertising technology, following a recent ruling that declared its search business a monopoly. The government argues that Google controls a large portion of the advertising supply chain, which hinders fair competition and reduces revenue for content creators. If the case goes in favor of the government, it could lead to reduced prices for advertising and increased revenue for publishers. Consumers may also benefit from this outcome, as it could result in less intrusive ads and more options for alternative search engines.
Underwater Data Centers and Sustainability
A Silicon Valley startup is proposing to address the growing demand for data centers by placing them underwater, specifically in the San Francisco Bay. This innovative approach aims to leverage ocean water for cooling, therefore reducing electricity consumption and cooling costs associated with traditional data centers. However, regulatory bodies have raised concerns, with many expressing uncertainty about required permits for such a project. This tension reflects the broader challenge of balancing technological innovation with environmental considerations, particularly in areas susceptible to climate change.
It’s Friday, which means it’s time for our weekly review of some of the big stories making headlines in tech. First: No, you’re not having déjà vu all over again. Google really is back in court this week for its second antitrust trial of the year. Plus, a startup in Silicon Valley wants to make AI data centers more sustainable by putting them underwater in the San Francisco Bay, but regulators have questions. And Taylor Swift announced she is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in this year’s presidential election. She took to Instagram on Tuesday night to publish her stance, citing artificial intelligence-enabled misinformation as a driving force. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, for his take on this week’s tech news.
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