GT Protocol AI Digest №26: The AI Race Heats Up — Are We Ready?

Intro

AI is no longer just a tool — it’s evolving into a self-replicating force that predicts heart failure, competes with human cognition, and reshapes industries. This past week has been filled with groundbreaking innovations, high-stakes policy battles, and rising ethical dilemmas.
From Europe’s €200 billion AI investment to Elon Musk’s legal battles, AI development is under intense scrutiny. As we enter uncharted territory, questions about control, regulation, and the future of AI are more pressing than ever.

Let’s dive into the most critical AI developments of the week.

Image credits: news.gtp.gr / InvestAI: European Commission Unveils €200 Billion AI Investment Strategy

1. AI and Global Politics

• EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen Unveils €200 Billion Boost for AI at Paris Summit: The European Union has announced a massive €200 billion AI investment, signaling its commitment to becoming a global leader in AI development. The funding aims to support AI startups, research initiatives, and infrastructure, positioning Europe as a key player in the global AI race. This investment reflects growing concerns over AI competition with the US and China. Read more here
• VP Vance Blasts AI Regulations at Paris Summit, Vows US Will Uphold Free Speech: At the Paris AI Summit, US Vice President JD Vance criticized European AI regulations, arguing that they could suppress innovation and free speech. He emphasized that the US will not adopt restrictive AI policies, advocating instead for free-market AI development. This stance highlights the growing divide between US and European AI governance approaches. Read more here

Image credits: www.space.com / AI can now replicate itself — a milestone that has experts terrified

2. AI Performance Breakthroughs

• AI Can Now Replicate Itself — A Milestone That Has Experts Terrified: In a development that feels straight out of science fiction, AI systems are now capable of self-replication. This breakthrough, while impressive, has sparked concerns among experts about the unintended consequences of AI evolving independently. The ability for AI to create copies of itself could lead to exponential growth in AI capabilities, raising questions about containment, control, and ethical safeguards. Some researchers fear that this could accelerate AI’s path toward autonomy, posing new risks to cybersecurity and governance. Read more here
• This Free European AI Chatbot is 13 Times Faster Than ChatGPT: A new AI chatbot from Europe has entered the scene, boasting speeds 13 times faster than ChatGPT. Unlike other models, this AI emphasizes efficiency, speed, and open accessibility, making it an appealing option for users seeking an alternative to US-based models. This development could intensify competition in the AI chatbot market, especially as speed and processing power become key differentiators. The rise of regional AI models also highlights global efforts to develop independent AI ecosystems. Read more here
• Google’s Gemini AI Super Bowl Ads Make AI Feel Personal: Google’s Super Bowl ad campaign showcased its Gemini AI, emphasizing everyday practical uses such as real-time translations, AI-assisted writing, and visual recognition tools. The campaign aims to normalize AI adoption by making it feel like an accessible, everyday tool rather than an abstract technology. Read more here

Image credits: decrypt.co / Figure AI Dumps OpenAI Deal After ‘Major Breakthrough’ in Robot Intelligence

3. AI Industry and Infrastructure Updates

• Figure AI Dumps OpenAI Deal After ‘Major Breakthrough’ in Robot Intelligence: Figure AI, a company focused on humanoid robotics, has announced a major breakthrough that led them to end their partnership with OpenAI. The company claims its latest AI-powered robots have achieved unprecedented decision-making and mobility skills, pushing the field of robotics forward. This development signals a shift in AI-powered automation, potentially disrupting industries reliant on human labor. Read more here
• OpenAI Eyes More Data Centers in Texas for Stargate: To support its ever-growing AI capabilities, OpenAI is planning a multi-billion-dollar expansion of its data centers in Texas under the Stargate project. This initiative aims to boost AI model performance and handle increasing demands for computational power. Texas is seen as a strategic location due to its lower energy costs and existing tech infrastructure. As OpenAI races to stay ahead in the AI arms race, this expansion signals a major investment in next-gen AI systems. Read more here
• Alibaba Shares Soar 7% on AI Collaboration with Apple: Alibaba’s stock surged 7% following news of an AI collaboration with Apple. While details remain scarce, analysts speculate the partnership could involve AI-powered cloud computing, e-commerce tools, or smart device integration. This collaboration signals Apple’s growing interest in Chinese AI markets, and investors are taking notice. Read more here
• OpenAI’s Custom Chip Design is Near Completion: OpenAI is nearing the completion of its custom AI chip, a strategic move to reduce dependency on third-party hardware providers like NVIDIA. By developing in-house chips, OpenAI aims to enhance AI performance, lower costs, and increase efficiency. This development marks a significant shift in AI hardware competitiveness, potentially influencing the broader AI chip industry. Read more here
• Meta is Boosting Its Speech and Translation AI with a Fresh Program: Meta has announced a new AI-driven initiative to improve speech recognition and translation technologies. This upgrade aims to enhance multilingual communication, making AI-powered translations more accurate and contextually aware. As Meta continues to invest in speech AI, this program could make global conversations more seamless, benefiting industries such as education, business, and content creation. Read more here

Image credits: hoodline.com / MIT and Harvard Scientists Unleash AI Powerhouse to Predict Heart Failure

4. AI in Healthcare and Science

• MIT and Harvard Scientists Unleash AI Powerhouse to Predict Heart Failure: A groundbreaking AI model developed by MIT and Harvard researchers is transforming how heart failure is diagnosed and predicted. By analyzing patient data and biomarkers, this AI system can detect early warning signs of heart failure, potentially replacing invasive diagnostic procedures. Experts believe this could lead to faster, non-invasive, and more accurate heart health assessments, ultimately saving lives and reducing medical costs. Read more here
• AI-Enabled Hand Sensor May Reduce Nocturnal Scratching Due to Mild Eczema: A new AI-powered wearable sensor could provide relief for people suffering from nocturnal eczema flare-ups. The device, developed by medical researchers, detects unconscious scratching movements and sends a subtle alert to prevent further irritation. Early trials show promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing skin damage. This innovation highlights AI’s growing role in personalized healthcare solutions. Read more here
• How AI is Helping Scientists Talk to Animals: Could we be on the verge of decoding animal language? Scientists are leveraging AI to analyze complex animal communication patterns, unlocking insights into how creatures like whales, dolphins, and even bees interact. AI-driven models are being used to translate and interpret these signals, paving the way for potential human-animal conversations in the future. If successful, this research could revolutionize conservation efforts and deepen our understanding of the natural world. Read more here

Image credits: www.404media.co / Microsoft Study Finds AI Makes Human Cognition “Atrophied and Unprepared”

5. AI and Ethics

• Microsoft Study Finds AI Makes Human Cognition “Atrophied and Unprepared”: A recent Microsoft study has sparked debate by claiming that over-reliance on AI is weakening human cognitive abilities. The findings suggest that as AI tools become more integrated into daily life, humans may become less capable of problem-solving and independent thinking. This raises concerns about AI-induced cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for a balance between AI assistance and human critical thinking skills. Read more here
• “AI Manufacturers Have Stolen All Our Content” — Creators Fight Back: A growing number of artists, writers, and musicians are raising concerns over AI models training on copyrighted works without permission. Many argue that AI companies are exploiting their creative labor, sparking legal and ethical battles over intellectual property rights. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, the fight for fair compensation and content ownership is heating up. Read more here
• Scarlett Johansson Calls for Deepfake Ban After AI Video Goes Viral: Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson is leading calls for stricter deepfake regulations after an AI-generated video of her went viral. This incident adds to growing concerns about AI’s ability to manipulate reality, raising questions about privacy, consent, and misinformation in the digital age. Read more here
• Oscars Consider AI Disclosure Rules for Films: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considering new AI disclosure regulations following controversies over AI-generated elements in films like The Brutalist. This move could set a precedent for transparency in AI-assisted filmmaking, ensuring audiences know when AI is used in storytelling. Read more here

Image credits: www.freepik.com

6. AI Policies and Legal Sphere

• Elon Musk’s Legal Battle Against OpenAI Faces Resistance: Elon Musk has claimed he will suffer “irreparable harm” if OpenAI is not stopped, but a federal judge overseeing his lawsuit has called the argument “a stretch.” The case revolves around Musk’s belief that OpenAI’s shift toward corporate interests contradicts its original mission of open-source AI development. Read more here
• Thomson Reuters Wins First Major AI Copyright Case in the US: In a landmark ruling, Thomson Reuters has won the first major AI copyright case, setting a precedent for future disputes over AI-generated content and intellectual property. The case highlights ongoing tensions between media companies and AI developers, raising questions about how AI should interact with copyrighted materials. Read more here

Image credits: www.freepik.com

7. AI in Consumer Electronics and Market Research

• Market Research AI Platform GetWhy Raises $8.4M Funding: AI is reshaping market research, and GetWhy, a leading AI-powered insights platform, just secured $8.4 million in fresh funding. The company uses advanced AI to analyze consumer behavior and preferences, helping businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions. This investment signals growing confidence in AI’s ability to revolutionize advertising, product development, and customer engagement. Read more here
• ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra AI-Powered Flagship Performance: ASUS has unveiled its latest premium smartphone, the Zenfone 12 Ultra, packed with cutting-edge AI-powered enhancements. The device features AI-assisted photography, real-time performance optimization, and enhanced battery management, making it one of the smartest and most efficient phones on the market. As AI continues to redefine smartphones, ASUS is betting big on AI-driven user experiences. Read more here

Outro

This week’s AI news reveals thrilling progress alongside mounting concerns. With self-replication and evolving capabilities, AI is challenging our understanding of control and security. Major policy shifts in the US and EU highlight the global stakes of regulation, while ongoing legal battles over AI copyright and deepfake technology force industries to confront tough ethical questions. In healthcare, AI-powered chatbots, custom chips, and other innovations signal its increasing influence. The future of AI isn’t just about innovation — it’s about ensuring its responsible use.

Stay tuned for next week’s updates.