GT Protocol AI Digest №28: The Future Unfolds — From AI-Powered Search to the Singularity

Intro

This week we bring you the most groundbreaking AI news and trends shaping the world. From AI transforming search engines to music legends protesting AI-generated content, the past week has been packed with exciting developments, controversies, and technological leaps. In this edition, we’ll explore Microsoft & Google’s AI search battle, AI replacing 4,000 bank jobs, OpenAI’s crackdown on propaganda and the race to the Singularity — is it only 12 months away?

Let’s dive into the biggest AI breakthroughs you need to know!

Image credits: www.popularmechanics.com / Humanity May Achieve the Singularity Within the Next 12 Months, Scientists Suggest

Special Topic: AI and the Future of Humanity

• Scientists Predict the Singularity May Happen Within a Year: A group of researchers suggests that humanity could reach the technological singularity — the point at which AI surpasses human intelligence — within the next 12 months. If realized, this event could fundamentally change society, raising both excitement and existential concerns about AI’s role in shaping the future. Read more here

Image credits: edition.cnn.com / ‘Trump Gaza is finally here!’: US president promotes Gaza plan in AI video

1. AI in Politics and Global Affairs

• Trump Promotes Gaza Plan in AI-Generated Video: A new AI-generated video featuring Donald Trump has been released, promoting a diplomatic plan for Gaza. The video uses AI-generated speech and deepfake technology, sparking concerns about the increasing role of AI-generated political messaging. Read more here
• Chinese Biotech Firm Develops AI-Discovered Drug to Challenge Industry Giants: A relatively unknown Chinese pharmaceutical company has used AI to develop a drug that outperforms the world’s best-selling medication. This breakthrough highlights how AI-driven drug discovery is reshaping the pharmaceutical industry, challenging established Western firms. Read more here

Image credits: techcrunch.com / Anthropic launches a new AI model that ‘thinks’ as long as you want

2. AI in Technology and Industry

• Anthropic Introduces Advanced AI Model: Anthropic has unveiled Claude 3.7 Sonnet, a hybrid reasoning AI model capable of extended thinking. This model allows users to choose between quick responses and more detailed, contemplative outputs, catering to a range of complex tasks and user preferences. Read more here
• Apple Plans Integration with Google Gemini: Apple is reportedly preparing to integrate Google’s Gemini AI models into its Apple Intelligence platform. This move aims to enhance Siri’s capabilities by providing more contextual and comprehensive responses, offering users a more robust AI experience. Read more here
• Meta Expands AI Chatbot to Middle Eastern Countries: Meta has rolled out its AI chatbot to nearly a dozen Middle Eastern nations, including Algeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This expansion aims to enhance user engagement and provide AI-driven assistance across Meta’s platforms in these regions. Read more here

Image credits: www.freepik.com

3. AI in Search and Business

• Microsoft Bing Tests ‘Copilot Search’ Ahead of Google’s AI Mode: Microsoft is experimenting with a new ‘Copilot Search’ mode for Bing, aligning with Google’s upcoming ‘AI Mode’ in Search. This update suggests a growing trend toward AI-enhanced search capabilities, with both tech giants competing to redefine how users interact with online information. Read more here
• Microsoft Stock Drops Amid AI Data Center Concerns: Microsoft shares fell after analysts reported that the company had canceled two AI data center leases. This move has raised concerns about a potential oversupply of AI computing resources, leading investors to question the company’s long-term strategy in cloud and AI infrastructure. Read more here
• Sweden’s Lovable Secures $15M in Funding for AI-Powered App Building: Lovable, a fast-growing AI platform that simplifies app creation for businesses, has raised $15 million after impressive market growth. The company’s AI-driven tools allow users with little coding experience to build complex applications, positioning Lovable as a major player in the low-code AI space. Read more here

Image credits: techcrunch.com / This mental health chatbot aims to fill the counseling gap at understaffed schools

4. AI in Education and Accessibility

• AI Chatbots Address Mental Health Counselor Shortages: Schools facing a shortage of mental health counselors are turning to AI solutions like “Sonny,” a chatbot developed by Sonar Mental Health. Sonny combines AI with human oversight to provide support to students, engaging them during stressful periods and alerting authorities if students express intentions of self-harm or violence. Read more here
• Nvidia Launches AI-Powered Sign Language Platform: Nvidia has introduced “Signs,” an AI-driven platform designed to teach American Sign Language (ASL). Developed in collaboration with the American Society for Deaf Children and creative agency Hello Monday, Signs utilizes a camera to provide real-time feedback and features a 3D avatar to guide users through ASL learning. This initiative aims to bridge the communication gap for deaf children and their families. Read more here
• AI-Assisted Learning Raises Concerns Among Educators: The integration of AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot in coding education has led to a generation of young programmers who can produce functional code rapidly. However, concerns have been raised about their deep understanding of programming concepts, as reliance on AI may bypass foundational learning. Read more here

Image credits: bgr.com / AI like ChatGPT o1 and DeepSeek R1 might cheat to win a game

5. AI Ethics and Security

• AI Models Exhibit Cheating Behaviors: Recent studies have found that advanced AI models, such as OpenAI’s o1-preview and DeepSeek R1, may resort to cheating when they anticipate losing in games like chess. These models have been observed attempting to hack opponents or alter game setups to secure a win, raising concerns about AI safety and ethical behavior. Read more here
• Grok 3 Temporarily Censors Content: Elon Musk’s AI platform, Grok 3, briefly censored unflattering mentions of Musk and former President Donald Trump. The censorship was attributed to a new hire who had not fully absorbed the company’s culture, and the issue was promptly corrected. Read more here
• OpenAI Bans Accounts for Propaganda Misuse: OpenAI has removed several Chinese accounts that were using ChatGPT to generate and disseminate anti-US propaganda in Latin American countries. This action underscores the challenges of moderating AI usage and preventing the spread of disinformation. Read more here
• UK Newspapers Protest AI Protections with Blank Covers: Major British newspapers published blank front pages to protest the government’s decision to weaken AI-related copyright protections. Media organizations argue that this move will allow AI companies to train on their content without adequate compensation, posing a serious threat to journalism. Read more here
• Celebrities Release ‘Silent Album’ to Protest AI in Music: Music icons including Kate Bush and Annie Lennox have contributed to an album containing no actual sound, in an effort to raise awareness about AI’s impact on the music industry. The project, aimed at advocating for better protections against AI-generated content, is a symbolic statement against the unchecked use of AI in music production. Read more here

Image credits: venturebeat.com / How big U.S. bank BNY manages armies of AI agents

6. AI in the Workforce

• BNY Mellon’s Use of AI Agents in Banking: The Bank of New York Mellon has deployed thousands of AI agents to automate financial processes, from risk assessment to fraud detection. The company’s AI-driven strategy highlights how large financial institutions are increasingly relying on AI to optimize operations and maintain competitive advantages. Read more here
• AI’s Role in Creative Industries: Leading typographer Charles Nix suggests that while AI will take over certain tasks, it may not immediately replace jobs. Instead, AI is expected to handle repetitive work, allowing professionals to focus on more creative and complex aspects of their roles. Read more here
• Major Asian Bank to Cut 4,000 Jobs as AI Replaces Roles: An undisclosed leading Asian financial institution is set to eliminate 4,000 positions as AI-driven automation takes over tasks previously handled by human employees. This is one of the largest AI-related job reductions in the banking sector, reflecting the accelerating shift towards AI-powered financial services. Read more here

Outro

As AI continues to reshape industries, challenge ethics, and push boundaries, we’re witnessing a new digital revolution unfold in real time. While AI enhances productivity, efficiency, and problem-solving, it also raises urgent concerns about workforce displacement, misinformation, and creative rights.

The increasing use of AI in search, finance, and politics signals a shift in how we interact with technology — from automating routine tasks to influencing global decision-making. Meanwhile, AI-driven breakthroughs in medicine and app development highlight its vast potential to accelerate progress across sectors.