E-Rickshaws Stall in Delhi, Sparking Software Safety Concerns

CXMT, a key player in China's semiconductor industry, is preparing to raise nearly $10 billion through an initial public offering in Shanghai. The company is central to China's efforts to develop its own artificial intelligence technology, especially after US export controls on advanced chips. The IPO would be one of the largest in China this year, providing funds to expand production of DRAM memory chips used in AI and computing. CXMT is among the few Chinese firms capable of making these chips, competing with global leaders like Samsung and SK Hynix. The move aligns with Beijing's push for self-sufficiency in chips, a strategic priority amid geopolitical tensions. However, challenges include technology gaps and regulatory scrutiny. If successful, the listing could boost investor confidence in China's tech sector and support long-term AI ambitions. Analysts say the outcome will signal market appetite for domestic chipmakers.

A group of 26 former Meta employees has filed a federal lawsuit against the company, accusing it of using artificial intelligence to discriminate against them during recent layoffs. The lawsuit, filed in California, claims that Meta's internal systems unfairly targeted workers with medical conditions by using their health information to score their performance. The ex-employees argue that the automated metrics wrongly marked them as less productive, leading to their termination. Meta has denied the allegations, stating that human managers, not AI, made the final decisions about which employees to let go. The company says its performance review process considers many factors and that no medical data is used in a discriminatory way. In a separate admission, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that the company's leadership had miscalculated the timing and impact of the mass layoffs, which affected thousands of workers starting in late 2022. The lawsuit adds to ongoing scrutiny of how tech companies use AI in employment decisions. The case is still in its early stages, and a court date has not been set.

A leading computer scientist has argued that popular AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini do not truly understand the words they use. Peter J. Denning, a well-known researcher, claims that artificial intelligence research has been on the wrong path for 75 years due to two key assumptions made by Alan Turing in his famous 1950 paper. Turing suggested that intelligence does not require a physical body and that mimicking human conversation is enough to prove thought. Denning says these ideas have misled the field. In his new book, Denning explains that modern AI systems are just good at manipulating language without any real comprehension. They produce responses by finding patterns in data, not by understanding meaning. Denning also warns that the next step in AI—so-called agentic machines that can act independently—could be even more dangerous than superintelligence. These systems might make decisions without understanding the consequences. Denning's critique challenges the common belief that conversational AI is close to human-like intelligence. His view adds to a growing debate about the true capabilities and risks of current AI technology.

In the first half of this year, China's chip exports almost doubled, driven by the worldwide demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to customs data released on Tuesday, China exported 179.44 billion integrated circuits (ICs) worth $177.28 billion from January to June. This is an increase of over 96% compared to the same period last year. The boom in AI applications has boosted the need for computing hardware, making semiconductors a key part of economic growth. The strong performance of chip exports was a major factor in China's overall trade figures. The data shows that the country's technology sector is playing an increasingly important role in the global supply chain. This surge reflects the growing importance of chips in everything from smartphones to data centers. China has been investing heavily in its domestic chip industry to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The global AI boom has created strong demand for chips used in training and running AI models. Companies around the world are racing to build more powerful computing systems, fueling demand for advanced semiconductors. China's chip export growth indicates its improving manufacturing capacity and integration into global tech supply chains. However, challenges remain such as export controls and competition from other chip-producing countries.

More than 200 economists and technology leaders, including 16 Nobel laureates, the former CEO of Google, and the co-founders of Anthropic and LinkedIn, have issued a stark warning about the potential disruptions posed by artificial intelligence. In a joint statement, they call for urgent action to address risks such as job displacement, misinformation, and the concentration of power. The signatories emphasize that AI could bring benefits but also serious harms if not properly managed. They urge governments and companies to invest in safety research, create regulations, and ensure that AI development remains aligned with human values. The warning comes amid rapid advancements in AI, including the rise of generative models like ChatGPT, which have sparked both excitement and concern. The letter highlights that without proactive measures, AI could exacerbate inequality and pose existential threats. The group stresses that 'we must act now' to steer AI toward positive outcomes. This is one of the largest coalitions of experts to publicly address AI risks, signaling broad concern across diverse fields. The statement does not offer specific policy proposals but calls for a coordinated global response.

A journalist recently made a big move from Los Angeles to San Francisco to take a job at an artificial intelligence startup. She expected the job to be different from her previous work, but the biggest surprise was the work culture. In San Francisco, she found a fast-paced environment focused on building products and advanced technology. Her background in journalism turned out to be a major advantage. She was able to explain complex AI concepts to a wider audience in simple terms. This skill was highly valued by her new team. While she misses her home in Los Angeles, she says she has fully embraced the shift to the tech world. She describes the move as an unexpected opportunity that completely changed her career path. For someone used to reporting on technology, being part of creating it has been a rewarding experience. The transition from journalism to tech is not uncommon in today's economy, but this story highlights how traditional skills like clear communication remain essential even in high-tech fields. The journalist added that she is grateful for the chance to work on cutting-edge technology while still using her writing and storytelling abilities. She hopes others can see that a career change, even a big one, can lead to personal and professional growth.