Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis called for government oversight and, potentially, a mandated pause for frontier AI research, warning that a race-to-the-top dynamic is exacerbating the technology’s risks. AI will herald “a new age for humanity,” Hassabis wrote, greater than the Industrial Revolution, but only if deployed responsibly. As it ...
Category: Semafor
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Bonta’s Paramount suit underwhelmsBonta’s Paramount suit underwhelms
California’s case against Paramount landed yesterday with a whimper, not a bang. Rob Bonta and 11 other attorneys general argue that a combined Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery would hurt competition in three markets: general film distribution, blockbuster film distribution, and cable TV. Paramount plans to contest Bonta’s definition of “blockbuster” films ...
The man who stole a golf courseThe man who stole a golf course
In addition to his job running Beijing’s international airport, Li Peiying was also the president of the nearby Tianzhu Golf & Country Club, where I was an early member. “Boss Li” was an ebullient figure who dressed in baggy suits and walked with a limp. A former beat policeman, he ...
Chinese tech founder on US curbs: ‘It just sucks’Chinese tech founder on US curbs: ‘It just sucks’
The Scoop American regulators’ and politicians’ fear of Chinese tech is hampering business prospects for Chinese flying camera company HOVERAir, its CEO told Semafor. The company, which doesn’t brand itself as a “drone” company, didn’t specify which American companies it was in the process of partnering with, but said some ...
Oil prices surge 10% as US-Iran conflict reignitesOil prices surge 10% as US-Iran conflict reignites
Oil prices jumped 10% Monday, the biggest single-day rise since 2020, signaling that markets do not expect a return to pre-war norms as conflict between the US and Iran reignited. US President Donald Trump said he would re-impose a blockade and start charging tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, effectively ...
Trump says Cuba may be stockpiling Iranian dronesTrump says Cuba may be stockpiling Iranian drones
President Donald Trump said the US was investigating whether Iran is storing drones in Cuba, potentially giving Washington an excuse to attack the island nation after months of impasse. “If they do have that… we’ll take care of it in short order,” Trump said. His comments came shortly after Washington’s ...
UK begins human trials of new Ebola vaccineUK begins human trials of new Ebola vaccine
The University of Oxford began human trials of its Ebola vaccine, raising hopes that the spread of the Bundibugyo strain may be halted before it becomes the biggest-ever outbreak. The virus has spread across much of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with officials there saying it had reached two new ...
Europe steps up commitments to KyivEurope steps up commitments to Kyiv
Ukraine and its European allies on Monday announced a coalition to develop an anti-ballistic missile system to protect against Russian attacks. Europe has stepped up its commitments to Kyiv as the US pulls back from its role as the continent’s guardian: France’s president said Europe would defend itself “with blood, ...
US, China ramp up mineral investmentsUS, China ramp up mineral investments
China and the US are ramping up dual pushes to use state funds to bolster mineral supply chains. A new Beijing-backed mining investment firm is focused on shoring up overseas supplies of critical metals, Bloomberg reported, as fresh challenges from the US and Europe push China to “increase the number ...
Graham’s death may not shake loose his long-sought Russia sanctions billGraham’s death may not shake loose his long-sought Russia sanctions bill
The News Many senators see no more fitting tribute to their late colleague Lindsey Graham than passing his bipartisan Russia sanctions bill as soon as possible. That doesn’t mean they’ll be able to do it. “Slam dunks are getting tougher in the United States Senate,” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., a ...