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Trump Fires Register Shira Perlmutter Over AI Data Access

Democratic Congressperson Joe Morelle questioned Donald Trump's decision to fire Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter, calling it a "brazen, unprecedented power grab" with no legal basis. The move came after Perlmutter refused to rubber-stamp Elon Musk's efforts to use copyrighted works for training AI models, which has gained support among tech CEOs who want to access vast amounts of data to train their models. A recent report from Perlmutter's office found that using copyrighted material for commercial purposes "goes beyond established fair use boundaries."

https://gizmodo.com/trump-reportedly-fires-head-of-us-copyright-office-2000600749

IBM Streamlines Operations with RPA Technology

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) enables companies like IBM to streamline operations by automating repetitive tasks, allowing them to quickly transition to digital platforms and stay competitive in the market.

https://nerdbot.com/2025/05/11/how-rpa-robotic-process-automation-is-reshaping-business-models/

DPCC Taps AI for Pollution Data Analysis

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee plans to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze data from six existing portals to gain insights on air, water, and noise pollution in the city. The AI system will help interpret existing data, compare datasets, and provide predictive insights on pollution levels. Additionally, chatbots will be created to assist users on the DPCC's interactive platforms, including the Green Delhi app and online complaint systems. A selected firm has been chosen for the project, which aims to integrate the portals and perform advanced analytics using available data.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/ai-machine-learning-to-be-deployed-in-fight-air-water-noise-pollution-in-delhi/article69541565.ece

Elton John Backs Data Bill for Artist Rights

Sir Elton John's Instagram post urges musicians to support an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which aims to require developers to inform copyright owners about the usage of their work in developing AI models. The bill is seen as a crucial step to protect artists' rights in the digital age.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/604053-elton-john-and-400-other-artists-unite-for-one-reason

UK Artists Warn Starmer on AI Copyright Threats Looming

Over 400 prominent UK artists, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, have written an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, warning of a threat to creative rights due to proposed AI legislation that would allow developers to train on copyrighted material without consent. The artists argue that this "opt-out" system unfairly shifts the burden onto creators while benefiting powerful overseas tech companies, posing a risk to future livelihoods and economic growth. They urge the government to reconsider the proposal ahead of a pivotal vote in the House of Lords next week.

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/don-t-let-big-tech-steal-our-work-400-uk-artists-sound-the-alarm-over-ai-copyright-pinch-1034703726

US-China AI Rivalry Heats Up Dramatically

The US and China are at the forefront of an artificial intelligence (AI) race, with both nations seeking to establish dominance in the field. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for self-reliance and strength in AI development, while the US has taken a more cautious approach, viewing China's growing technological prowess with wariness. The US had planned to impose export controls on advanced AI chips, but this was rescinded by outgoing President Donald Trump. Many American companies feel pressure to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) before China, but this narrative overlooks the agency of other states, multinational organizations, and powerful firms not aligned with either side.

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3309581/beware-hubris-ai-narrative-centred-us-and-china?module=top_story&pgtype=section

OpenAI, Microsoft Reconsider Partnership Amid Safety Fears

OpenAI and Microsoft are in talks to reset their high-stakes partnership, which has been a subject of controversy due to concerns over AI safety and ethics. The companies have not disclosed the details of the discussions, but the move is seen as an attempt to address these concerns and potentially revitalize their collaboration.

https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/openai-microsoft-in-talks-to-reset-high-stakes-partnership-11746977685090.html

Apple Faces Backlash Over Siri Privacy Breach

Apple's "Apple Intelligence" features have been delayed and are facing criticism from employees, with some calling the progress "ugly and embarrassing." The company is also dealing with a privacy controversy after it was discovered that Siri may have overheard sensitive information from users between 2014 and 2024. As a result, Apple is under pressure due to the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, which could lead to tariffs on Chinese imports reaching 145% and potentially forcing the company to raise iPhone prices in the US. The privacy scandal has raised questions about Apple's "privacy-first" brand reputation, with users wondering if the company's promise still holds up.

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/what-apple-s-95m-settlement-says-about-privacy-and-investor-confidence-1034703788

Alphabet's Shares Plummet Amid AI Disruption Fears

Alphabet's shares have rallied after its first-quarter earnings report showed strong search advertising performance, but investors are growing nervous about the risks of disruption from AI, leading to a significant selloff. The company's market share in search engines remains high at 89.7%, but concerns over competition and potential losses are casting doubt on future profits. Despite this, most analysts remain bullish on Alphabet, with over 80% having buy ratings, and some, like Evercore ISI's Mark Mahaney, advising clients to buy shares after the drop. However, others, such as Melius analyst Ben Reitzes, warn that current estimates of $115 billion in net income for 2025 may be overly optimistic due to slowing search volume growth and potential declines in paid clicks.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1310354-alphabet-shares-take-120bn-blow-as-search-warnings-blare