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In this issue…

DeepSeek is the new kid on the block, AI slop in libraries, human authored certification for books, OpenAI unveils a new tool, meet the AI Incident Database, and let’s hear what Nicholas Cage said about AI, because why not?

AI slop is in our libraries already, and it’ll get worse…

404 Media reports on the AI-generated books that are already accessible in our public libraries, most notably in e-books. E-book vendors don’t provide the ability to opt-out of books on the platform, and AI slop is present. For one example, the article highlights a book available via Hoopla entitled Fatty Liver Diet Cookbook: 2000 Days of Simple and Flavorful Recipes for a Revitalized Liver. The book appears to be generated by AI, and possesses a disclaimer that states the author and publisher “are not experts in the discussed topics.” The article closes with a call to identify books as human-written or AI-generated.

Of note, 404 Media is a relatively new (established 2023) online publication, started by some alumni of Vice Media’s Motherboard after its bankruptcy.

Authors Guild announces Humon Authored Certification

In a press release one week ago, the Authors Guild announced its establishment of a certification denoting human-created literature. In the press release, CEO Mary Rasenberger stated that the “initiative isn’t about rejecting technology — it’s about creating transparency,” and that “readers deserve to know whether they’re experiencing authentic human creativity.” The Authors Guild has taken a firm stance against the use of its members’ books to train AI, and is involved in litigation regarding its use.

DeepSeek makes its debut, causing a stir

Retuters reported on China’s newest entry in AI, DeepSeek. This release sent shockwaves through the tech world due to its relatively low operating cost and it’s unique output. When much is being said about the exorbitant costs, both financial and climatological, of AI, DeepSeek’s small monetary footprint is a significant change that has competitors concerned. Reuters quotes the company’s official communications claiming 20-50 times cheaper than OpenAI. When DeepSeek returns an answer, the LLM appears to show its “thinking” when it addresses your query.

MIT Technology Review offers a calming perspective for how to think about this technology, now that a turbulent two weeks has passed since DeepSeek was released to the public on January 20th. In his piece, James O’Donnell posits that DeepSeek’s low costs will force other companies to evaluate how much is too much to spend on computational power.

Nicholas Cage speaks against use of AI during awards acceptance speech

According to The Guardian’ reporting, Nicholas Cage used the awards podium to caution against the use of AI in creating art. “I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us. Robots cannot reflect the human condition for us,” said Cage, accepting the trophy for Best Actor at the Saturn Awards on Sunday evening. He warned that, “all integrity, purity and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only,” should AI be allowed to take hold within creative industries.

Cage’s award come from his turn in Norwegian film director Kristoffer Borgli’s Dream Scenario, a surrealist fantasy in which the whole world dreams about his character.

Artificial Intelligence Incident Database

Dr. David Lankes posted the website for the Artificial Intelligence Incident Database (AIID) on Slack last month. Incidents reported and highlighted on the site include fatal accidents with autonomous vehicles, faulty facial recognition, and stock market interference. Wisely, the project is based upon the idea that AI “will only be a benefit to people and society if we collectively record and learn from its failings.” Notably, the top reporter is Dr. Daniel Atherton of Georgetown University, and the project’s directors are academics.

AI as purveyor of bovine manure?

The University of Washington professors Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West are the founders of Modern Day Oracles or Bullshit Machines? It’s a great site with 18 different lessons, some humorously entitled From Voice Cloning to Shrimp Jesus and The Nature of Bullshit. The purpose of the project is to provide 5-10 minute lessons to explain AI and thrive in a world where LLMs aren’t going away. It’s available free for self-study and for educational purposes.