A Los Angeles-based startup has said the news channel it’s about to launch will feature virtual newsreaders delivering news content generated by AI.

AI-Generated News And Presenters 

Channel 1, which describes itself as a “personalised global news network powered by AI” showcased its virtual AI-generated news and presenters in a half-hour long video posted on Twitter.  The channel said, “Our generated anchors deliver stories that are informative, heartfelt and entertaining.” 

The Plan 

It’s been reported that the initial plan for Channel 1, founded by producer and director Scott Zabielski and tech entrepreneur Adam Mosam, is to deliver a 30-minute weekly show through a FAST channel, which produces newscasts (by virtual presenters) that are customised for every user.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Zabielski acknowledged that the virtual presenters still look a little like video game characters but said that in the near future it will be difficult to tell the difference between watching AI and watching a human being.

Not The First 

The LA-based channel is not the first to use a virtual, AI generated news anchor. For example:

– Back in 2000, a team in Leeds developed a female character virtual newsreader called Ananova who presented news stories in a format similar to traditional TV newscasters, but through an online platform. Ananova marked an early step towards the integration of AI and virtual reality in media and journalism. The character was eventually acquired by the British mobile operator Orange.

– Digital AI news anchors have appeared online and on television in China for years. An AI-powered, ‘human’ style presenter debuted on the state news agency Xinhua in 2018. Also, during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China also had a virtual host and an AI sign language presenter. Back in March, China’s state-owned news outlet ‘People Daily’ (the Chinese Community Party – CCP news outlet) introduced a new female AI-created presenter named Ren Xiaorong. People Daily said the 365 days, 24 hours virtual newsreader had the professional skills of a “thousand presenters”.

– Also, in March this year, it was reported that the Venezuelan state-owned television station VTV has been using deepfake English-speaking hosts. YouTube videos from the AI-generated hosts Noah and Daren (created by a company called Synthesia) making (false and over-optimistic) claims about the Venezuelan economy were shown on the VTV channel.

– In February, a New York Times report highlighted how videos featuring AI-generated deepfake broadcasters for a news outlet named Wolf News were being posted on Twitter and Facebook to spread disinformation related to promoting the interests of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Rise of ‘Cheapfakes’ 

Although news channels may have enough resources to develop convincing deepfakes, the now widely available selection of free/low-cost AI tools, video and image editing software mobile apps, means that it’s become easy for anyone to modify media and create their own ‘cheapfakes’. These are simpler and less sophisticated than deepfakes (which require minimal technical skills to make) and the rise of social media facilitates their rapid spread, often outpacing the verification of their authenticity. Cheapfakes can be quickly and cheaply made and exploit trust in traditional media by subtly modifying genuine content to create misleading narratives. Their simplicity and the challenges of detection make them a potent tool for misinformation, especially in politically and socially charged contexts.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

AI-powered news channels with virtual newsreaders (as showcased by Channel 1) are already used, e.g. by state media in China, however this latest startup shows a more focused approach that could represent a transformative moment for the news and media industry, as well as for businesses involved in content creation and distribution. This development carries a mix of potential benefits and challenges for businesses to consider.

In terms of the impact on news and media, the widescale use of AI and virtual newsreaders could revolutionise the way news is produced and consumed. For example, it offers the possibility of highly personalised and constantly updated news streams (Channel 1’s plan), potentially increasing viewer engagement. However, it also raises concerns about the authenticity and quality of news, as AI-generated content may lack the nuanced understanding and ethical considerations of human journalists.

For businesses in content creation, AI presents an opportunity to streamline production processes and reduce costs. Virtual newsreaders, for example, can work around the clock, accommodating constant content updates. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the content remains accurate, unbiased, and adheres to journalistic standards.

Viewers/news consumers may benefit from more tailored and diverse news experiences but the difficulty in distinguishing AI-generated content from human-produced content could lead to confusion and mistrust among viewers, especially if the technology is used to spread misinformation or disinformation. It may also simply feel quite unnatural, impersonal, and a bit creepy to watch multiple news channels where the presenters aren’t real. The characters may lack the human interaction, jokes, quips, and other nuances which are often engaging and entertaining to viewers and give them more of a connection to presenters.

The main advantage of AI-generated news and presenters is the efficiency and personalisation but the experience of other countries e.g., China and Venezuela show how it could easily be manipulated to spread false information using the legitimacy of known news networks for authenticity. The rise of ‘cheapfakes’, for example, illustrates how easily technology can be misused to create and spread misinformation. Businesses must, therefore, balance the efficiency and innovation of AI with a commitment to ethical standards and factual accuracy. It’s crucial, for example, to invest in fact-checking and maintain transparency with audiences to build and retain trust.

While AI-driven news channels like Channel 1 may represent a significant technological advancement, taking the virtual presenter idea forward will mean businesses having to carefully navigate the ethical, practical, and reputational challenges it presents. Maintaining journalistic integrity and trust in the age of AI news will be paramount. Businesses should embrace the innovation AI offers while being mindful of its implications for content authenticity and public trust.

It’s been reported that the UK’s Minister of State (Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire), the Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, has urged UK police forces to follow Bedfordshire’s example of using artificial intelligence (AI) to save time and money in carrying out admin tasks.

Which Admin Tasks? 

The main task that Mr Philip was referring to is redacting personal data from case files that need to be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in order to comply with data protection laws. This is because such case files can, as part of witness statements, contain phone records (e.g. downloaded data from seized mobile phones) and other evidence, as well as personal details like addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle registrations. These personal details can’t be shared under UK data protection regulations, hence the need for redactions.

Time-Saving 

Before AI, the task of manually sifting through all the case files to find the personal data and redact it could take days. With the help of AI, it’s been reported that this time can be reduced significantly so that it only takes a matter of minutes.

Bedfordshire Police Using ‘Docdefender’ AI Tool 

As highlighted recently in the UK government’s Policing Productivity Review, Bedfordshire Police have been testing the Docdefender AI-assisted tool to automatically highlight the potential data that might need to be redacted. Time and motion studies have shown that using the DocDefender tool instead of the usual manual approach has resulted in between 80 and 92 per cent time savings!

Examples 

The report highlighted some more specific examples of Docdefender’s time-saving abilities, such as:

– The redaction of a phone download, which would have previously taken days to sort through for redactions, only taking 20 minutes with Docdefender.

– The redaction of a 350,000 cells spreadsheet in thirty minutes using Docdefender , which would previously have taken four hours.

– A decrease in investigator time spent redacting witness statements, with a potential efficiency savings of 18,900 police officer hours per annum.

Other Forces Too

As suggested by the minister, Bedfordshire Police’s Police Digital Services have reported engaging with other UK forces to explore how to give them access to this AI-powered, timesaving “auto redaction” solution. Work has also reportedly begun to scope the requirements and market for audio and visual redaction, with a view to implementing it in 2024.

Other Police Forces Experimenting 

Police forces reported to be in the process of looking at how such technical solutions could reduce time spent on reviewing and redacting case file material include Avon and Somerset Police, Cleveland Police, Devon and Cornwall Police, Dorset Police, Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, Thames Valley Police and Wiltshire Police.

The Policing Productivity Report 

The recent Policing Productivity Report highlights how the recently formed NPCC Science and Innovation Coordination Committee for national policing will help with the adoption of such innovation projects across policing. The report suggests that knowledge sharing between forces about innovative schemes (like automatic redactions), and upfront investment to implement new the technology could both help. For example, the report says that “recent investments in robotic process automation and automatic redaction have successfully addressed this problem by giving forces a short-term boost in funding to initiate a solution with the expectation the force then take on the business-as-usual running cost. This model should be encouraged.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The integration of AI, as exemplified by Bedfordshire Police’s use of the Docdefender tool, signals a transformative era for businesses, particularly in sectors burdened with heavy administrative tasks. The substantial time and cost savings demonstrated by AI in police administrative processes could be extrapolated to various business operations, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and cost-effective future.

For businesses, the adoption of AI for administrative tasks could mean a significant reduction in manual labour and time (and associated costs) spent on mundane activities. As seen in the case of Bedfordshire Police, tasks that once took days can now be completed in minutes with the help of AI. For businesses, this efficiency may not only accelerate processes but also saves valuable human resources, allowing staff to focus on more strategic, creative, or complex tasks that cannot be automated. The potential for AI to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs is, therefore, immense, making it an attractive proposition for businesses looking to optimise their workflows.

However, while the benefits are substantial, reliance on AI also introduces new risks and considerations. Dependence on technology can lead to vulnerabilities such as potential system failures or cyber threats. Businesses should, therefore, invest in robust cybersecurity measures and have contingency plans in place. Additionally, AI systems, while impressively accurate, aren’t infallible (e.g. AI hallucinations). Regular oversight and quality checks are necessary to ensure that AI-driven processes meet required standards.

Another aspect to consider is the ethical implications and regulatory compliance, especially in handling sensitive data. AI systems must be designed to comply with data protection laws, similar to the requirements for redacting personal data in police case files. This requires a balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and ensuring privacy and legal compliance.

As illustrated by the example of Bedfordshire Police, using AI to carry out administrative tasks could, therefore, offer significant advantages for businesses and a wide range of organisations in terms of efficiency, cost reduction, and resource allocation

Following U.S. Senator Ron Wyden revealing that governments can secretly force Apple and Google to hand over the contents of push notifications sent to customers’ phones, Apple has said it’s changed its policy and will no longer do so without a valid judge’s order. This will be either a court order or a search warrant.

Push notifications are the pop-up messages that are sent to phones to alert users to new messages, news, and app-based updates. However, since these notifications are routed through Apple and Google servers, Apple and Google can disclose them to governments as part of surveillance about how people are using certain apps.

Apple’s policy change was made to a passage in its guidelines without an official statement although Google issued a statement saying it had always required judicial approval to hand over this kind of information.

Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit has reported disrupting the activities of major cybercrime-as-a-service provider Storm-1152. Microsoft says Storm-1152 has created for sale approximately 750 million fraudulent Microsoft accounts, earning the group millions of dollars in illicit revenue, and costing Microsoft and other companies even more to combat their criminal activity.

Fraudulent online accounts of the type of Storm-1152 have been creating act as the gateway to many types of cybercrime, including mass phishing, identity theft and fraud, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

Microsoft says that its disruption strategy involves obtaining a court order to take websites used by Storm-1152 offline, thereby removing fraudulent Microsoft accounts and the websites used to sell services that can bypass security measures on other well-known technology platforms.

A report by the Rocky Mountain Institute highlights how a domino effect of surging battery demand could put global climate goals within reach by enabling a 22 Gigatons per year reduction in CO2 emission.

The Surge in Battery Demand – A Domino Effect

The report suggests that the world is witnessing a shift in energy dynamics due to the exponential growth in battery demand, due to a phenomenon driven by what it describes as a “domino effect” that will cascade from country to country and sector to sector.

The report highlights how this unprecedented battery demand isn’t just a trend and could be a critical enabler in significantly contributing to the abatement of transport and power emissions and (hopefully) the phaseout of half of the global fossil fuel demand. The assertion is that this domino effect of battery demand could be the thing that sets the world on a clear trajectory towards achieving over 60 per cent of the necessary milestones for a zero-carbon energy system.

The S-Curve of Battery Growth

The Rocky Mountain Institute report highlights how, central to understanding this shift, is the S-curve pattern of battery demand. Imagining an ‘S’ (on its side a as a graph illustrating the growth of battery demand), the curve begins slowly, accelerates sharply, then levels off. The report explains that this is because:

– Battery sales have been doubling every two to three years and by 2030, sales are expected to increase by six to eight times, potentially reaching 5.5-8 TWh (terawatt-hours) per year.

– The costs of making each battery will decrease as production increases – for every doubling of production, costs are projected to fall by 19 to 29 per cent.

– As well as cost reduction, battery quality will improve. For example, battery energy density (power stored for their size) is expected to increase by 7 to 18 per cent each time production doubles. By 2030, therefore, top batteries may store as much as 600-800 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram).

– The report highlights that the above effects could mean that by 2030, battery cell costs may have fallen to $32-54 per kWh, making them much more affordable and efficient.

The “Domino Effect” (Across Sectors and Geographies) 

The domino effect of battery demand and usage that the report talks about refers to how once new battery technology is successful, it jumps sectors as well as geographies. For example, initially rooted in consumer electronics, battery technology then expanded into motorbikes, buses, and cars. Its current trajectory is towards stationary electricity storage, road haulage, and eventually, short-haul ships and planes by 2030. Geographically, the effect mirrors this sectoral spread. For example, after gaining momentum in early adopter nations, battery technology is now being rapidly adopted in major markets like China, Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia, and India.

The Largest Clean Tech Market Emerges 

This explosive growth in battery demand has catalysed the most significant capacity ramp-up since World War II. The race to the top has led to the construction of 400 ‘gigafactories’, capable of producing 9 TWh of batteries annually by 2030!

This development has propelled the battery market to become the largest clean tech market, surpassing combined investments in solar and wind power.

Impact on Fossil Fuel Demand and Climate Goals 

If the figures highlighted in the report come to fruition, the implications for fossil fuel demand are, of course, likely to be profound. It could mean, for example, that batteries are poised to replace significant portions of fossil fuel demand in electricity (175 EJ) and road transport (86 EJ), while also challenging the remaining demand in shipping and aviation (23 EJ). If this shift occurs at this scale, it could be pivotal in reducing global emissions by 22 Gigatons of CO2 per year, thereby representing a significant leap towards meeting global energy-related emissions targets.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead 

Despite the promise highlighted in the report, challenges remain. Stressed supply chains and the need for sustainable raw material sourcing are likely to be critical concerns. Also, building the infrastructure for a battery-dominated energy system looks like it’s a monumental task that will require consistent innovation and investment. That said, the ongoing efforts of companies, governments, researchers, and climate advocates, plus the fact that serious progress has to be made in reducing global CO2 emissions (to keep below 1.5°C of warming) are likely to mean that these challenges could be overcome.

It’s Not All Positive 

Some of the other major challenges caused by a huge surge in demand for (and production) that the report doesn’t talk much about include :

– The environmental damage from mining. Extracting raw materials like lithium and cobalt can cause habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil erosion.

– Supply chain risks. For example, although the report sees a domino effect of battery adoption across many countries, there is still likely to be a reliance on a few countries for critical materials which raises geopolitical and supply chain concerns, particularly with materials sourced under conditions of environmental or social harm.

– The considerable carbon footprint of battery manufacturing. Battery production is energy-intensive and, if powered by fossil fuels, contributes to carbon emissions.

– Massive recycling and waste management issues. Disposing of (and recycling) rapidly increasing numbers of batteries could pose environmental and health risks due to toxic materials. Current recycling rates are low, and processes can be costly.

– The scarcity of resources. Increased demand for materials like lithium and cobalt could lead to scarcity and higher prices.

– The social and economic impacts of shifts in job markets, particularly in regions dependent on fossil fuel industries, will require new skills and training.

– Transportation hazards from moving large quantities of batteries, e.g. fire and chemical spill hazards.

– Market oversaturation risks. Overproduction could lead to economic challenges in the battery industry.

Mitigation efforts will, therefore, need to include sustainable mining, improved recycling, responsible supply chain management, and development of less environmentally impactful battery technologies – something which is still very much in the research stage.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The battery revolution outlined in the report could have significant and broad implications for all kinds of businesses and other organisations. This shift presents a unique opportunity for businesses to be at the forefront of a sustainable future. Adopting battery technology could lead to a significant reduction in carbon footprints, offering a pathway to meet environmental goals and adhere to increasingly stringent regulations. Beyond compliance, it may also open avenues for innovation in product development, energy management, and operational efficiency.

This rapidly evolving energy landscape, however, will require organisations to reassess their supply chain strategies and the surge in battery demand implies a need for more robust and sustainable supply networks. Businesses will, therefore, need to ensure a stable supply of materials, potentially reconfiguring sourcing and manufacturing processes to accommodate the growing battery market. This could involve forming new partnerships and investing in technologies that align with the shift towards renewable energy sources.

Also, companies may need to invest in (or partner with) entities for charging infrastructure and energy storage solutions. This investment may not be just a cost but an opportunity to be part of an emerging market that is set to outpace traditional energy sectors.

For organisations in the energy sector, we appear to be at a pivotal moment to move towards clean technologies. The battery market, now overshadowing solar and wind investments, presents new opportunities for growth and innovation. Energy companies could leverage their expertise and resources to lead in battery technology and storage solutions, carving out a significant role in the new energy ecosystem.

This transition to batteries will also bring challenges for workforce skills and knowledge. Organisations will need to invest in training and development to equip their workforce with the necessary skills to navigate the changing technological landscape. This will include an understanding of battery technologies, renewable energy systems, and the accompanying intricacies of new regulatory and market environments.

The change, of course, isn’t likely to be confined to the energy sector alone. Industries like automotive (already with EVs), transportation, and manufacturing are directly impacted and will need to adapt their business models. This might involve transitioning fleets to electric vehicles, rethinking logistics based on battery storage capacities, or redesigning products to be more energy efficient.

Organisations will also have a role to play in shaping policy and public opinion. Collaborative efforts with governments, research institutions, and environmental groups could help in advocating for favourable policies, incentivising renewable energy adoption, and educating the public about the benefits of this transition.

The battery revolution suggested in this report isn’t just a shift in energy preference but a comprehensive change in how businesses will need to operate, innovate, and grow. Being part of a sustainable future will require proactive adaptation, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts. Organisations that embrace this change will not only contribute to a greener planet but also position themselves competitively in a world increasingly driven by clean technology.

If you don’t want to type but need to produce some written content (e.g. dictate something for an email message or an offer) the Windows ‘voice typing’ feature easily and quickly transcribes your speech to text. If you haven’t yet tried it, you may find it fun as well as useful. Here’s how it works:

– Open a suitable Windows app for text, e.g. Word and click into the document where you want the text to start.

– Click on Win + H. If you haven’t yet toggled on ‘Speech recognition’ it will provide a link to Settings enable you to do so. Toggle it to the ‘on’ position.

– Once that’s done, close Settings, return to your Word document and click on Win + H.

– The microphone symbol will appear at the top of the screen. Click on the microphone and wait for the ‘listening’ notification.

– Dictate your text requirements and it will be converted to text in your Word document.