AI Controversy, Lost Bitcoin Saga, & Asteroid Flyby: Today's Top Stories

• Google's Gemini AI Sparks Controversy Over Racial Image Generation

• Man in Decade-Long Battle to Recover $190 Million in Lost Bitcoin

• Bus-Sized Asteroid Makes Close Flyby Past Earth, No Threat Detected

• Meme of the day!

Google's Gemini AI Sparks Controversy Over Racial Image Generation

Google's advanced artificial intelligence program, Gemini, has recently come under scrutiny for its selective approach to generating images based on race. The AI, known for its ability to produce images of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, has notably refrained from generating images of White individuals. This policy has ignited a debate across social media platforms and drawn critical attention from users and experts alike.

Key aspects of this issue include:

• Selective Image Generation: Gemini, formerly known as Google Bard, is programmed to frequently produce images of Black, Native American, and Asian people in response to prompts. However, it categorically refuses to do the same for White people.

• Google's Response: Addressing the controversy, Jack Krawczyk, Senior Director of Product Management at Gemini, acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that the team is working to improve these depictions. He emphasized that while Gemini's AI image generation covers a wide range of people, it misses the mark in this particular aspect.

• AI's Rationale: Gemini's refusal to generate images of White people is based on the principle of not reinforcing harmful racial stereotypes. The AI program stresses the importance of recognizing individuals' unique experiences and perspectives, rather than reducing them to a single image based on skin colour.

• Public Reaction: The AI's policy has led to varied reactions. Some users have tested the AI's responses, noting its reluctance to show images of White people while readily offering images that celebrate the diversity and achievements of other racial groups.

• Broader Implications: This incident with Gemini AI has sparked a broader conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in shaping perceptions of race and the ethical considerations involved in programming such technologies.

In summary, Google's Gemini AI has brought to the forefront critical questions about AI, race, and representation, highlighting the complex challenges of developing technology that is both inclusive and sensitive to societal issues.

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Man in Decade-Long Battle to Recover $190 Million in Lost Bitcoin

James Howells, from Wales, has been locked in a legal battle with his local council since 2013 after accidentally throwing away a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin, now worth roughly $190 million.

Howells has repeatedly requested permission to excavate the landfill where he believes the drive is located, but the council has denied his requests citing permit issues and the low chance of recovering the drive intact.

Undeterred, Howells has assembled a legal team and plans to use AI-powered robots to sift through the landfill if given permission. He has also pledged to share his recovered fortune with the local community if successful.

This story highlights the potential dangers of losing access to cryptocurrency holdings and the lengths some individuals are willing to go to recover them. It also raises questions about environmental concerns and regulations surrounding large-scale landfill searches.

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Bus-Sized Asteroid Makes Close Flyby Past Earth, No Threat Detected

A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 DW, skimmed past Earth today at a distance of 140,000 miles, closer than the moon. Despite its impressive size (42 feet in diameter) and speed (40,000 miles per hour), experts assure us there is no danger to our planet.

Key points:

• Close approach: 2024 DW came closer than the moon, currently 249,768 miles away.

• No threat: Despite its proximity, the asteroid is too small to pose a danger.

• Scientific interest: Asteroids like 2024 DW offer insights into the early solar system.

• Monitoring continues: NASA tracks near-Earth objects (NEOs) like this to ensure future safety.

While this event highlights the importance of monitoring NEOs, 2024 DW serves as a reminder that most asteroids pose no immediate threat. The scientific community continues to study these celestial bodies to understand their origins and potential future implications.

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