Today’s 2-Minute UK AI Brief

In Manchester, a new initiative is encouraging students to channel their skills in gaming and coding towards positive cybersecurity efforts. Two former hackers shared their experiences with students, highlighting the realities of a life in cybercrime and the potential for using similar skills for good. This approach aims to identify and recruit proficient young individuals who can assist companies in finding vulnerabilities in their systems. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for ethical hackers in the cybersecurity field, as organizations face increasing threats from cybercriminals. By fostering a culture of ethical hacking, the program hopes to not only mitigate risks but also inspire the next generation to pursue careers in cybersecurity, which is crucial given the industry's ongoing talent shortage. _(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_

The UK has recently enacted a law that criminalizes the creation of non-consensual intimate images, including those generated by artificial intelligence, in response to rising concerns about deepfake technology. Deepfakes can be used to create realistic but fake images or videos of individuals without their consent, leading to significant emotional and reputational harm. While this new legislation is a step towards addressing the issue, victims and advocacy groups argue that it does not go far enough. They are calling for additional protections, such as civil remedies that would allow victims to seek takedown orders for harmful content on online platforms. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive regulations that not only punish offenders but also provide effective support for victims of deepfake abuse. As AI technology continues to advance, the conversation around ethics, privacy, and safety in its application remains critical. _(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_

The introduction of the Jackpot framework represents a significant step forward in the field of reinforcement learning, particularly for large language models (LLMs). Reinforcement learning can be resource-intensive, especially when generating rollouts—essentially, the simulations used to train AI models. Jackpot addresses this challenge by implementing Optimal Budget Rejection Sampling (OBRS), which helps to minimize the discrepancies between the rollout model and the evolving policy. This alignment is crucial because mismatches can lead to unstable learning processes. By improving the efficiency of this training method, researchers hope to make it more feasible to develop advanced AI applications that rely on LLMs. This could lead to faster innovations and more robust AI systems, ultimately benefiting various industries that utilize AI technologies.

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, has confirmed that the next iteration of the Linux kernel will be version 7.0, adhering to his long-standing rule of keeping version numbers manageable. This decision comes on the heels of the release of kernel version 6.19, which includes various enhancements. The Linux kernel serves as a critical component for a wide array of technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud computing. As such, updates to the kernel can significantly influence the performance and functionality of AI systems that rely on it. By maintaining a straightforward versioning approach, Torvalds aims to streamline development and ensure that users can easily track changes and improvements. _(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_

Crypto.com's recent $70 million acquisition of the AI.com domain is noteworthy as it breaks records for domain purchases, highlighting the escalating significance of artificial intelligence in business. This investment suggests that companies are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI technologies to drive growth and innovation. The purchase may also indicate a shift in how businesses prioritize their online identities, especially in a competitive market where a strong digital presence can be crucial. As organizations look to adopt and monetize AI, such high-stakes investments could encourage further exploration and development of AI applications across various sectors. This trend may lead to more companies vying for prominent online branding associated with AI, potentially reshaping the landscape of digital marketing and technology. _(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_

YouTube Music has begun restricting access to song lyrics for users on its free tier. Previously, all users could view lyrics without limitation, but under the new policy, free users are now limited to seeing lyrics for only five songs each month. After reaching this limit, they will only be able to see the first few lines of lyrics, with the rest blurred out. This change appears to be part of a wider rollout, following initial testing that began in September. The intention behind this move seems to be to encourage free users to upgrade to YouTube Music Premium, which offers unlimited access to lyrics and other features. Lyrics have become an important aspect of music streaming, and limiting access could significantly impact user experience and engagement on the platform.

On February 9, 2009, Google officially launched the first version of its web browser, Google Chrome. This event was significant because it introduced a new player into the competitive browser market, which had been dominated by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox. Chrome was designed with a focus on speed, simplicity, and security, which resonated with users looking for a more efficient browsing experience. The minimalist interface, which eliminated unnecessary buttons and clutter, allowed users to focus on the web content itself. Additionally, Chrome's use of a multi-process architecture improved stability and security, as it isolated tabs and processes from one another. Over the years, Chrome has evolved and added numerous features, including extensions, synchronization across devices, and advanced developer tools, making it a cornerstone of modern web browsing. Its impact on web standards and user expectations continues to be felt today.