Happy Friday and welcome back to the Weekly Download — it’s our chance to walk you through this week’s top digital marketing and tech news that you might’ve missed, including the call for pause on AI experiments, even more changes at Twitter, new emoji from Apple, Google’s new ad transparency center, and the latest on a potential TikTok ban in the United States.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
AI researchers are sounding the alarm on “giant AI experiments”
A new open letter with several notable signatories calls for a pause on the development of large-scale artificial intelligence systems, as well as the creation of independent regulatory agencies to ensure their future safety.
The letter, published by the nonprofit Future of Life Institute, says that AI labs are currently in an “out-of-control race” to develop and deploy machine learning systems “that no one — not even their creators — can understand, predict, or reliably control.” According to the signatories, there are fears surrounding “profound risks to society and humanity” should development of large-scale AI systems continue.
It’s unlikely the letter will have any impact on current AI research happening at companies like Google and Microsoft, but some say that the authors make fair points about the safety and ethics behind artificial intelligence.
You can read the letter in full here.
Twitter will show only verified accounts on its “For You” page from now on
In another effort to push Twitter Blue, Twitter will show only verified accounts on its “For You” page starting April 15. The move comes as part of the company’s decision to end its legacy verification program.
Twitter CEO Elon Musk says this is the only way to address AI bot swarms on the platform. Voting in polls will also be restricted to those with a blue checkmark.
Starting April 15th, only verified accounts will be eligible to be in For You recommendations.
The is the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over. It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle.
Voting in polls will require verification for same reason.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 27, 2023
Twitter has seen so many changes since the start of Musk’s tenure as CEO, we’re sure this won’t be the last.
iOS 16.4 means new emoji to spice up your group chats
Emoji lovers, rejoice!
A brand-new iOS update dropped this week, and with it came 21 new emoji (and some other cool updates, too). A moose, donkey, jellyfish, and a cute pink heart are among the new additions.
Which emoji are you most excited to see in the latest iteration?
Google’s Ads Transparency Center allows users to easily learn about ads on Search, YouTube, and Display
In an effort to stay transparent when it comes to advertising, Google is launching a new Ads Transparency Center that allows users to search for advertisers and their campaigns across all Google-owned ad platforms.
Through the Transparency Center, users can search for ads and discover pertinent information, including where ads were shown and during what period of time. Users can also use the Transparency Center to block ads or report violations of Google ad policies.
According to Google, the Ads Transparency Center will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
TikTok reassures U.S. users ahead of a potential banWill TikTok be banned in the United States? It’s still unclear. In the meantime, the company is working to reassure its users and highlight ways the platform has boosted the American economy and created positive opportunities for U.S.-based businesses and creators.
For some creators, TikTok isn’t just an entertaining way to pass time, it is their income and an opportunity to grow in their industry. @CBSNews features creators’ perspectives on how a potential TikTok ban may impact their lives: https://t.co/me9u0tgvx2
— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) March 27, 2023
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has also posted several videos prompting U.S. users to lobby their local government officials to save the app.
@tiktokOur CEO Shou shares his thoughts about the recent congressional hearing and everything TikTok is doing to make it a safe place to connect, create, share and learn.♬ original sound – TikTok
According to reports, TikTok has also met with key ad partners to dispel concerns about links to the Chinese government — an often-discussed “myth” that TikTok is working hard to bust.
Will it all be enough to maintain a foothold in the U.S.? Stay tuned…
Friday Fun
File this one under “heartwarming,” folks! This sweet video has gone viral this week (over 14 million views and counting) for good reason.
Check it out below for all the feels!
@daddyfiles Sam made me a shirt! Wow. #sewing #sewingtiktok #samsewgood #boyswhosew #parenting #raisingboys ♬ original sound – Aaron
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