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January 15, 2024

OpenAI changes policy to allow military applications 

  • OpenAI has revised its policy to permit the development and use of its artificial intelligence technology for military applications. 
  • The company says the change was made to allow for beneficial use cases, such as helping to secure open-source software that critical infrastructure and industry depend on. 
  • OpenAI’s decision to allow military applications raises concerns about the potential ethical implications and risks associated with the use of advanced AI technologies in military contexts. 
  • For more, please visit the Tech Crunch website. 

I was ‘gang raped’ in the Metaverse — the attack may have been virtual but my trauma is very real 

  • Another victim of assault in the metaverse, has emphasised the genuine trauma she experienced, highlighting the necessity for safety and security measures within virtual spaces.
  • Her experience coincides with a case of a British teenager, who contacted police after being assaulted in the metaverse – law enforcement officials compared her trauma to that of someone physically assaulted, due to the immersive nature of VR.
  • This incident underscores the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness regarding the potential risks associated with online interactions, urging authorities to address the emerging challenges of the digital age.
  • For more, please visit the New York Post website.

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UK government’s free childcare scheme in disarray, charities say 

  • A new government childcare scheme is at risk of “falling apart”.
  • Early years providers say the scheme is “ill-thought out” expressing concerns about the lack of clarity on the funding they will receive for the new free places, hindering their ability to plan for capacity and staffing.
  • A spokesperson said: “The childcare application system is working as intended” and “We are working to ensure all parents can access their codes in time to use the new entitlements in April and confirm childcare places as soon as possible.”
  • For more, please visit The Guardian website.

Children left ‘at mercy’ of Rochdale grooming gangs and dozens of men still pose potential risk – report 

  • A new report reveals that girls in Rochdale were vulnerable to paedophile grooming gangs for years due to an “inadequate” response by police and council authorities.
  • The report, covering 2004 to 2013, criticises Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Span, identifying 96 men still deemed a potential risk to children and revealed “serious failures” in protecting 74 sexually exploited children.
  • Multiple failed investigations, an indifference among local authorities, and a strategic failure by senior leaders are highlighted, urging urgent action to address widespread, organised sexual abuse and failures in response from GMP and Rochdale Council.
  • For more, please visit Sky News website.