News June 05, 2024
Google’s AI Overview Search Results Copied My Original Work
Last week, I stumbled upon an unsettling example of how AI Overviews from Google can use journalistic content in an unexpected way. While experimenting with the feature, I asked it questions about topics I’ve recently covered and was surprised to see my article linked at the bottom of the answer box. But what really caught my attention was how much the first paragraph of the AI Overview pulled directly from my writing. The similarity is striking, almost like a student copying an answer from their homework without even bothering to change the wording.
The screenshot on the left shows an interview I conducted with Anthropic’s product developer about tips for using Claude chatbot, while the one on the right is a portion of Google’s AI Overview that answered a question about using the same chatbot. Reading them side by side, it feels like a blatant copy job. My article was often featured as the top result in Google search, offering users a clear link to click on when they were looking for advice on using Claude. However, during my initial tests of Google’s new search experience, the featured snippet with my article appeared beneath the AI Overview answer that pulled from my reporting and inserted aspects of it into a bulleted list.
Google defended AI Overviews as referencing original sources, but in my case, the first paragraph of the answer wasn’t attributed to me. Instead, my original article was one of six footnotes hyperlinked near the bottom of the result, making it hard for publishers to receive significant traffic. Google claims that AI Overviews are designed to help people get a sense of what’s out there and click to learn more, but I disagree with their characterization of this particular result. It goes beyond just being a conceptual match of my writing.
The Age of the Drone Police Is Here
On a sweltering Wednesday afternoon in August, Daniel Posada and his girlfriend were locked in a heated argument at a bus stop when someone hastily dialed 911. Unbeknownst to them, the Chula Vista Police Department had already dispatched a 13-pound drone from a rooftop a mile away, its high-resolution camera rolling as it soared through the southwestern border town’s skies. The Matrice 300 RTK drone transmitted a live feed of its findings to various screens at the precinct and Real-Time Operations Center, as well as the cell phone of the responding officer racing to the scene. As it flew northwest, the drone passed by a preschool, church, and financial services center used by Chula Vista’s immigrant communities before finally arriving at Posada’s location. The bike-riding Posada was startled by the distinct buzz of the police drone’s rotors overhead, only to be confronted by an officer rummaging through his pockets mere seconds later. For Posada, this was just another instance of feeling targeted by law enforcement and their drones, a sentiment echoed in his assertion that the money spent on such technology would be better used feeding and clothing unsheltered individuals like himself.
Why the EU’s Vice President Isn’t Worried About Moon-Landing Conspiracies on YouTube
When European Union vice president Věra Jourová met with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, they discussed the long-standing conspiracy theory that the moon landings were fake. While some have called for videos denying accepted science to be removed from the platform, Jourová believes that fighting such content should not be a priority. Instead, she thinks it’s more important to ensure that YouTube and other big platforms invest in fact-checking and product changes to curb false or misleading content that threatens the EU’s security. According to Jourová, the EU is focusing on narratives that have the potential to mislead voters and create harm to society, and only takes action against conspiracy theories if they could lead to deaths, violence, or pogroms. The EU’s Digital Services Act requires platforms like YouTube to take steps to combat disinformation or risk fines, but Jourová believes that this law is not meant to enable censorship and wants companies to follow the guidelines set by the law.
Review: Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a great option for those who prioritize comfort and battery life over technical features. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort: The headphones provide a secure fit without causing ear fatigue.
- All-day battery life: The headphones can last up to 24 hours on Quiet or Aware mode, making them suitable for long periods of use.
- Easy volume control: The touch controls are convenient, but may take some getting used to.
Cons:
- Noise cancellation could be better: While the ANC is good, it’s not as effective as other headphones in this price range.
- Sound quality is average: The sound quality is rich and detailed, but may not impress audiophiles.
- Touch controls can be finicky: The volume control and noise-cancellation modes can be tricky to use.
Who might benefit from these headphones?
- Office workers who need comfortable headphones for long periods of use.
- Travelers who want reliable battery life and comfort during flights or road trips.
- Those who prioritize comfort over technical features like sound quality or noise cancellation.
Ultimately, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a great option for those who value comfort and practicality. However, if you’re looking for exceptional sound quality or advanced noise-cancellation features, you may want to consider other options in this price range.
TikTok is shipping Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, which could mean nothing
All good things come in pairs, like spaghetti and meatballs, peanut butter and jelly, and Matt Damon and… well, you know who. The two actors have been inseparable since childhood, breaking out simultaneously with Good Will Hunting and remaining best buds through the ups and downs of their A-list careers. But it seems some fans are taking their friendship to the next level, shipping them romantically on TikTok. Amid rumors that Ben Affleck’s relationship with Jennifer Lopez is on shaky ground, the internet has gone wild with memes and fancams imagining a romantic connection between the two actors. And let’s be real, there are plenty of clips out there showing just how much love they have for each other - seriously, check out these TikTok mashups. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt… or maybe not, since “which could mean nothing” has become a popular hashtag and caption among fans.