‘My curiosity genes were on full blast': NI-born tech boss on day she was offered executive role at ChatGPT firm
Tyrone-born tech boss talks about AI being used in education, but is coy on new Jony Ive gadget
Sitting across from Ireland's most senior female global tech executive, my first question is the same one that has the tech world guessing: what is the new Jony Ive gadget that OpenAI just spent $6.5bn acquiring?
'I can't tell you about the device because Jony would actually murder me,' says Tyrone-born Sarah Friar of the legendary Ive, who was Steve Jobs's design lead on so many iconic Apple devices.
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The Independent
32 minutes ago
- The Independent
China blasts US for its computer chip moves and for threatening student visas
China blasted the U.S. on Monday over moves it alleged harmed Chinese interests, including issuing AI chip export control guidelines, stopping the sale of chip design software to China, and planning to revoke Chinese student visas. 'These practices seriously violate the consensus' reached during trade discussions in Geneva last month, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. That referred to a China-U.S. joint statement in which the United States and China agreed to slash their massive recent tariffs, restarting stalled trade between the world's two biggest economies. But last month's de-escalation in President Donald Trump's trade wars did nothing to resolve underlying differences between Beijing and Washington and Monday's statement showed how easily such agreements can lead to further turbulence. The deal lasts 90 days, creating time for U.S. and Chinese negotiators to reach a more substantive agreement. But the pause also leaves tariffs higher than before Trump started ramping them up last month. And businesses and investors must contend with uncertainty about whether the truce will last. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the U.S. agreed to drop the 145% tax Trump imposed last month to 30%. China agreed to lower its tariff rate on U.S. goods to 10% from 125%. The Commerce Ministry said China held up its end of the deal, canceling or suspending tariffs and non-tariff measures taken against the U.S. 'reciprocal tariffs' following the agreement. "The United States has unilaterally provoked new economic and trade frictions, exacerbating the uncertainty and instability of bilateral economic and trade relations,' while China has stood by its commitments, the statement said. It also threatened unspecified retaliation, saying China will 'continue to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.' And in response to recent comments by Trump, it said of the U.S.: 'Instead of reflecting on itself, it has turned the tables and unreasonably accused China of violating the consensus, which is seriously contrary to the facts.' Trump stirred further controversy Friday, saying he will no longer be nice with China on trade, declaring in a social media post that the country had broken an agreement with the United States. Hours later, Trump said in the Oval Office that he will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping and 'hopefully we'll work that out,' while still insisting China had violated the agreement. 'The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,' Trump posted. 'So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!' The Trump administration also stepped up the clash with China in other ways last week, announcing that it would start revoking visas for Chinese students studying in the U.S. U.S. campuses host more than 275,000 students from China. Both countries are in a race to develop advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, with Washington seeking to curb China's access to the most advanced computer chips. China is also seeking to displace the U.S. as the leading power in the Asia-Pacific, including through gaining control over close U.S. partner and leading tech giant Taiwan.
Coin Geek
3 hours ago
- Coin Geek
Japan's new AI laws promote R&D, safeguarding the public
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Japanese parliament's upper house has passed a bill to promote research and development (R&D) in artificial intelligence (AI). The law aims to keep Japan at the forefront of the technology, considers the wider impact of AI on society and the economy, and gives the government new powers to investigate firms in the AI industry. The bill passed the House of Councillors this week with backing from the governing coalition and most major opposition parties, signaling broad support for the move. It had already passed the House of Representatives with similar support in April, guaranteeing its passage into official law. One of its provisions is the formation of a 'strategic headquarters' that includes the prime minister and the entire Cabinet to create a basic plan to advance AI R&D along with its potential applications. Local media reports have focused more on how the government will deal with risks associated with widespread AI use rather than the R&D aspects. This reflects the growing awareness of AI in the mainstream, as more members of the general public have personal experience with generative AI tools. One concern is that AI may 'facilitate crimes, leak personal information, and violate copyrights.' False or incorrect information generated by AI tools could also have negative impacts. Under the new law, the government may disclose the names of companies it considers 'malicious' if an AI-related crime is committed. If a reported incident is serious enough, the government can launch official investigations into companies or groups involved. Based on its findings from these potential investigations, it may instruct or advise business operators related to the matter, release information to the public, and take 'other necessary actions.' AI has been on the Japanese government's radar for some time. A decade ago, it was grouped in a list of four emerging technologies deserving attention as one of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic 'arrows.' Together with the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and Big Data, AI formed a key part of Abe's 'Abenomics' national revitalization plans. Back then, any mention of AI was immediately connected to robotics and the concept of humanoid robots working in the service industry. That's still prominent in Japan, though nowadays, the focus is more on generative AI and its downstream issues, such as the veracity of the information it provides and potential harms to end-users and creators. In 2025, technological and geopolitical concerns have shifted and the revival Abenomics promised hasn't quite materialized. But its legacy lives on in current policies, and Japan has always seen awareness of technological developments as part of its national prestige. Even if this doesn't necessarily involve Japan remaining at the bleeding edge of actual development, the government is always keen to stay informed of any new implications. Several large corporations in Japan have begun integrating generative AI into their office workflows, consumer applications, and industrial processes. These include Panasonic (NASDAQ: PCRFF), Japan Airlines (NASDAQ: JPNRF), Asahi Breweries, Sumitomo Chemical (NASDAQ: SOMMF), Suntory (NASDAQ: STBFF), Seven-Eleven, and Asahi Steel. Large financial institutions like MUFG Bank (NASDAQ: MUFG), SMBC Group, and Mizuho (NASDAQ: MZHOF) have also claimed to have begun using generative AI in office and financial processes. Internationally, significant AI advancements are seen as opaque or difficult to understand, and there's a growing suspicion that companies and governments will keep their true capabilities secret, potentially to use against adversary countries and even members of the public. As a result, there's a growing desire for more transparency in the industry and disclosure of what data is being used, and how. Data security and protection of private information have been gaining attention for several years now, but this is now joined with an appetite for data veracity. Information systems of the future will need built-in protections for these, not just legislation if data-driven economies and societies are to retain public trust. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI. Watch: Demonstrating the potential of blockchain's fusion with AI title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Finextra
4 hours ago
- Finextra
Vanguard and University of Toronto create AI research labs
American investment management giant Vanguard has joined forces with the University of Toronto (UofT) to set up several labs focused on the use of AI in financial services. 0 The labs at UofT's department of computer science will house professors, post-doctoral fellows, and students who will work with Vanguard's existing Toronto-based AI research team. Initially, they will work on research papers and seminars and conferences focused on making AI systems ethical and capable of interacting with humans naturally and autonomously. This initiative will expand Vanguard's AI team in Toronto from about 20 to 90 roles, along with providing internship opportunities for University of Toronto students. "This collaboration will not only enhance our capabilities to better serve investors with top-tier expertise and resources but also contribute to the broader field of AI, ultimately benefiting our clients and industry," says Nitin Tandon, CIO, Vanguard.
