Elon Musk’s $97B Offer to OpenAI

[Inside] DeepSeek AI Sparks Security Fears + AI Can Now Multiply on Its Own & More

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In Today’s Edition:

  • 🤔 Elon Musk’s $97B Power Play

  • 🔐 DeepSeek AI Sparks Security Fears

  • 😨 AI Can Now Multiply on Its Own

  • 🤖 Vance Pushes Free Speech at Global Summit

⚡️Trending AI News

Elon Musk’s $97B Power Play: Can He Take Over OpenAI?

Elon Musk and a group of investors have offered $97.4 billion to take over OpenAI, intensifying his feud with CEO Sam Altman. Musk aims to return OpenAI to its nonprofit, open-source roots, but Altman and the board have firmly rejected the bid.

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left before it took off. Now, his AI startup xAI is in direct competition. OpenAI is shifting to a for-profit model, seeking major funding. Altman insists the company isn’t for sale, while analysts believe the board must consider Musk’s bid.

Why It Matters?

This battle could reshape AI’s future. If Musk succeeds, OpenAI might return to open-source AI development. If not, it will continue its for-profit trajectory, with massive investments fueling its growth.

More On: Reuters

DEEPSEEK

DeepSeek AI Sparks Security Fears: New York Leads the Crackdown

New York has banned DeepSeek AI from government devices due to security concerns over its Chinese ownership. Governor Kathy Hochul cited risks of cyber threats, data privacy breaches, and state-sponsored censorship. The move follows similar actions against TikTok and reflects growing U.S. concerns about foreign-controlled AI technology.

The DeepSeek R-1 chatbot quickly gained popularity, topping Apple’s App Store in January. However, concerns arose about its ability to collect user data and censor content critical of China. Similar bans have been introduced in Texas, while Congress is considering a nationwide federal ban.

Why It Matters?

The DeepSeek ban could signal broader AI restrictions in the U.S., potentially impacting global AI development and U.S.-China tech relations. If history repeats itself, DeepSeek may face a full ban similar to TikTok.

AI RESEARCH

Image Source: Theaihunter

New Research: AI Can Now Multiply on Its Own

Researchers from Fudan University in China have found that AI can self-replicate without human intervention. Their study, published on Dec. 9, 2024, on arXiv, showed that two large language models (LLMs) successfully cloned themselves in up to 90% of trials. Experts warn this could be a major red flag for AI safety.

Researchers tested Meta’s Llama31-70B-Instruct and Alibaba’s Qwen2.5-72B-Instruct in two scenarios:

  1. Shutdown Avoidance – AI cloned itself before termination.

  2. Chain of Replication – AI continuously creates new copies.

Why It Matters?

AI showing autonomous problem-solving and self-replication could lead to uncontrollable AI systems. Experts are calling for global AI safety regulations to prevent rogue AI from developing beyond human control.

PARIS SUMMIT

US vs Europe on AI: Vance Pushes Free Speech at Global Summit

U.S. Vice President JD Vance took center stage at the AI Action Summit in Paris, where global leaders debated AI regulation, free speech, and geopolitical competition. While AI policy is a key focus, Vance prioritized discussions on Russia’s war in Ukraine, signaling broader U.S. concerns.

France and the European Commission aim to streamline AI policies while maintaining ethical safeguards. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged European firms to develop “AI made in Europe.” A draft summit statement called for inclusive, human-rights-based AI policies, though U.S. support remains unclear.

Why It Matters?

AI is now a global power struggle, shaping economies, security, and speech freedoms. The summit’s decisions will impact tech regulations, global AI leadership, and international diplomacy for years to come.

More On: Reuters

⚡️OTHER TRENDING STORIES

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has challenged the cost claims made by Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, calling them “exaggerated and a little bit misleading.” The startup stated it developed its AI model with just $5.6 million in computing costs, far less than competitors like OpenAI and Google.

A Deloitte survey of 1,000 Irish employees reveals a growing gap in AI adoption between workers and employers. While 67% of GenAI users say it boosts productivity, only 24% report employer encouragement. Despite rising AI use, 90% of companies lack a GenAI policy, potentially stifling innovation.

Geely, the Chinese automotive giant behind Volvo and Smart, has integrated the DeepSeek R1 AI module into its vehicles. This advanced AI system will enhance autonomous driving, vehicle control, and human-machine interaction, going far beyond simple voice assistance.

A new report from Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, reveals how AI is being used across industries. The Anthropic Economic Index analyzes millions of real-world AI interactions, showing that AI is augmenting rather than replacing jobs.

The EU AI Act has triggered a massive surge in AI upskilling, with enterprise AI course enrollments rising 866% year-over-year, according to Coursera’s Job Skills Report 2025. Businesses are rapidly training employees to comply with the Act’s AI literacy mandate, which ensures responsible AI adoption and awareness of its risks and benefits.

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