Feds is watchin’
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s 2023 executive order on artificial intelligence (AI), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has taken definitive steps toward integrating AI within federal agencies. With the publication of a new competency model and hiring guidance, the OPM met the 180-day deadline imposed by the executive order, signaling that the federal government is seriously gearing up its AI capabilities. Notably, an interagency task force led by White House officials revealed substantial hiring achievements, with at least 150 AI experts already on the federal payroll and projections to recruit over 500 by the end of fiscal year 2025. This excludes the sizable ambition of the Defense Department, which envisions adding around 11,500 AI specialists in the same timeframe. These guidelines are a cornerstone for agencies to identify essential AI skills and hiring practices to effectively advance the United States’ position in the global AI arena.
LockBit, innit
In a coordinated law enforcement effort reminiscent of a climactic “Scooby-Doo” reveal, the US Department of Justice and the UK’s National Crime Agency have named Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev as the individual allegedly operating under the alias “LockBitSupp.” This persona has been associated with leading the notorious LockBit ransomware group. Following a thorough investigation, Khoroshev has been indicted on 26 counts and is now at the center of a US-led international search, with a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest. In addition to facing criminal charges, Khoroshev will be subjected to asset freezes and travel bans, making it clear that cyber crime does not go unnoticed by global regulatory bodies.
Scale up
Scale AI, an AI enterprise specializing in data-related services essential for machine learning, is positioning itself as a dynamic player in the intensifying global AI race. In light of the ambitious projections that China will lead AI advancements by 2030, Scale AI’s field CTO, Vijay Karunamurthy, shed light on how the company is navigating these competitive waters. The conversation highlighted concerns regarding the large amounts of data the Chinese government can access, the significance of talent acquisition in AI development, and the relentless competition between the US and China in terms of resources and computing power necessary for AI training. Scale AI’s commitment to keeping pace in this high-stakes technological contest underscores the broader national imperative for innovation and leadership in AI.
