AI News February 12, 2025

Major Developments in AI: A Comprehensive Report

On February 12, 2025, the AI landscape saw significant advancements, legal battles, and innovative applications across various industries. This report highlights the key developments from the day, organized into major sections for clarity.

Startups and Accelerators

Transform Data Science and AI Accelerator Welcomes New Cohort

The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in collaboration with the Data Science Institute, announced the acceptance of six early-stage startups into its latest cohort. This initiative aims to foster innovation and growth in the AI and data science sectors [Source 1].

AI Ethics and Legal Developments

Scarlett Johansson Advocates for AI Regulations

Following the circulation of an unauthorized deepfake video targeting Kanye West, Scarlett Johansson has called for stricter AI laws to combat the misuse of deepfake technology. This incident has sparked broader discussions about the ethical implications of AI and the need for regulatory frameworks [Source 2].

Thomson Reuters Wins AI Copyright Battle

Thomson Reuters secured an early victory in a U.S. court case regarding fair use in AI-related copyright disputes. This ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving AI-generated content and intellectual property rights [Source 5].

Company Expansions and Innovations

Alibaba Revitalized by China’s AI Boom

Alibaba has experienced a turnaround driven by China’s growing interest in AI. The company is leveraging AI technologies to enhance its e-commerce and cloud computing services, signaling a strategic shift toward innovation [Source 3].

Adobe Launches Firefly App with AI Video Model

Adobe expanded its generative AI offerings with the release of the Firefly app, featuring the industry’s first commercially safe video model. This move underscores Adobe’s commitment to advancing AI-driven creative tools [Source 8].

Apple Maps and AI Expansion

Apple announced further expansion of its AI capabilities, with a focus on improving Apple Maps. This update reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its core products and services [Source 6].

Health and Wellness

AI Haptic Feedback Reduces Nocturnal Scratching

Researchers explored the efficacy of AI-enabled wearable technology in reducing nocturnal scratching for patients with atopic dermatitis. The results demonstrated significant improvements, highlighting AI’s potential in healthcare applications [Source 7].

AI Scams and Security

Italian Police Freeze Funds from AI-Voice Scam

Italian authorities froze nearly one million euros linked to an AI-voice scam targeting business leaders. The scam involved the use of AI-generated voices to impersonate executives, raising concerns about the misuse of AI in fraudulent activities [Source 10].

Market and Finance

Vertiv Holdings Stock Drops on AI Data Center Concerns

Vertiv Holdings’ stock fell amid worries about slowing demand for AI data centers. This reflects investor concerns about the scalability and sustainability of AI infrastructure [Source 9].

Key Takeaways

1. AI Innovation: Startups and established companies continue to push the boundaries of AI technology.
2. Ethical and Legal Challenges: The rise of AI has brought forth significant ethical and legal questions, requiring regulatory frameworks.
3. Healthcare Applications: AI is proving to be a valuable tool in addressing medical challenges.
4. Security Risks: The misuse of AI in scams highlights the need for robust security measures.
5. Market Dynamics: The growth of AI is influencing stock markets and investor sentiment.

Sources