UK Uses AI to Assign Age Ratings to Popular HBO Max Series
In brief
- AI has helped give age ratings to popular TV shows like Game of Thrones and Euphoria in the UK.
- The British Board of Film Classification used an AI tool to analyze content for things like violence, nudity, and bad language.
- This is the first time these shows have received ratings in the UK.
- The AI tool quickly identifies scenes that might need special attention.
- These scenes are then reviewed by humans to make sure the ratings are accurate.
- This process has allowed the BBFC to rate the entire HBO Max catalogue in a faster and more efficient way.
- Watch for more AI tools being used in content classification around the world.
Terms in this brief
- British Board of Film Classification
- The UK organization responsible for assigning age ratings to films and TV shows. They used an AI tool to assist in their classification process, making it faster and more efficient.
Read full story at The Guardian AI →
More briefs
AI Advocacy Takes a Political Turn
AI policy has entered the political arena with surprising force. Earlier this year, Alex Bores, a New York state legislator and champion of the RAISE Act-a law aimed at addressing AI-related risks-found himself targeted by Leading the Future (LTF), an AI accelerationist super PAC. LTF, which supports rapid AI development, poured $2.5 million into attack ads against Bores, aiming to make an example of him to deter other politicians from supporting AI safety measures. This strategy appears to be working. Since the attacks began, Bores has shifted his campaign focus to AI, making it his top issue. His opponents argue that he is overly cautious, while Bores defends his stance on regulating AI risks. The outcome of this political battle could set a precedent for how AI policy debates unfold in future elections. With the June 23rd election looming, eyes are on whether Bores can overcome LTF's efforts and whether other politicians will follow his lead in prioritizing AI safety. This high-stakes race highlights the growing influence of AI in shaping political agendas.
UAE Aims to Shift Half of Government Operations to AI Within Two Years
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning a major push towards automation in government services. By the end of two years, half of its governmental operations will be handled by autonomous AI systems. This ambitious initiative aims to streamline processes and enhance efficiency across various public sectors. This move underscores the UAE's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into governance. Autonomous AI agents are expected to manage tasks like citizen requests, data processing, and decision-making, potentially reducing human error and speeding up services. While the exact scope of these systems is not detailed, their deployment could significantly impact how government interacts with its citizens. As the UAE leads the charge in adopting AI for public services, other nations may follow suit. Future developments will likely focus on ensuring these systems operate ethically and effectively, balancing technological advancement with human oversight.
Mississippi Law School Makes AI Training Mandatory for Students
Students at Mississippi College's law school must now complete a mandatory two-day AI training program. The course covers basics of artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, best practices, and legal regulations. It aims to prepare future lawyers for the growing role of AI in their profession. The move follows recent concerns about AI misuse in legal cases, such as fabricated citations in court documents. Law schools are racing to keep up with the technology's rapid evolution. Mississippi is also seeing increased investment in AI infrastructure. Dean John P. Anderson emphasized the importance of responsible AI use, stating that students must understand how to properly and effectively use these tools before entering practice. The program reflects a broader push to integrate AI education into legal training nationwide.
Utah Launches Pilot Letting AI Renew Prescriptions for Chronic Conditions
Utah has launched a 12-month pilot program that allows an autonomous AI agent to renew existing prescriptions for patients with chronic conditions. The program is tightly scoped: it covers renewals only, not new prescriptions, and applies to ongoing treatments where the patient already has an established diagnosis. The pilot marks one of the first formal state-level frameworks for AI in clinical decision-making in the US. For healthcare developers and researchers, it is an important test of how regulators can permit narrow AI assistance without broadly opening the door to autonomous prescribing. The scope is deliberately limited to reduce risk while generating real-world data. How the pilot performs over the next year will likely influence how other states approach similar legislation.
Google Faces EU Proposal to Share Search Data with Competitors
The European Commission has proposed requiring Google to share its search data with rival engines and AI chatbots within the EU/EEA. This move aims to foster competition and innovation in digital services. If implemented, it could significantly impact how tech giants manage their data, potentially making search markets more balanced. This proposal highlights efforts to address market dominance by major tech companies. It seeks to level the playing field for smaller players by ensuring access to critical data. The plan also emphasizes transparency and user privacy, reflecting broader concerns about monopolistic practices in tech. The next steps will involve reviewing public feedback and finalizing regulations. This could set a precedent for how search engines handle data sharing globally.