🤖 OpenAI's Bold Move: ChatGPT Set to Ditch the Censorship
OpenAI is working on making ChatGPT less censored.
Why it matters: OpenAI's new policy embracing "intellectual freedom" marks a significant pivot in AI content moderation and could reshape how AI handles controversial topics.
The big picture: The company is updating its Model Spec to reduce ChatGPT's restrictions while maintaining some guardrails against harmful content.
Key changes:
ChatGPT will now offer multiple perspectives on controversial topics, including politically sensitive issues, rather than taking sides or refusing to engage
The platform will aim for neutrality even on topics some users might find offensive
Warning messages for policy violations are being removed to create a less restrictive feel
Between the lines: While OpenAI denies making changes to appease the incoming Trump administration, the timing aligns with broader Silicon Valley shifts:
Meta and X have recently embraced First Amendment principles
Major tech companies like Google and Amazon have scaled back diversity initiatives
OpenAI appears to have removed DEI commitments from its website
What they're saying:
OpenAI claims the changes reflect their "long-held belief in giving users more control"
Conservative critics, including David Sacks and Elon Musk, had previously accused the platform of censorship
Former OpenAI policy leader Miles Brundage suggests the company may be trying to impress the new Trump administration
The bottom line: As OpenAI pursues a $500 billion data center project and aims to compete with Google Search, its relationship with the Trump administration and approach to content moderation could prove crucial for its future.
AI and Technology
📊 Perplexity has launched a freemium deep research product, allowing users to generate comprehensive research reports on any topic. Offers up to five queries per day for free users and 500 queries for Pro subscribers.
🤖 A Y Combinator startup, Firecrawl, went viral for posting a job listing specifically for AI agents, stating applicants should be AI or have created one. The position, "Firecrawl Example Creator (AI Agents Only)," offers a salary of only $10,000 to $15,000.
🚀 Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is set to release its Grok 3 chatbot today. Musk claims it will be the “smartest AI on Earth.” The launch will feature a demonstration at 8 p.m. Pacific time.
🍎 Apple's Vision Pro AR headset, launched at $3,500, has struggled with demand, leading to a 50% shipment cut just two months post-release. To address this, a visionOS 2.4 update is anticipated, introducing Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools with ChatGPT and immersive content apps.
Business and Startups
💹 Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has sparked a significant rally in tech stocks, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng Tech Index up 25% this year. The integration of DeepSeek's AI model into Tencent's Weixin led to an 8% surge in Tencent's stock, following gains in Alibaba and Baidu.
🇨🇳 Chinese President Xi Jinping held a rare meeting with major tech figures, including Jack Ma of Alibaba and Ren Zhengfeiof Huawei, signaling a shift in Beijing's approach towards private companies. This gathering aims to bolster sentiment amid ongoing US-China tech tensions and reflects concerns over China's economic slowdown.
📉 Trump Media & Technology Group has reported a staggering $400.9 million loss for the year 2024, a significant increase from the $58.2 million loss in 2023. The company's earnings per share were reported at a loss of $2.36, with total revenue at $3.6 million, reflecting a 12% decline year-over-year.
Snippets
Meta is considering leveraging former President Trump to navigate EU regulations, highlighting its strategy to address stringent data protection laws.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is expected to have ongoing discussions with former Trump advisor Kevin Hassett regarding economic strategy.
Donald Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to remove the head of the whistleblower agency, arguing the official lacks authority over certain investigations.
Authorities traced the ringleader of the BitConnect scam to India and seized $190 million in assets, marking a significant crackdown on crypto fraud.
Prenuvo has raised $120 million to enhance its health assessments, aiming to provide more comprehensive health insights.
Colleen Pietras discusses innovations in organ transplantation that could improve outcomes and increase organ availability.
Tether announced its acquisition of a minority stake in Juventus Football Club, signaling its entry into the sports industry.
The DOGE platform has initiated layoffs within the federal IT department as part of its restructuring efforts.
Argentinian candidate Javier Milei reversed his position on a $4.4 billion meme coin after insiders reportedly profited $87 million.
The DOGE platform is reportedly seeking access to IRS taxpayer data to enhance compliance and transparency in cryptocurrency operations.
Tools to try
Steev – A model training assistant that proactively adjusts parameters and resolves issues before they escalate.
Caspa AI – Create ultra-realistic product photos and infographics to make your products shine.