Grok stole your data (maybe)

There is a meteorite called the "Hoba" in Namibia, which is the largest known intact meteorite. It weighs around 60 tons and is roughly the size of a small car.

What’s in store:

• There’s data privacy issues at house X.

• Can AI really spot the future of a gold medalist?

• Around the web: Google Wallet’s new AI feature turns photos into digital passes for easy access.

• Guidde lets you make documentation 11x faster!

Read Time: 5 minutes

GROK

A GDPR drama in the making

X is facing privacy complaints across several European countries for using EU users' data to train its Grok AI without their consent.

This action has raised concerns about potential breaches of GDPR regulations, which require explicit user consent for data usage.

Here’s what happened:

• X processed data from around 60 million EU users for AI training without obtaining permission.

• Nine GDPR complaints have been filed against X in countries like Austria, Belgium, and Spain.

• The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has taken legal action, but critics argue it's insufficient.

X takes the shortcut

X quietly processed users' data from May 7 to August 1, with an opt-out option only appearing in late July, long after the data had been used.

Privacy group noyb, backing the complaints, argues that X’s reliance on "legitimate interest" is not a valid basis under GDPR, and consent should have been obtained.

They point to a similar case involving Meta, where user consent was deemed necessary.

This situation highlights the ongoing debate over how AI companies handle user data, especially under strict regulations like GDPR.

Looks like X missed the memo on GDPR.

Vote for live results and see results + opinions from yesterday at the bottom of the email.

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On This Day

August 13th 1918 - Women enlist in the United States Marine Corps for the first time. Opha May Johnson is the first woman to enlist.

Weird AI

Your AI Companion?

The founder of Replika, Eugenia Kuyda, created the AI girlfriend app after being inspired by a Black Mirror episode called "Be Right Back."

In the episode, a woman uses AI to bring back her deceased boyfriend, but things take a dark turn. This concept, combined with Kuyda's personal experience of losing a friend, led her to explore the idea of using AI for companionship.

We’re not sure that an ominous warning about the future is the best inspiration for your next start-up.

AI OLYMPICS

AI’s new frontier in sports science

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, fans are engaging with a new AI-powered system designed to identify future gold medallists.

Developed by Intel, this technology leverages computer vision and historical data to analyse the athletic potential of participants across various sports.

In a recent demonstration, young participants like Tacto and Tomo from Japan took part in AI-driven tests that measure speed, strength, and agility.

The system compares their data with that of elite athletes to suggest which sports they might excel in.

Here’s what you should know:

• The AI system analyses data from simple tests like running and jumping.

• Participants receive suggestions on sports they may excel at, based on comparisons with professional athletes.

• A portable version of the AI technology can be used in remote areas, requiring only a mobile device or tablet.

Shaping tomorrow’s champions

This technology is already making a difference.

The International Olympic Committee has deployed a portable version in remote Senegalese villages, identifying several children with significant athletic potential.

This AI system, which operates on basic devices like mobile phones, aims to bring advanced sports science to places that previously lacked access.

However, experts like Prof John Brewer note that the system has its limitations, particularly for sports that require high endurance or technical skills.

Despite these challenges, the portable nature of the AI offers a valuable starting point for initial assessments in areas without access to traditional talent identification methods.

Can it assess breakdancing though?

Mindstream Picks

Airbus and Astroscale: Partnering on satellite servicing and debris removal.

Forza Horizon 5: High-Performance Dailies update adds everyday modern cars.

Bitcoin: Showing resilience despite market challenges.

Stock: S&P 500 flat, Nasdaq up 0.2%, Dow drops 0.4%.

Don’t Miss - Google Wallet's new "Everything Else" feature lets Android users create digital versions of various passes, like IDs or library cards, using AI. This feature, currently available only in the US, simplifies storing and accessing important documents by generating digital passes from photos.

AI Art

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Yesterday’s Poll

“What do you think about Perplexity’s shift into advertising?”

Love it! - 51% ✅

Don't use it. - 49%

Your Views:

“Tried the Android app and loved it, but couldn't afford a subscription since I am on a fixed (limited) income.” - writerron

“Do use it. Don't love the ad idea, but a search engine's gotta eat. Hoping they come up with an ad model that doesn't turn them into the very things that suck about Google search.” - simon

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