OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 release raises questions about White House control over new models
OpenAI is rolling out its most advanced GPT-5.6 model after delaying the release for testing with the government. But the White House denied that the review was mandatory. What’s the deal?
Plus, Reuters reported that China is considering limiting access to its top AI models from foreign competitors, including the United States. And, Meta launched a new AI image generator, sparking privacy concerns.
Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino discusses this week’s top tech stories with Axios tech policy reporter Maria Curi.
Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”
Taylor Swift vs. AI
This week, Taylor Swift trademarked her voice and image in what appears to be a bid to protect against AI misuse. Plus, a Japanese airline is experimenting with humanoid robots to help with baggage.
But first, Google landed a deal with the Pentagon to let its AI models be used for classified work. A Google spokesperson told us in a statement that the company is proud to be providing its services for national security and that it believes AI should not be used for “domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight."
We talked with Maria Curi at Axios about how Google’s deal compares to ones the Department of Defense has with other AI companies.
Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes.”
Bytes: Week in Review — AI companies divided over proposed state law, Amazon buys Globalstar, and Spotify to sell physical books
This week, Spotify is letting its users buy physical books. Plus, Amazon acquires the satellite service provide Globalstar. But first, state lawmakers in Illinois are considering a bill that says developers of large AI models can’t be held liable for critical harms caused by those models, as long as the developer doesn't intentionally or recklessly cause the harm and has published a safety protocol on its website.
A representative from OpenAI testified in favor of the bill; meanwhile, Wired reported this week that Anthropic is pushing for either major changes to the legislation, or for it to be killed completely. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Maria Curi, tech policy reporter at Axios, about all these headlines for this week’s “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”
Bytes: Week in Review — Meta, YouTube’s social media addiction case, a new AI literacy course, and Kalshi’s prediction market self-regulation
The prediction market platform Kalshi announces new rules this week. Plus, the Department of Labor introduces an AI literacy course. But first, a jury in Los Angeles this week found that Meta and YouTube were negligent in what’s being called a landmark case.
The social media companies were accused of intentionally designing their platforms to be addictive, which caused harm to a young user’s mental health. The companies were ordered to pay $6 million in damages — and they’ve told media outlets they disagree with the verdict and are exploring their legal options.
Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Maria Curi, tech policy reporter at Axios, about all these headlines for this week’s “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”
Bytes: Week in Review - Quantifying AI's impact on job cuts
On today's “Tech Bytes: Week in Review,” we discuss federal cybersecurity cutbacks that affected this week’s elections and a caucus of Midwestern states pushing to join the AI boom. Plus, Sens. Josh Hawley and Mark Warner introduced a bipartisan bill requiring some companies to report when AI replaces workers.
Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Axios tech policy reporter Maria Curi about these headlines and more.