NTT Research launches Scale Academy to turn AI and security research into real products, debuting SaltGrain, a zero-trust data security platform. The post NTT Research Launches Scale Academy to Bring Lab Technology to Market appeared first on TechRepublic.

Having worked on robustness problems during my PhD, I see many of the characteristics appearing in the evaluation of LLMs and AI systems. Adversarial attacks such as jailbreaks are becoming more relevant, edge cases finally become relevant, test sets and benchmarks are not static anymore but introduce distribution shift, and more sources of randomness make properly estimating accuracy difficult. In this article, I want to share some thoughts on why I believe AI evaluation is becoming an exiting standalone discipline within AI. The post AI Evaluation is Becoming an Exciting Standalone Discipline appeared first on David Stutz.

Available for free to any company that wants to use it, the “completely anonymous” app puts the pressure on porn sites and social media platforms to start blocking access by minors.

Europol coordinated an operation against for-hire distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) services, including the arrest of four people and the takedown of 53 domains.

Caroline O'Donovan / The San Francisco Standard: OpenAI's global policy chief, Chris Lehane, calls out AI “doomers” and says “when you put some of those thoughts and ideas out there, they do have consequences”  —  OpenAI's Chris Lehane thinks the discussion around AI has gotten out of hand.

An in-app browser allows visual feedback while building websites and more.

Inside MareNostrum V: SLURM schedulers, fat-tree topologies, and scaling pipelines across 8,000 nodes in a 19th-century chapel The post What It Actually Takes to Run Code on 200M€ Supercomputer appeared first on Towards Data Science.

Krieger's departure and any forthcoming design tools will be another data point for investors who fear the SaaSpocalypse — that the largest AI labs will come to dominate software businesses, a thesis that has rocked public markets at times this year.

Chinese fantasy novels reimagine the past with modern tech and ideology. A new book argues they also help reinforce authoritarian politics.

Bloomberg: Memo: the White House notified Cabinet departments that OMB is setting up protections that would allow their agencies to begin using Anthropic's Mythos model  —  The US government is preparing to make a version of Anthropic PBC's powerful new artificial intelligence model available …

One of the world's biggest automakers is plunging full-on into AI.

dbt brings structure to data transformation workflows. Teams use it to turn raw data...

In Musk v. Altman, a jury will soon determine whether OpenAI has strayed from its founding mission to ensure AGI benefits humanity. Here’s what to know.

Rumors point to a redesigned MacBook Pro with OLED, touch support, thinner hardware, and M6 chips, but Apple’s launch timing still looks uncertain. The post New MacBook Pro Overhaul Expected with OLED, Touchscreen, and M6 Chips appeared first on TechRepublic.

Upcoming sequel wants to capture a "uniquely Ukrainian perspective" on the post-apocalypse.

Spirit Airlines' old and new aircraft. Michael Carter/Airliners.net, Felipe | Santiago/Shutterstock Spirit Airlines could liquidate as early as this week, reports say. It's in its second bankruptcy since 2024, and rising fuel costs is making recovery harder. Spirit's closure would mark the end of a 62-year history that started as a trucking company. Spirit Airlines' iconic yellow paint job could soon fade from the skies. CNBC reported on Wednesday that the ultra-low-cost carrier, which has struggled to return to profitability post-pandemic amid changing traveler habits and rising costs, could liquidate as early as this week. The airline had recently shown signs of progress in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings — its second since 2024 — but rising fuel costs tied to Middle East conflict are now making that recovery even harder. A Spirit spokesperson told Business Insider that it doesn't "comment on market rumors and speculation." It's unclear what would happen if Spirit were to abruptly shutter. Beyond the immediate impact on customers, the airline's operations would likely cease and its fleet would be grounded. Any potential outcome would depend on whether a buyer emerges for its assets. JetBlue Airways, which attempted to acquire Spirit for $3.8 billion in 2024 before the deal was blocked by regulators, could revisit a bid. Other carriers eyeing Spirit's relatively young aircraft and sizeable East Coast network could also see value, though no formal interest has been announced. If Spirit were to disappear — the nail in its coffin likely being the oil crisis and rising demand for premium travel it can't match — it would close the book on a 62-year history. Spirit started as Clippert Trucking Company in 1964. Spirit's livery in 2007. Richard Sheinwald/Bloomberg via Getty Images In 1974, the company was refounded as Ground Air Transport Inc. by Michigan-native Ned Homfeld. Homfeld eventually founded the first passenger version of Spirit in 1980: Detroit-based Charter One Airlines. The charter tour company officially launched operations in 1983 using turboprop aircraft. It focused on gambling trips, offering routes to Atlantic City, New Jersey, from Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and Providence, Rhode Island. As gambling soon became popular in other states, Charter One began ferrying northerners to warmer destinations, including Florida, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, and San Juan. Scheduled air service officially launched in 1990. Convair 580 turboprop (not Charter One Airlines). Carlos Yudica/Shutterstock A decade after its founding, Charter One launched scheduled air service from Boston, Detroit, and Providence to Atlantic City, marking the start of the company's commercial operations. Charter One leased two Convair 580 twin-engine turboprops for the service. It would operate the planes for only a couple of years before rebranding to Spirit Airlines. Charter One became Spirit Airlines on May 29, 1992. Spirit Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80. Ivan Cholakov/Shutterstock Spirit rebranded and added four DC-9 jets to its fleet. The company was able to secure the planes at a low price after the demise of low-cost competitor Midway Airlines brought down used-aircraft prices. In June, the company launched its first flight from Detroit to Atlantic City, which operated twice daily. The airline's code is NK for "Ned's Kids." Spirit's early fleet also included McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft. According to Plane Spotters, 44 DC-9 and MD80 planes were delivered through the 1990s and early 2000s, with the last MD80 leaving the company in July 2010. Spirit was small but gained early momentum with its staple cheap fares. The snacks on a Spirit Airlines flight. The offerings change over the seasons. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider Spirit flew more than a quarter-million passengers in 1993 and generated $21 million in revenue. The company's background as a tour operator helped it fill planes. The carrier won over customers with cheap fares, powered by its low-cost business model in which everything beyond an unassigned seat — even water — cost extra. This secured lucrative ancillary revenue. Legacy airlines with higher operational costs were often forced to slash fares to stay competitive when Spirit entered the market. This exacerbated the financial strains of the 1990s. Spirit thrived as legacy airlines struggled during the 1990s recession. Pan Am flight attendant serving drinks on the company's 747. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images The 1990-1991 US recession opened the door for startups to acquire cheap planes and nonunion staff who had been employed by collapsed Pan Am, Trans World Airways, Eastern Air Lines, and Midway. From 1993 to 1999, Spirit expanded its route network, offering flights to Philadelphia, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Myrtle Beach, Los Angeles, and New York City. Spirit's brand was tarnished after a failed deal with Delta Air Lines. The "Catch the Spirit" livery. Mark Kopczak/Airliners.net Delta's defunct regional carrier, Comair, wanted to buy Spirit for $20 million in the mid-1990s. The deal was part of Spirit's attempt to find a home in a bigger organization to help it expand amid growing competition. The deal never materialized. Comair pulled out after a budget carrier, ValuJet, crashed into the Everglades in 1996, which created a stigma about the safety of low-cost airlines. To address customer concerns, Spirit sent thousands of postcards to reassure customers about the safety of its planes. It also launched a "Catch the Spirit" media campaign that included TV, radio, and billboard ads to sell Spirit's perfect safety record and involved adding a new logo to its aircraft. It took advantage of Northwest's pilot strike. In 1998, pilots at Northwest, which merged with Delta in 2008, went on strike, leading to thousands of flight cancellations. JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images Spirit recorded a loss in 1996, mostly due to a 25% rise in fuel prices, consumer hesitation to fly low-cost carriers, and some legacy carriers matching Spirit's fares and pushing it out of key markets. However, Spirit's planes began filling again in 1997. In June of that year, Spirit took over defunct carrier Sun Jet's routes from New Jersey to Florida. It also acquired more planes to take advantage of Northwest's 1998 pilot strike that grounded the rival for weeks. That year, Spirit reported revenue of $121 million, had 20 aircraft in its fleet, posted the industry's highest load factor at 76.4%, and carried 1.4 million passengers, an increase of 80% from 1997. Spirit moved its headquarters to Florida in 1999. Spirit Airlines headquarters in Mirimar, FL Joe Raedle/Getty Images The airline had been courted by several other cities, including Detroit and Atlantic City, before making its move from Eastpointe, Michigan to Miramar, Florida. Miramar made sense because it was in the Fort Lauderdale area where Spirit's tour company was already based, and the airline had been serving Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport since 1993. It still has a stronghold in the city, though it has trimmed capacity in recent years to optimize its network and better manage costs. Spirit began growing its Airbus A320 fleet in 2002. Spirit Airlines plane in San Juan, Puerto Rico RICARDO ARDUENGO/Getty Images It's still the only aircraft family in its fleet today, and it's relatively young at an average of eight years. The planes are no-frills with only economy seats and a few rows of premium loungers. Spirit continued to expand throughout the 2000s. It added San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2001. Boston, Grand Cayman, and San Francisco were added in 2006. The airline has rebranded its premium seats over the years. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider In 2007, the airline rebranded its "first class" as the Big Front Seat, which passengers can secure for an extra fee. Spirit has since further revamped its most expensive seats, adding legroom, wider seating, and bundled perks to lure more premium flyers. It's part of a wide industry focus on premium revenue as flyers remain willing to pay up for comfort. The last US pilot strike was by Spirit pilots in 2010. Spirit Airlines pilot strike Joe Raedle/Shutterstock The strike occurred amid poor wages and benefits, leading to thousands of flight disruptions. At the time, Spirit crews were among the lowest-paid pilots in the US despite flying the same planes as their higher-paid counterparts at other airlines. Spirit was the first airline to charge for carry-on bags. Spirit Airlines bag size checker EQRoy/Shutterstock The move reduced its operating costs because the resulting fewer overall bags lowered the aircraft's fuel consumption. It also sped up the boarding process and freed up overhead bin space. The à la carte model became its bread and butter. In 2011, the carrier began charging for boarding passes printed at the airport ticket counter and reduced its maximum checked baggage weight from 50 to 40 pounds. Spirit's no-frills strategy has been controversial throughout its history. Flying Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana, California to Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider In 2008, Spirit was the number one airline for customer complaints. It still managed to fly five million passengers and achieve a net profit during the recession, making it one of the few carriers to do so. In 2011, the Department of Transportation fined the airline $50,000 for what it described as deceptive advertising, claiming it did not disclose hidden fees, like baggage. In 2014, Spirit was the top airline pick for growth among investors, and in 2016, Spirit was the first US carrier to add the A320neo to its fleet. By 2019, Spirit was consistently profitable and popular. Spirit Airlines in the Caribbean Skycolors/Shutterstock It had become a budget leader and consistently turned a profit as people sought cheap vacations and didn't mind a bare-bones experience. By 2019, the airline was operating 600 daily flights to 72 destinations across the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The pandemic changed everything. Spirit was hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic. Spirit Airlines passengers during the pandemic PATRICK T. FALLON/Getty Images Spirit recorded a 2020 net loss of $428 million. Nevertheless, Spirit expanded operations with new city pairs and airports in 2021. It ended the year with what it described as a "better than expected" operating revenue, despite the mix of poorly timed weather, system outages, and staff shortages that left thousands of customers stranded. The customer outrage led to a warning from regulators. Still, Spirit continued to improve in 2022, reporting strong ancillary revenue in the first quarter. Things appeared to be moving back toward how they were in 2019. Changing traveler habits derailed everything. Spirit planes are still largely barebones, with some rows now offering more legroom and perks. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider Airlines have been doubling down on premium revenue as flyers remain willing to pay extra for better comfort across all cabins. This prompted Spirit to rethink its all-economy strategy. It started bundling its fares and offering premium seating to lure more customers, but its "first class" seat still pales in comparison to the amenity-stuffed loungers on rivals like Delta and United. In its latest update, it said it would continue to focus on high-demand routes, reduce its debt, and have just 80 aircraft by late 2026 — down from over 200 at its peak. Read the original article on Business Insider

Introducing CRUX, a new project for evaluating AI on long, messy tasks

Anthropic introduced ID verification for cases of "fraudulent or abusive behavior." Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto via Getty Images Anthropic introduced identity verification for "a few use cases," requiring some Claude users to upload government IDs. Persona Identities will manage and secure the ID data for the Claude users prompted to verify their identity. An Anthropic spokesperson wrote that ID verification will be used when it sees "potentially fraudulent or abusive behavior." Claude may soon ask to see your ID. Anthropic recently added "identity verification" to its safeguards, requiring some users to provide a passport, driver's license, or government ID, along with a live selfie. The company is rolling it out for "a few use cases," according to its Help Center. Anthropic says it's the "data controller," setting the rules for where ID data is used and how long it is kept. But Persona Identities, an ID verification startup, will collect and store the user information. Persona is contractually obligated to employ user data "only to provide and support verification and to improve their ability to prevent fraud," Anthropic said. So why is Anthropic asking some Claude users to prove who they are? "This applies to a small number of cases where we see activity that indicates potentially fraudulent or abusive behavior, which violates our usage policy," an Anthropic spokesperson wrote to Business Insider. If Anthropic deems that the activity violates its usage policy, the Claude user's account could be banned. Anthropic's help page lists the following potential reasons for why an account might be banned after completing ID verification: Repeated violations of our Usage Policy Account creation from an unsupported location Terms of Service violations Under-18 usage Anthropic also offers an appeals form that can be filled out if a user feels their account has been wrongfully banned. Claude users bristle at the idea of ID checks Claude users on X have already started noticing the requests for an ID. One user posted a screenshot of the request in Claude, which asked for a "quick identity check." It wrote that the request would only take two minutes and required an ID and mobile camera access. Another screenshot posted online shows what it looks like once the process is completed. "Thank you for verifying your identity," it wrote, accompanied by a celebratory graphic. The backlash on X was swift. "Anthropic making unexplainable decisions," one user wrote. "We are living in 1984," another wrote. In its Help Center, Anthropic also included a list of things it was not doing. Anthropic was not training its models on the data from ID verifications, it wrote. It also wrote that it wasn't sharing ID data with anyone beyond Anthropic and Persona, except where legally required. "We are not collecting more than we need," Anthropic wrote. "We ask for the minimum information required to verify your identity." Read the original article on Business Insider

China cable-cutter demo coincides with more sabotage of subsea Internet cables.

In a bid to minimize dependence on technology from other countries, the UK government is plowing resources into homegrown AI startups.