The Obtain: Local weather-friendlier air conditioners, and preventing specific deepfakes

Cooling represents 20% of world electrical energy demand in buildings, a share that’s anticipated to rise because the planet warms and extra of the world turns to cooling know-how. Throughout peak demand hours, air conditioners can account for over half the entire demand on the grid in some components of the world at the moment.

In response, some inventors are creating variations that may retailer power in addition to use it. These applied sciences may assist by charging themselves when renewable electrical energy is obtainable and demand is low, and nonetheless offering cooling companies when the grid is burdened. Learn the total story.

—Casey Crownhart

Google is lastly taking motion to curb non-consensual deepfakes

In January, nude deepfakes of Taylor Swift went viral on X, which prompted public outrage. Nonconsensual specific deepfakes are one of the crucial widespread and extreme sorts of hurt posed by AI, and the generative AI increase has solely made the issue worse.

Though horrible, Swift’s deepfakes did maybe greater than anything to lift consciousness in regards to the dangers and appear to have galvanized tech firms and lawmakers to do one thing. 

Final week Google mentioned it’s taking steps to maintain specific deepfakes from showing in search outcomes. The tech big can also be making it simpler for victims to request that nonconsensual faux specific imagery be eliminated. However much more must be completed. Learn the total story.

—Melissa Heikkilä