Former British PM Sunak joins Goldman Sachs
Sunak, who served as prime minister from October 2022 to July 2024, will work with leaders across New York-based Goldman to advise clients globally on a range of topics, 'sharing his unique perspectives and insights on the macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape,' CEO David Solomon said in a statement Tuesday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Brand called out for ‘deceptive' move
Shoppers have voiced outrage after a popular e-commerce retailer advertised AI-generated models and product images on its platform, labelling the move 'deceptive'. An Australian woman called out Atoir, a Melbourne-based label, for using AI-generated images of a model and clothing, available for purchase on The Iconic. 'Saw this on The Iconic,' she wrote on Reddit. 'The brand ATOIR is using AI models for their clothing. Feels so deceptive.' The Melbourne fashion brand created a model using AI. The Iconic Credit: Supplied The dress in this image isn't real either. The Iconic Credit: Supplied The website features two images of a brunette woman wearing a white dress, taken from the front and back. At the very bottom of the item's product description, the brand said the model's measurements 'represents a size S/8 and is standing at 5'10' but disclosed neither the clothing, nor the model, were real. 'Please note that this eCommerce imagery has been crated (sic) using artificial intelligence technology and does not feature a real model,' the product description read. 'These AI generated visuals are designed to represent our products accurately and creatively.' The same AI model displays other Atoir items on the website without any mention of AI-generated imagery. The Iconic disclosed the brand was using AI-generated models in some product descriptions but failed to mention it in others. Reddit Credit: Supplied Online, Australian customers voiced their frustration with the AI-generated models, arguing it did not accurately represent the item they wanted to buy. '(A) $400 dress and you can only see an image generated version of it before you buy it,' a comment read. Others argued the AI-generated image failed to represent the fit of the clothing on a human body and other angles of the clothing. 'AI cannot replicate the way a garment sits on the body, or the way different types of fabric drape,' a person wrote. 'They might as well just take a flat lay photo of the garment, that would actually be more useful.' Another said the move was 'so wildly unappealing' and discouraged them from making a purchase. 'It's just a realistic looking line drawing at this point,' they wrote. 'I can't say I'm prepared to shell out hundreds of dollars online when I don't even get to see an actual garment.' Many other products featured the same AI-generated model. The Iconic Credit: Supplied Many shoppers voiced their concern with the AI-generated images. The Iconic Credit: Supplied Interlunar Media director Krishna Chandak said AI visuals could 'often miss the mark' if used for advertising retail, skincare and fitness products compared with 'commoditised sectors' and could 'definitely affect consumer trust and brand credibility'. 'In categories like skincare, fashion, or wellness, where authenticity and emotional connection matter, AI visuals often miss the mark,' he told NewsWire. He said 'real content consistently outperforms' AI-generated content, which may '(raise) questions around transparency and ethics'. 'Whether it's user-generated content, branded shoots, or genuine storytelling, the return on investment is almost always stronger with authentic visuals,' he said. Retail experts warn brands about relying on AI-generated images, as they could dissuade shoppers. The Iconic Credit: Supplied Experts suggest sticking to 'traditional' methods of creating product images, including real photographers and models. The Iconic Credit: Supplied The Ad Firm chief executive Kevin Heimlich said retailers using AI were walking on an 'ethical tightrope' that could discourage shoppers from trusting a brand. He said while AI may 'create a technically perfect image', it may also 'lack the soul and relatability that genuinely resonate with a target audience and encourage them to convert'. 'AI can whip up these incredibly slick, almost perfect images. They look amazing, truly aspirational,' he told NewsWire. 'If that image does not exactly match the real item a customer receives, you have a problem.'Mr Heimlich said shoppers may be disappointed when the item arrived at their doorstep. 'When a customer opens their package and sees something that does not quite align with what they saw online, it is a direct path to disappointment, frustration, and often, a return,' he said. Shoppers may lose trust in a brand if it relies on AI-generated images, retail experts say. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Heimlich said there was a risk of 'breeding distrust' if retailers relied on AI-generated product images, leading customers to wonder if the brand is 'intentionally trying to mislead them'. 'Such damage to a brand's reputation and consumer trust can take a considerable amount of time to repair, and it undoubtedly impacts future sales,' he said. Mr Heimlich urged retailers to consider relying on traditional photography and models to negate the lack of 'emotional connection and storytelling' that came with AJ-generated imagery. 'A skilled photographer, or a model who embodies the essence of your brand, does so much more than show the product,' he told NewsWire. 'AI, in its current form, often struggles to replicate that nuanced human artistry and emotional depth.' The Iconic and Atoir did not immediately respond to NewsWire's questions.
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
US State Department lays off more than 1350 employees
The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul. The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul. The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul. The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul.
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
US State Department lays off more than 1350 employees
The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul.
