TNB Tech Minute: White House Prepares Executive Order Targeting ‘Woke AI' - Tech News Briefing
This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated.
Ariana Aspuru: Here's your afternoon TNB Tech Minute for Friday, July 18th. I'm Ariana Aspuru for the Wall Street Journal. White House officials are preparing an executive order targeting tech companies with what they see as woke artificial intelligence models. This is according to people familiar with the matter, and it's the latest effort to go after diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The order would mandate that AI companies getting federal contracts be politically neutral and unbiased in their AI models. "This is to combat what the administration sees as a liberal bias in some models," the people said. Because nearly all major tech companies are competing for their tools to be used by the federal government, the order could have far-reaching impacts. People familiar with the matter also said the executive order would be one of several expected to be released next week, where Trump is outlining his vision for winning the AI race with China. Plus, UBS analysts say that Netflix is looking to boost user engagement with a new slate of content and programming. Engagement was up 1.8% in the first half of this year compared with a 4.5% increase in the second half of last year. Analysts also say that Netflix's range of content and investment in live programs should support more engagement. Finally, Australian Mining Company, Fortescue is looking to buy already operational green energy projects in the US, but will be holding back on them because of President Trump's policies, including tariffs. This is according to the company's executive chairman, Andrew Forrest, who also criticized Trump's views on climate change. And that's a wrap on your TNB Tech Minutes. For a deeper dive into what's happening in tech, check out our Tech News Briefing podcast on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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