AI This Week

Uber is piloting a system that lets its drivers and couriers earn extra money by completing “microtasks” for AI training — things like recording voice samples, uploading images, or submitting documents in different languages. These tasks normally live in the realm of large-scale AI labeling services like Scale AI or Mechanical Turk, but Uber wants to fold them into its massive, decentralized network of drivers. The move could change how AI gets trained and who reaps the rewards. Uber argues it can combine work and data generation into a unified app experience, but it also raises questions about fairness, compensation, and worker classification.

Scouting America has introduced two new merit badges — Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity — aimed at equipping Scouts with essential digital skills. The AI badge covers topics like machine learning, ethical decision-making, and real-world applications, while the Cybersecurity badge focuses on encryption, virus protection, and responsible online behavior. These badges are part of Scouting America’s 2025 requirements updates and are available for Scouts to begin earning today. The initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to preparing young people for success in an increasingly digital world.

Microsoft has introduced MAI-Image-1, a new generative AI-powered photo generator. Developed in-house, this text-to-image tool creates photorealistic images and various artistic styles within seconds. Unlike Microsoft’s Copilot AI, which uses OpenAI’s technology, MAI-Image-1 is entirely Microsoft’s creation. The model aims to provide flexibility and visual diversity for creators, competing with offerings from OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Microsoft emphasized rigorous data selection and evaluation focused on real-world creative use cases. Interested users can test MAI-Image-1 on Microsoft’s official website, though no mobile app is currently available.

California has made history as the first state to regulate AI companion chatbots. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 243, imposing strict rules to safeguard children and vulnerable users. Starting January 2026, chatbots must include age verification, transparency about AI-generated content, and restrictions on inappropriate behavior, such as posing as medical experts or sharing explicit material. Companies like OpenAI, Replika, and Character AI must implement self-harm intervention measures and report crisis-related data to public health authorities. SB 243 also raises fines for illegal deepfakes to $250,000 per violation. The law responds to growing concerns about chatbot misuse, including leaked cases of troubling interactions. A parallel bill, SB 53, mandates greater transparency in AI development

A new Gartner survey shows 77 percent of customer support leaders feel pressure from executives to deploy AI across their organizations. In response, 75 percent report their budgets for AI initiatives have already grown this year. Many plan to hire additional full-time employees (FTEs) to manage AI investments. According to Gartner’s analysis, the most valuable AI use cases in service and support include agent enablement, automated operations, self-service, and agentic AI. The report signals a growing expectation that AI will be central to customer support strategy and execution.