AI This Week

The Wikimedia Foundation warns of a sharp decline in human visitors to Wikipedia, driven by the growing use of generative AI chatbots and summary-driven search engines. These technologies utilize Wikipedia’s vast content without directing users to the website, challenging its sustainability. The Foundation argues this trend not only reduces visitor engagement but also threatens content development and funding from donations. Wikipedia remains a key resource for AI training and search engines, yet this reliance siphons traffic away from the site. Illustrating the problem, human pageviews on Wikipedia dropped roughly 8% compared to the same period last year. Efforts are being intensified to ensure responsible reuse of the platform’s content.

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