Scientists at UC Riverside have introduced a groundbreaking method to erase private and copyrighted data from AI models without requiring access to the original training datasets. Their “source-free certified unlearning” approach substitutes original data with a surrogate dataset and injects calibrated random noise to alter model parameters, ensuring selected information is irretrievable. The technique maintains the functionality of the models while reducing the costly and energy-intensive need for complete retraining. This innovation addresses growing legal and ethical concerns, such as compliance with privacy regulations and protection of copyrighted material used to train AI systems like GPT. Researchers demonstrated effectiveness using both synthetic and real-world datasets, offering strong privacy assurances.

The United Nations General Assembly has approved two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at shaping global cooperation on artificial intelligence governance. These include the establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The Scientific Panel is designed to bridge cutting-edge AI research and policy-making while delivering independent assessments to inform critical decisions. Meanwhile, the Global Dialogue will unite nations and stakeholders to discuss pressing AI challenges. Both mechanisms build upon the Global Digital Compact adopted in September as part of the Pact for the Future. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, will soon launch nominations for the Scientific Panel, which will begin publishing annual reports in 2026.

First Lady Melania Trump has launched a nationwide artificial intelligence challenge for K-12 students. The initiative encourages young participants to create projects using AI to address community challenges. In her video announcement, Trump emphasized the importance of early exposure to AI, inviting educators to design creative teaching approaches involving the technology. Trump referenced her own experience with AI, including an AI-narrated version of her memoir “Melania,” as an example of the potential of the technology. President Donald Trump backed the initiative during a Cabinet meeting, directing attention to the AI.gov website. The site stresses the importance of responsible AI training for students to foster innovation and economic growth. The challenge highlights growing efforts to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven future.

Trillions of dollars flowing into artificial intelligence infrastructure are reshaping the economy, according to The New York Times. Companies are expected to invest $375 billion globally in AI infrastructure in 2025, with projections reaching $500 billion in 2026. This unprecedented spending — focused on data centers, semiconductor factories, and power infrastructure — is driving substantial economic activity. Government data highlights that investment in software and computing equipment recently contributed to a quarter of domestic economic growth. Private equity firms and tech giants like Meta and Alphabet are key players in this surge, with estimates suggesting a $7 trillion investment in AI infrastructure over the next decade. As spending on data center construction surpasses traditional office buildings, economic dynamics are evolving.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI has filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI in a Texas federal court. The suit accuses the tech giants of illegally conspiring to stifle competition in the AI market. xAI claims Apple and OpenAI have formed an exclusive partnership to integrate ChatGPT into Apple’s operating systems, allegedly hindering xAI’s ability to compete fairly. The lawsuit seeks billions in damages and could significantly impact how antitrust laws are applied to the emerging AI industry.