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• AI TRENDS

• TECH TRENDS

• STARTUP SCENE

AI TRENDS

FTC Cracks Down on AI Scams with Operation AI Comply

In September 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched Operation AI Comply, targeting companies misusing artificial intelligence to deceive consumers. Within two months, the FTC filed lawsuits against five businesses exploiting AI in misleading ways.

Among the culprits: DoNotPay, a so-called AI "robot lawyer" that failed to deliver on its promises, Ascend Ecom and Ecommerce Empire Builders, which peddled fake get-rich-quick AI-powered e-commerce tools, Rytr, caught generating phony product reviews, and FBA Machine, a scam offering deceptive AI-driven storefronts.

Operation AI Comply aims to safeguard consumers from companies using AI to inflate claims or run scams. It reinforces that businesses hyping AI without substance face serious legal repercussions. The FTC is committed to ensuring AI benefits consumers, not tricks them into parting with their money.

Key takeaway? AI isn’t an excuse for false promises, and the FTC is here to make sure companies play by the rules.

Google Faces DOJ in High-Stakes Ad Tech Monopoly Trial

This week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) faces off against Google in a Virginia courtroom, accusing the tech giant of monopolizing the ad tech industry. The DOJ argues that Google’s 2008 acquisition of DoubleClick gave it unchecked control over both the buying and selling sides of online advertising—leading to its 87% market dominance.

The DOJ claims Google manipulated the ad auction system to favor its own tools and restrict competition, driving up prices for advertisers and lowering revenue for publishers. In the end, it’s the consumer who suffers from higher prices.

Google's defense? It points to a competitive ad market and argues its innovations have simplified ad buying, benefiting both advertisers and publishers. If the DOJ wins, Google may be forced to divest parts of its ad tech empire, reshaping digital advertising.

Meta Fights AI-Generated Misinformation Ahead of 2024 US Elections

With the 2024 US election cycle looming, Meta (formerly Facebook) is under pressure to combat the rise of AI-generated misinformation on its platforms. Tools like AI-powered deepfakes and fake news stories pose new threats, with bad actors using them to sway public opinion, disrupt voting, and undermine trust in the democratic process.

Meta has ramped up efforts to detect "coordinated inauthentic behavior" (CIB)—networks of fake accounts spreading disinformation. AI-driven content moderation tools, along with collaboration with other platforms, have become essential in this fight. However, challenges remain, including the rapid evolution of deepfake technology and concerns about free speech restrictions.

As Russia and other foreign actors leverage AI for influence campaigns, the stakes are high. Meta's mission? To outpace the bad actors and protect users from misinformation without overreaching.

Key takeaway: AI-generated misinformation is a growing electoral threat, but Meta is investing in tools to disrupt deceptive campaigns.

TECH TRENDS

Huawei's New Trifold Phone Racks Up 3 Million Preorders in Hours

Huawei is back in the spotlight with the launch of its Mate XT, a trifold smartphone that garnered 2.7 million preorders within an hour of its release. By the end of the day, preorders neared 3 million, signaling a major comeback for the Chinese tech giant, especially after the setbacks from US sanctions in 2019.

The Mate XT positions Huawei as a direct competitor to Apple, with similar pricing and innovative tech. Despite restrictions, Huawei has developed its own processors, allowing it to bypass Western semiconductor limitations and offer cutting-edge performance. This marks a bold step in Huawei's return to the global smartphone market, particularly as Apple struggles to retain its footing in China.

With the Mate XT set to hit shelves on September 20, Huawei's momentum shows no signs of slowing down, while Apple’s share in China has declined, further intensifying this tech rivalry.

Snap Inc.’s AR Revolution and More

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has been consistently innovating with Augmented Reality (AR) and immersive experiences for its users. From playful camera filters like dog ears and animated beards to launching ARES, a service providing businesses with AR tools, Snap has solidified its position in the AR space.

Other innovations include Spectacles, AR glasses that offer a new way to see the world, and My AI, a chatbot that delivers generative AI experiences. Snap also empowers its community with Lens Studio, allowing developers to create and share AR experiences.

In addition to AR, Snap continues to enhance social interaction with features like Bitmoji, personalized avatars, and Group Chat. On-Demand Geofilters let users create custom filters, and Memories allow users to save and relive favorite Snaps.

Snap’s blend of AR and social creativity is paving the way for the future of interactive content.

STARTUP SCENE

International Startup Festival 2024: The Global Stage for Innovation

The International Startup Festival 2024 is set to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the globe. Known for its vibrant mix of networking, pitch contests, and educational content, the festival is a hotspot for the latest trends in tech and startup culture.

Set in Montreal, this year’s event will focus on emerging technologies like AI, FinTech, and sustainable tech. Startups will have the chance to pitch their ideas to leading venture capitalists, with several competitions offering cash prizes and investment opportunities.

Beyond pitching, attendees can expect workshops, keynotes from industry leaders, and panel discussions tackling everything from scaling businesses to the future of tech ecosystems. With a history of launching successful startups, the festival is a must-attend for anyone in the startup community.

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