Can AI help accelerate renewable energy projects? Artists leak OpenAI’s New Video Tool In Protest, and Who really owns your social media accounts? You or the platform they are on?
AI to Tackle U.S. Power Grid Interconnection Backlog
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to address a mounting challenge: the backlog of renewable energy projects waiting to connect to the power grid. As of late 2023, nearly 2,600 gigawatts of projects, primarily wind, solar, and battery storage, were stuck in grid interconnection queues—and that was a 27% increase from the previous year, according to Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.
The DOE’s Grid Deployment Office is allocating up to $30 million to speed up interconnection reviews using AI. This funding, part of the bipartisan infrastructure law, aims to streamline the process by applying AI algorithms to review applications, identify deficiencies, and notify developers more quickly. Current grid authorities report that 90% of interconnection applications are deficient, significantly delaying progress.
“Artificial intelligence is an energy solution capable of helping clear an interconnection backlog that will free up new energy sources to ensure consumers have power when and where they need it,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
This effort highlights the dual role of AI in energy: as a tool for innovation and a potential burden on electricity resources due to the energy demands of AI-driven data centers. The initiative aligns with bipartisan priorities, as both parties recognize the need to meet growing energy demands, whether from renewable or traditional sources.
With the amount of energy that AI continues to demand, as new data centres try to come online, I can’t escape that old saying, “physician, heal thyself.”
Artists Leak OpenAI’s AI Video Tool, Protesting Unpaid Labor
A group of 16 artists leaked OpenAI’s unreleased text-to-video generator, Sora, to the public on Tuesday, accusing the $157 billion company of exploiting their labor. The artists, invited to test Sora before its release, say they were used for unpaid research and development (R&D) under the guise of creative critique.
In an open letter shared on the platform Hugging Face, the artists claimed OpenAI used their participation to bolster Sora’s reputation while controlling which AI-generated videos were publicly showcased. They stated, “Artists are not your unpaid R&D,” and criticized the company for mandating its approval before sharing any content created with the tool.
The leak, intended to allow wider public access to Sora, was live for just three hours before OpenAI shut it down. An OpenAI spokesperson defended the program, telling The Washington Post that participation was voluntary with no obligation to provide feedback. However, the artists argue the early access program felt more like unpaid PR than a genuine opportunity for creative input.
OpenAI had announced Sora in February 2024 but kept it restricted, citing ongoing development. The controversy highlights growing tensions between tech companies and the creative community over compensation and control in AI-driven artistic tools
X’s Objection to InfoWars Sale Highlights Ownership Limits on Social Media Accounts
And here’s a question that you probably never thought about. As a person, or as a company – who actually owns your social media accounts? Is it you or the platform itself. And before you answer, Doh! Of course I own my own account, Elon Musk might not agree.
X, formerly Twitter, has filed an objection in bankruptcy court against The Onion’s attempt to purchase InfoWars. Elon Musk’s legal team argued that X, as the platform owner, retains “superior ownership” over all accounts and objected to transferring InfoWars’ accounts as part of the bankruptcy sale.
The filing underscores a reality users often overlook: accounts on corporate platforms are licensed, not owned by their users. X’s lawyers stated, “X CORP. OWNS THE X ACCOUNTS,” clarifying the company’s control over accounts and content. This claim echoes prior cases, such as Vital Pharmaceuticals’ bankruptcy, where courts ruled business accounts were assets of the company, not individuals.
But you don’t have to be a big time corporate lawyer to spot the issue. Yes, you can accept that a company’s assets include its social media accounts, but it doesn’t follow that the PLATFORM owns the accounts.
And if you’ve never thought about this, it’s because historically, social media companies rarely, if ever, object to account transfers in bankruptcies. Recently, the publication VICE’s accounts were seamlessly transferred to its new owner. However, X’s involvement here is unusual, with InfoWars founder Alex Jones suggesting Musk acted to support him. Musk had, after all, previously reinstated Jones on X and expressed disdain for The Onion.
The broader implication of X’s stance is clear: users rely on the terms set by platforms that prioritize corporate control. If this holds up in court, you are not only their product, you’re social media identity is absolutely owned by the platform, or in this case, its owner.
Is anyone wondering by Bluesky, a decentralized platform is growing so rapidly?
And that’s our show for today.
Love to hear your thoughts.
Reach me at editorial@technewsday.ca
I’m your host Jim Love, have a thrilling Thursday.
