Welcome to Digimasters Shorts, your quick hit of the latest developments from the digital world. Hosts Adam Nagus and Carly Wilson bring you insights on big tech moves like Microsoft's push to embed AI into employee evaluations, controversies surrounding AI-powered tools like Copilot, and the ongoing challenges of AI adoption among users. We cover the rise of AI-driven misinformation on platforms like YouTube, including sensational fake celebrity content and the ethical implications of automated channels. Plus, stay informed on groundbreaking health tech initiatives like the NHS’s use of AI for patient safety, increasing cybersecurity threats across UK businesses, and the fierce competition between OpenAI and Meta for top AI talent. Tune in for concise, expert updates shaping the future of technology and digital culture.
Don't forget to checkout our larger sister podcast - The Digimasters Podcast here. Which has many expert guests discussing AI, Career Mentoring, Fractional Careers, Digital and much much more.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Adam N2 (00:05):
Welcome to Digimasters Shorts, we are your hosts Adam
Nagus
Carly W (00:09):
and Carly Wilson delivering the latest scoop from
the digital realm.
Microsoft is reportedlyintegrating AI usage into
employee performanceevaluations, according to an
internal memo from Julia Liuson,Corporate Vice President of the
Developer Division.
The memo states that using AI isnow a core part of every role
within the company, comparableto collaboration and data-driven
(00:30):
thinking.
This move aims to encourageadoption of AI tools among
Microsoft employees, especiallyas these technologies have
struggled to gain traction amonggeneral users.
One controversial feature,Copilot's Recall, which takes
periodic screenshots to trackuser activity, sparked security
concerns and forced Microsoft todelay its release.
(00:50):
Despite efforts to addressprivacy issues, skepticism
remains about the tool'ssecurity.
Copilot itself lags behindcompetitors like Chat G.P.T,
boasting only 33 million userscompared to Chat G.P.T’s 400
million.
Windows users have expressedfrustration over Copilot’s
default installation in Windows11, perceiving it as unwanted
(01:11):
bloatware.
Critics argue that Microsoft isforcing AI integration on users
who are largely uninterested.
This wide resistance highlightsthe challenge Microsoft faces in
normalizing AI tools across itsplatforms and workforce.
Adam N2 (01:25):
Dozens of YouTube channels have been generating
millions of views by mixingAI-generated images and false
claims about Sean"Diddy" Combs'trial, according to
investigative reports.
These channels producesensational videos falsely
linking celebrities like BradPitt, Will Smith, and Justin
Bieber to the trial, often usingfabricated quotes and deepfake
(01:45):
thumbnails.
Data shows 26 channels postednearly 900 such videos, amassing
around 70 million views in thepast year.
Many of these channels areeither newly created or
repurposed and monetize theircontent, exploiting YouTube’s ad
revenue system.
The practice, known as AI"slop,"leverages automation tools for
scriptwriting, image and videogeneration, and AI voiceovers,
(02:09):
allowing low-cost massproduction.
Some channels, like Peeper andNV Historia, focused heavily on
Diddy content but have faceddemonetization or termination.
While lucrative, this strategyrisks legal challenges and
content removal by YouTube forpolicy violations.
YouTube has taken action byterminating at least 16 channels
and demonetizing several othersfollowing investigations.
(02:32):
Experts note that the trendreflects broader shifts toward
automated, faceless channelsthat monetize sensationalism and
misinformation.
Despite the ethical concerns,operators creating this content
argue that success in monetizingsuch videos is respected within
the YouTube automationcommunity.
The NHS is set to become thefirst health system globally to
use AI to analyze hospital dataand detect potential safety
(02:56):
issues early.
This initiative is part of a10-year plan to improve
standards in mental health andmaternity services following a
series of recent scandals.
From November, NHS trusts willlaunch a new"signal system"
using real-time data to monitorstillbirths, neonatal deaths,
and brain injuries.
Health Secretary Wes Streetingemphasized that even one patient
(03:16):
safety lapse is unacceptable andhighlighted A.I's role in
enabling rapid inspections andpreventing harm.
The move follows significantmaternity care failures,
including the Ockenden review'sfindings and a£1.6 million fine
for Nottingham UniversityHospitals.
AI technology is already used incancer detection and quicker
stroke diagnoses, signalingbroader NHS digital
(03:39):
transformation.
While experts praise the AIsystem's potential, nursing
leaders caution it should notreplace essential frontline
staffing.
The government hopes thetechnology will also help reduce
waiting times and facilitate theNHS's shift from analogue to
digital.
This development reflects agrowing commitment to using data
and innovation to enhancepatient safety and healthcare
(04:00):
outcomes across England.
Carly W (04:02):
More than one in four U.K businesses experienced a
cyber-attack on their buildingsin the past year, a significant
increase from 16% the previousyear, according to the Royal
Institution of CharteredSurveyors.
In a survey of over 8,000business leaders, nearly 73%
anticipate a cybersecurityincident will disrupt their
operations within the next twoyears.
(04:23):
Rics highlighted cybersecurityand digital risks as major and
rapidly growing threats forbuilding owners and occupiers.
High-profile attacks, such asthe one on Marks Spencer in
April, forced the retailer tohalt online orders for nearly
seven weeks, causing a sharpdrop in clothing sales.
The sophistication ofcybercrime, coupled with
advanced technologies likeartificial intelligence, is
(04:46):
intensifying threats to criticalinfrastructure and data
security.
Worryingly, outdated operatingsystems, like Windows 7, are
still in use in some buildings,leaving them vulnerable.
Buildings have evolved intocomplex digital environments,
gathering vast amounts of datato improve efficiency but
simultaneously increasingpotential entry points for
(05:06):
hackers.
Operational technologies,including building management
systems, CCTV, and IoT devices,are key areas of risk, from
lighting and climate control toaccess protocols.
Paul Bagust, head of propertypractice at Rics, warned that
failure to address these digitalvulnerabilities could lead
businesses to"sleepwalk" intocyber-attacks.
(05:27):
The report calls for urgentaction to strengthen
cybersecurity defenses andprotect businesses from growing
digital threats.
Open A.I is recalibrating itsemployee compensation packages
in response to Meta's aggressiverecruitment efforts.
The social media giant has beenoffering lucrative signing
bonuses and perks, successfullyattracting at least eight Open
A.I researchers.
(05:48):
Among those who left is seniorresearcher Trapit Bansal, a key
contributor to Open A.I's o1reasoning model.
Open A.I's Chief ResearchOfficer, Mark Chen, expressed
feeling like something has beenstolen, highlighting the urgency
of the situation.
Open A.I's leadership, includingC.E.O Sam Altman, is engaging
directly with employees who havereceived Meta offers to
(06:09):
encourage them to stay.
The company is also reassessingemployee performance and talent
to provide better recognitionand updated compensation.
Meta is building a new"AIsuperintelligence team" led by
Scale AI C.E.O Alexandr Wang,following a$15 billion
investment.
Altman initially believed OpenA.I's mission would retain staff
(06:30):
despite Meta's incentives but isnow seeing cracks in that
confidence.
This competition marks a newbattleground between the two
tech giants focused on securingtop AI talent.
As the war for AI expertiseintensifies, both companies are
doubling down on efforts toretain and recruit key staffers.
Don (06:48):
Thank you for listening to today's AI and Tech News podcast
summary...
Please do leave us a comment andfor additional feedback, please
email us atpodcast@digimasters.co.uk You
can now follow us on Instagramand Threads by searching for
@DigimastersShorts or Search forDigimasters on Linkedin.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow anddon't forget to follow or
subscribe!
Welcome to Digimasters Shorts, we are your hosts Adam
Nagus
Carly W (00:09):
and Carly Wilson delivering the latest scoop from
the digital realm.
Microsoft is reportedlyintegrating AI usage into
employee performanceevaluations, according to an
internal memo from Julia Liuson,Corporate Vice President of the
Developer Division.
The memo states that using AI isnow a core part of every role
within the company, comparableto collaboration and data-driven
(00:30):
thinking.
This move aims to encourageadoption of AI tools among
Microsoft employees, especiallyas these technologies have
struggled to gain traction amonggeneral users.
One controversial feature,Copilot's Recall, which takes
periodic screenshots to trackuser activity, sparked security
concerns and forced Microsoft todelay its release.
(00:50):
Despite efforts to addressprivacy issues, skepticism
remains about the tool'ssecurity.
Copilot itself lags behindcompetitors like Chat G.P.T,
boasting only 33 million userscompared to Chat G.P.T’s 400
million.
Windows users have expressedfrustration over Copilot’s
default installation in Windows11, perceiving it as unwanted
(01:11):
bloatware.
Critics argue that Microsoft isforcing AI integration on users
who are largely uninterested.
This wide resistance highlightsthe challenge Microsoft faces in
normalizing AI tools across itsplatforms and workforce.
Adam N2 (01:25):
Dozens of YouTube channels have been generating
millions of views by mixingAI-generated images and false
claims about Sean"Diddy" Combs'trial, according to
investigative reports.
These channels producesensational videos falsely
linking celebrities like BradPitt, Will Smith, and Justin
Bieber to the trial, often usingfabricated quotes and deepfake
(01:45):
thumbnails.
Data shows 26 channels postednearly 900 such videos, amassing
around 70 million views in thepast year.
Many of these channels areeither newly created or
repurposed and monetize theircontent, exploiting YouTube’s ad
revenue system.
The practice, known as AI"slop,"leverages automation tools for
scriptwriting, image and videogeneration, and AI voiceovers,
(02:09):
allowing low-cost massproduction.
Some channels, like Peeper andNV Historia, focused heavily on
Diddy content but have faceddemonetization or termination.
While lucrative, this strategyrisks legal challenges and
content removal by YouTube forpolicy violations.
YouTube has taken action byterminating at least 16 channels
and demonetizing several othersfollowing investigations.
(02:32):
Experts note that the trendreflects broader shifts toward
automated, faceless channelsthat monetize sensationalism and
misinformation.
Despite the ethical concerns,operators creating this content
argue that success in monetizingsuch videos is respected within
the YouTube automationcommunity.
The NHS is set to become thefirst health system globally to
use AI to analyze hospital dataand detect potential safety
(02:56):
issues early.
This initiative is part of a10-year plan to improve
standards in mental health andmaternity services following a
series of recent scandals.
From November, NHS trusts willlaunch a new"signal system"
using real-time data to monitorstillbirths, neonatal deaths,
and brain injuries.
Health Secretary Wes Streetingemphasized that even one patient
(03:16):
safety lapse is unacceptable andhighlighted A.I's role in
enabling rapid inspections andpreventing harm.
The move follows significantmaternity care failures,
including the Ockenden review'sfindings and a£1.6 million fine
for Nottingham UniversityHospitals.
AI technology is already used incancer detection and quicker
stroke diagnoses, signalingbroader NHS digital
(03:39):
transformation.
While experts praise the AIsystem's potential, nursing
leaders caution it should notreplace essential frontline
staffing.
The government hopes thetechnology will also help reduce
waiting times and facilitate theNHS's shift from analogue to
digital.
This development reflects agrowing commitment to using data
and innovation to enhancepatient safety and healthcare
(04:00):
outcomes across England.
Carly W (04:02):
More than one in four U.K businesses experienced a
cyber-attack on their buildingsin the past year, a significant
increase from 16% the previousyear, according to the Royal
Institution of CharteredSurveyors.
In a survey of over 8,000business leaders, nearly 73%
anticipate a cybersecurityincident will disrupt their
operations within the next twoyears.
(04:23):
Rics highlighted cybersecurityand digital risks as major and
rapidly growing threats forbuilding owners and occupiers.
High-profile attacks, such asthe one on Marks Spencer in
April, forced the retailer tohalt online orders for nearly
seven weeks, causing a sharpdrop in clothing sales.
The sophistication ofcybercrime, coupled with
advanced technologies likeartificial intelligence, is
(04:46):
intensifying threats to criticalinfrastructure and data
security.
Worryingly, outdated operatingsystems, like Windows 7, are
still in use in some buildings,leaving them vulnerable.
Buildings have evolved intocomplex digital environments,
gathering vast amounts of datato improve efficiency but
simultaneously increasingpotential entry points for
(05:06):
hackers.
Operational technologies,including building management
systems, CCTV, and IoT devices,are key areas of risk, from
lighting and climate control toaccess protocols.
Paul Bagust, head of propertypractice at Rics, warned that
failure to address these digitalvulnerabilities could lead
businesses to"sleepwalk" intocyber-attacks.
(05:27):
The report calls for urgentaction to strengthen
cybersecurity defenses andprotect businesses from growing
digital threats.
Open A.I is recalibrating itsemployee compensation packages
in response to Meta's aggressiverecruitment efforts.
The social media giant has beenoffering lucrative signing
bonuses and perks, successfullyattracting at least eight Open
A.I researchers.
(05:48):
Among those who left is seniorresearcher Trapit Bansal, a key
contributor to Open A.I's o1reasoning model.
Open A.I's Chief ResearchOfficer, Mark Chen, expressed
feeling like something has beenstolen, highlighting the urgency
of the situation.
Open A.I's leadership, includingC.E.O Sam Altman, is engaging
directly with employees who havereceived Meta offers to
(06:09):
encourage them to stay.
The company is also reassessingemployee performance and talent
to provide better recognitionand updated compensation.
Meta is building a new"AIsuperintelligence team" led by
Scale AI C.E.O Alexandr Wang,following a$15 billion
investment.
Altman initially believed OpenA.I's mission would retain staff
(06:30):
despite Meta's incentives but isnow seeing cracks in that
confidence.
This competition marks a newbattleground between the two
tech giants focused on securingtop AI talent.
As the war for AI expertiseintensifies, both companies are
doubling down on efforts toretain and recruit key staffers.
Don (06:48):
Thank you for listening to today's AI and Tech News podcast
summary...
Please do leave us a comment andfor additional feedback, please
email us atpodcast@digimasters.co.uk You
can now follow us on Instagramand Threads by searching for
@DigimastersShorts or Search forDigimasters on Linkedin.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow anddon't forget to follow or
subscribe!
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