Smart Data

Google has integrated generative AI capabilities directly into its BigQuery data warehouse, enabling analysts to perform complex tasks like sentiment analysis and text summarization using simple SQL commands. This innovation aims to democratize AI for a wider business audience, allowing users without deep machine learning expertise to derive insights from large datasets effortlessly. The new SQL functions, `ML.GENERATE_TEXT` and `ML.GENERATE_EMBEDDING`, facilitate advanced data processing and semantic search, transforming BigQuery into an intelligent data engine. This strategic move not only e... espandi...

The rise of generative AI is transforming the landscape of corporate cybersecurity, turning it into a battleground where AI is weaponized by cybercriminals. With the ability to create hyper-realistic deepfakes and automate sophisticated attacks, businesses are now facing intelligent adversaries that can outpace traditional defenses. A recent incident highlighted this threat when a senior finance worker was duped into a $25 million fraud involving a deepfake of his CFO. As AI democratizes cybercrime, companies are compelled to adopt advanced AI-driven security measures, shifting from a perimete... espandi...

Analyzing over 700 job postings reveals that AI is significantly shaping the data science job market in 2026. There's a growing demand for data scientists proficient in AI, with senior roles benefiting the most from AI adoption. This trend underscores the importance of AI skills in advancing one's career in data science.

Travelers Companies Inc. is significantly enhancing its operations through artificial intelligence, deploying AI tools to over 20,000 users and partnering with Anthropic to provide personalized AI assistants for nearly 10,000 employees. This initiative, termed "Innovation 2.0," aims to streamline claims processing and underwriting, resulting in a one-third reduction in claims call center staff and improved efficiency in handling 1.5 million claims in 2025. The integration of AI is expected to accelerate software development and analytics, ultimately driving productivity and profitability. With... espandi...

A new era in cybersecurity is emerging, characterized by autonomous AI agents that can identify and exploit vulnerabilities at unprecedented speeds, surpassing human capabilities. This shift, highlighted by security expert Bruce Schneier, is prompting organizations to reevaluate their defense strategies as AI transitions from a supportive role to a dominant force in cyberattacks. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is spearheading initiatives like the AI Cyber Challenge to develop autonomous systems for both defense and potential exploitation. As AI-driven attacks become... espandi...

The ongoing debate surrounding copyright law and artificial intelligence (AI) highlights the importance of fair use in fostering creativity and innovation. Historically, copyright holders have expressed concerns that new technologies, including search engines, threaten their rights by copying works without permission. However, courts have consistently upheld that using works for analysis and indexing is a transformative fair use, essential for a free and open internet. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize that training AI models through the analysis of existing works is a legi... espandi...

Amazon plans to lay off approximately 16,000 corporate employees starting January 27, as part of a broader initiative to eliminate up to 30,000 roles by mid-2026. This restructuring is driven by economic pressures and a strategic shift towards automation and artificial intelligence, aiming to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized the importance of AI in this transition, suggesting that technology is increasingly replacing human roles in various functions. While the layoffs reflect a response to slowing growth and competition, they also raise concerns about... espandi...

In a landmark move within the AI infrastructure sector, Lightning AI has merged with Voltage Park in a deal valued at over $2.5 billion. This merger combines Lightning AI's software expertise with Voltage Park's robust hardware capabilities, creating a vertically integrated leader in the AI cloud market. Founded by William Falcon, Lightning AI has gained recognition for its open-source tool, PyTorch Lightning, and has expanded its offerings to help companies develop large language models. Voltage Park, uniquely funded by a $900 million grant from crypto billionaire Jed McCaleb, stands out as a... espandi...

Israel has recently launched a national AI supercomputer powered by 1,000 Nvidia B200 GPUs, aimed at enhancing local access to high-performance computing for both high-tech firms and academic research. This initiative, backed by the Israeli government, allocates 70% of the computing power to AI-focused companies and 30% to academic institutions, fostering innovation while reducing reliance on foreign cloud services. The project is part of a broader national AI strategy, positioning Israel as a leader in AI research and development, especially as global demand for AI resources surges. By democr... espandi...

Eightfold AI, a prominent artificial intelligence hiring platform used by major companies like Microsoft and PayPal, is facing a lawsuit in California for allegedly violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The lawsuit claims that Eightfold compiled reports to evaluate job applicants without their knowledge, denying them the opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies. Advocates argue that existing laws should apply to AI systems that analyze vast amounts of data to make inferences about individuals. The plaintiffs, Erin Kistler and Sruti Bhaumik, assert that the lack of transparency in the hiring... espandi...

Barry Panayi, the group chief data officer at Howden, is spearheading the creation of a "datasphere" to enhance the insurance firm's operations through data insights and artificial intelligence. His vision transcends traditional data collection, aiming to integrate real-time insights into business processes, thereby empowering customer-facing employees with vital information. With a background in data management from companies like John Lewis and Lloyds, Panayi appreciates Howden's dynamic, entrepreneurial environment, which fosters rapid growth and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of... espandi...

Deep-tech startups in India face significant challenges as they strive to scale amidst a rapidly evolving ecosystem. Despite the country's recognition for consumer-oriented innovations, such as fintech and e-commerce, there is a pressing need for advancements in deep technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Key obstacles include a lack of risk-friendly capital, lengthy research and development cycles, and a domestic market that is still maturing in its readiness for advanced technologies. Additionally, the talent pool is often misaligned, with a shortage... espandi...