▲ Meta is using your public Instagram & Facebook photos to train their AI

In the latest chapter of the tech world's AI race, Meta has announced it is using the vast trove of public photos on Instagram and Facebook to train its AI models. This move is seen as a significant step in the company's efforts to compete with other tech giants in the field of generative AI.

According to a recent statement by Meta's chief product officer, Chris Cox, the company is leveraging the "public" photos available on Instagram and Facebook to enhance its text-to-image model, Emu. This model, according to Cox, is capable of producing "really amazing quality images" because Instagram has a rich repository of "art, fashion, culture and also just images of people and us."

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While some see this as a natural progression in the evolution of AI and a testament to the power of publicly available data, others have raised concerns about the ethics of using such data without explicit consent from the creators.

In a recent interview, Isabelle Doran of The Association of Photographers in the U.K. expressed her concerns, stating, "What’s most galling about hearing that Instagram (Meta) are harvesting and commercially exploiting hundreds of thousands of professional photographer’s original works, for their GenAI program ‘Imagine with Meta AI’, is that they don’t appear bothered in the slightest about the impact this has on the very community of photographers and image-makers that helped build their visual social media empire."

Despite these concerns, Meta seems to be moving forward with its plans. The company has already introduced Meta AI to both Instagram and Facebook, allowing users to interact with an AI assistant and even generate images within the apps.

As the debate around the ethical use of data in AI training continues, it remains to be seen how Meta's decision will impact the broader tech industry and the future of AI.

▲ Elon Musk's xAI Startup Closes In on $6 Billion Fundraising

Elon Musk’s company X, has successfully raised $6 billion in its latest funding round, marking a significant step forward in its AI initiatives. This funding round, which saw participation from Silicon Valley venture capitalists and a Saudi prince, has boosted X's valuation to $24 billion.

The new funds are earmarked for the development of X's AI capabilities, including the advancement of its AI-powered chatbot, Grok. This chatbot, which is being trained using real-time access to information on the X platform, is a testament to the company's commitment to leveraging AI to enhance user engagement and experience.

The move comes as X aims to position itself as a formidable player in the AI arena, competing with the likes of OpenAI and Meta. The company has already announced versions of Grok 1.5 with improved long context and image capabilities, indicating a strong focus on innovation and technological advancement.

This significant injection of capital not only underscores the growing interest in AI-driven solutions but also sets the stage for X to potentially disrupt the social media advertising landscape. As the company continues to invest in its AI capabilities, it could introduce new features and capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of advertising on social media platforms.

This development also highlights the broader trend of increased investment in AI, with X joining a growing list of companies that are betting on AI to revolutionize the way people live and work. With its latest funding round, X is well-positioned to accelerate its AI research and development, and potentially bring more innovative AI solutions to the market.

▲ Mr Beast is getting into YouTube Software

In a surprising twist in the digital realm, YouTube sensation Mr. Beast has ventured into the world of software development. The latest news reveals that he has launched Viewstats Pro, a cutting-edge analytics platform designed to provide advanced YouTube data for creators. This move marks a significant expansion of his brand beyond the realm of content creation and into the realm of digital tools.

The platform, a brainchild of Mr. Beast in collaboration with Chucky Appleby, is designed to offer creators a data-driven approach to YouTube success. It provides simplified data through YouTube's public API, displaying vital metrics, and more advanced analytics such as projected growth and estimated revenue.

This launch is part of 776 co, a venture that aims to support and invest in innovative projects. The platform has been well-received by the YouTube community, with many praising its user-friendly interface and the wealth of data it provides. It's a testament to Mr. Beast's dedication to improving the YouTube experience, not just for his own content but for the entire community.

In addition to Viewstats Pro, Mr. Beast has also launched a Chrome extension that automatically shows cool data for whatever video you're watching, further enhancing the YouTube viewing experience. This extension is a clear indication of his commitment to innovation and his desire to provide tools that make the YouTube platform more engaging and informative.

With this move, Mr. Beast continues to solidify his position as a leading figure in the YouTube community, not just for his content, but for his contributions to the platform's ecosystem. As he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible on YouTube, it's clear that Mr. Beast is not just a content creator, but a force for innovation and change.

🧪 Marketing Tips

Using AI-Generated Images

You can start using AI-generated images to create unique, eye-catching visuals for your campaigns. Use tools like Midjourney or Craiyon to generate images that match your brand's style and message.

According to a survey by Mckinsey, 90 percent of marketing leaders expect to see an increase in the use of generative AI tools over the next two years (Mckinsey).

By using AI-generated images in your marketing strategy, you can save time and resources while still providing high-quality visuals that resonate with your audience.

🔬 Interested in learning about branding, digital marketing, and AI for business? Let us know what you want to learn & join The Lab waitlist.

🧪 AI Image Showcase

Modern Scandinavian Interior Inspiration

Image Usage Suggestion: You can use this prompt to get ideas for your own home interior design. Alternatively, if you work in interior design, architecture or construction you can use images like this for moldboard inspiration.

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