AI in the News

Global competition in AI development is accelerating: OpenAI has released a new version that is faster and easier to use; China has ordered its AI researchers not to travel in the US; new AI tools in the legal profession are now able to outperform attorneys in some key tasks – about 80 times faster than humans. Open AI is already working a new version capable of advanced reasoning, and a community college within the University of Hawaii has introduced the nation’s first AI course for paralegal students.

Speaking of lawyers, three lawyers in a major national law firm were sanctioned and fined by a federal district court for using AI-generated fake cases (8 out of 9!) in motions. One of the attorneys used an in-house AI system to develop the cases, and none of the three verified them before submission to the court. The clever law firm has since adjusted their internal procedures accordingly.

The Virginia legislature has followed Colorado in passing broad regulatory legislation to rein in “high-risk” (i.e., capable of making or contributing to making a consequential decision) AI systems. The bill is on the Governor’s desk and must be signed before March 25; it would be effective July 1, 2026.

As a sign of the times, new job postings for “Generative AI Management Consultants” are now appearing – including in companies other than tech or data science employers.