Technology

Biden and tech leaders announce commitments to manage artificial intelligence

4:44pm July 21, 2023

by Deepa Shivaram

The White House is concerned about the economic and national security risks posed by artificial intelligence and is working on new executive actions to try to establish some guardrails for AI.

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President Biden is pictured with leaders on artificial intelligence during a visit to San Francisco on June 20. On Friday, the White House announced voluntary agreements with technology companies on managing AI.

The White House and big tech companies release commitments on managing AI

10:57am July 21, 2023

by Deepa Shivaram

Seven tech companies, including Google, Meta and OpenAI, have voluntarily made commitments on developing and managing artificial intelligence. But there isn't much accountability in the process.

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Doctors are starting to face a flood of message from patients and some health care companies are billing for clinical advice delivered this way.

Health & Safety

'Hi, Doc!' DM'ing the doctor could cost you (or your insurance plan)

10:39am July 21, 2023

by Yuki Noguchi

Virtual access to doctors is a huge plus for patients. But it's a lot of new work for physicians. And the health care business model hasn't caught up with this new reality.

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Planet Money looks at how hidden contracts took over the internet

5:01am July 21, 2023

Whenever you register for a website or install an app, you're often entering into a legally enforceable contract. NPR's Planet Money explores how a court case changed contracts forever.

Can U.S. power grids handle the surge in energy use as temperatures climb?

5:05am July 20, 2023

by Michel Martin

Michael Webber of the University of Texas at Austin talks about whether power grids in the U.S. can handle a surge in energy use as temperatures continue climbing across the Southwest.

Netflix shows steady growth amid writers and actors strikes

8:30pm July 19, 2023

by Chloe Veltman

The streamer said it added 5.9 million customers during the second quarter. Its share price has almost doubled over the past year.

How AI could perpetuate racism, sexism and other biases in society

4:51pm July 19, 2023

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with scholar Safiya Noble about how advancements in artificial intelligence could further perpetuate biases in society.

Arts

Pikmin 4 review: tiny tactics, a rescue dog and a fresh face

9:01am July 19, 2023

by Tre Watson

Nintendo's Pikmin 4 streamlines a real-time strategy series that debuted over two decades ago. It also gives you a cute dog and a customizable avatar.

Dogs trained for movie roles get ready to march in a SAG picket line around Disney Studios in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, 1980.

3 lessons past Hollywood strikes can teach us about the current moment

5:04am July 19, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

Hollywood actors and screenwriters are on strike simultaneously for the first time since 1960. When — and how — might things resolve this time? Experts tell NPR what recent history can teach us.

FTC Chair Lina Khan prepares to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on July 13.

FTC and Justice Department double down on strategy to go after corporate monopolies

5:01am July 19, 2023

New guidelines from the FTC and Justice Department are part of a broader push to promote competition and limit what the White House sees as excessive consolidation.