Welcome to Eye on AI! I'm Sharon Goldman, an AI reporter at Fortune and co-author of our flagship AI newsletter. I'll be filling in for Jeremy Kahn, who is on holiday. In this edition, we're exploring the year's biggest security conferences, where cutting-edge security research meets AI threats. The intersection of AI, hacking, and cybersecurity is more complex than ever, and I was there to experience it firsthand.
Last week, I attended two conferences: Black Hat and DEF CON, which are often referred to as "hacker summer camp." These events brought together hackers, corporations, governments, and hobbyists to share knowledge and learn the latest threat-fighting techniques. AI now occupies a strange place in the security world – it's both a vulnerable target, an armed defender using that same technology to protect systems and networks, and an offensive player deployed to probe weaknesses or carry out attacks.
At Black Hat, I saw firsthand how AI is used as both a tool for good and evil. Corporations showcased their latest security solutions, while hackers demonstrated the power of AI-powered attacks. It was clear that AI has become a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity.
The Triple Act of AI: Hacker, Bodyguard, Target
Here are three takeaways from the conferences that highlight the complexities of AI's role in security:
- China tells firms to avoid Nvidia H20 Chips after Trump ends ban but takes cut of revenue.
- Students are flocking to college courses in AI as ChatGPT transforms workplaces and boosts job prospects.
- Anthropic will offer Claude AI to the U.S. government for $1, with CEO Dario Amodei emphasizing the need for secure AI tools.
China's Move on Nvidia H20 Chips
Beijing has advised Chinese companies to steer clear of Nvidia's H20 processors due to national security concerns. The guidance stops short of an outright prohibition but signals strong disapproval for H20 use in sensitive contexts.
The decision comes after President Trump announced the U.S. government will take 15% of Nvidia's revenue from China sales if it continues to export its H20 chips.
Students Flock to AI Courses
As ChatGPT revolutionizes workplaces, students are pursuing advanced degrees and certificates in artificial intelligence to boost skills and job prospects. Universities like the University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan at Dearborn, and MIT are seeing surging enrollment in AI programs.
Courses range from technical training in algorithms and model-building to broader instruction in creativity, ethics, and problem-solving. Corporate partnerships reflect industry urgency, while new initiatives aim to make AI literacy universal by 2029.
Anthropic Offers Claude AI to U.S. Government
Anthropic will offer its Claude AI model to the U.S. government for $1, days after OpenAI offered ChatGPT for the same price. The move comes as experts emphasize the need for secure and capable AI tools in government institutions.
Energy Requirements of Large AI Models
A new report from the Electric Power Research Institute and Epoch AI reveals staggering energy requirements for training large "frontier" AI models:
- By 2028, individual training projects could demand 1–2 gigawatts (GW) of power.
- By 2030, that range may extend to 4–16 GW, with the high end representing nearly 1% of total U.S. electricity capacity.
The report highlights the need for policymakers and hyperscale tech firms to plan infrastructure and energy strategies despite considerable uncertainty.
Exclusive: Profound Raises $35M as Sequoia Backs Ambitious Bid
Proudof has raised $35M in funding, backed by Sequoia Capital, to become the Salesforce of AI search. The company's ambitions reflect the growing demand for AI-powered search solutions.
Other News and Events
We have a range of upcoming events and reports that are worth your attention:
- Sept. 8-10: Fortune Brainstorm Tech, Park City, Utah. Apply to attend here.
- Oct. 6-10: World AI Week, Amsterdam. Apply to attend here.
- Oct. 21-22: TedAI San Francisco. Apply to attend here.
- Dec. 8-9: Fortune Brainstorm AI San Francisco. Apply to attend here.
That's all for this edition of Eye on AI. Stay tuned for more news, analysis, and insights into the world of artificial intelligence.