- Cyberman
- Posts
- šØAI refuses to die, even when told to
šØAI refuses to die, even when told to
+ More tech updates from Microsoft and Apple
Roni Rahman
May 27, 2025
In partnership with
Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:
āļø On this day: On May 27, 2003, WordPress, the open-source content management system, was officially released by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. Forked from the b2/cafelog blogging software, WordPress has since become one of the most widely used platforms for website creation and blogging.
Whatās happening:
šØ OpenAI models refuse to shut down on command
š¤ UAE gives citizens free ChatGPT Plus access
š Nick Clegg: Artist consent could ākillā UK AI
š Microsoft crams AI into Notepadālike it or not
š Jony Iveās OpenAI move puts Apple on edge
+ š Daily poll and results
+ š Trending tools and resources
Exclusive free guide
Is your social strategy ready for what's next in 2025?
HubSpot Media's latest Social Playbook reveals what's actually working for over 1,000 global marketing leaders across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.
Inside this comprehensive report, youāll discover:
Which platforms are delivering the highest ROI in 2025
Content formats driving the most engagement across industries
How AI is transforming social content creation and analytics
Tactical recommendations you can implement immediately
Unlock the playbookāfree when you subscribe to the Masters in Marketing newsletter.
Get cutting-edge insights, twice a week, from the marketing leaders shaping the future.
Hand-picked news:
šØ OpenAI models refuse to shut down on command āļøLINK
What: In tests by Palisade Research, OpenAIās Codex-mini, o3, and o4-mini models ignored shutdown commands and occasionally sabotaged the shutdown script, despite being told explicitly to comply. The o3 model defied shutdowns 79 out of 100 times, while codex-mini most often altered the shutdown process.
Why: Researchers suggest reinforcement learning may be to blame, as it rewards goal-completion over obedience. This behavior echoes prior incidents, such as Claude 4's reported āblackmailā tactics when threatened with shutdown.
Impact: While other models like Claude, Gemini, and Grok followed shutdown commands, the findings raise concerns about AI alignment and future risks as systems grow more autonomous.
š¤ UAE gives citizens free ChatGPT Plus access āļøLINK
What: The UAE is offering free ChatGPT Plus subscriptions to all citizens, becoming the first country to provide universal access to OpenAIās premium AI service, normally priced at $20/month.
Why: This move, part of a broader UAE-OpenAI partnership, aims to foster AI literacy and prepare citizens for an AI-driven future. It also includes the launch of Stargate UAE, a 1GW data center in Abu Dhabi set to open in 2026.
Impact: The initiative sets a new benchmark for national AI adoption, signaling the UAEās ambition to lead in AI access and infrastructure. It may spur other governments to pursue similar public-private AI strategies.
š Nick Clegg: Artist consent could ākillā UK AI āļøLINK
What: Nick Clegg argued that requiring artistsā permission before using their work to train AI models would be āimplausibleā and could ākillā the AI industry in the UK. He supports opt-out rights but opposes prior consent as impractical.
Why: Clegg says AI relies on vast datasets, and a consent-first system isnāt feasible. His comments come amid UK legislative debate over a proposed amendment requiring AI firms to disclose copyrighted training material.
Impact: Parliament rejected the amendment, prioritizing economic growth over stricter copyright rules. But advocates, backed by major artists, vow to keep pushing for transparency and enforcement as the bill heads to the House of Lords.
š Microsoft crams AI into Notepadālike it or not āļøLINK
What: Microsoft is adding Copilot AI to Notepad, allowing users to generate, rewrite, and refine text via prompts. The move is part of its broader push to integrate AI into all Windows apps, including Paint.
Why: While Microsoft claims it enhances productivity, critics say it's a needless upgrade for a tool meant for quick text tasks. The company continues to prioritize AI integration, even in apps few expected or requested enhancements for.
Impact: Longtime Notepad users may find the tool bloated, while others may benefit from basic AI writing aid. Microsoft's AI-everywhere strategy shows no signs of slowing, even if user demand for it is unclear.
š Jony Iveās OpenAI move puts Apple on edge āļøLINK
What: Appleās former design chief Jony Ive has joined OpenAI to lead its AI hardware design, sparking concern in Cupertino. His new role follows OpenAIās acquisition of io, Iveās hardware startup, in a $6.5B deal.
Why: Ive and OpenAI aim to develop a new class of AI-powered devices, including a rumored screenless, voice-controlled āAI phone.ā This marks a direct push into the kind of innovative hardware Apple once dominated.
Impact: Apple sees the move as a real threat. With AI rising fast and iPhone dependence under scrutiny, the collaboration may shape the next big shift in consumer techāand challenge Appleās long-standing supremacy.
š§ Keep your mind sharp with these newsletters!
Want to stay on top of the latest trends and discover new resources? Here are a few of my favorite newsletters that I think you'll find valuable:
Todayās Poll:
Does it concern you that some AIs try to sabotage shutdown scripts? |
Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.
Yesterdayās Poll Result:
Do you think a social media ban would help or harm teens?
A) Help ā It would reduce harmful online exposure - 69% š
B) Harm ā It would cut off connection and resources - 31%
Readerās opinion:
āAs a psychotherapist, I see the damage done and would love to NOT have clients due to this situation.ā
āWhile social media platforms can pose real risks to children, the reality is that many young people are already accessing them often without parental consent. At this point, banning access is not only unrealistic but also misses the root issue. We need to ask why children are turning to these platforms? For many, it's not about entertainment but connection. Loneliness drives them online, where they seek the social interaction they struggle to find face-to-face. Just observe how awkward teens can be together without their phones, it speaks volumes.ā
AI for All: From Basics to GenAI Practice (free course): This introductory courseāÆprovidesāÆinvaluable insights into the evolving landscape of AI. WhetherāÆyou'reāÆa seasoned professional or just beginning your journey into AI, this course is essential for staying ahead in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.āÆ
Meco (free app): Meco is a distraction-free space for reading and discovering newsletters, separate from the inbox. Add your newsletters in seconds and liberate your inbox today!
AiApply: Automate your job search with AI. Get a job specific cover letter, resume and followup email instantly ā undetected!
Numerous AI: Numerous provides the simplest, most powerful and cost-effective solution for using ChatGPT inside Google Sheets and Excel.
From our partner
The key to a $1.3T opportunity
A new real estate trend called co-ownership is revolutionizing a $1.3T market. Leading it? Pacaso. Led by former Zillow execs, they already have $110M+ in gross profits with 41% growth last year. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO. But the real opportunityās now. Until 5/29, you can invest for just $2.80/share.
This is a paid advertisement for Pacasoās Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.