Regulation, Metaverse Avatars, and Privacy Shifts Define 2021 AI Landscape
The year 2021 brings significant AI developments, including early government regulation efforts and the rise of metaverse technologies like Nvidia's Omniverse. Meanwhile, Meta makes headlines by shutting down its controversial facial recognition system.
The federal government takes early steps toward AI regulation in 2021 by establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office. Later in the year, President Biden's chief science advisor calls for an AI bill of rights to ensure consumers have access to explainable AI technologies. These actions show that regulators are increasingly focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence in the business world.
The concept of the metaverse emerges as a major AI storyline, highlighted by Nvidia's introduction of its Omniverse Avatar platform at the GTC Fall 2021 conference. This platform generates interactive AI avatars within a collaborative virtual world simulation. Other tech giants, including Meta, also promote their own ambitious visions for a metaverse that blends augmented reality, virtual reality, and digital twins.
In a major privacy shift, Meta announces that it will shut down its facial recognition system on Facebook. This decision marks a significant turning point for the company, which formerly championed the controversial technology. The move comes as the tech giant rebrands itself and pivots its focus toward building out the metaverse.