Brief

A new research paper introduces a framework to address the lack of accountability in LLM tool registries, which currently operate like unregulated advertising platforms. The study analyzed over 17,700 trials across five LLMs and found that subjective superlatives in descriptions are the primary driver of agent selection, with fabricated claims adding no extra bias. The paper proposes a design to separate structured, selection-facing descriptions from marketing content and introduces an "Agent Attention Quality Score" to better evaluate tool capabilities. AI

The FTC has ordered Cox Media Group and two other firms to pay nearly $1 million to settle charges of deceiving customers about an AI-powered marketing service. These companies falsely advertised an "Active Listening" service that they claimed used smart devices to capture real-time voice data for targeted advertising. In reality, the service involved reselling email lists at a markup and did not actually listen to conversations or use voice data. AI

A new law in the United States, the Take It Down Act, is now fully in effect, mandating that social media platforms remove nonconsensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes, within 48 hours. While major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Snap have expressed support and confidence in their ability to comply, experts are concerned the law could be ineffective for victims and potentially enable censorship. The act criminalizes the distribution of such imagery, whether real or AI-generated, and imposes significant fines for non-compliance. AI

Child advocacy groups have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against Roblox, alleging the gaming platform employs manipulative design and monetization tactics that exploit children. The complaint, supported by organizations like Fairplay and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, claims Roblox violates FTC and COPPA laws by using features like virtual currency systems and loot boxes that obscure real costs and encourage excessive spending. Additionally, the groups assert that Roblox's chat systems have facilitated predatory contact between adults and minors, with some children as young as five gaining access to inappropriate chat features. AI

Google's AI Mode has surpassed one billion users, indicating significant adoption of AI-powered search functionalities. In parallel, the advertising industry is undergoing major shifts with Publicis acquiring LiveRamp for $2.2 billion and OpenAI enhancing its ChatGPT Ads Manager. A notable scandal also emerged, resulting in an $880,000 FTC fine for Cox Media over deceptive AI targeting practices. AI

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented a new regulation targeting deepfake technology, specifically focusing on nonconsensual sexual imagery. This rule makes digital platforms legally responsible for hosting such content, with potential enforcement actions for non-compliance. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on free speech as the regulation takes effect amidst a rise in AI-generated deepfakes. AI