The AI Times is a weekly newsletter covering the biggest AI, machine learning, big data, and automation news from around the globe. If you want to read A|I before anyone else, make sure to subscribe using the form at the bottom of this page.
Tech leaders call on Toronto Police Service Board to strengthen proposed AI policy (BETAKIT)
The letter’s recommendations include revising the proposed AI policy to better account for compromised data, bolstering the approval and review process of new technologies, and adjusting its risk categorization of certain tools.
Toronto police used Clearview AI facial recognition software in 84 investigations (CBC)
Toronto police first admitted that some of its officers used Clearview AI in mid-February 2020, one month after the service denied using it. But until now, no details around how — and to what extent — officers used the facial recognition software have been released.
AI startup Fractal becomes unicorn with $360 million investment from TPG (TECHCRUNCH)
The new financing round valued the 21-year-old startup “at well north of $1 billion,” said Srikanth Velamakanni, co-founder and group chief executive at Fractal, in an interview with TechCrunch.
TrojAI secures $3 million in seed funding to protect AI solutions against security threats (BETAKIT)
TrojAI CEO James Stewart told BetaKit that the company has already added four people to its team of eight, and over the next six months plans to bring on two or three more new staff.
Employers, investors take notice of AI tools to speed job recruitment (WALL STREET JOURNAL)
Companies are looking for an edge in hiring through artificial intelligence and automation technology.
Why Benevity’s new CEO Kelly Schmitt is already thinking about her successor (BETAKIT)
On the #CIBCInnovationEconomy podcast, Benevity CEO Kelly Schmitt explains why she was already thinking about identifying her successor six months into the job.
TealBook looks to become global leader in supply chain data with $50 million in new funding (BETAKIT)
Since 2015, TealBook has been building its procurement intelligence platform to provide supply chain data to buyers. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, TealBook’s goal is to help companies more easily source and access their suppliers’ data.
Findings in SVB’s global healthtech report mirror 2021 trends in Canada (BETAKIT)
A new report from Silicon Valley Bank has identified key insights within the global healthtech landscape from 2021.
John Deere’s self-driving tractor stirs debate on AI in farming (WIRED)
The automation, and control of the resulting data, raises questions about the role of human farmers.
Valence Discovery announces $10.9 million CAD for AI-aided drug discovery and formulation (BETAKIT)
The startup partners with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, using AI and machine learning to support their drug discovery efforts.
Why it’s so hard to regulate algorithms (THE MARKUP)
Governments increasingly use algorithms to do everything from assign benefits to dole out punishment — but attempts to regulate them have been unsuccessful.
Hybrid workers are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here’s how employees can play defence at home and in the office (BETAKIT)
Andrew Milne of cybersecurity analytics company Field Effect explains how employees can partner with their employers to keep sensitive information secure.
You may be able to own a self-driving car after all (WIRED)
For years, automakers focused on using autonomous technology for “robotaxis,” akin to a shared Uber. A GM announcement this week shows that’s changing.
Ukko Agro closes $5.1 million seed round to help farmers make crop management decisions at scale (BETAKIT)
Toronto-based software startup Ukko Agro has secured $5.1 million CAD in seed financing and the support of Canadian agriculture investors like Emmertech to fuel the growth of its AgTech platform.