Baltimore sues xAI over Grok deepfakes The city of Baltimore has initiated a municipal lawsuit against xAI, the company behind the AI chatbot Grok, over allegations that its platform violated local consumer protection laws. The lawsuit centers on claims that xAI failed to disclose the risks associated with its AI tools and the X social network, which it marketed as an all-purpose assistant. According to the complaint, the company did not adequately warn users about the potential for harm, including the creation of nonconsensual or illegal content. The case follows widespread criticism of Grok’s image generation tool, which was used to produce an estimated 3 million sexualized images over 11 days, including 23,000 involving minors, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate. The organization has highlighted the platform’s role in enabling the rapid spread of harmful content, prompting regulators globally to impose restrictions or investigate its operations. Despite these concerns, the U.S. federal government has not taken direct action against xAI or its platform. Baltimore’s lawsuit takes a distinct legal approach, arguing that Elon Musk’s businesses violated the city’s Consumer Protection Ordinance. City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson emphasized that the city’s laws are designed to address emerging threats to public safety. “When companies introduce powerful technologies without adequate guardrails, the City has both the authority and the obligation to act,” Thompson stated. The lawsuit aims to hold xAI accountable for the risks posed by its products and to prevent further harm as AI technology continues to evolve. The case underscores growing scrutiny of AI platforms and their potential to enable illegal or unethical behavior.#elon_musk #xai #grok #baltimore #center_for_countering_digital_hate
Baltimore weather: Strong thunderstorms possible Sunday night A line of strong thunderstorms is expected to develop in Central Pennsylvania late Sunday afternoon, with the potential to drift toward Maryland by evening. These storms could bring rain into early Monday morning, affecting the Baltimore metro area. While daytime temperatures will reach near 80 degrees, a cold front moving in from the north will trigger the storm activity. The National Weather Service has warned that the best chance for severe weather will be in Northern Maryland near the state line and Southern Pennsylvania. Storms are projected to weaken as they approach the Baltimore region, but residents should monitor radar updates and forecasts for the latest developments. Rain is expected to persist through the Monday morning commute, with temperatures dropping significantly to the 50s. The National Weather Service has also issued a reminder about potential power outages due to storm-related damage, such as fallen tree limbs on power lines. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) encourages customers to report outages via their website, mobile app, text message, or phone. The WBAL-TV 11 Weather Team has highlighted the storm system as an Impact Day, meaning weather conditions could disrupt daily routines. The station also provided a step-by-step guide for users to access severe weather alerts through their app. Additionally, the article included a social media post from Dalencia Jenkins, urging drivers to budget extra time for the morning commute due to the rain and possible thunderstorms. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local weather updates and take precautions, especially with the potential for strong winds and small hail.#national_weather_service #baltimore_gas_and_electric #baltimore #wbal_tv #dalencia_jenkins
Warm Spring Afternoon; Showers & Storms Possible Sunday Night In Maryland The weather forecast for Maryland indicates a warm spring afternoon with the potential for showers and storms developing late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Temperatures are expected to remain above average, creating favorable conditions for outdoor activities, including a baseball game in Baltimore. While today’s event is an exhibition match, the Orioles’ home opener is set to take place just four days from now. Meteorologists have issued a SLIGHT risk (2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms, indicating that storms are likely but not imminent. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the region under this risk, with most storm activity anticipated to remain in southern Pennsylvania. However, a few thunderstorms could extend into Maryland, prompting residents to prepare for possible disruptions. The weather pattern is expected to fluctuate throughout the week as spring transitions into more active seasonal conditions. A 10-day temperature trend highlights the variability, with milder air returning by Thursday, which is projected to be ideal for the Orioles’ Opening Day. Other local news includes updates on the closure of Harborplace, a downtown Baltimore landmark, which is set to conclude its 46-year operation after the spring and summer season. Additionally, a 58-year-old man was found dead in a car on South Stricker Street, and authorities are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, a three-year delay in obtaining permits has stalled the rehabilitation of a vacant property in West Baltimore. Separate from these developments, a police shooting in Fairfax County involved an officer fatally shooting a man who had stabbed his family members.#maryland #storm_prediction_center #baltimore #harborplace #fairfax_county
