ByteDance Fires Intern for Sabotaging AI Training Project

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ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has terminated an intern for “maliciously interfering” with the training of one of its artificial intelligence (AI) models. The incident has garnered significant attention on social media over the weekend, prompting ByteDance to clarify the details surrounding the event.

The intern, who worked in the advertising technology team, reportedly lacked experience in the AI Lab. In a statement, ByteDance emphasized that the intern’s actions did not significantly disrupt its commercial online operations, including the company’s large language AI models.

ByteDance refuted claims that the incident led to over $10 million (£7.7 million) in damages by disrupting an AI training system reliant on thousands of powerful graphics processing units (GPUs). The company characterized such reports as containing “exaggerations and inaccuracies.”

In addition to firing the intern in August, ByteDance has notified the individual’s university and relevant industry bodies about the situation. The Chinese technology giant is known for its popular social media applications, including TikTok and its Chinese counterpart Douyin, and is recognized as a leader in algorithm development.

With a significant investment in AI, ByteDance utilizes the technology for various applications, including its Doubao chatbot, which has emerged as the most popular AI chatbot in China, as well as a text-to-video tool named Jimeng.

Cuban Power Grid Faces Collapse as Hurricane Oscar Approaches

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Cuba is grappling with widespread power outages as Hurricane Oscar hits the eastern region, compounding the challenges faced by millions of residents who have already endured days without electricity. The latest blackout marks the fourth collapse of the nation’s electric grid since Friday, disrupting daily life and prompting protests.

Oscar made landfall near Baracoa on Sunday afternoon as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing sustained winds of 80 mph. By nighttime, it weakened to a tropical storm, moving west-southwest at 6 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of significant rainfall, predicting 6 to 12 inches across eastern Cuba and isolated amounts reaching 18 inches.

In Havana, where more than 216,000 residents had power restored earlier in the day, darkness fell again, leaving many outdoors in the sweltering heat. Children are opting to sleep outside, while schools have been closed until Thursday due to the conditions. With the heat becoming unbearable indoors, people gathered in the streets, some playing dominoes to pass the time.

Protests erupted as frustrations mounted over the prolonged blackout, with demonstrators banging pots and pans. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the protests as acts of vandalism, asserting the government would not tolerate disruptions to public order. The energy crisis began last Friday when a major power plant failed, plunging the 10 million-strong nation into darkness and causing hardships in accessing food and water.

As residents queued for bread in the capital, many expressed anger over the ongoing power issues and questioned the absence of support from traditional allies like Venezuela and Russia, who have historically provided oil to sustain the island’s energy needs.

Despite the challenges, tourists continued to navigate Havana’s streets, although many hotels struggled due to fuel shortages for their generators. José Martí International Airport was reported to be operating on emergency power, with significant disruptions to services.

In response to the crisis, the Cuban government has canceled classes for students and advised non-essential workers to remain at home. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that economic activities had been curtailed to prioritize power generation for the populace.

Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda reassured that medical facilities were functioning on generators, with health workers continuing to deliver essential services despite the overwhelming challenges posed by the dual crises of Hurricane Oscar and the energy crisis.

Chris Hoy, Six-Time Olympic Champion, Announces Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

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Chris Hoy, one of Britain’s most celebrated Olympians with six gold medals, has revealed he has terminal cancer. The 48-year-old former cyclist shared that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, giving him a life expectancy of two to four years. Hoy initially sought medical attention in September 2023 due to shoulder pain, which led to the discovery of multiple tumors across his body, including his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine, and rib.

Despite the grave diagnosis, Hoy has maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life. “This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s about appreciating life and finding joy,” he told The Sunday Times. Adding to his challenges, his wife Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly after his own diagnosis.

Hoy, who first gained fame at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, went on to win gold in Athens in 2004 and became a national hero with his triple gold victory in Beijing 2008. He retired after the London 2012 Olympics as the most decorated British Olympian at the time.

In February 2024, Hoy disclosed his cancer diagnosis but kept details private until now. He continues to work as a cycling pundit for the BBC and recently shared an emotional message of gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and loved ones. Figures across the sports and political world, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and fellow athletes like Mark Cavendish, have praised Hoy for his resilience and inspirational outlook.