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Orange Partners with OpenAI and Meta to Develop AI Models for African Languages

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French telecom giant Orange has announced a collaboration with OpenAI and Meta to create artificial intelligence (AI) models that cater specifically to regional African languages. This initiative aims to address the gap in AI systems’ understanding of lesser-represented languages, starting with Wolof and Pulaar, spoken by millions across West Africa.

Orange plans to leverage OpenAI’s Whisper and Meta’s Llama open-source models, fine-tuning them to recognize and process these languages. According to Steve Jarrett, Orange’s chief AI officer, global AI systems often fail to understand African text and voice communications due to the lack of culturally and linguistically relevant training data.

“By fine-tuning open models, we introduce additional information, enabling AI systems to understand West African regional languages that are currently ignored by mainstream AI,” Jarrett explained.

Rollout and Focus on West Africa

The first phase of this initiative will integrate Wolof and Pulaar into Orange’s AI models by early 2025. Wolof is predominantly spoken in Senegal, the Gambia, and southern Mauritania, while Pulaar is common in Senegal. The project will expand to cover all 18 West African countries where Orange operates.

Orange will provide these customized AI models under a free license for non-commercial applications like public health and education. This approach aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and addressing unmet needs in the region.

Sovereign AI and Localization

The project reflects a growing global trend toward “sovereign AI,” emphasizing localized data processing and infrastructure. By hosting OpenAI’s systems in European data centers, Orange seeks to ensure secure data handling while accessing advanced AI capabilities. The company’s initiative also promotes cultural and linguistic representation, helping to build systems that resonate with local contexts.

Jarrett stressed the importance of using AI responsibly, balancing innovation with environmental concerns. The models will focus on targeted applications, avoiding the extensive energy demands of massive language models when unnecessary.

Broader Applications

Beyond language processing, Orange is integrating AI into its core business operations. The company uses AI to optimize its mobile networks, identifying and predicting failures before customers are affected. Additionally, AI-driven voice systems are being developed to improve customer service across its contact centers.

This partnership represents a step toward bridging the technological gap for underrepresented regions, fostering greater inclusivity in the global AI landscape.

 

Instagram Developing AI Tool to Create Custom Profile Pictures

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Instagram is reportedly working on a new feature that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to allow users to generate customized profile pictures. This feature, currently being tested, would enable users to create unique and stylized avatars or images based on AI models, offering a fresh alternative to traditional profile photos. Although specific details about the feature remain scarce, it could significantly enhance how users present themselves on the platform by providing an automated, creative way to update their profiles.

The leak, discovered by developer Alessandro Paluzzi, revealed a new option in the app’s settings that invites users to “Create an AI profile picture” when updating their profile. Paluzzi shared a screenshot of the menu, sparking excitement about the potential of AI to personalize digital identities. The feature is still in development, with further testing likely to refine the technology before it becomes available to the wider user base.

In addition to Instagram, similar AI-driven tools are said to be in the works for Facebook and WhatsApp, both of which are also owned by Meta. This suggests that Meta may be planning to roll out AI-powered profile picture generation across its suite of platforms, offering users more opportunities to express themselves in creative ways. The integration of AI into the social media experience is becoming more prevalent, and Instagram is clearly taking steps to stay competitive in the space.

While Instagram’s focus on AI profile picture generation is generating buzz, it comes at a time when other changes are happening within the app. For instance, Instagram’s Head, Adam Mosseri, recently confirmed that the platform had abandoned the feature that automatically refreshed users’ feeds after a period of inactivity. This move reflects Instagram’s ongoing adjustments to its user experience, balancing new features with changes aimed at improving overall engagement and satisfaction. The AI profile picture generator could be a major addition to the platform, aligning with Instagram’s broader push to innovate and keep users engaged.

Meta Argues App Stores Should Enforce Australia’s Social Media Ban for Users Under 16

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Australia is moving forward with a controversial plan to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 16, despite opposition from major tech companies, including Meta Platforms. Meta has argued that the responsibility for enforcing this age restriction should fall to app store operators, such as Google and Apple, rather than social media platforms themselves. This suggestion has been met with resistance from Australian officials, who have emphasized the importance of taking direct action to protect younger users from potential harm online.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday that all state and territory leaders had agreed to the age restriction plan. Under the new framework, there will be no exceptions for popular social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, or X (formerly known as Twitter). This comprehensive approach signals Australia’s firm stance on regulating digital spaces to safeguard minors, as part of broader efforts to combat online harms and ensure that younger users are not exposed to inappropriate content.

The legislation is expected to be introduced to parliament during the week beginning November 18, with a 12-month period between the bill’s passage and its enforcement. However, key details remain unclear, particularly regarding how users will be required to prove their age on social media platforms. The government has not disclosed the exact methods for verifying age or what personal data will be needed, leaving room for debate on privacy and security concerns. Additionally, there is no clear outline of what penalties firms could face if they fail to comply with the new law.

While the Australian government moves forward with these plans, there is still uncertainty about the broader implications for the social media industry. The lack of a clear definition of which platforms will fall under the new rules leaves room for ambiguity, and companies will likely seek clarification as the bill progresses. As the debate continues, the proposed age restrictions highlight the ongoing tension between tech companies, governments, and the public over how best to balance user safety, privacy, and access to digital platforms