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Recent developments in AI are reshaping various sectors of society and business. In the legal world, AI is streamlining processes, saving time and money for businesses. Meanwhile, multimodal AI systems are emerging as game-changers across industries, integrating multiple data types to revolutionize fields like healthcare and creative arts. In healthcare, an AI tool has shown promise in reducing missed GP appointments, potentially saving the NHS millions. However, AI’s impact isn’t always positive; UK graduates are facing unprecedented competition in the job market, partly due to AI-driven recruitment processes. Additionally, the UK government’s consideration of an “opt-out” model for AI content-scraping has sparked controversy, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance technological advancement with copyright protection and fair compensation for content creators. These stories underscore the transformative power of AI and the complex challenges it presents as it becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives and business operations.
1. AI Streamlines Legal Processes in Business
AI is being increasingly utilized to streamline legal processes in business, particularly in areas like commercial contracts, procurement, and billing for legal services. The Financial Times Accelerating Business series highlights 20 initiatives that are saving time and money by incorporating AI into existing legal tasks. These innovations are helping to remove common obstacles and speed up business operations, with some legal tasks that previously took days now being completed in minutes.
2. Multimodal AI: The Next Frontier in Technology
Multimodal AI systems, capable of processing and generating multiple forms of data simultaneously (including text, images, audio, and video), are emerging as a transformative force across various industries. These advanced AI systems can understand and create content using multiple “senses,” leading to significant improvements in fields such as healthcare diagnostics and creative industries. The technology’s ability to integrate diverse data types and produce multifaceted outputs is reshaping how we interact with machines and opening new frontiers in AI applications.
3. AI Tool Reduces Missed GP Appointments, Saving NHS Millions
A UK-based clinical software firm, TPP, has developed an AI tool that has successfully reduced missed GP appointments by nearly 30% in a trial. The technology uses machine learning to analyse patient behaviour patterns and predict which patients are most likely to miss appointments. This innovation could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds annually, as missed appointments currently cost the healthcare system £216 million per year. The AI tool allows GP surgeries to take proactive measures, such as sending reminders to high-risk patients, to encourage attendance.
4. UK Graduates Face Tough Job Market as AI Transforms Recruitment
UK graduates are facing unprecedented competition in the job market, with employers receiving an average of 140 applications per vacancy in 2024, a 59% increase from the previous year. This surge is partly attributed to the use of AI in recruitment processes, making it easier for candidates to apply to multiple positions quickly. The job market slowdown, particularly in popular sectors like IT and consulting, has further intensified the competition. Employers expect only a 1% growth in vacancies over the next year due to economic uncertainty, making the job search even more challenging for new graduates.
5. UK Considers ‘Opt-Out’ Model for AI Content-Scraping, Sparking Controversy
The UK government is planning to consult on an “opt-out” model for AI content-scraping, which would allow AI companies to use online content from publishers and artists unless they explicitly opt out. This move has sparked controversy, with the creative industry arguing that it could lead to widespread copyright infringement without proper compensation. Publishers prefer an “opt-in” model that would enable licensing agreements and fair remuneration. The decision aligns with the EU’s AI Act but faces strong opposition from media executives who fear it favours tech companies at the expense of content creators.
