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Carnegie Mellon University Cautions Voters to Be Aware of How Generative Artificial Intelligence May be Used During the Election to Create False Images, Videos and News

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PITTSBURGH, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) allows users to create realistic images, videos, audio, and text quickly and cheaply—capabilities that can be useful in many contexts. But during elections, GenAI can be misused to manipulate and deceive voters at an unprecedented magnitude and scale. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a new guide to educate voters about how the technology may be used by unethical parties, particularly foreign adversaries, to manipulate and misinform American voters in ways they may not recognize.

“The use of GenAI to fabricate compelling information poses a real threat to our democracy,” says Hoda Heidari, Leader of the Responsible AI Initiative at CMU’s Block Center for Technology and Society, who co-authored the resource. “Our guide serves as a warning to the public and offers concrete steps to take action. At Carnegie Mellon University, we have led the creation of AI as a powerful technology, so we take our responsibility seriously to educate the public on both the capabilities and the risks of GenAI—especially if it can impact our fundamental rights.”

The guide provides information on how voters can support the integrity of the democratic process, including pausing to examine claims they encounter on social media and investigating sources of information. “The democratic process relies on debate among the voters who may have differing viewpoints, yet are informed by facts. GenAI makes it easy to derail this process through the creation of fictions, fictitious voters, and by making it appear that a real person is saying things that they never said,” notes Kathleen M. Carley, Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Center for Informed Democracy and Social-cybersecurity (IDeaS) who co-authored the guide. In addition, the guide addresses potential harms of GenAI, including suppressing votes, disseminating propaganda, and sowing doubt and uncertainty around the democratic process and its integrity.

“These harms can ultimately sway the results of elections, giving outsized influence to those who use GenAI to promote their agenda,” according to Alex John London, Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Center for Ethics and Policy and Chief Ethicist at the Block Center, as well as a faculty member in CMU’s Department of Philosophy, who co-authored the guide.

With no strong guardrails around using GenAI in political campaigns, the authors encourage voters to contact their legislators, ask them to support stronger AI regulation, and ask questions about their candidate’s use of GenAI in their campaigns.

Work on the guide was conducted at the Responsible AI Initiative, funded by the Block Center for Technology and Society and the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, and in partnership with the Center for IDeaS. The guide can be found at https://www.cmu.edu/block-center/responsible-ai/genai-voterguide/genai-voter-guide.html.

About the Block Center for Technology and Society
Artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing impact society, the economy, and our daily lives profoundly. While many of these impacts are beneficial, laborers in some industries are being displaced due to automation, algorithms drive decision-making in powerful and often unseen ways, and new platforms and networks have fundamentally changed how people engage with, and contribute to, their world. Established in 2019, The Block Center focuses on how emerging technologies will alter the future of work, how AI and analytics can be harnessed for social good, and how innovation in these spaces can be more inclusive and generate targeted, relevant solutions that reduce inequality and improve quality of life for all.
For more information, please visit https://www.cmu.edu/block-center/about-us/index.html

About the Center for Informed Democracy and Social-cybersecurity (IDeaS)
The growth of social media has changed how we communicate, play, work and interact. While these platforms have improved our lives, they have also provided vehicles for sharing and amplifying disinformation, hate speech, and extremism. In this social-cyber environment, information warfare and propaganda have flourished. As our lives move online, we’re increasingly challenged to look beyond these messages to remain informed, thoughtful citizens who can engage civilly with each other without being subjected to undue influence. The Center for IDeaS at Carnegie Mellon University aims to enhance social-cybersecurity to preserve and support an informed democratic society. The Center for IDeaS focuses on detecting, understanding, predicting, and mitigating the impact of online harms – disinformation, hate, and extremism. For more information, please visit https://www.cmu.edu/ideas-social-cybersecurity/.

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SOURCE Carnegie Mellon University

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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10 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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1 hour ago

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October 23, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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