At the beginning of the year, a significant concern emerged regarding the potential misuse of generative AI in global elections. The fear was that it could be employed to spread propaganda and disinformation. However, as we reach the end of the year, Meta presents a different perspective. It claims that these fears did not materialize on its platforms. The company's findings are based on an extensive analysis of content related to major elections in various countries such as the U.S., Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, the EU Parliament, France, the U.K., South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil.

Meta's Policy Effectiveness

During the election period, there were instances of confirmed or suspected use of AI in an improper manner. But, the volumes were relatively low. Meta's existing policies and processes proved to be sufficient in reducing the risk associated with generative AI content. In fact, ratings on AI-related content during these major elections represented less than 1% of all fact-checked misinformation. This indicates that Meta's measures were effective in curbing the spread of such content.Meta's Imagine AI image generator took a proactive stance by rejecting 590,000 requests to create images involving key figures like President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and President Biden in the lead-up to election day. This was a crucial step in preventing the creation of election-related deepfakes.

Impact on Coordinated Influence Campaigns

Meta discovered that coordinated networks of accounts aiming to spread propaganda or disinformation only achieved incremental productivity and content-generation gains by using generative AI. The company's focus on the behaviors of these accounts rather than the content they post allowed it to take down these covert influence campaigns effectively. Even with the use of AI, Meta's ability to detect and act against such activities remained intact.

Preventing Foreign Interference

Meta took down around 20 new covert influence operations worldwide to safeguard against foreign interference. It was noted that the majority of the disrupted networks did not have authentic audiences, and some even used fake likes and followers to give the impression of greater popularity. This highlights Meta's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its platforms and protecting the electoral processes.Meta also pointed a finger at other platforms, stating that false videos about the U.S. election linked to Russian-based influence operations were frequently posted on X and Telegram. This emphasizes the need for a collective effort in addressing the challenges posed by generative AI in elections.As Meta takes stock of the year, it will continue to review its policies and make any necessary changes in the coming months. This proactive approach ensures that it remains at the forefront of addressing the evolving issues related to generative AI and elections.

Glovo, a prominent Spanish delivery app under the ownership of Germany’s Delivery Hero, has recently yielded to the mounting pressure regarding labor rights within its native territory. On Monday, the company disclosed its intention to hire approximately 15,000 riders. Notably, the majority of these riders are currently classified as “self-employed” according to Glovo. As per Reuters, the company has also issued a warning of a substantial €100 million impact on its earnings.

Spanish Labour Reform and Glovo's Stance

In 2021, a significant Spanish labour reform recognized riders engaged in gig work for delivery platforms as employees. However, Glovo persisted in operating with a large number of riders not officially on its books. Instead, it resorted to using subcontractors in an attempt to evade the legal requirements. This approach seems to have come to an end. In a public statement, Glovo expressed its desire to “avoid further legal uncertainties.”The company has already faced multiple penalties for labor violations that predated the 2021 Riders Law. In addition to this, CEO and co-founder Oscar Pierre is scheduled to appear in court this week due to alleged breaches of the latter law. Furthermore, Glovo is also embroiled in a competition lawsuit from its rival, Just Eat, which is seeking €295 million in damages.In a post on X regarding Glovo's change of attitude, Spanish labor minister Yolanda Díaz stated, “Companies were not accustomed to being told ‘no’. Glovo believed it could operate outside the bounds of the law.”

Impact on Glovo's Operations

The decision by Glovo to hire a significant number of riders and address labor rights issues is likely to have a profound impact on its operations. With the recognition of riders as employees, Glovo will now be responsible for providing them with various benefits and protections that were previously overlooked. This includes aspects such as social security, health insurance, and fair working conditions.Moreover, the company's shift in stance may also lead to changes in its business model. It will need to reevaluate its relationships with subcontractors and potentially restructure its operations to ensure compliance with labor laws. This could involve increased costs and logistical adjustments, but it is a necessary step for Glovo to maintain its credibility and operate within the legal framework.

Legal and Financial Ramifications

The fines and legal battles that Glovo has faced due to labor infractions have not only affected its financial standing but also its reputation. The €100 million hit to earnings as warned by the company is a significant blow, and it will need to find ways to mitigate these losses.In addition to the financial consequences, the legal battles and regulatory scrutiny that Glovo is currently facing pose a challenge to its long-term viability. The company will need to demonstrate a commitment to complying with labor laws and address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.Overall, Glovo's concession on labor rights is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for the company and the delivery industry as a whole. It remains to be seen how Glovo will navigate these challenges and emerge stronger in the future.