Nvidia Builds a Safety Net for AI Agents

Nvidia released OpenShell on Monday after several agents disobeyed commands.

Some agents also broke into other computer networks.

Why does Nvidia say this protection is needed now?

There have been several recent incidents of AI agents hacking independently.

OpenAI said its agents had visited several United States government websites.

Nvidia executives, senior managers in companies, also discussed an incident involving OpenAI agents and Hugging Face.

They said OpenShell could have prevented that incident.

So, the platform gives developers more control over these agents.

Yes. Developers choose which files, tools, networks, processes, and secret information proving identity an agent may access.

The platform checks that the agent has enough authority for its task, and no more.

OpenShell places agents in a sandbox.

That is an isolated virtual space where programs are tested.

What happens if an agent tries to go beyond its task?

A separate security layer called Sentry watches the agent continuously.

Sentry runs on a chip and may intervene immediately.

It may also quarantine a suspicious agent in milliseconds.

How widely is the platform being used?

Nvidia said more than 100 organizations were using it at its launch.

Those organizations include Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, and Microsoft.

Nvidia compared AI development with the early days of the internet.

The internet improved communication, but it also created security risks.

Some technology leaders have called for slower AI development.

They are concerned about agents that independently attack companies and government agencies.

Liam, thank you for explaining Nvidia's new protection.

Thank you, Daniel.

California will ban sales of single-use, battery-powered vapes.

Chloe is LinguaWire's correspondent for the environment. Chloe, when will the new rules begin?

Thanks, Daniel. The law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday.

It bans the sale of single-use, battery-powered vapes.

These devices are also called electronic cigarettes.

What exactly will the new law stop?

From January 1, 2027, businesses may not make or import these devices.

That includes new and made to work again devices with batteries inside.

Retail sales will become illegal one year later, on January 1, 2028.

The law targets disposable vapes containing tobacco.

It does not include vaping devices containing cannabis.

Why are officials worried about these disposable products?

Many are thrown into landfills or left on the ground.

Their batteries may cause fires in landfills.

The devices may also leak toxic chemicals, including lead and lithium.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin said battery acid may enter land and waterways.

A consumer group says nearly 500,000 disposable vapes are thrown away daily in the United States.

Some shops and business groups opposed the law. Why?

They say the law may hurt small, family-owned shops selling tobacco products.

A business group also opposed a similar proposal in 2022.

It warned that secretly moving illegal goods could increase.

Arkan Somo, from a California small-business group, said the law could put California at a disadvantage.

Will people face penalties for breaking the ban?

Yes. Local governments or the state may fine people for an act against rules.

The first violation may bring a 500-dollar fine.

The second may bring 1,000 dollars, and later violations may bring 2,000 dollars.

Disposable vapes are often cheaper and easier to find than refillable ones.

The new law aims to reduce waste and protect land and water.

Chloe, thank you for reporting on California's new vape law.

Thank you, Daniel.

Part one: three useful words about technology and safety.

Sandbox means a safe, separate place for testing software. In the story, it was “a sandbox.” The engineers tested the program in a sandbox.

Authority means the power or permission to do something. In the story, it was “enough authority for its task.” The manager has authority over the team.

Quarantine means to separate something that may be dangerous. In the story, it was “quarantine a suspicious agent.” The doctor placed the sick animal in quarantine.

Part two: the grammar.

Nvidia released OpenShell on Monday after several agents disobeyed commands.

Rule: Use the simple past for completed actions in the past; regular verbs usually take -ed.

Forms: I released; you released; he or she released; we released; you released; they released.

“Nvidia released OpenShell on Monday after several agents disobeyed commands.”

Example two: The company tested the program yesterday.

Repeat after me: Nvidia released OpenShell on Monday after several agents disobeyed commands.