The repetitive, detailed work of training artificial intelligence algorithms relies on pattern recognition, puzzle-solving and deep focus that is …

Staring closely at the screen, Jordan Wright deftly picks out a barely distinguishable shape with his mouse, bringing to life a stark blue outline from a blur of overexposed features. It's a process similar to the automated tests that teach computers to distinguish humans from machines, by asking someone to identify traffic lights or stop signs in a picture known as a Captcha. Only in Wright's case, the shape turns out to be of a Tupolev Tu-160, a supersonic strategic heavy bomber, parked on a Russian base. The outline -- one of hundreds a day he picks out from satellite images -- is training an algorithm so a US intelligence agency can locate and identify Moscow's firepower in an automated flash. It's become a run-of-the-mill task for the 25-year-old, who describes himself as on the autism spectrum. Starting in the spring, Wright began working at Enabled Intelligence, a Virginia-based startup that works largely for US intelligence and other federal agencies.

Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks Covid-19's impact on trade. Sign up here, and subscribe to our Covid-19 podcast for the latest news and analysis on the pandemic. China said it will restrict the exports of some artificial intelligence technology to "safeguard national economic security," and will require government permits for overseas transfers. AI interface technologies such as speech and text recognition, and those that analyze data to make personalized content recommendations, were added to a revised list of export-control products published on the Ministry of Commerce's website late Friday. The new restrictions could encompass technologies used by China's ByteDance Ltd., the official Xinhua News Agency reported, citing a trade expert.

Tesla Inc. (TSLA:UN) Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Chairman Jack Ma, two of the leading luminaries in the technology world, sparred against each other on Thursday on subjects ranging from the dangers of artificial intelligence, the need to explore Mars and the future of education. Held at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, the rare debate between China's richest man and one of America's more controversial billionaires began with thoughts on AI -- Ma is betting humans will prevail over machines, while Musk fears doomsday is coming -- but the conversation, which went viral on social media, soon transgressed into areas such as Mars exploration and aliens. Below are some of the more memorable exchanges, which have been edited lightly for clarity. They sort of think like it's a smart human. Ma: I never in my life say human beings will be controlled by machines, it's impossible...Human beings can never create another thing that is smarter than human beings.