Traditionally, the goal of compression is to represent a complex information source such as an image in the most compact way while ensuring an acceptable level of signal distortion. The goal of communication, on the other hand, is to reliably transmit the compressed information over a noisy channel. This talk explores how in-network compression can be used for faster and more reliable communication in 6G networks. This is achieved by task-oriented compression, where instead of minimizing the signal distortion, the goal is to optimize a task described by the wireless network operation. By leveraging recent advances in learning-based data compression, this talk illustrates the potential benefits of learned task-oriented compression for two use cases in 6G. The first one is a precoding-oriented Channel State Information (CSI) feedback scheme for multi-cell multi-user MIMO systems, where the learned end-to-end architecture integrates the downlink channel estimation, the CSI compression, and the downlink precoder for higher rates and more effective inference management. The second case is a simple multi-hop network in which a neural detection-oriented relay learns to Compress-and-Forward (CF) its received signal for higher reliability and data rate at the destination. Using a novel machine-learning based distributed compression framework, the first proof-of-concept design for an interpretable and practical neural CF relaying scheme is obtained. Speakers: Elza Erkip Institute Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, New York University, USA Moderators: Ian F. Akyildiz ITU J-FET Editor-in-Chief and Truva Inc., USA​​​ Wisdom corner Moderators: Alessia Magliarditi ITU Journal Manager, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good is identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges. AI for Good is organized by ITU in partnership with over 40 UN Sister Agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland. Join the Neural Network! 👉https://aiforgood.itu.int/neural-network/ The AI for Good networking community platform powered by AI. Designed to help users build connections with innovators and experts, link innovative ideas with social impact opportunities, and bring the community together to advance the SDGs using AI. 🔴 Watch the latest #AIforGood videos! https://www.youtube.com/c/AIforGood/videos 📩 Stay updated and join our weekly AI for Good newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gI2kJ5 🗞Check out the latest AI for Good news: https://aiforgood.itu.int/newsroom/ 📱Explore the AI for Good blog: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ai-for-good-blog/ 🌎 Connect on our social media: Website: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ X: https://twitter.com/AIforGood LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/26511907 LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8567748 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforgood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIforGood Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the panelists and do not reflect the official policy of the ITU.