October 2025 saw a significant surge in US job cuts, reaching 153,074, the highest for that month in over two decades. This figure nearly triples the layoffs from the previous year, with artificial intelligence and ongoing cost-cutting identified as primary drivers. The technology and warehousing sectors experienced substantial reductions, contributing to over 1 million job cuts year-to-date, with AI specifically cited in 31,039 October layoffs. Large corporations such as Amazon, Target, and UPS have also announced significant workforce reductions, signaling a broad corporate pullback as industries adapt to new technologies. Amidst this shift, the ethical and security implications of AI are coming to the forefront. Dr. Nasser Mohamed, a San Francisco physician, is suing Waymo and its parent company Alphabet, claiming Waymo's AI software falsely labeled him a terrorist, denying him service for two years. This case highlights growing concerns about AI bias and the need for human oversight. Similarly, Google's Threat Intelligence Group warns that cybercriminals are leveraging AI, using large language models to craft and conceal malicious code, making attacks more sophisticated. In response, security firms like Zscaler, under Harsh Doshi, are developing new products to secure enterprise AI applications, addressing vulnerabilities that traditional cybersecurity tools often miss. On the regulatory front, Ohio is considering House Bill 524, which would empower the state's Attorney General to investigate AI chatbots promoting self-harm or violence, potentially leading to cease-and-desist orders and large fines. This move, while bipartisan, faces potential opposition from Big Tech lobbying. Meanwhile, the financial sector shows caution, with Deutsche Bank reportedly betting against AI stocks due to emerging risks for data centers, prompting discussions about a potential 'AI bubble.' Companies are also strategically integrating AI into their operations and leadership. HubSpot, for instance, appointed Clara Shih, Meta's head of business AI and former CEO of Salesforce AI, to its board of directors. HubSpot CEO Yamini Rangan emphasized Shih's invaluable expertise in scaling AI products as the company integrates AI across its customer platform. In the energy sector, Jericho Energy Ventures CEO Adam Andersen is set to discuss AI's transformative role in improving efficiency and sustainability at the AI INFRA SUMMIT 4. However, not all institutions are embracing AI universally; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through Elder Gerrit W. Gong, announced it would not use AI to create images of Jesus Christ or prepare church talks, stressing that AI cannot replace divine revelation and urging thoughtful use of the technology.
Key Takeaways
- US companies announced 153,074 job cuts in October 2025, the highest for that month in over two decades, with AI cited in 31,039 layoffs.
- Year-to-date job cuts have exceeded 1 million, with significant reductions from companies like Amazon, Target, and UPS, primarily in the technology and warehousing sectors.
- Dr. Nasser Mohamed is suing Waymo and its parent company Alphabet, alleging Waymo's AI falsely flagged him as a terrorist, preventing him from using their autonomous vehicle service.
- HubSpot appointed Clara Shih, Meta's head of business AI and former CEO of Salesforce AI, to its board of directors, with CEO Yamini Rangan highlighting her expertise.
- Google's Threat Intelligence Group reports cybercriminals are using large language models to write, modify, and hide malicious code for advanced attacks.
- Ohio is considering House Bill 524, which would allow the Attorney General to investigate AI chatbots promoting self-harm or violence and issue fines.
- Deutsche Bank is reportedly betting against AI stocks, citing new risks for data centers and raising concerns about a potential 'AI bubble.'
- Harsh Doshi at Zscaler is leading efforts to secure enterprise AI use, developing products to protect AI applications and models from new risks like data leaks.
- Jericho Energy Ventures CEO Adam Andersen will speak at the AI INFRA SUMMIT 4 about AI's role in transforming the energy sector.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not use AI to create images of Jesus Christ or prepare church talks, emphasizing AI cannot replace divine revelation.
US Job Cuts Hit 20-Year High in October Due to AI
US companies announced 153,074 job cuts in October 2025, marking the highest number for that month in over two decades. This figure is nearly triple the layoffs from the same month last year, driven largely by artificial intelligence reshaping industries and ongoing cost-cutting. Andy Challenger of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. noted that the technology and warehousing sectors saw significant reductions. Year-to-date job cuts have now exceeded 1 million, and companies have the fewest hiring plans since 2011.
October US Layoffs Hit 20-Year High as AI Reshapes Industries
US employers cut about 153,000 workers in October 2025, making it the worst October for layoffs in two decades. This brings the total job cuts for the year to over 1 million, according to a report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Artificial intelligence and automation are major factors, with AI specifically cited in 31,039 October layoffs. The technology and warehousing sectors led these cuts, and large companies like Amazon, Target, and UPS also announced significant job reductions. This trend shows a broad corporate pullback as industries adapt to new technologies.
Doctor Sues Waymo and Alphabet Over AI Terrorist Label
Dr. Nasser Mohamed, a San Francisco physician and civil rights activist, is suing Waymo and its parent company Alphabet. He claims Waymo's artificial intelligence software falsely flagged him as a terrorist, preventing him from using their autonomous vehicle service for two years. Dr. Mohamed states that Waymo employees refused to correct the AI's mistake, leaving him with no way to resolve the issue. He seeks damages and a ruling to stop Waymo from using name-matching AI without human review. Waymo denies the claims, but this case highlights growing concerns about AI bias and discrimination.
HubSpot Adds Meta AI Leader Clara Shih to Board
HubSpot has appointed Clara Shih, Meta's head of business AI, to its board of directors. Shih brings extensive experience, having previously served as CEO of Salesforce AI until late last year. HubSpot's stock has dropped 34% this year as investors worry about how artificial intelligence will impact the company's future business. CEO Yamini Rangan stated that Shih's expertise in building and scaling AI products will be invaluable as HubSpot integrates AI across its customer platform. Shih also co-founded Hearsay Social and led the expansion of generative AI at Salesforce.
Google Warns Cybercriminals Use AI for Advanced Attacks
Google's Threat Intelligence Group reports that cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence in increasingly complex ways. Attackers now use large language models to write, modify, or hide malicious code, making it harder for security systems to detect. They even trick AI security measures by pretending to be students or participants in hacking competitions. A growing market in the digital underworld offers AI tools for phishing, creating harmful scripts, and automating social engineering. Google and DeepMind are actively working to improve security filters and detection systems to fight these new AI-powered threats.
Ohio Considers AI Regulation Amid Big Tech Influence
The Ohio Legislature is discussing new laws to regulate artificial intelligence companies, which Big Tech firms generally oppose. House Bill 524, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, would allow the Ohio Attorney General to investigate chatbots that promote self-harm or violence. The Attorney General could then issue cease-and-desist orders and seek large fines. Chris Quinn, editor of cleveland.com, noted this approach seems to go against the tech-friendly views often held by Republicans. While there is current bipartisan support, some predict the bill will not pass once the tech industry increases its lobbying efforts at the state level.
Deutsche Bank Bets Against AI Stocks Due to Data Center Risks
Deutsche Bank is reportedly betting against artificial intelligence stocks, a move that suggests concerns about the AI market. This decision comes as new risks are appearing for data centers, which are crucial for AI operations. Recent instability in US stock market shares linked to AI highlights how much the market depends on the technology sector. Some observers are wondering if this signals a potential "AI bubble" that could soon burst.
Harsh Doshi Secures Enterprise AI at Zscaler
Harsh Doshi at Zscaler is leading efforts to secure artificial intelligence use in businesses. He develops security products that give companies control and protection over their AI applications and models. AI brings new risks like data leaks and vulnerabilities that traditional cybersecurity tools often miss. Doshi previously worked at Symantec on data protection for large companies and at Proofpoint, where he used AI to fight email threats. He joined Zscaler in 2024 to address the growing need for AI security, especially as many new AI tools lacked proper safeguards.
Jericho Energy CEO Speaks at AI Infra Summit in San Francisco
Jericho Energy Ventures Inc. announced that its CEO, Adam Andersen, will speak at the AI INFRA SUMMIT 4 in San Francisco on November 7, 2025. Mr. Andersen will join a panel discussion titled "AI's Role in Transforming the Energy Sector." He plans to share how Jericho Energy Ventures uses artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the energy industry. The company focuses on developing technologies for sustainable energy, including hydrogen production and AI-driven energy management.
Church Sets AI Limits for Images of Jesus and Talks
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not use artificial intelligence to create images of Jesus Christ or to prepare church talks. Speaking at the "Organized Intelligence" conference, Elder Gong emphasized that AI cannot replace divine revelation or truth from God. He warned against letting AI interfere with personal relationships with God, stating clearly that AI is not God. While the Church explores AI for other tasks, members should be thoughtful about how they use AI in their lives.
Sources
- AI Revolution Prompts Most October US Layoffs in Over 20 Years
- AI wreaks havoc on US jobs with two-decade high 150K cut in October...
- Waymo, Alphabet Sued for Bias After AI Allegedly Mislabels SF Doctor as Terrorist
- HubSpot adds Clara Shih, Meta's head of business AI, to board of directors
- Cybercriminals are using AI in increasingly sophisticated ways, says Google
- Big Tech vs. GOP: Will Ohio Republicans cave to AI money?
- Is it Big Short 2.0? Deutsche Bank reportedly shorting AI stocks as data center risks emerge
- Inside Harsh Doshi’s Work Using AI To Keep Enterprise Work Secure
- Jericho Energy Ventures to Participate in AI INFRA SUMMIT 4 in San Francisco
- Church won’t use AI to create images of Jesus Christ or to prepare conference talks, apostle says
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