Amazon Closes AI Lab, Anthropic Data Leak, $20M Supercomputer

Several key developments are shaping the AI landscape. Amazon is closing its Shanghai AI lab, which was established by Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2018, amid rising US-China tensions and cost-cutting measures. This closure impacts a team that once included over 1,000 staff in China and focused on natural language processing and machine learning. Meanwhile, GE HealthCare continues to lead in AI-enabled medical devices, securing 100 FDA authorizations for the fourth consecutive year and aiming for over 200 by 2028. Their AI solutions enhance imaging and diagnostic accuracy. In the UK, politician Penny Mordaunt has been targeted by AI deepfake pornography, highlighting the real-world consequences of AI misuse and prompting government action. DeepSeek is working to expand AI adoption in Southeast Asia, though venture investors remain cautious due to concerns about talent and market adoption. A leaked list revealed websites used to train Anthropic's AI chatbot, with gig workers instructed to use sources like Bloomberg and Harvard but avoid others like The New York Times and Reddit; Anthropic claims they were unaware of the list created by their contractor, Surge AI. Georgia Tech is constructing a new supercomputer called Nexus, backed by a $20 million investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF), to boost AI research in health, energy, and climate. Germany is also investing heavily in AI and new technologies to modernize its military, aiming to connect startups with the military and increase its defense budget by 2029. Finally, agentic AI is emerging as a transformative force in healthcare systems, with the potential to streamline processes and improve patient care.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon is closing its Shanghai AI lab due to US-China tensions and cost-cutting.
• GE HealthCare leads in AI medical device authorizations with 100 FDA approvals for the fourth year.
• Penny Mordaunt was targeted by AI deepfake pornography, raising concerns about AI misuse.
• DeepSeek aims to boost AI adoption in Southeast Asia amid cautious venture investment.
• A leaked list revealed websites used to train Anthropic's AI chatbot, raising data security concerns.
• Georgia Tech is building the Nexus supercomputer with a $20 million NSF investment for AI research.
• Germany is investing in AI and new technologies to modernize its military.
• Agentic AI has the potential to transform healthcare systems by automating tasks and improving workflows.
• Most single-family home builders are not yet using AI in their businesses, but adoption is expected to increase for advertising and market analysis.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) established the Shanghai Lab in 2018 and once had over 1,000 staff in China.

Amazon Closes Shanghai AI Lab Amid US-China Tensions

Amazon is closing its artificial intelligence lab in Shanghai, according to the Financial Times. This decision comes as tensions rise between the U.S. and China, leading to increased scrutiny of American companies in China. A scientist at the Shanghai lab, Wang Minjie, mentioned the team's dissolution was due to strategic adjustments. Amazon Web Services (AWS) established the Shanghai Lab in 2018 and once had over 1,000 staff in China. This closure aligns with other tech companies reducing jobs and increasing focus on AI.

Amazon Shuts Down Shanghai AI Lab Amid US-China Tensions

Amazon is closing its artificial intelligence lab in Shanghai, the Financial Times reports. This decision is happening because of rising tensions between the U.S. and China. Wang Minjie, a scientist at the Shanghai lab, said the team is being dissolved due to these tensions. Amazon Web Services (AWS) started the Shanghai Lab in 2018 and at one point had over 1,000 employees in China. This move is part of a larger trend of tech companies cutting jobs and focusing more on artificial intelligence.

Amazon Shuts Shanghai AI Lab in Cost-Cutting Move

Amazon is closing its artificial intelligence research lab in Shanghai as part of recent cost-cutting measures. The lab, which opened in 2018, is being shut down due to strategic adjustments related to U.S.-China tensions. Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser said the company is eliminating some roles in its Amazon Web Services unit. Geopolitical tensions have caused many U.S. companies to reduce operations in China. The Shanghai lab focused on natural language processing and machine learning.

GE HealthCare Leads in AI Medical Devices with FDA Authorizations

GE HealthCare is leading the way in AI-enabled medical devices, topping the FDA's list for the fourth year with 100 authorizations. The company invests in research and development to integrate AI into medical devices, improving healthcare professional productivity and patient care. GE HealthCare aims to reach over 200 authorizations by 2028. Their AI solutions include AI-based Auto Positioning, AIR\u2122 Recon DL, LOGIQ\u2122 Series, Precision DL, and Venue Family. These innovations enhance imaging, speed up processes, and improve diagnostic accuracy.

GE HealthCare Leads in AI Medical Devices with 100 FDA Approvals

GE HealthCare has the most FDA authorizations for AI-enabled medical devices for the fourth year in a row, with 100 approvals. This shows GE HealthCare's focus on using AI to improve medical devices and patient care. The company aims to get over 200 authorizations by 2028. Examples of their AI solutions include AI-based Auto Positioning, AIR\u2122 Recon DL, and the LOGIQ\u2122 Series. These technologies help doctors with faster and more accurate diagnoses, improving healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.

Politician Penny Mordaunt Targeted by AI Deepfake Porn

Penny Mordaunt, a former UK cabinet minister, revealed she was a victim of AI-generated deepfake pornography. Her face was used in these fake videos, which she described as humiliating and violent. Mordaunt spoke about the issue, highlighting the real-world consequences of such actions. The government plans to make creating or sharing sexually explicit deepfakes a criminal offense. Mordaunt also urged action against social media platforms that fail to verify users' ages.

Most Home Builders Not Yet Using Artificial Intelligence

Most single-family home builders are not currently using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their businesses. About 20% of builders use AI for advertising and marketing, and 11% use it for market analysis and project planning. Less than 5% use AI for other business functions like designing projects or operating automated construction equipment. However, builders are likely to start using AI for advertising and market analysis in the next two years. They are least likely to use AI for automated construction equipment or interacting with local building departments.

DeepSeek Aims to Boost AI in Southeast Asia

DeepSeek is making it easier for companies in Southeast Asia to use AI. However, venture investors are still cautious. Venture funding for tech companies in the region dropped significantly between 2022 and 2024. Investors are waiting to see more talent and market adoption before investing. They also worry that traditional tech companies may be disrupted by AI-native companies. Some suggest focusing on specific needs and investing in areas that remove technological bottlenecks.

Leaked List Reveals Websites Used to Train Anthropic's AI Chatbot

A leaked list shows which websites were used to improve Anthropic's AI chatbot. Gig workers were instructed to use sites like Bloomberg and Harvard but avoid others like The New York Times and Reddit. Anthropic claims they were unaware of the list, which was created by their contractor, Surge AI. Many of the approved sources have copyright restrictions. Surge AI left the list accessible on Google Drive, raising data security concerns.

Georgia Tech's Nexus Supercomputer to Boost AI Research

Georgia Tech is building a new supercomputer called Nexus with a $20 million investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Nexus will be online in spring 2026 and will perform over 400 quadrillion operations per second. It is designed specifically for AI research in areas like health, energy, and climate. The supercomputer will have a large memory and storage capacity to handle complex AI models and datasets. Nexus aims to be both powerful and easy to use, supporting various AI workflows and scientific services.

Germany Plans Future Warfare with AI and New Tech

Germany is investing heavily in AI and new technologies to modernize its military. The government aims to connect startups with the military to drive innovation. They are reducing bureaucracy to make it easier for startups to participate in defense projects. Germany plans to increase its defense budget significantly by 2029. The focus is on developing cutting-edge technology like AI robots and spy cockroaches. This shift is driven by concerns about European security and the need to rely less on the United States.

Agentic AI Could Transform Healthcare Systems

Agentic AI, where AI agents take action on behalf of users, has the potential to change how healthcare systems work. Unlike chatbots, AI agents can complete entire tasks, such as processing insurance claims. An agentic AI system is a network of agents working together to complete workflows. These systems can help with tasks like ordering supplies, supporting patients, and streamlining processes. The greatest benefit comes from scaling AI to change how an organization functions, improving job experiences and fostering human connection.

Sources

• Amazon shuts down Shanghai AI research lab, FT says
• Amazon shuts down Shanghai AI research lab, FT says
• Amazon closes Shanghai AI research lab in latest cost-cutting move
• GE HealthCare drives growth with investment in AI-enabled medical devices and tops FDA’s list of AI authorizations for 4th Year with 100
• GE HealthCare drives growth with investment in AI-enabled medical devices and tops FDA’s list of AI authorizations for 4th Year with 100
• AI deepfake porn used my face, says Penny Mordaunt
• Builders’ Use of Artificial Intelligence
• DeepSeek makes it easier for Southeast Asia’s firms to get into AI, but venture investors are still adopting a wait-and-see attitude
• A leaked list shows which websites were used to improve Anthropic's chatbot — and which ones were off-limits
• The supercomputer set to supercharge America’s AI future
• Spy cockroaches and AI robots: Germany plots the future of warfare
• Agentic AI's greatest potential benefit? Changing how a health system functions