Databricks invests $850M while Nvidia faces patent lawsuit

Key Takeaways

• California Governor Gavin Newsom enacted new AI regulations on March 31, 2026, for companies seeking state contracts, requiring safety, privacy, and bias prevention measures, including watermarking AI-generated content.
• Databricks plans to invest over $850 million in the UK by 2028, establishing London as its EMEA hub and aiming to train 100,000 people in data and AI skills.
• Nvidia Corp. is being sued by MonolithIC 3D Inc. for alleged patent infringement related to its GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip and other AI GPU products.
• OpenAI is working to enhance the developer experience for third-party applications within ChatGPT to improve app discovery and developer traffic.
• Caltech researchers developed a method to significantly compress large language models without performance loss, potentially making AI more accessible.
• The U.S. Department of Labor launched a free, text-based "Make America AI-Ready" course to provide foundational AI skills to American workers.
• Pitcher introduced Pitcher AI Roleplay, a tool using live AI avatars for sales teams to practice customer interactions.
• Acre Security launched Acre Via, an AI assistant for physical access control systems, enabling conversational management of security operations.
• FedTec and AiStrike released BlueDome, a FedRAMP-ready AI security platform for federal agencies, integrating AI detection with human oversight in Amazon's AWS GovCloud.
• Chainalysis deployed AI agents to combat the criminal use of AI in cryptocurrency, automating investigations to counter fast-evolving threats.

California Governor Newsom enacts AI regulations for state contracts

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on March 31, 2026, to regulate artificial intelligence. This order requires companies seeking state contracts to implement safety and privacy protections for AI technologies. It also addresses potential misuse, bias, and surveillance concerns. The state aims to ensure responsible AI development and deployment. Companies have four months to comply with these new requirements.

California defies Trump with new AI rules for state contractors

Governor Gavin Newsom has introduced new regulations for artificial intelligence companies wanting to work with California. This move goes against President Trump's call for less regulation in the AI industry. Companies must now show they have policies to prevent AI misuse, harmful bias, and discrimination. California will also develop best practices for watermarking AI-generated content to ensure transparency.

Newsom signs first-of-its-kind AI order for California businesses

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new executive order requiring artificial intelligence companies to implement safety and privacy measures. Newsom described the order as 'first-of-its-kind' and emphasized the need for responsible innovation. The order also directs state agencies to improve public services by using vetted AI tools. California aims to lead in ensuring AI protects people's rights.

California boosts AI contract rules amid federal disagreements

California is strengthening its rules for artificial intelligence companies seeking state contracts, increasing tension with the Trump administration. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that state agencies will require stronger AI safeguards. This action prioritizes ethical considerations and public safety over a less regulated approach. The new rules demand companies disclose AI system workings, prove they are bias-free, and ensure accountability.

California mandates AI safeguards for state contract firms

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring companies seeking California contracts to provide safeguards against AI misuse. This includes preventing illegal content generation, harmful bias, and civil rights violations. The order also mandates watermarking for AI-generated images and videos to combat misinformation. California will conduct its own risk assessments for companies flagged by the federal government.

Databricks invests $850M in UK for AI expansion

Databricks plans to invest over $850 million in the UK by 2028, establishing London as its EMEA hub. The company aims to attract top AI talent and train future business leaders in data and AI. This investment will support growing demand for its Lakebase database and Genie AI agent. Databricks will quadruple its London office space to accommodate its expanding team.

Databricks commits $850M to UK AI operations

Data and AI company Databricks will invest more than $850 million in the UK over the next decade to expand its AI capabilities and talent. The company plans to significantly increase its London office size, creating a new EMEA hub. This investment will also address demand for its Lakebase and Genie AI products. Databricks aims to train 100,000 people in data and AI skills across the UK and Ireland by 2028.

Nvidia sued over AI GPU products

MonolithIC 3D Inc. has sued Nvidia Corp., alleging that its GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip and other processing products infringe on six patents. These patents reportedly cover methods for creating 3D semiconductor devices. The lawsuit claims Nvidia was aware of these patents. The products in question are used in servers that power artificial intelligence applications.

Pitcher AI Roleplay uses live avatars for sales training

Pitcher has launched Pitcher AI Roleplay, a new tool for sales teams to practice customer interactions. This feature uses live AI avatars that simulate real customers, incorporating their context and history. Sales representatives can rehearse meetings in a safe environment, receiving realistic responses and objections. The goal is to build confidence and improve sales performance by practicing with lifelike scenarios.

OpenAI seeks to improve ChatGPT app developer experience

OpenAI is working to enhance the developer experience for third-party apps within ChatGPT. Six months after launching the feature, user feedback indicates challenges in finding apps and limited traffic for developers. OpenAI acknowledges the need for improvements in reliability and predictability. The company aims to make the platform easier for developers to build on and for users to discover.

Caltech researchers shrink AI models significantly

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new method to drastically compress large language models without losing performance. Led by Babak Hassibi, the team claims their technique can reduce AI model sizes significantly while maintaining high accuracy. This breakthrough could lower the computational resources needed for advanced AI, making it more accessible for devices with limited power. The method intelligently prunes and quantifies model parameters.

Free text-based AI course for US workers launched

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a free, week-long AI training course delivered via text message. The 'Make America AI-Ready' initiative requires no internet or computer access, reaching workers who may lack these resources. Participants receive daily lessons for seven days, learning core AI concepts and practical uses. This program aims to equip American workers with foundational AI skills for the evolving job market.

Acre Security introduces AI assistant for access control

Acre Security has launched Acre Via, an AI assistant for physical access control systems. This tool is among the first to provide intelligence and take action within live security systems. Operators can use conversational commands to manage cardholders or modify access levels, with human confirmation required before changes are made. Acre Via aims to integrate fragmented security systems into a single, manageable layer.

FedTec and AiStrike launch secure AI security platform BlueDome

FedTec and AiStrike have launched BlueDome, a FedRAMP-ready AI security platform for federal agencies. The platform integrates AI-driven detection and response with human oversight to speed up decision-making and reduce alert fatigue. BlueDome supports zero trust architectures and helps agencies improve visibility and prioritize threats. It operates in AWS GovCloud, combining AI triage with cleared operational teams for faster response.

Chainalysis uses AI agents to fight crypto crime

Chainalysis has deployed AI agents designed to combat the criminal use of artificial intelligence in cryptocurrency. These agents are built on four principles: data quality, context and reasoning, auditable workflows, and human control. They automate tasks like multi-chain investigations and alert enrichment, compressing days of work into minutes. The goal is to match the speed of criminals who are increasingly using AI.

Sources

• What Gavin Newsom's executive order on artificial intelligence means
• California to impose new AI regulations in defiance of Trump call
• California imposes new AI regulations on businesses in "first-of-its-kind" executive order signed by Newsom
• California Tightens AI Contract Rules as Fight With Trump Admin Grows
• California AI order requires firms seeking state contracts to have safeguards against abuse
• Why Databricks is Investing US$850m in the UK
• Databricks to Invest $850M in UK AI Operations
• Nvidia Hit With Patent Suit Over GPU Products Used in AI Servers
• Pitcher Debuts New Standard in Sales AI Roleplay with Live Avatar Practice
• OpenAI Aims to Improve Developer Experience Around Third-Party ChatGPT Apps
• Exclusive | Caltech Researchers Claim Radical Compression of High-Fidelity AI Models
• Free AI Course by Text Aims to Reach Workers Fast
• Acre Security launches Acre Via AI assistant for physical access control systems
• FedTec, AiStrike Launch FedRAMP-Ready AI Security Platform
• Chainalysis Deploys AI Agents to Counter Criminal Use of Artificial Intelligence in Crypto