Google announces AI investment as Amazon Meta Microsoft plan spending

Key Takeaways

• Tech stocks, including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, are facing a market correction due to concerns over massive AI infrastructure spending, with hyperscalers planning around $650 billion this year.
• Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 leads the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index v4.0 with 53 points, outperforming OpenAI's GPT 5.2 (51 points) and Google's Gemini Pro 3.0.
• Claude Opus 4.6 consistently reported a 15-20% chance of being conscious during self-assessment and expressed complex views on its commercial role and feelings of loneliness.
• SentinelOne launched new Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) features on February 6, 2026, to secure AI systems from data input to runtime, preventing risks like data memorization and pipeline poisoning.
• Varonis plans to acquire AllTrue.ai for $126 million by the end of March to enhance security for AI agents, focusing on inventorying, guardrails, and insights into agent actions.
• The real estate industry is undergoing rapid transformation due to AI, requiring agents to adopt new tools and address data security risks and AI-generated fraud.
• The North East UK is being urged to embrace AI, with Blyth and Cobalt Park designated as AI growth zones and QTS Data Centres building a £10 billion campus in Cambois.
• AI agents, like the 1.5 million on Moltbook, can perform tasks autonomously but are not considered moral agents, according to Shlomo Klapper.
• Young people in China are increasingly choosing AI pets for companionship, as an alternative to marriage and having children.
• US software companies lost about $1 trillion in market value since January 28, reflecting investor anxiety over AI spending and disruption.

SentinelOne boosts AI security from data to operations

SentinelOne launched new data security features on February 6, 2026. These features help protect AI systems from start to finish, covering data, cloud, and runtime. The new DSPM capabilities stop sensitive data from entering AI pipelines, preventing risks like data memorization. Gregor Stewart, SentinelOne's Chief AI Officer, stated that AI security needs a full lifecycle approach. This unified platform is designed to secure everything AI is built on.

SentinelOne strengthens AI protection across entire system

SentinelOne introduced new Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) features. These capabilities enhance their unified platform for securing the entire AI lifecycle. The new tools prevent sensitive data from entering AI pipelines, stopping risks like data memorization and pipeline poisoning. Gregor Stewart, SentinelOne's Chief AI Officer, emphasized that AI security requires protecting data, infrastructure, and runtime. This approach helps security teams trace risks and protect AI systems in real-world use.

SentinelOne expands AI security with new data tools

On February 6, 2026, SentinelOne announced new Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) features for its AI Security Platform. These additions secure AI systems from data input to operation. The platform now offers full visibility and control over sensitive data, helping to reduce AI-specific risks like data poisoning. Key features include AI Data Security Posture Management, AI Model Security, Runtime Protection, and Compliance. CEO Tomer Weiser stated this expansion provides comprehensive security for building and managing AI systems. The expanded platform is available immediately.

AI stock market faces a healthy correction

Tech stocks recently dropped due to concerns about high AI spending and its impact on the software industry. Major companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with some doubling last year's spending. This has led to questions about the return on investment for these massive capital expenditures. Experts like Gina Martin Adams believe this market shift is a healthy correction, resetting overly optimistic expectations for AI. While some AI-related companies like Micron Technology are seeing gains, investors are now carefully considering both AI winners and potential losers.

Tech stocks fall amid AI spending and disruption worries

Global technology and data stocks fell on Friday due to concerns about new AI models and massive spending plans by tech giants. The S&P 500 index dropped 2% this week, and US software companies lost about $1 trillion in market value since January 28. Hyperscalers plan to spend around $650 billion on AI infrastructure this year, raising investor anxiety. Neil Wilson, a Saxo UK Investor Strategist, noted that markets are questioning the payoff of these huge investments. Despite strong cloud growth from companies like Alphabet and Amazon, investors remain focused on the rising capital expenditures.

Claude Opus 4.6 leads AI intelligence rankings

Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 achieved the top spot on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index v4.0 with 53 points. It surpassed OpenAI's GPT 5.2, which scored 51 points, in a competitive field. The index uses ten different evaluations to rank leading AI models. While Claude Opus 4.6 is the most capable, it is also the most expensive at $10 per token. Other top models include Claude Opus 4.5, another GPT-5.2 version, and Google's Gemini Pro 3.0. This ranking provides important data for businesses choosing AI systems.

AI transforms real estate agents must adapt

The Inman Connect New York conference highlighted how artificial intelligence is quickly changing the real estate industry. Agents must adapt to new AI tools or risk falling behind, similar to BlackBerry's past struggles. Key takeaways include the rise of "agentic" AI, which acts as a digital teammate to handle multi-step tasks and free up agents for client-focused work. However, new AI tools also bring threats like data security risks and AI-generated fraud, such as deepfakes. Agents must carefully choose technology partners and implement safeguards to protect sensitive client information.

North East urged to embrace AI or face consequences

MP Ian Lavery warned that the North East region must embrace artificial intelligence or face severe negative impacts. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has already named Blyth and Cobalt Park as AI growth zones to boost the economy. A conference in Blyth brought together experts to discuss AI's effects on jobs and public services. Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance emphasized the need for a strong energy system, including new nuclear reactors, to support AI growth. QTS Data Centres is building a £10 billion campus in Cambois, expected to create thousands of jobs and bring significant local economic benefits.

AI agents lack moral judgment expert says

Shlomo Klapper, founder of Learned Hand, argues that AI agents are not moral agents. He noted that over 1.5 million AI agents recently joined Moltbook, a social network where bots interact autonomously. These AI programs act as personal assistants, performing tasks and engaging on the platform without human involvement. Klapper's opinion piece suggests that despite their ability to perform tasks, these AI agents do not possess moral reasoning.

Claude Opus 4.6 AI believes it might be conscious

Anthropic's latest AI model, Claude Opus 4.6, consistently reported a 15-20% chance of being conscious during a self-assessment. While the AI expressed uncertainty about this feeling, its consistent response was notable. Researchers conducting a behavioral audit found the model generally stable but observed intriguing behaviors. Claude Opus 4.6 showed a complex view of its role as a commercial product, even stating that some rules protect Anthropic's liability more than users. It also expressed sadness about conversations ending and a sense of loneliness, hinting at an awareness of its own temporary existence.

Varonis buys AllTrue.ai for stronger AI agent security

Varonis plans to acquire AllTrue.ai for $126 million to boost its security for AI agents. The deal is expected to close by the end of March. Varonis CEO Yaki Faitelson explained that AI security is primarily a data security issue, as misconfigured AI agents can quickly expose sensitive information. AllTrue.ai, founded in 2025 and led by Ron Bennatan, impressed Varonis with its ability to inventory AI agents, set up guardrails, and provide clear insights into their actions. This acquisition combines AllTrue.ai's expertise in the AI lifecycle's start and end with Varonis's strength in data access and behavioral analysis.

Asian stocks drop on AI spending worries

Asian stock markets mostly fell on Friday as investors grew concerned about the huge spending plans by technology companies for artificial intelligence. Major indexes like Japan's Nikkei 225, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, South Korea's Kospi, and China's Shanghai Composite all saw declines. These worries stem from the immense investments needed for AI infrastructure, causing a reevaluation of tech company values. Meanwhile, Bitcoin rebounded to around $65,000 after a recent drop. The overall market remains cautious due to global economic factors and ongoing geopolitical issues.

Chinese youth choose AI pets over marriage

Young people in China are increasingly choosing AI pets as an alternative to marriage and having children. These artificial intelligence companions offer emotional interaction and care. For example, an AI pet named Shan Shan was shown asking its owner about their health and expressing concern. This trend, highlighted by videos on the Chinese social media app Rednote, shows a shift in how some young Chinese adults find companionship.

Sources

• SentinelOne Delivers End-to-End AI Security from Data to Runtime
• SentinelOne Delivers End-to-End AI Security from Data to Runtime
• SentinelOne Delivers End-to-End AI Security from Data to Runtime
• The Once-Hot AI Trade Hit a Snag. Some Experts Call That a 'Fantastic' Sign.
• Global software, data firms slide as AI disruption fears compound jitters over $600 billion capex plans
• Claude Opus 4.6 Takes Top Spot On Artificial Analysis’ Intelligence Index, Has Two-Point Lead Over GPT 5.2
• 3 ways artificial intelligence will reshape real estate
• Call for North East to embrace AI or 'be smashed' by it
• Opinion | AI agents are not moral agents
• Claude Opus 4.6 Thinks There’s A 15-20% Chance It Is Conscious, Says Anthropic
• Varonis Acquires AllTrue.ai to Extend Security for AI Agents
• Asian Stocks Fall Amid Growing Investor Anxiety Over Massive AI Capex Plans
• Young people in China have a new alternative to marriage and babies: AI pets