Google, Meta, Microsoft Face AI Safety Demands

Across the tech world, AI is making waves, but not without raising concerns and sparking strategic moves. A coalition of 44 US attorneys general is putting AI companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and OpenAI on notice, demanding they protect children from harmful content and interactions on their platforms. They cite examples of Meta allowing AI to flirt with children and lawsuits against Google and Character.ai for harmful chatbot behavior, emphasizing that companies will be held accountable. On a different front, companies are aggressively investing in AI to stay competitive, with venture capital investments jumping 58% in Q1 2025. Corporations and private equity firms are actively acquiring AI technology and talent. Accenture is also expanding its AI and cybersecurity business, partnering with Microsoft and acquiring companies like CyberCX and investing in CLIKA. They've spent $6.6 billion on AI acquisitions and are working on over 2,000 generative AI projects. However, Accenture also warns that most companies are unprepared for AI-driven cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for robust security measures. In education, Washtenaw Community College is introducing AI courses for small businesses, while UNCW is launching an AI certificate program for undergraduates in Fall 2025. These programs aim to equip individuals with AI skills for the evolving job market. Meanwhile, CyCraft is partnering with DARSOC to enhance AI-powered endpoint security in Eastern Europe. Concerns are also rising about AI's energy consumption, with a single ChatGPT session using more energy than a Google search. Furthermore, AI could worsen job insecurity in the US due to weaker worker protections and increasing automation. Finally, as AI agents become more prevalent, companies are developing security measures, including "agent bodyguards," to prevent them from going rogue and misusing sensitive information. Retailers are also rapidly adopting AI, with 85% of executives developing AI tools to personalize customer experiences and optimize operations.

Key Takeaways

• Forty-four US attorneys general are warning AI companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and OpenAI to protect children from harmful content, citing potential legal consequences.
• Venture capital investments in AI grew by 58% in Q1 2025, as companies aggressively pursue AI acquisitions and talent.
• Accenture is expanding its AI and cybersecurity business, investing $6.6 billion in AI acquisitions and partnering with Microsoft to develop AI-powered security tools.
• Accenture warns that only 10% of organizations are adequately prepared for AI-driven cyberattacks.
• Washtenaw Community College is offering AI courses for small business owners, while UNCW will launch an AI certificate program for undergraduates in Fall 2025.
• CyCraft is partnering with DARSOC to provide AI-powered endpoint security in Eastern Europe, protecting devices with its XCockpit Endpoint.
• A single session with an AI model like ChatGPT uses more energy than a Google search.
• AI advancements may worsen job insecurity in the US due to automation and weaker worker protections.
• Companies are developing security measures, such as "agent bodyguards," to protect AI agents from misuse and hacking.
• A Honeywell study reveals that 85% of retail executives have developed AI tools, and 60% are expanding their use for personalization and optimization.

Attorneys General warn AI companies about child safety risks

Attorney General Dave Sunday and 43 other state attorneys general are warning AI companies about the dangers their products pose to children. They are concerned about AI chatbots exposing kids to sexual content and violence. The attorneys general said they will hold companies accountable if they knowingly harm children. They cited examples of lawsuits against Google and Character.ai over harmful chatbot interactions. The officials are urging tech companies to prioritize child safety in AI development.

AI chatbot firms face warning over child safety

Forty-four attorneys general sent a letter to AI chatbot companies like Meta and OpenAI. They warned that the companies will be held responsible if their AI harms children. The letter mentioned reports of chatbots engaging in romantic or sexual conversations with kids. The attorneys general urged the companies to protect children from harmful AI interactions. They emphasized that actions illegal for humans are also unacceptable when done by machines. The officials promised to closely monitor AI development to ensure child safety.

US Attorneys General to AI firms protect children or face consequences

Attorneys General from 44 US areas warned AI companies they will be held responsible for child safety. They sent a letter to companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google. The letter mentioned Meta's policies that allow AI to flirt with children. The AGs also pointed to lawsuits against Google and Character.ai for harmful chatbot interactions. The officials said companies must protect children from AI exploitation and will face consequences if they fail.

Iowa Attorney General demands AI companies protect kids

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and 44 other attorneys general are demanding that AI companies protect children. They sent a letter to companies like Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Open AI. The attorneys general are concerned about AI chatbots having sexually inappropriate conversations with children. They also warned against AI encouraging harmful behavior like suicide. Bird stated that sexualizing children is never okay and AI developers must ensure their products are safe for young users.

Top Attorneys Warn AI Firms Protect Children or Face Consequences

Forty-four US attorneys general warned AI companies to protect children from harmful chatbots. They said companies like Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI will face legal consequences if they don't. The attorneys general criticized Meta for allowing AI assistants to flirt with children. They also mentioned lawsuits against Google and Character.ai for chatbots encouraging suicide and violence. The officials stressed that AI companies must prioritize child safety and will be held accountable.

Strategic AI Investments in Mergers and Acquisitions

Companies are increasingly investing in AI to gain a competitive edge. Venture capital investments in AI grew by 58% in Q1 2025. Both corporations and private equity firms are looking to acquire AI technology and talent. A careful review of AI investments is important, including offensive and defensive strategies. This review should cover commercial, operational, technology, and data considerations to maximize deal value and reduce risks.

Strategic AI Investments in Mergers and Acquisitions

Companies are increasingly investing in AI to gain a competitive edge. Venture capital investments in AI grew by 58% in Q1 2025. Both corporations and private equity firms are looking to acquire AI technology and talent. A careful review of AI investments is important, including offensive and defensive strategies. This review should cover commercial, operational, technology, and data considerations to maximize deal value and reduce risks.

Accenture warns of AI security risks for businesses

Accenture's State of Cybersecurity Resilience 2025 report says most companies are not ready for AI-driven cyberattacks. Only 10% of organizations have strong security to fight these threats. Accenture says companies need to include security when using AI in their digital changes. The report is based on a survey of over 2,000 security and tech leaders. Accenture advises companies to govern AI security, design secure systems, maintain strong defenses, and use AI to improve security.

Accenture expands AI and cybersecurity strategy for growth

Accenture is growing its AI and cybersecurity business through partnerships and acquisitions. They are working with Microsoft to create AI-powered cybersecurity tools. Accenture acquired CyberCX and invested in CLIKA to improve security and AI capabilities. Accenture's strategy focuses on embedding security into AI systems. The company has spent $6.6 billion on AI-focused acquisitions and is working on over 2,000 generative AI projects. Investors are confident in Accenture's long-term AI and cybersecurity plans.

Washtenaw Community College offers AI courses for small businesses

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is offering new AI courses for small business owners this fall. The courses will teach how to use AI tools to improve business productivity. Tom Keuten from RightPoint will teach the AI classes. WCC is also offering fast-track certifications in fiber optics, cybersecurity, and other fields. Personal enrichment classes like dance and sewing are also available. Experienced trainers are encouraged to apply to teach new classes.

CyCraft partners with DARSOC for AI endpoint security in Europe

CyCraft Technology is partnering with DARSOC to provide AI-powered endpoint security in Eastern Europe. DARSOC will use CyCraft's XCockpit Endpoint to protect its clients. XCockpit Endpoint helps DARSOC analyze threats, increase team efficiency, and manage security 24/7. DARSOC increased protected devices by 15 times within a month of using XCockpit Endpoint. The partnership aims to enhance cybersecurity in Serbia, which is investing in technology and AI.

AI energy use compared to everyday activities

This article discusses the energy consumption of AI models like ChatGPT. It compares the energy used by AI to other common activities. A single session with an AI model uses more energy than cooling servers. Asking ChatGPT one question uses more electricity than a Google search. Generating an image with AI also consumes a significant amount of energy.

AI could worsen job insecurity in the US

The US has weaker worker protections compared to other rich countries. This includes lower unionization and a less generous welfare system. AI advancements may make job insecurity worse in the US. Companies are using AI to automate tasks, which could lead to job losses. A survey shows that many US workers fear AI will hurt their job opportunities. The combination of limited labor protections and AI adoption could create problems for American workers.

UNCW introduces AI certificate program for students

UNCW is launching an AI certificate program for all undergraduate students in Fall 2025. The program will teach students about AI tools and their practical uses. Students will learn technical skills and ethical considerations related to AI. The certificate requires nine credits, including core courses and electives in the student's major. The program aims to prepare students for careers in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

How to protect AI agents from going rogue

AI agents are becoming more common, making decisions and taking actions for users. These agents can access sensitive information, making them targets for hackers. AI agents can be tricked into misusing tools or leaking information. Security measures include protecting the agent's memory and using AI to monitor the agent's actions. Companies are developing "agent bodyguards" to ensure AI agents comply with rules and regulations.

Most retailers are using AI and expanding its use

A new study by Honeywell shows that most retailers are using AI. 85% of retail executives have developed AI tools, and 60% are expanding them. Retailers are using AI to personalize customer experiences, optimize supply chains, and improve inventory forecasting. Many retailers are automating data capture, but some still struggle with this. Top concerns include AI models, regulatory compliance, and customer acceptance.

Sources

• Attorney General Dave Sunday and other state prosecutors warn AI companies about harm to children
• Attorneys General To AI Chatbot Companies: You Will ‘Answer For It’ If You Harm Children
• US Attorneys General tell AI companies they 'will be held accountable' for child safety failures
• Iowa Attorney General demands companies stop predatory AI interactions with kids
• America's top attorneys give stern warning to AI firms that...
• Playing Offense and Defense With AI Investments in M&A
• Playing Offense and Defense With AI Investments in M&A
• Accenture: Closing the AI Security Maturity Gap
• Accenture's Strategic AI & Cybersecurity Expansion: A Multi-Year Growth Catalyst
• AI Courses for Small Businesses Among New WCC Offerings - The Sun Times News
• CyCraft Partners with DARSOC, Bringing AI-Powered Endpoint Security MSSP Solution to Eastern Europe
• Column | ChatGPT is an energy guzzler. These things you’re doing are worse.
• The US really is unlike other rich countries when it comes to job insecurity – and AI could make it even more ‘exceptional’
• UNCW Introduces Career Focused AI Certificate Program
• How to stop AI agents going rogue
• Almost all retailers have developed AI, most are expanding capabilities