google, microsoft and meta Updates

China is making significant strides in the AI arena, both in terms of technological development and global influence. The country is investing heavily in its domestic AI industry, with Shanghai launching a $139 million subsidy program. This investment aims to reduce reliance on US technology and foster competition among Chinese companies. China is also actively promoting global cooperation in AI, proposing international AI rules and establishing the World AI Cooperation Organization, based in Shanghai, with over 30 countries participating, though notably without US involvement. Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the need for inclusive AI rules and cautioned against monopolies. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to lead a projected $4.8 trillion AI market by 2033. Meanwhile, the US is also focused on maintaining its dominance in AI, with recent plans to strengthen its leadership position. However, China has criticized US export restrictions and is offering open-source AI models to developing nations to make AI more accessible. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta are expanding their AI efforts in Africa, with Google investing $37 million to support AI research and applications in the region. Nvidia is providing access to its chips, a key component in AI development. Beyond the geopolitical landscape, AI is increasingly being integrated into various sectors. In New Zealand, Westcon-Comstor and Cohesity are partnering to enhance AI security for businesses. Commvault is acquiring Satori Cyber to improve its data security platform and manage AI compliance. Delaware has introduced a new AI policy for state workers, allowing the use of tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, but restricting DeepSeek to protect sensitive data. Nebraska Medicine is using AI to manage patient calls, handling 70% of incoming calls and reducing the need for human intervention by 40%. However, the rise of AI also brings challenges, as highlighted by an Arizona man's $13 million crypto Ponzi scheme that used fake AI trading claims to attract investors, and the threat of AI deepfakes in company hiring processes. Fitch Ratings anticipates increased corporate spending on AI and energy through 2026, driven by investments in data centers and grid modernization. Despite AI's capabilities, human insight remains crucial, particularly in research and critical thinking, ensuring AI serves as a tool to augment, not replace, human judgment.

Key Takeaways

• China is investing heavily in its AI industry, including a $139 million subsidy program in Shanghai, to compete with the US and reduce reliance on US technology.
• China has established the World AI Cooperation Organization to promote global AI rules, with over 30 countries participating, excluding the US.
• Premier Li Qiang is advocating for inclusive global AI rules and warning against AI monopolies.
• The AI market is projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, with China aiming to take a leading role.
• Google is investing $37 million in AI in Africa, joining Microsoft and Meta in expanding AI research and applications on the continent.
• Westcon-Comstor and Cohesity are partnering to improve AI security for businesses in New Zealand.
• Commvault is acquiring Satori Cyber to enhance its data security platform and manage AI compliance.
• Delaware has implemented an AI policy for state workers, allowing ChatGPT and Gemini but restricting DeepSeek to protect state data.
• Nebraska Medicine is using AI to handle 70% of patient calls, reducing the need for human intervention by 40%.
• An Arizona man pleaded guilty to a $13 million crypto Ponzi scheme that used fake AI trading claims to attract investors, highlighting the risks of AI-related fraud.

China invests millions to win AI race against the US

China is boosting its AI industry with a $139 million subsidy program in Shanghai. This move aims to reduce reliance on US technology and intensify competition in AI. Other Chinese cities like Hangzhou are also investing heavily in AI. Meanwhile, the US is maintaining restrictions on technology exports to China, but analysts predict China's AI market will grow significantly. The competition between the two countries will likely continue for years.

China proposes global AI rules as US focuses on dominance

China wants to create a global group to manage artificial intelligence. This comes after the US announced its own plan to lead in AI. Chinese Premier Li Qiang says global AI rules are fragmented and need better coordination. He also hinted at trade issues with the US, like restrictions on chip exports. China is investing heavily in AI and wants to share its technology with the world.

China's AI strategy balances competition and global cooperation

China's AI strategy involves intense competition among its own companies, supported by the government. This approach aims to boost innovation and give developers an advantage. While China promotes global cooperation in AI, the US is focused on leading the world in AI. China is releasing many AI models and giving access to its tools, while the US is providing access to Nvidia chips. The competition between the two countries is expected to continue.

China aims to lead $4.8 trillion AI market

China is creating a global organization to promote the safe use of AI. This move is part of a competition with the US to lead in AI. China wants to set the rules for AI and boost its companies in the global market. Chinese firms offer affordable AI solutions, while the US dominates in AI chips. The AI market is expected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033.

China pushes for global AI rules amid US rivalry

China is proposing global rules for AI, challenging the US push for dominance. Premier Li Qiang says countries should agree on a shared AI framework. He criticized monopolies and export limits that could restrict access to AI tools. The US recently released a plan to strengthen its lead in AI. China's AI sector is growing fast, with many companies and investments.

China launches global AI group without US involvement

China has created the World AI Cooperation Organization to guide global AI rules. Premier Li Qiang called for inclusive rules and warned against AI monopolies. Over 30 countries joined, but the US was not there. The group will be based in Shanghai. China aims to make AI more accessible to developing nations by offering open-source AI models. The US focuses on bias-free AI and maintaining its global edge.

AI boosts security for New Zealand businesses with Westcon-Comstor & Cohesity

Westcon-Comstor and Cohesity are working together to improve AI security in New Zealand. The cybersecurity market in New Zealand is growing due to more cyberattacks. Cohesity offers an AI-powered platform to protect data from threats. The partnership will provide local businesses with better security and help them follow regulations. They will also educate businesses about data security through events and training.

Commvault buys Satori Cyber to improve AI and cloud data security

Commvault is buying Satori Cyber to strengthen its data security platform. Satori Cyber helps companies secure data and manage AI compliance. The deal will improve Commvault's ability to protect data across different cloud platforms. Satori's technology offers real-time controls and visibility into data used for AI training. The acquisition will help companies manage data risks and secure AI projects.

Delaware releases new AI policy for state workers

Delaware has created a new policy for state workers using AI tools. The policy guides when to use AI tools like ChatGPT. It bans tools from outside the US and separates public AI tools from state-developed tools. A committee will create employee training on using AI responsibly. The policy aims to balance guidance with governance, allowing learning and innovation while protecting state data.

Delaware's AI policy allows ChatGPT but not DeepSeek

Delaware has a new policy for state employees using AI. They can use tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, but not DeepSeek. The policy protects sensitive state data by limiting how AI tools are used. Employees should verify AI-generated content and label it properly. Agencies are encouraged to train employees on AI use to reduce security risks.

Arizona man admits to $13M crypto Ponzi scheme using AI claims

Vincent Anthony Mazzotta Jr. pleaded guilty to a $13 million crypto Ponzi scheme. He used fake AI trading claims to attract investors. Mazzotta created fake firms and a fake government agency to trick people. He faces up to 15 years in prison. The scheme laundered money to fund a lavish lifestyle. This case highlights the risks of crypto fraud and the need for investor education.

AI vs human insight what's the real deal

AI can create content, but human expertise offers real insight. AI is good at finding patterns, but it lacks understanding and critical thinking. Academics need human insight for research and creating new ideas. AI can help with research, but humans are responsible for the work's accuracy. AI should help humans, not replace their judgment and responsibility.

AI deepfakes threaten company hiring processes

AI deepfakes are allowing scammers to pretend to be job candidates in video interviews. These scammers can get hired and infiltrate company security. Experts predict that many job candidates will be fake by 2028. Companies are using video interviews to save time, but they need to be careful. Companies should have checks and balances to prevent hiring AI scammers.

Indian cities slow to adopt AI in urban infrastructure

Most Indian cities are not fully using AI in their urban infrastructure. Departments often work separately with fragmented data. Many cities lack integrated data systems, and leaders are not confident in using AI. High costs and public mistrust are also holding back progress. However, AI is being used in some areas, like detecting property issues and managing traffic.

Google invests in African AI as tech giants eye continent

Google is investing $37 million in AI in Africa. The company wants to expand its AI research and use in the continent. The funding will support African researchers working on food security and digital communication in African languages. Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana will benefit most. Other tech companies like Microsoft and Meta are also increasing their AI efforts in Africa.

AI helps Nebraska Medicine reduce call volume

Nebraska Medicine is using AI to handle routine patient calls. This helps staff focus on critical calls, like organ transplants. The AI system handles basic questions and schedules appointments. It also directs urgent calls to human agents. The AI now handles 70% of incoming calls, reducing the number of calls needing human help by 40%.

AI and energy drive corporate spending increases says Fitch

US companies will spend more on AI and energy, according to Fitch Ratings. Capital spending is expected to rise through 2026. The utilities sector will lead the increase, investing in modernizing the power grid and cleaner energy. Data center operators and firms like Amazon will also contribute to higher spending. Recent policy changes could further boost investment.

Sources

• US-China AI competition accelerates with massive city funding
• China pitches global AI governance group as the US goes it alone
• China’s AI Strategy Relies on Frenzy and Frenemies
• China Prepares to Unseat US in Fight for $4.8 Trillion AI Market
• China Pushes for Unified Global AI Rules Amid US Competition
• China Launches Global AI Alliance--With the US Nowhere in Sight
• Westcon-Comstor & Cohesity boost AI security in New Zealand
• Commvault to acquire Satori Cyber, expanding AI and data security in the cloud
• Delaware Releases New State Policy for the Use of GenAI
• Delaware's gen AI policy allows ChatGPT, but not DeepSeek
• Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to $13M Crypto Ponzi Scheme Using AI Trading Claims
• Will the Real AI Please Stand Up?: Artificial Intelligence vs. Authentic Insight
• AI deepfakes pose growing threat to company hiring processes
• Despite the immense promise of artificial intelligence in urban infrastructure, most Indian cities remain far from fully integrating it.
• Google raises African AI bet as Big Tech looks to continent
• At Nebraska Medicine, AI means 40% fewer calls need human intervention
• Corporate spending to rise on AI, energy: Fitch