New AI News Shows Tech Giants Use Debt as Google Gemini Accesses Data

Major US tech companies, including Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, and Meta, are increasingly relying on public debt to fund their ambitious AI infrastructure projects, a significant departure from their traditional cash-funded investments. Since September, US tech firms have issued $115 billion in public debt, marking a 40% increase from last year, with five major AI spenders, including Oracle, raising a record $108 billion in debt in 2025 alone. This shift is sparking considerable concern among investors and Wall Street analysts like Lisa Shalett of Morgan Stanley, who warn of a more volatile phase for AI investments and potential systemic risks due to weaker balance sheets and complex financial ties. Oracle, for instance, saw its stock drop after a large bond sale, and its free cash flow is projected to be negative. Even Nvidia's stock has experienced a slide despite strong earnings, reflecting broader investor uncertainty about the sustainability of the AI boom and the demand for clear returns on these massive investments, with AI capital spending expected to reach $600 billion by 2027. Global stock markets have also seen declines as investors question the long-term profitability of AI. Beyond financial concerns, AI's integration into daily life and industry presents both opportunities and challenges. Google's Gemini AI models are reportedly accessing private emails and attachments in Gmail, Chat, and Meet, often with

Key Takeaways

• US tech giants, including Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Oracle, are increasingly using public debt to fund AI infrastructure, issuing $115 billion since September and $108 billion in 2025 for five major spenders.
• This shift from cash-funded investments to debt is causing significant investor concern, with warnings of increased market volatility and systemic risk.
• Google's Gemini AI models are accessing private emails and attachments from Gmail, Chat, and Meet, often with

  Investors worry as US tech giants borrow more for AI

  Investors are becoming uneasy about how much public debt US tech companies are taking on to fund AI. These big tech firms are now borrowing heavily to build AI data centers, a change from their usual practice of using cash. Since September, US tech companies have issued $115 billion in public debt, a 40% increase from last year. This money pays for AI infrastructure like specialized chips and computing power. Analysts are watching this trend closely for its impact on market stability and tech stocks.

  US tech companies borrow more for AI sparking investor concern

  Investors are growing uneasy as major US tech companies take on more public debt to fund AI projects. These firms are aggressively borrowing money to build AI data centers, a change from their usual cash-funded investments. Public debt issuance by tech companies has increased, raising concerns about the market's ability to handle this surge. Experts like Brij Khurana and Larry Hatheway note the need for capital from bond markets and doubts about AI's immediate profitability. AI capital spending is expected to reach $600 billion by 2027. While most AI spending still comes from cash, this shift to debt is being closely watched.

  Big Tech debt for AI raises new investor risks

  Investors are increasingly worried about major tech companies borrowing large sums to build AI infrastructure. This marks a shift from their past practice of using cash reserves, introducing new risks. Lisa Shalett of Morgan Stanley believes this signals a more volatile phase for AI investments. The ecosystem now includes companies like Oracle and CoreWeave with weaker finances, and complex financial ties create systemic risk. Oracle's debt and negative free cash flow have led S&P Global Ratings to give it a negative outlook. Investors are now demanding clear returns on these massive AI investments.

  Tech giants borrow record amounts for AI sparking Wall Street worry

  Wall Street is increasingly concerned about major tech companies taking on record debt to build AI infrastructure. This new trend differs from their past reliance on cash, bringing new financial risks. Lisa Shalett of Morgan Stanley states this marks a more volatile phase for the AI industry. Five major AI spenders, including Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Oracle, raised a record $108 billion in debt in 2025. Oracle's stock dropped significantly after its large bond sale, and its free cash flow is projected to be negative. Investors are now demanding clear profits from these huge AI investments.

  Wall Street warns of AI debt risks as tech stocks fall

  Wall Street is growing concerned about the increasing debt tech and AI companies are taking on for AI infrastructure. Lisa Shalett of Morgan Stanley warns that weaker balance sheets and complex financial ties create "systemic risk." Oracle, for example, sold $18 billion in bonds and received $38 billion in bank loans, yet its share price has fallen significantly. Even Nvidia's stock has slid despite strong earnings reports. Investors are now demanding to see profits from AI investments, moving past the initial capital investment phase. While most AI spending still comes from cash, pressure for returns will increase in the new year.

  Big Tech borrows heavily for AI sparking investor concern

  Major tech companies are taking on record amounts of debt to fund their AI projects. This marks a significant change from their previous method of using large cash reserves. Stock traders worry this shift introduces new risks due to increased borrowing and complex financing deals. This strategy is concerning because it moves away from companies funding growth with their own profits. The reliance on debt could worsen problems if AI investments do not deliver expected returns. Traders are closely watching these financial developments for potential impacts on market stability.

  Google AI accesses emails without permission users can opt out

  Google's AI models are now accessing private emails and attachments to train themselves, potentially without users knowing. A class-action lawsuit filed on November 11 in San Jose, California, claims Google secretly gave Gemini access to communications in Gmail, Chat, and Meet. Google appears to be automatically opting users into these features without explicit permission or notification. Users can disable three specific settings to stop this data access. These settings include "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet," "Smart features in Google Workspace," and "Smart features in other Google products." Instructions are available for both desktop and mobile devices to turn off these features.

  Google AI smart features are on by default users can disable

  Google's Workspace "smart features" are processing personal content with AI and are often turned on by default for many users. While Google says it does not use Workspace data to train core AI models like Bard without permission, automatic opt-in could mean personal data is used for Gemini. Users can disable these features by going into Gmail settings. They need to uncheck "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet" and then turn off "Smart features in Google Workspace" and "Smart features in other Google products." Turning off these features might also disable helpful tools like inbox categories and spell checking.

  Google AI accesses emails without permission users can opt out

  Google's AI models are now accessing private emails and attachments to train themselves, potentially without users knowing. A class-action lawsuit filed on November 11 in San Jose, California, claims Google secretly gave Gemini access to communications in Gmail, Chat, and Meet. Google appears to be automatically opting users into these features without explicit permission or notification. Users can disable three specific settings to stop this data access. These settings include "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet," "Smart features in Google Workspace," and "Smart features in other Google products." Instructions are available for both desktop and mobile devices to turn off these features.

  IRS uses Salesforce AI agents to boost efficiency

  The IRS is now using Salesforce's AI agent program, Agentforce, in several departments for the first time. This deployment follows a reduction in the IRS workforce. Agentforce will help the Office of Chief Counsel, Taxpayer Advocate Services, and the Office of Appeals. Paul Tatum from Salesforce states the AI will assist with tasks like summarizing cases and searching documents to speed up customer service. Salesforce ensures the AI agents have guardrails, preventing them from making final decisions or handling funds. Rob Fitzpatrick, an IRS counsel, believes adopting AI is necessary for the agency to become more efficient.

  IRS deploys AI agents after human workforce reductions

  The IRS is now deploying AI agents across several divisions for the first time, following earlier workforce reductions. Salesforce provides these AI agents, which will "augment and supplement" the work in departments like Taxpayer Advocate Services and the Office of Appeals. The agents will help with tasks such as summarizing cases and searching documents. Paul Tatum from Salesforce emphasizes that the company does not advocate for AI to process tax returns without human oversight. He also notes that the IRS ultimately decides how to staff its operations with these new AI tools.

  Elon Musk predicts AI will make work optional money irrelevant

  Elon Musk predicts that within the next 10 to 20 years, artificial intelligence and robotics will make mandatory work and money irrelevant. He believes advanced AI and robots will handle most tasks, removing the need for human labor for survival. Musk imagines a future where people spend their time on leisure activities, like "playing sports or a video game." This vision suggests a major change in how society is structured and how individuals find purpose. If automated systems meet basic needs, traditional economic drivers may lose their importance.

  Liberate and HawkSoft partner to bring AI to insurance agencies

  Liberate and HawkSoft are partnering to equip insurance agencies with Agentic AI technology. Liberate's Voice AI is specifically designed for the insurance industry to reduce phone call volume, improve quoting, and enhance client service. This AI platform combines voice technology, real-time system integrations, and intelligent call routing. The integration with HawkSoft's agency management system allows agencies to automate many customer interactions. These include 24/7 call automation in English and Spanish, client identification, and call routing. This partnership aims to help agencies attract, convert, and retain more clients efficiently.

  Global stocks fall as investors question AI and crypto markets

  Global stock markets experienced a sharp decline as investors grew uncertain about the sustainability of the AI boom and the stability of crypto. Even strong earnings from Nvidia did not calm traders, and other tech stocks like Palantir and Arm Holdings also fell. Analysts like Ed Yardeni point to widespread uncertainty about how AI infrastructure spending will affect company earnings. Concerns also arose from reports of major investors selling Nvidia shares and doubts about AI companies' accounting practices. An ING report noted that leading AI systems generate false claims up to 40% of the time. Crypto markets performed even worse, with Bitcoin dropping to $82,000.

  Investors worry about high costs of AI technology

  The world's largest tech companies are investing hundreds of billions of dollars into artificial intelligence. While many predict huge growth, some investors remain concerned about the future costs involved. Tom Mackenzie from Bloomberg Tech Europe discussed these worries with Stephen Carroll. This ongoing concern highlights the financial challenges and uncertainties surrounding large-scale AI development.

  AI changes journalism audience relationship risks media business

  Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the relationship between journalists and their audience. Margaret Simons notes that journalists are increasingly creating content for AI businesses instead of directly serving the public. Search engines like Google now offer AI-generated summaries, which reduces clicks to news websites and harms media business models. AI companies such as Google and OpenAI are paying media companies to license content for training their AI models. This shift, while providing revenue, transfers power from traditional media brands to AI companies. Simons fears media organizations might become business-to-business suppliers, with AI acting as a middleman between news and readers.

  Security centers need speed to fight AI threats

  Security operations centers, or SOCs, must become much faster to combat the rapid threats posed by AI. John Israel, global CISO at KPMG, explains that AI-driven attacks have drastically shortened the time available for defense. This means security leaders must rethink how they use automation, improve analyst efficiency, and trust AI within their SOCs. Israel stresses that detecting threats in real-time is now essential. He warns that security programs not built for speed will be too slow to react to modern attacks.

  Generative AI can redesign cars beyond small improvements

  Automakers are currently using generative AI for minor improvements to car parts, like reducing weight by 40% in hours. However, the author argues that the industry is misusing this powerful technology as an optimization tool instead of a "reimagination engine." This is a critical mistake, especially since electric vehicles no longer need to accommodate a large internal combustion engine. Companies that use AI to fundamentally rethink car design, rather than just making small changes to old designs, will lead the future of transportation. While current AI use provides clear, immediate returns, it misses the larger potential for innovation.

  Sources

  • Analysis-Jitters over AI spending set to grow as US tech giants flood bond market ​
  • Jitters over AI spending set to grow as US tech giants flood bond market ​
  • Big Tech’s Debt Binge Raises Risk in Race to Create an AI World
  • Big tech's debt binge raises risk in race to create an AI world
  • Wall Street warns of rising AI debt risk as stocks slide on wobbly investor confidence — analysts warn of 'systemic risk' as Nvidia share price creaks
  • Big Tech’s Debt Binge Raises Risk in Race to Create an AI World
  • Google's AI is now snooping on your emails - here's how to opt out
  • Google Workspace AI 'smart features' are on by default
  • Google's AI is now snooping on your emails without your permission - here's how to opt out
  • Exclusive: IRS deploys AI agents
  • DOGE Laid Off the Humans. Now the IRS Is Deploying AI Agents
  • Elon Musk says that in 10 to 20 years, work will be optional and money will be irrelevant thanks to AI and robotics
  • Liberate and HawkSoft Partner to Empower Insurance Agencies with Agentic AI for Smarter Sales, Service, and Retention
  • Global stocks in meltdown as Wall Street bails out of crypto and AI: ‘The bubbly is on ice’
  • Here's Why AI Costs Still Worry Investors
  • AI is changing the relationship between journalist and audience. There is much at stake
  • SOCs Must Be Built for Speed in the AI Threat Era
  • Generative AI Will Redesign Cars, But Not the Way Automakers Think