EU implements AI Act enforcement despite Trump’s warnings The first rules of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act came into force on Sunday. The law, passed in 2023, requires companies to be more transparent about how they develop and use AI. It also introduces strict regulations, including bans on high-risk AI applications like web-scraped facial […]
EU implements AI Act enforcement despite Trump’s warnings
The first rules of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act came into force on Sunday. The law, passed in 2023, requires companies to be more transparent about how they develop and use AI. It also introduces strict regulations, including bans on high-risk AI applications like web-scraped facial recognition databases.
The EU is moving forward with enforcing its AI Act, despite warnings from President Donald Trump against targeting US tech firms. Non-compliant firms risk steep fines or EU bans.
Further regulations on high-risk AI models, including in healthcare, will roll out through 2027. Big Tech companies, backed by Trump, argue that the act stifles innovation, while Brussels aims to position itself as a leader in trustworthy AI.
Read more: https://www.ft.com/content/b4e10389-1a66-4c3e-922e-a4d74b616ec6
OpenAI unveils AI-powered online research tool Deep Research
OpenAI has launched Deep Research, an advanced AI agent capable of conducting complex, multistep online research at a human-analyst level. Powered by an optimised version of OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model, the tool can analyse vast amounts of text, images, and PDFs and deliver detailed reports with cited sources in minutes.
Unlike its predecessor, o1, which focuses on STEM tasks, Deep Research tackles various subjects, from scientific studies to competitive market analysis. It even adjusts its responses based on newly encountered data.
While OpenAI acknowledges that hallucinations still occur, though at a lower rate than ChatGPT, the tool represents a major step toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Google lifts AI weapons ban, sparking human rights concerns
Google parent Alphabet has lifted its long-standing ban on using AI for weapons and surveillance, removing previous restrictions on AI applications “likely to cause harm.” Human Rights Watch has condemned the move, warning that AI-driven warfare could complicate accountability in life-or-death decisions.
Google defended the change, arguing that AI should support national security when developed within democratic values. However, experts warn that autonomous AI weapons could lead to unregulated killing on a vast scale.
This shift comes as Alphabet plans to invest $75 billion in AI projects this year. Critics argue that voluntary AI ethics guidelines are insufficient without binding regulations.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy081nqx2zjo
China launches antitrust probe into Google amid tariff dispute
In a busy week for Google, China has opened an anti-monopoly investigation into the search engine firm in response to 10% tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by Donald Trump. The probe, announced minutes after the tariffs took effect, could signal Beijing’s willingness to escalate trade tensions if the US imposes further measures.
Google’s limited presence in China makes it a strategic target, minimising the impact on the tech giant while leaving room for stronger retaliation. Meanwhile, China has also restricted exports of tungsten, a critical mineral used in semiconductors and ammunition, and imposed tariffs on key US goods, including farm equipment and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
China previously considered antitrust action against Google’s Android after Trump sanctioned Huawei, forcing it to develop Harmony OS. The latest move follows an ongoing trade war in tech, with Nvidia also facing scrutiny over AI chip exports.
Read more: https://www.wired.com/story/google-china-antitrust-trump-tariffs/
Salesforce cuts 1,000 jobs while expanding AI sales team
Salesforce is cutting over 1,000 jobs, even as it ramps hiring for AI-focused sales roles. The layoffs come as the firm prioritises productivity and profit margins, following pressure from activist investors in 2023. Affected employees can apply for internal positions, but the company has not disclosed which divisions are impacted.
Tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have also recently reduced their workforces, signalling an industry-wide shift toward leaner operations. Despite the cuts, Salesforce stock rose 1.6%, with analysts citing the move as part of its profitability strategy.
The company remains focused on scaling new AI-powered products while balancing cost efficiencies. Salesforce COO Brian Millham emphasised that growth doesn’t override financial discipline, as the company seeks to optimise resources for long-term expansion.
