Oracle partners with Google Cloud to distribute Gemini AI models
Oracle and Google’s cloud units have struck a distribution deal which allows Oracle customers to access Gemini AI models through its infrastructure and business applications.
The agreement mirrors Oracle’s June partnership with Elon Musk’s xAI, expanding AI model choices for enterprise clients. Software developers using Oracle Cloud can now use Google’s models for text, video, image and audio generation.
Oracle’s corporate finance, HR and supply chain applications will integrate Google’s AI capabilities as optional features. The models run on Google’s servers but Oracle customers access them through Google’s Vertex AI platform, integrated into Oracle’s offerings.
Oracle clients pay using existing cloud credits rather than separate billing systems.
TPG Telecom Flags Cyber Incident at iiNet Division
Australia’s second-largest internet provider TPG Telecom has confirmed unauthorised access to its iiNet order management system. The breach compromised data for approximately 300,000 customers.
An unknown third party extracted 280,000 active email addresses and 20,000 landline numbers from the subsidiary’s systems. The attack also exposed 10,000 iiNet usernames, street addresses, phone numbers and passwords, the ISP revealed.
TPG acquired iiNet in 2020, using the order management software to track customer service requests including broadband connections. Early investigations suggest the intrusion occurred through stolen employee account credentials.
TPG confirmed and removed third-party access over the weekend before engaging external cybersecurity experts. The company emphasized that the compromised system doesn’t contain identity documents or banking information, with no impact to its broader network infrastructure.
Google commits $9 Billion to Oklahoma AI infrastructure expansion
Google will spend an additional $9 billion in Oklahoma over the next two years. The investment expands cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure through a new data center campus in Stillwater and expanded Pryor facility.
Intensifying Big Tech competition has driven heavy spending on data center construction amid booming AI services demand. Google indicated that portion of the spending falls within its previously announced 2025 capex plan, with remainder allocated for future years.
Alphabet raised annual capital spending plans to approximately $85 billion from $75 billion last month. This signals additional increases ahead as the company and peers defend heavy AI investments against Chinese rivals.
Google separately committed $1 billion to AI education for U.S. higher education institutions and nonprofits last week. More than 100 universities have joined the initiative, including major public systems like Texas A&M and University of North Carolina.
Russia Restricts WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Amid Digital Control Push
Russia has begun restricting voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram. Moscow cites the platforms’ failure to cooperate with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.
The digital development ministry accused the foreign-owned services of ignoring repeated requests to share information with authorities. WhatsApp accused Moscow of trying to block secure communication for over 100 million users.
The Meta-owned platform emphasized its end-to-end encryption and commitment to maintaining services despite government pressure. Text messaging and voice notes remain unaffected, though users report degraded functionality.
The restrictions coincide with Russia promoting MAX, a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services. Critics speculate the platform could track user activities as Moscow seeks greater digital sovereignty and control over internet infrastructure.
Trump Administration Eyes 10% Stake in Intel Through Grant Conversion
The White House confirmed the Trump administration is working on a deal for the US government to acquire a 10% stake in Intel. The unusual agreement would swap existing Biden-era grants for equity shares in the struggling chip giant.
Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick advocated for the approach, stating the government should receive equity rather than simply providing grants. The deal aims to support Intel’s flagship manufacturing hub construction in Ohio while addressing national security concerns.
Intel shares rose nearly 7% following SoftBank’s announcement of a $2 billion stake purchase. This signals investor confidence in the company’s turnaround efforts against intense competition from rivals like Nvidia, Samsung and TSMC.
Experts call the government equity stake “extremely unusual” but acknowledge strategic value. Intel remains one of few American companies capable of high-end semiconductor production at scale.
