Google, in partnership with Coinbase and the Ethereum Foundation, has launched an open source AI payments protocol facilitating stablecoin transactions. The system aims to connect AI applications to decentralized finance, supporting existing and forthcoming payment capabilities. James Tromans of Google Cloud stated, “The protocol was designed to support both existing payment rail capabilities as well as forthcoming capabilities such as stablecoins.” This initiative is backed by over 60 companies, projected to catalyze AI payments in the digital economy.
Microsoft announces a significant $30 billion investment in the UK to bolster its artificial intelligence initiatives. This funding aims to enhance data centers and cloud infrastructure, driving AI innovation across various sectors. “Our commitment to the UK is a commitment to the future of AI,” stated Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith. This move is expected to create thousands of jobs and position the UK as a global AI leader, significantly impacting the tech landscape.
Google has acknowledged the creation of a fraudulent account in its Law Enforcement Request System (LERS), used by law enforcement for data requests. The account was disabled without any data being accessed or requests made. This incident follows claims by the group "Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters," which alleged access to LERS and the FBI's eCheck system. Cybersecurity experts believe unauthorized access poses significant risks to sensitive data, raising alarm over potential impersonation of law enforcement.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) plans to launch a new cash withdrawal system using QR codes, pending Reserve Bank of India approval. Users can withdraw cash at registered shops by scanning a QR code with UPI apps like PhonePe and Google Pay. This initiative aims to facilitate cash access for over 20 lakh Business Correspondents, bridging banking gaps in rural areas and supporting the Digital India mission, making services more accessible nationwide.
OpenAI is reportedly pivoting towards humanoid robotics, initiating a recruitment drive targeting robotics and machine learning experts. The company's strategy focuses on developing systems that leverage advanced teleoperation and virtual simulations. With this move, OpenAI positions itself against Tesla, which is advancing its own humanoid robot, Optimus, seen as a key aspect of its future business. This competition may redefine the robotics landscape, heralding a significant step in AI's evolution from software to physical applications.
Meta enhances WhatsApp's advertising capabilities by introducing click-to-message ads linked to WhatsApp Status updates, enabling smoother user interaction. Advertisers can now integrate these with ads on Facebook and Instagram, allowing engagement directly in the Updates tab. Notably, users are seamlessly directed to chat with businesses via these ads. However, this feature is not universally available yet, potentially altering social media marketing strategies across varying regions.
Fiverr announces the layoff of 250 employees as it restructures to develop an AI-focused infrastructure. CEO Micha Kaufman emphasized the need to enhance AI integration in coding, marketing, and customer service, stating, “We need to accelerate this mode of work.” The company reported a 15% revenue increase year-over-year, driven by demand for AI services. Fiverr aims to leverage this shift to pursue larger opportunities in the evolving gig economy.
China's market regulator has reported that Nvidia likely breached the country's anti-monopoly laws, following a preliminary probe initiated in December 2024. This investigation is perceived as a retaliatory response to U.S. export restrictions affecting China’s semiconductor industry. Nvidia is also under scrutiny for failing to meet commitments related to its 2020 acquisition of Mellanox, where it agreed to supply GPU accelerators to China. Fines could range from 1% to 10% of its revenue, which totaled approximately USD 17 billion from China.
Bharti Airtel announces its innovative Fraud Detection Solution, the world's first of its kind, effectively blocking malicious websites across all communication platforms in real-time, including email and OTT apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. Available at no additional cost to mobile and broadband customers, the service utilizes AI for domain filtering. Airtel’s MD, Gopal Vittal, highlighted that the system addresses rising cyber threats, providing customers peace of mind while browsing. The initiative will initially roll out in Haryana.
Google announced a significant investment of £5 billion ($6.8 billion) in the UK over the next two years to bolster the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities. This funding, aimed at capital expenditures and R&D, includes support for Google DeepMind's AI initiatives in healthcare. The announcement coincides with President Trump's second state visit to the UK, where a new tech partnership is set to be established, potentially involving £10 billion across various projects.