Australian logistics software company WiseTech Global announces a sweeping workforce reduction, cutting approximately 30% of its 3,000 employees as part of a significant AI-driven restructuring plan. CEO Richard White states, "This transformation is pivotal for our growth and innovation," emphasizing the company's shift towards automation and efficiency. The decision comes amid increasing operational costs, signaling WiseTech's strategic pivot to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office has imposed a $19.52 million fine on Reddit for unlawfully processing children's data, exposing them to harmful content. The regulator found that Reddit failed to verify user ages, resulting in the collection of personal information from countless under-13 users. "That left them potentially exposed to content they should not have seen," stated UK Information Commissioner John Edwards. Reddit plans to appeal, arguing that the ICO's demands conflict with its privacy commitments.
Gaitana, a blue-hued AI bot, is poised to compete for a seat in the Colombian indigenous parliament in the upcoming election next month. This innovative political candidacy highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in governance and representation. While Gaitana is not a traditional candidate, its campaign aims to address indigenous issues and bring a fresh perspective to political discourse. The election's outcome could signal new avenues for technology in politics.
Elon Musk recently teased an official Grok CLI for developers, aiming to rival Anthropic's Claude in the coding tools market. This announcement follows Musk's accusations that Anthropic engaged in massive-scale data theft, prompting a heated AI rivalry. Responding to a user’s plea for a Grok CLI, Musk stated, "Coming soon," without revealing details such as pricing or features. As competition intensifies, the implications for AI coding efficiency remain significant.
Microsoft has exceeded its goal of connecting 250 million people by 2025, now reaching over 299 million. This initiative aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance internet access across communities. Recently, Microsoft has collaborated with SpaceX's Starlink, aiming to further expand global internet connectivity, enhancing opportunities for remote regions. Microsoft continues to leverage its resources and partnerships to ensure technology is accessible for all, making a significant impact on the digital divide.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has disclosed that engineers developed "Dara AI," his AI clone, designed for practice and presentation preparation rather than replacement. He indicated that as AI models evolve to learn in real-time, future executives may be at risk, stating, “When the models can learn in real-time, that is the point at which I'm going to think that, yeah, we are all replaceable.” Khosrowshahi emphasized the potential for AI to influence hiring and efficiency at Uber, suggesting the company may prioritize GPUs over new engineers as operations become more AI-driven.
Apple has launched new age-verification tools globally to adhere to U.S. and international child safety laws. Effective immediately, the App Store will prevent downloads of apps rated 18+ in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore unless users verify their age. Developers can utilize the updated Declared Age Range API, which allows them to determine a user's age category without accessing personal data. This initiative aims to enhance compliance with regulations governing adult-targeted applications.
Anthropic has accused Chinese AI firms DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax of conducting large-scale intellectual property theft by using “distillation” techniques to replicate the capabilities of its Claude chatbot. The firms reportedly created over 24,000 fraudulent accounts and engaged in 16 million exchanges with Claude. “These campaigns are growing in intensity and sophistication,” Anthropic stated, highlighting significant national security risks associated with their evasion of US export controls.
Honor Device Co. will unveil its first humanoid robot at MWC Barcelona, leading its transition from smartphones to AI robotics. The robot targets consumer service roles like shopping assistance and reflects Honor's broader strategy to build a smart ecosystem backed by a multibillion-dollar investment. Alongside, Honor will launch the Magic V6 foldable phone with enhanced durability, the AI-powered MagicPad4 tablet, and MagicBook Pro 14 laptop, amplifying its AI-driven ambitions in a competitive market.
Google Classroom has introduced AI-suggested feedback powered by Gemini for written assignments, allowing teachers to receive tailored draft comments based on individual student submissions. This feature began deployment on February 19, 2026, aiming to reduce the time educators spend on feedback. According to a Google Workspace team representative, this innovation enables “high-quality, personalized support” while keeping educators in control of the final comments, boosting efficiency in grading processes.