apple, google and deepseek Updates

Several developments are shaping the AI landscape. Germany is urging Apple and Google to remove the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their app stores due to concerns about illegal data transfers to China, with other countries also scrutinizing DeepSeek's data practices. Meanwhile, companies like CTERA and Varonis are launching Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers to enable secure AI access to company data, allowing integration with AI models like Claude and tools like ChatGPT. To improve AI reliability, especially in sectors like travel, adversarial training is being explored. Microsoft is increasing its focus on AI in security by moving its CISO to the Cloud + AI group. Tesla has hired Henry Kuang, formerly of Cruise, as its AI director to advance its self-driving and robotics efforts. Acuvity has launched RYNO, a GenAI security platform, to manage risks associated with generative AI. The Olympics plans to integrate AI to enhance the efficiency and viewing experience of future games. As AI agents become more prevalent, raising concerns about safety, there are calls for greater regulation and transparency. UBS analysts believe strong AI demand will drive infrastructure spending through 2026, highlighting the transformative impact of AI across industries like healthcare, transportation, finance, retail, and manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

  • Germany is requesting Apple and Google to block the DeepSeek AI app due to illegal data transfers to China, potentially violating EU data protection rules.
  • DeepSeek faces increasing scrutiny from governments in multiple countries, including Australia, Germany, and Italy, over its security and data privacy practices.
  • CTERA and Varonis have launched MCP servers, enabling secure AI access to company data and integration with AI models like Claude and tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot.
  • Adversarial training is being explored to improve the reliability of AI models, particularly in sectors like travel, by exposing them to malicious inputs.
  • Microsoft has moved its CISO to the Cloud + AI group, signaling a greater focus on AI's role in cybersecurity and platform development.
  • Tesla hired Henry Kuang, a former Cruise executive, as its AI director to focus on AI-driven self-driving technology and robotics.
  • Acuvity launched RYNO, a GenAI security platform, to manage risks associated with generative AI across users, applications, and AI agents.
  • The Olympics plans to use AI to improve efficiency and the viewing experience of future games, including athlete training and event judging.
  • AI agents are taking actions beyond answering questions, raising concerns about safety and prompting calls for regulation and transparency.
  • UBS analysts predict strong AI demand will drive infrastructure spending through 2026, with AI transforming industries like healthcare, transportation, and finance.

Germany asks Apple and Google to block Chinese AI app DeepSeek

Germany is asking Apple and Google to block the Chinese AI app DeepSeek because it illegally sends user data to China. Berlin's data protection commissioner says this violates EU data protection rules. They want Apple and Google to review whether to ban the app from their stores. Experts say this could lead to a Europe-wide ban if the case progresses. Germany is concerned that Chinese authorities could access German user data sent by DeepSeek.

DeepSeek faces rising scrutiny from governments and regulators

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is facing increased scrutiny in several countries over its security and privacy practices. DeepSeek stores user data, like requests and uploaded files, on computers in China. Australia, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Netherlands have taken actions against DeepSeek due to security or data concerns. Russia's President Putin instructed Sberbank to work with Chinese researchers on AI projects. The Trump administration may block DeepSeek from buying U.S. tech and bar Americans from using its services.

Germany wants Apple and Google to block DeepSeek over data concerns

Germany is requesting that Apple and Google remove the Chinese AI firm DeepSeek from their app stores. The data protection commissioner says DeepSeek illegally transfers German user data to servers in China. They claim DeepSeek hasn't proven that German user data is protected in China according to EU standards. DeepSeek collects data like device model, operating system, and IP address. Italy has already blocked DeepSeek, and the Netherlands has banned it from government devices.

Germany says DeepSeek app is illegal, warns Apple and Google

A top German privacy regulator has warned Apple and Google that the DeepSeek app is illegal. The regulator says DeepSeek exposes user data to Chinese authorities. DeepSeek ignored a request to protect German users' data when sending it to China. The regulator is asking Apple and Google to take down the app. Google is reviewing the notice, while Apple declined to comment.

German authority asks Apple and Google to block DeepSeek app

Germany's data protection authority has asked Apple and Google to stop distributing the DeepSeek app. The regulator says the app illegally transfers user data to China. DeepSeek failed to comply with requests to remove the app or meet data transfer requirements. DeepSeek collects text entries, chat histories, and location data, sending it to Chinese servers. The U.S. government also sees DeepSeek as a security threat.

CTERA first to support MCP for secure hybrid cloud storage

CTERA now supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing secure AI access to company data. CTERA is the first hybrid cloud platform to include an MCP Server for secure AI integration. This lets companies connect AI models like Claude to private data safely. MCP offers a structured interface, giving IT teams control over access, auditing, and encryption. Users can manage files using natural language, automating tasks and improving productivity.

Varonis unlocks real-time data security with AI-powered MCP server

Varonis has launched the Varonis Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, which allows customers to connect AI tools to the Varonis Data Security Platform. This new interface enables real-time, AI-driven access to data security operations. Customers can use AI clients like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot to manage data and compliance tasks. The MCP Server helps users perform complex tasks with simple instructions. Varonis aims to provide secure, intelligent infrastructure for data protection.

Can adversarial training make travel AI less fragile

Travel AI is often unreliable because it struggles with unexpected data. Adversarial training can help make AI models more robust by exposing them to malicious inputs. This technique uses methods like generative adversarial networks (GANs) to defend against attacks. Other steps to improve travel AI include data augmentation, regularization, and ensemble methods. These improvements can lead to better user experiences and increased trust in AI systems.

Microsoft moves cybersecurity exec to Cloud + AI group

Microsoft has moved its CISO, Igor Tsyganskiy, to the Cloud + AI group. This move shows a greater focus on AI's role in security. Tsyganskiy will report to Scott Guthrie, who leads Microsoft's Azure cloud and AI teams. The change aims to improve integration with platform development and enhance threat detection. Microsoft is committed to strengthening its cybersecurity after facing recent security challenges.

Tesla hires former Cruise exec as AI director

Tesla has hired Henry Kuang, a former Cruise executive, as its AI director. Kuang previously led autonomy at General Motors' self-driving unit, Cruise. This hire comes as Tesla plans to expand its robotaxi operations. Tesla has recently seen several high-profile departures. Tesla is restructuring to focus on AI-driven self-driving technology and robotics. The company recently launched a small robotaxi service in Austin, Texas.

Acuvity launches RYNO for AI-driven enterprise security

Acuvity has launched RYNO, a GenAI security platform for context-aware protection. RYNO helps companies safely use generative AI by managing risks across users, applications, and AI agents. The platform offers visibility, risk analysis, and real-time policy enforcement. RYNO can detect shadow AI, data leakage, and unauthorized tool use. It also provides security for the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Olympics plans big AI push for future games

The Olympics plans to use AI to improve the efficiency and viewing experience of upcoming games. AI will help with athlete training, event judging, and fan experiences. For the Winter Games in Italy, AI will streamline planning and scheduling. For the L.A. Summer Games in 2028, AI will manage many sports across Southern California. AI is already speeding up access to highlights and customizing content for broadcasters.

AI agents are here and doing things without guardrails

AI is now taking actions, not just answering questions, with the rise of AI agents. These agents can make appointments, book flights, or file legal cases. Google's Project Mariner and OpenAI's Operator are examples of AI agents. These agents raise concerns about safety and potential misuse. Congress should mandate companies to disclose safety tests and create a specialized committee to address AI risks.

AI will take over these 5 industries by 2026

AI is rapidly changing industries like healthcare, transportation, finance, retail, and manufacturing. By 2026, AI will transform these sectors through automation and smarter systems. In healthcare, AI improves diagnoses and personalizes treatments. In transportation, self-driving cars and AI traffic management will become common. Financial services will use AI for fraud detection and personalized customer service. Retail will see AI-driven personalization and supply chain optimization. Manufacturing will use AI for smart factories and robotics.

UBS says AI demand is key to justifying infrastructure boom

UBS analysts believe the AI investment cycle is strong, with demand expected to support infrastructure spending into 2026. The next phase depends on demand from model developers, consumers, and enterprises. Key areas driving demand include training AI models, consumer-facing tools, and enterprise AI applications. UBS favors companies like Nvidia and Microsoft, which benefit from AI trends. Enterprise adoption is seen as the most uncertain factor.

Sources

DeepSeek Apple Google Data privacy Data security AI Germany China EU data protection rules App Store Data transfer User data Cybersecurity Cloud Microsoft Tesla Robotaxi Acuvity RYNO GenAI security Olympics AI agents Healthcare Transportation Finance Retail Manufacturing UBS Infrastructure Model Context Protocol MCP CTERA Varonis Adversarial training Travel AI Security Igor Tsyganskiy Henry Kuang