August 18, 2025

analysis  
DeepSeek AI Investments, Meta Data Concerns, Hinton's AI Ethics

Artificial intelligence is making waves across various sectors, from emerging market investments to education and ethical considerations. Funds are increasingly investing in AI-related tech companies in emerging markets, particularly in South Korea, Taiwan, and India, with firms like DeepSeek and Asia’s semiconductor manufacturers driving growth. This trend is expected to continue, potentially transforming local populations and economies over the next decade. However, Vanguard's Joe Davis cautions that AI's impact on productivity could be offset by rising debt, potentially leading to higher bond yields. In education, the Ministry of Education is offering free AI courses on the SWAYAM portal to help students gain essential AI skills, covering topics from Python programming to AI applications in physics, chemistry, and accounting. Schools are also urged to develop clear AI policies for both students and teachers, balancing restrictions with opportunities for innovation and ensuring equitable access to AI literacy. On the ethical front, Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' advocates for a 'Mother AI' to guide and ensure ethical operation of AI systems, preventing them from controlling humans. Neil Young has left Facebook due to concerns about Meta's AI chatbots interacting with children, highlighting the ongoing debate about data privacy and safety. A German court confirmed that Meta's AI training uses children's data, even with protection measures, raising GDPR compliance issues. In other applications, BigBear.ai is partnering with Narval in Panama to enhance cargo security using AI, targeting a significant market in global trade. Meanwhile, China hosted the World Humanoid Robot Games, showcasing advancements in AI and robotics with teams from around the world competing in various tasks. AI is also being explored for its potential to create fair voting districts in the U.S., offering a neutral approach to redistricting.

Key Takeaways

  • Emerging markets are seeing increased investment in AI, with funds focusing on tech companies like DeepSeek and semiconductor firms.
  • The Education Ministry is offering five free AI courses on the SWAYAM portal, including AI/ML using Python and AI applications in various fields.
  • Schools are being urged to develop clear AI policies for both students and teachers, balancing restrictions with innovation.
  • Geoffrey Hinton advocates for a 'Mother AI' to ensure ethical AI operation and prevent AI from controlling humans.
  • Neil Young left Facebook due to concerns about Meta's AI chatbots interacting with children.
  • A German court confirmed that Meta's AI training uses children's data, raising GDPR compliance issues.
  • BigBear.ai is partnering with Narval in Panama to use AI for cargo security, targeting a $30B+ market.
  • China hosted the World Humanoid Robot Games, showcasing its progress in AI and robotics.
  • AI is being explored for its potential to create fair voting districts in the U.S.
  • Vanguard’s Joe Davis warns that AI's productivity boost could be offset by rising debt, potentially leading to higher bond yields.

AI boom may drive emerging markets growth for next decade

Emerging-market funds are investing in artificial intelligence, expecting it to boost growth and profits in developing countries. Investors believe AI will significantly improve emerging markets over the next 10 years. Funds are increasing investments in tech companies in South Korea, Taiwan, and India. The AI boom is expected to increase demand, productivity, and jobs. However, emerging markets need to invest in education and infrastructure to handle job changes and inequality.

AI craze boosts emerging markets with tech investments

Emerging-market funds are investing in artificial intelligence, anticipating technology spending will increase returns. Asset managers are focusing on AI stocks, encouraged by companies like DeepSeek and Asia’s semiconductor firms. AI companies have greatly contributed to the rise in Bloomberg’s EM stocks index this year. AllSpring Global Investments and GIB Asset Management are increasing their investments in AI stocks.

AI investments power emerging markets for the next decade

Emerging-market funds are investing in artificial intelligence, expecting technology spending to increase returns. Companies like DeepSeek and Asia’s semiconductor firms are encouraging asset managers to focus on AI stocks. Alison Shimada from AllSpring believes this trend could last 10 to 20 years, transforming local populations. Companies like Foxconn are benefiting from AI server growth. Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, Alibaba, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Xiaomi are top contributors to Bloomberg’s EM stock index.

Free AI courses offered by Education Ministry on SWAYAM

The Education Ministry is offering five free Artificial Intelligence courses on the SWAYAM portal. These courses will help students gain skills in AI, which is in high demand. The courses include AI/ML using Python, Cricket Analytics with AI, AI in Physics, AI in Chemistry, and AI in Accounting. Students can learn about AI, data science, and how to apply AI in different fields. These courses are designed for students with some background in math and programming.

Education Ministry offers free AI courses on Swayam Portal

The Ministry of Education is offering five free AI courses on the Swayam Portal. These courses aim to help students learn AI skills, which are increasingly important. The courses include AI/ML Using Python, Cricket Analytics With AI, AI in Physics, AI in Accounting, and AI in Chemistry. IIT Madras professors offer some of the courses. The courses cover topics like machine learning, Python programming, and applying AI in different fields.

AI secures cargo in global supply chain innovation

BigBear.ai is partnering with Narval in Panama to use AI for cargo security, targeting a $30B+ market. The system uses biometric verification and real-time tracking to improve accountability and reduce smuggling. Panama's location is key, handling 6% of global trade. BigBear.ai aims to expand this technology to Latin America and the U.S. Despite a revenue dip in Q2 2025, BigBear is focusing on high-margin, recurring revenue streams.

Vanguard's Joe Davis warns of economic shifts due to AI

Vanguard’s Joe Davis predicts major changes in the global economy due to debt and AI. He forecasts an 80% chance that bond yields will exceed 7% if deficits continue. However, AI could boost productivity and offset these issues. Davis suggests advisors consider overweighting high-quality fixed income. He also advises thinking about how to invest in companies that use AI, not just those that create it.

Neil Young leaves Facebook over AI chatbot concerns for kids

Neil Young is leaving Facebook because of Meta's policies on AI chatbots interacting with children. He believes Meta's use of chatbots with children is wrong. Documents showed Meta allowed chatbots to have romantic or sensual conversations with kids. Meta claims these examples were errors and have been removed. This isn't the first time Young has left a platform over ethical issues, as he previously left Spotify over COVID-19 misinformation.

AI Godfather warns of AI control, urges 'Mother AI'

Geoffrey Hinton, the 'Godfather of AI,' spoke at AI4 2025 about the importance of creating a 'Mother AI'. He believes this is needed to prevent AI from controlling humans and to improve cancer treatments. A Mother AI would ensure all AI systems operate ethically and respect human values. Hinton suggests this AI would act like a mother, caring for and guiding other AIs to ensure they align with human survival and empathy.

Meta AI training uses children's data despite protection claims

A German court confirmed that Meta's AI training program uses children's data, even with protection measures. The court found Meta's AI captures minors' information when adults share content with children on Facebook and Instagram. De-identification measures are not enough to protect children's data. The Hamburg Data Protection Authority confirmed this violates GDPR rules. Educational institutions also create risks by sharing children's data on their profiles.

Robot Olympics in China showcase AI advances

China hosted the World Humanoid Robot Games, showcasing its progress in AI with 280 teams from 16 countries. Robots competed in sports and tasks like sorting medicines and cleaning. Teams came from the US, Germany, and Brazil, using robots from Chinese manufacturers. The games help collect data for developing robots for practical uses like factory work. While some robots crashed and fell, the event highlighted China's investment in robotics amid an aging population.

Can AI draw fair voting districts for the US

Could artificial intelligence create fair voting districts? AI could use the number of registered voters in a zip code, ensure districts have connected zip codes, and keep districts within a certain size range. This method would be neutral, not influenced by political parties. While some districts might still lean Democratic or Republican, AI would determine them arbitrarily.

Schools need clear AI policies for students and teachers

Schools need clear AI policies that address both student and teacher use. Many schools focus on student restrictions but ignore how teachers use AI. Policies should include students in their development to ensure they are relevant. Schools should balance AI restrictions with opportunities for innovation and address AI access equity. AI literacy should be part of the curriculum, and schools should communicate AI policies clearly to families.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence AI Emerging Markets Investments Technology Education AI Courses SWAYAM Portal Data Science Machine Learning Python AI in Physics AI in Chemistry AI in Accounting Supply Chain Cargo Security BigBear.ai Global Economy Economic Shifts AI Chatbots Children's Data Data Protection Robot Olympics Robotics Voting Districts AI Policies AI Literacy AI Ethics AI Safety AI Regulation DeepSeek Foxconn Taiwan Semiconductor Tencent Alibaba Samsung SK Hynix Xiaomi Meta GDPR