Several key developments are shaping the AI landscape. Locafy Limited has launched its FY26 suite of AI-powered SEO tools, designed to improve search results for local and e-commerce businesses on platforms like Google. CEO Gavin Burnett notes the company has automated the creation of AI-search-ready landing pages. Locafy manages over 9.5 million business listings in the U.S. and 63 million worldwide, offering services like Localizer starting at $690/month. Appier has also expanded its AI-driven ad creation platform, AdCreative.ai, to Vietnam, where businesses are seeing significant click-through rate improvements. Meanwhile, BRICS nations are urging the UN to establish global AI regulations to ensure equal access and protect digital rights. In education, the Allentown School District is investing in AI by renaming Building 21 as Bridgeview Academy and training staff to use tools like Google's Gemini, while experts caution against over-reliance on AI in schools, emphasizing the importance of human interaction. In the financial sector, fintech companies are being encouraged to enhance financial inclusion and use AI to combat cyber threats, with a focus on including rural populations. The increasing demand for AI capabilities is also driving a new wave of cloud migrations, offering businesses the tools and infrastructure needed for AI projects. However, cybersecurity failures, as seen with Marks & Spencer's cyber-attack, highlight the critical need for robust security measures in digital transformations. Finally, AI is showing promise in revolutionizing mathematics research by helping mathematicians check proofs and potentially solve long-standing problems.
Key Takeaways
- Locafy launched its FY26 AI-powered SEO suite, automating AI-search-ready landing pages, according to CEO Gavin Burnett.
- Locafy manages over 63 million business listings globally and offers Localizer from $690/month.
- Appier's AdCreative.ai is now available in Vietnam, helping brands create AI-powered ads.
- BRICS is calling for the UN to create global AI regulations focused on equity and digital rights.
- The Allentown School District is investing in AI and training staff to use tools like Google Gemini via Bridgeview Academy.
- Experts warn against over-reliance on AI in schools, emphasizing the need for human interaction.
- Fintechs are urged to boost financial inclusion and use AI to combat cyber threats.
- AI is driving a new wave of cloud migrations due to the need for advanced tools and data management.
- Cybersecurity incidents, such as the one at Marks & Spencer, highlight the importance of proactive security measures.
- AI is showing potential in mathematics research by assisting in proof verification and problem-solving.
Locafy launches AI SEO tools for local and e-commerce businesses
Locafy Limited launched its FY26 suite of AI-powered SEO products. These tools help businesses improve their search results on Google and other AI-driven platforms. The company's platform includes online business listings, local SEO, and AI engagement tools. Locafy manages over 9.5 million business listings in the U.S. and is exploring new partnerships and acquisitions to expand its reach. CEO Gavin Burnett says the company has automated the creation of AI-search-ready landing pages.
Locafy's AI revolutionizes SEO for 63M businesses globally
Locafy launched its FY26 AI-powered SEO products, expanding its digital marketing. The platform covers online business listings, local SEO, and AI engagement tools. Locafy manages over 63 million business listings worldwide, including 40 million in the USA, Canada, Australia, and UK. Their product, Localizer, starts at $690/month and combines listing services, AI search, review management, and Google Map Pack improvements. Locafy also introduced an AI Voice Concierge for automated customer service.
AI in schools is more mimicry than learning experts say
Experts argue that using AI in schools replaces real teaching with a mechanical process. They say AI, or Artificial Mimicry, lacks the ability to understand emotions or provide personalized guidance. Billionaires like Bill Gates believe AI can replace teachers, but critics argue that real learning involves social interaction and human connection. AI tools can offer convenience, but they may also push students toward formulaic answers and discourage original thinking. The author suggests schools need more human support, not just AI.
BRICS urges UN to lead on global AI regulation
BRICS leaders want the UN to create global rules for artificial intelligence. They believe AI can help growth and innovation but worry it could increase inequality. The leaders say all countries should have equal access to AI technology. They also want open collaboration and protection of digital rights. The guidelines would apply to non-military uses of AI.
Appier brings AdCreative.ai to Vietnam for AI-powered ad creation
Appier launched AdCreative.ai in Vietnam, a platform that uses AI to help brands create ads faster. The tool helps improve ad performance and personalize marketing. Vietnamese businesses are rapidly adopting AI in their marketing strategies. K&K Fashion, an e-commerce retailer, used AdCreative.ai and saw a 13.8% click-through rate on AI-generated visuals. Lua Viet Tours also uses the platform to create personalized campaigns and predict ad performance.
Cybersecurity failures loom over digital transformations
Marks & Spencer faced a cyber-attack that severely impacted their online trading. The company is still recovering months later, highlighting the long-term damage cybersecurity incidents can cause. Despite prior investments and rehearsals for attacks, the incident raised questions about whether more could have been done. The article emphasizes that a company's digital transformation is only as strong as its cybersecurity. Businesses should invest more in proactive cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving threats.
Allentown schools invest in AI with new Bridgeview Academy focus
The Allentown School District is investing in AI, health care, and computer science by renaming Building 21 as Bridgeview Academy. Superintendent Carol Birks is leading the effort to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. The district is partnering with local hospitals and universities to offer internships and advanced courses. They are also training staff to use AI tools like Gemini for the classroom. The district plans to expand Bridgeview Academy and improve its facilities.
Fintechs urged to boost financial inclusion and AI security
DFS Secretary M Nagaraju encouraged fintech companies to expand financial services and use AI to fight cyber threats. He emphasized that financial inclusion is key to economic growth and poverty reduction. Nagaraju highlighted government efforts like the Jan Dhan Yojana, which has helped 99% of Indian adults gain access to bank accounts. Shaji KV of Nabard stressed the importance of including rural populations in India's growth through fintech innovations.
AI drives new wave of cloud migrations for businesses
AI is pushing more companies to move to the cloud. Cloud services offer the latest tools, faster development, and cost savings, which are important for AI projects. New AI technologies like large language models and generative AI are designed for the cloud. Companies need well-managed data in the cloud to use AI effectively. One company migrated its data to the cloud and improved clinical trial speeds and reduced IT costs.
AI poised to revolutionize mathematics research
Artificial intelligence is improving in mathematical research. New AI tools can help mathematicians check their proofs. Experts gathered at a conference to discuss how computers could solve long-standing math problems. The tools have the potential to change how math research is conducted.
Sources
- Locafy Launches AI-Driven SEO Product Suite for FY26
- AI Breakthrough: Locafy Revolutionizes SEO with New Platform Covering 63M Global Businesses
- Regulating AI Isn’t Enough. Let’s Dismantle the Logic That Put It in Schools.
- Brics in push for UN to take lead on setting rules for artificial intelligence
- Appier Launches AdCreative.ai in Vietnam to Accelerate GenAI-Powered Creatives Transformation for Brands
- Enterprise hits and misses - AI regulation and job losses capture the headlines, but cybersecurity looms
- New Building 21 focus is just one part of Allentown School District’s investment in AI. Here’s what the future holds
- DFS Secretary urges fintechs to expand inclusion, use AI for security
- Cloud migrations, driven by data and AI, are back on the drawing board
- AI could be about to completely change the way we do mathematics