Several major developments are unfolding in the AI space. Microsoft is currently undergoing another round of layoffs, impacting approximately 9,000 employees or 4% of its global workforce, even after reporting strong quarterly earnings. These cuts, affecting divisions like sales and Xbox, are the largest since 2023 and are occurring as Microsoft invests heavily in AI, allocating $80 billion in the 2025 fiscal year for AI-training data centers. Meanwhile, Helen Toner, a former OpenAI board member, has noted that Chinese AI models, particularly DeepSeek, are gaining traction, highlighting the growing tech competition between the U.S. and China. In the financial sector, First Trust has launched the First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (FTAI) on the London Stock Exchange, tracking 50 AI stocks based on AI revenue and industry position. Simultaneously, concerns are rising about AI's impact on cybersecurity, with an Accenture report revealing that 90% of organizations are ill-prepared for AI-driven cyberattacks. This is compounded by the fact that many employees feel their companies aren't communicating enough about AI plans, emphasizing the need for clearer internal communication and guidelines. On the workforce front, California is addressing AI's role in employment with a 'No Robo Bosses' bill, mandating human oversight in critical employment decisions and protecting worker information. Amazon, however, maintains that its use of AI and robots is not eliminating entry-level jobs, asserting that these technologies improve the workplace and attract employees. Addressing privacy concerns, there are calls for Apple to focus on on-device AI to enhance security and reduce reliance on network resources. Lastly, the University System of Maryland is partnering with Google to provide students with free Google Career Certificates and AI courses, aiming to equip them with essential AI skills.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is laying off 9,000 employees (4% of its workforce) while investing $80 billion in AI data centers.
- Former OpenAI board member highlights DeepSeek and the growing competitiveness of Chinese AI models.
- First Trust has launched an AI-focused ETF (FTAI) on the London Stock Exchange, tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Select index.
- Accenture reports that 90% of organizations are unprepared for AI-driven cyberattacks.
- Many employees feel their companies lack clear communication and plans regarding AI implementation.
- California's 'No Robo Bosses' bill aims to regulate AI in the workplace by requiring human oversight in employment decisions.
- Amazon claims that AI and robots are not eliminating entry-level jobs, but improving the workplace.
- Calls are increasing for Apple to invest in on-device AI to enhance privacy and reduce network reliance.
- The University System of Maryland is partnering with Google to offer free AI courses and career certificates to students.
- AI can speed up genealogy research, but users should verify results and cite AI usage.
Microsoft Layoffs Hit as Company Invests Heavily in AI
Microsoft is cutting its global workforce again, impacting less than 4 percent, estimated around 9,000 employees. This is the fourth round of layoffs this year, despite strong quarterly earnings. The company says these changes will help it succeed in a changing market. While cutting jobs, Microsoft is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, including spending $80 billion on AI-training data centers. The layoffs include management positions and the gaming division.
Microsoft cuts 9,000 jobs amid big AI investments
Microsoft is laying off 9,000 employees, which is about 4% of its global workforce. These job cuts are the largest since 2023, with previous cuts happening throughout 2024 and earlier in 2025. The sales and Xbox divisions are expected to be affected. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI, including $80 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. The company plans to streamline its organization and optimize its procedures as it focuses on AI.
AI in Genealogy Pros, Cons and Cautions
Jim Moses discusses the pros and cons of using AI in genealogy searches. AI can speed up research and provide better results, but users should be cautious. It's important to be specific when asking questions and to check for incorrect information. Two people asking the same question may get different answers because AI learns from users. Users should cite sources, state that they used AI, and include the search date.
Most Companies Unprepared for AI Cyber Attacks
A new report by Accenture says 90% of organizations are not ready for AI attacks. AI adoption has made cyber attacks faster and more complex. Many companies lack the data and practices to protect their business models and data. Cybersecurity must be built into every AI project. Only a few organizations have training for GenAI use or protect sensitive data well.
Is China Becoming the Leader in AI Technology?
Helen Toner, a former OpenAI board member, suggests that Chinese AI models are gaining popularity, especially DeepSeek. She discussed the tech competition between the US and China with Bloomberg's Haslinda Amin.
First Trust Launches New Artificial Intelligence ETF
First Trust has launched a new ETF focused on artificial intelligence called the First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (FTAI). It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a total expense ratio of 0.65%. The ETF tracks the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Select index, which includes 50 AI stocks. These stocks are selected based on AI revenue and their position in the AI industry.
Employees Want More Communication About AI at Work
A recent report shows that many employees feel their leaders aren't talking enough about AI. While more companies are using AI tools, fewer employees say their company has a clear plan for AI use. Internal comms pros can encourage open communication by working with HR and IT to share AI guidelines. Sharing examples of how AI helps employees and creating messaging about AI's impact can also help.
Amazon Says AI and Robots Aren't Taking Jobs
Amazon says that its use of robots and AI is not eliminating entry-level jobs. Executives say that innovation helps create a better workplace that attracts and keeps employees. Amazon's global head of PR for robotics and AI compared AI robots to office coffee machines. Australia has eight Amazon warehouses, but only one uses robots. Amazon is investing $20 billion in data centers in Australia.
Apple Should Invest in AI on Devices for Privacy
The author hopes Apple keeps investing in on-device AI instead of relying on cloud-based services. On-device AI is safer, more private, and uses fewer network resources. Networks are investing in infrastructure to support AI services. Using AI models on devices reduces demand on the network. It also improves privacy and security by reducing the attack surface.
California's 'No Robo Bosses' Bill Regulates AI in Workplace
California is trying to regulate AI in the workplace with a 'No Robo Bosses' bill. The bill requires human oversight for promoting, demoting, disciplining, or firing workers. It also protects employee information and prevents AI from being used to punish worker actions. The bill aims to make AI use more transparent and protect workers' rights. A survey found that many managers use AI to make decisions about raises, promotions, and layoffs.
Maryland Universities Partner with Google for AI Courses
The University System of Maryland is partnering with Google to offer free Google Career Certificates and AI courses to students. These resources will be available starting this fall at the University of Maryland and other schools in the system. The certificates cover topics like data analytics, project management, and cybersecurity. Google's AI courses will teach students how to use AI to improve education and save time.
Sources
- Microsoft announces another round of layoffs as it plows money into AI
- Microsoft Lays Off 9,000 As AI Investment Mounts
- Jim Moses: The pros and cons of using AI in genealogy searches
- 90% aren't ready for AI attacks, are you?
- China Toppling America's AI Throne?
- First Trust unveils artificial intelligence ETF
- Report: Comms pros and leaders need to talk about AI more
- AI, robots not eliminating jobs: Amazon
- Why I hope Apple keeps investing in on-device AI
- How California is trying to regulate AI in the workplace through a ‘No Robo Bosses’ bill
- USM partners with Google to offer career certificates, AI courses