The AI industry is experiencing significant developments, with both advancements and challenges. SoftBank's $100 billion AI investment plan in the US is facing delays due to White House tariffs and economic volatility, while the Stargate AI project, a joint effort with OpenAI, is struggling to secure financing. On the other hand, companies like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne are introducing AI-native security platforms to address the growing complexity of enterprise security. Experts are cautioning against AI hype, emphasizing the need for a nuanced view of the technology and its potential negative consequences. Meanwhile, insurers are offering coverage for AI-related losses, and new AI agents are being developed to automate tasks. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre has warned of the increasing cyber security threat posed by AI, and the question of whether AI can be copyrighted is being explored. As AI becomes more prevalent, it's essential to consider the risks involved and ensure responsible and secure use, with some experts advising on when to say no to AI use cases.
Key Takeaways
["ul>\nSoftBank AI Investment Faces Tariff Worries
SoftBank's $100 billion AI investment plan in the US is slowing down due to White House tariffs and economic volatility. The Stargate project, a joint effort with OpenAI, aims to build AI infrastructure but has yet to secure financing. Investors are cautious about overbuilding and the rise of cheaper AI alternatives, making it harder for SoftBank to move forward with its plans. The company has not commented on the delays, but experts warn that tariffs and economic uncertainty may hinder the project's success.
Stargate AI Project Stalls Due to Financing Issues
The $100 billion Stargate AI project, a collaboration between OpenAI and SoftBank, is facing financing issues due to US tariffs and economic uncertainty. Despite initial excitement from investors, the project has stalled, and no firm commitments have been made. SoftBank has not finalized a financing plan, and investors are hesitant to invest in AI infrastructure amid rising trade tensions and cheaper AI alternatives. The project's success is uncertain, with some predicting a 15% to 20% return on investment if conditions are met.
CrowdStrike Unveils AI Native SOC and Next Gen SIEM
CrowdStrike has introduced several enhancements to its Falcon cybersecurity platform, including an AI-native Security Operations Center (SOC) and Next-Gen SIEM. The updates aim to address the growing complexity of enterprise security and provide real-time visibility, governance, and control. The platform integrates AI with security to automate investigative and response processes, and includes features such as AI-powered impersonation and data misuse detection. CrowdStrike has also expanded its Falcon Adversary OverWatch to include threat hunting across third-party data.
SentinelOne Invests in Theom AI for Data Security
SentinelOne's venture arm, S Ventures, has invested in Theom AI, a company that specializes in data security and governance for the GenAI era. Theom's Data Operations Center (DOC) platform integrates AI with security to provide real-time visibility, governance, and control over enterprise data. The platform analyzes user identity, intent, and data usage to prevent misuse, breaches, and compliance failures. SentinelOne believes that Theom's approach complements its own autonomous security platform, and the two companies will work together to deliver a more complete security solution.
Experts Caution Against AI Hype
Emily Bender and Alex Hanna, authors of 'The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want', argue that AI is not what it's marketed to be. They believe that the concept of AI harm can be hard to imagine, but it's essential to consider the people involved in creating and maintaining AI systems. Bender and Hanna caution against the hype surrounding AI and encourage readers to take a more nuanced view of the technology. They also discuss the potential negative consequences of AI, such as extractivism and the exploitation of labor.
Insurers Offer AI Mishap-Related Losses Coverage
Lloyd's of London has launched an insurance product to cover companies against losses related to AI malfunctions. The policies, offered through startup Armilla, will cover the cost of court claims against businesses if they are sued by customers or third parties harmed by underperforming AI products. The insurance industry is responding to concerns about the risk of losses from AI chatbot errors or hallucinations. The move comes as companies increasingly adopt AI to increase efficiency, but also face potential embarrassing and costly mistakes.
New AI Agents to Automate Tasks
Microsoft has unveiled a new AI agent that can automate tasks by 'seeing' the screen and navigating digital chores. The AI uses vision to capture screenshots and interpret pixels, allowing it to interact with computers and websites like a human. The technology has the potential to automate complex tasks, such as data entry and market research, and could be used by consumers to book hotels or rent cars online. Microsoft says that 'irreversible' decisions and 'high-risk actions' will require human approval, and safeguards are being put in place to protect privacy and prevent mistakes.
GCHQ Warns of AI Cyber Security Threat
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that the growing use of AI increases the cyber security threat to critical national infrastructure. The NCSC believes that AI will make elements of cyber intrusion operations more effective and efficient, leading to an increase in frequency and intensity of cyber threats. The organisation advises companies to implement strong cyber security practices across AI systems and ensure up-to-date defences are in place. The NCSC also notes that AI will aid system owners and software developers in securing systems, but the time between vulnerabilities being disclosed and being exploited will shrink due to AI-enabled tools.
Can AI Be Copyrighted?
The question of whether artificial intelligence itself can be copyrighted is being explored. The rules of copyright law are being applied to determine if an AI can be considered copyrightable subject matter. This is a complex issue, and the answer is not yet clear. However, it is an important question to consider as AI becomes increasingly prevalent in various industries.
ZAC Recognized for AI Breakthroughs
ZAC has been recognized as a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) due to its innovative breakthroughs in Explainable AI (XAI). The company has a strong IP portfolio with over 450 inventions and 14 issued US patents. ZAC's team of scientists and developers is headed by Dr. Saied Tadayon, a renowned scientist and software developer. The company's advisors include Nobel laureates and prominent experts in the field of AI. ZAC's technology has various applications, including autonomous vehicles, satellite and aerial images, security and biometrics, and medical imaging.
When to Say No to AI Use Cases
As states encourage experimentation with AI, it's essential to consider the risks involved. Colorado's CIO David Edinger explains how his office reviews agency proposals to use AI, with a focus on data practices that meet the state's data privacy requirements. California's Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Porat also emphasizes the importance of evaluating prospective AI use cases based on the technology itself, the track record of the provider, and the data involved. The goal is to ensure that AI is used responsibly and securely, and that data privacy is protected.
Sources
- SoftBank’s Stargate AI Investment Could Be Grounded by Tariff Worries
- $100B Stargate AI Project From OpenAI and SoftBank Stalls
- Security Gamechangers: CrowdStrike’s AI-Native SOC & Next Gen SIEM Take Center Stage at RSAC 2025
- Reimagining Data Security: Why SentinelOne is Investing in Theom.ai
- An ex-Google AI ethicist and a UW professor want you to know AI isn't what you think it is
- Insurers Begin Covering AI Mishap-Related Losses
- The New AI Agents Will Tackle Your To-Do List
- Growing use of AI increases cyber security threat to critical infrastructure, GCHQ says
- Can Artificial Intelligence Itself be Copyrighted?
- ZAC recognized as Trailblazer in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with innovative breakthroughs in Explainable AI (XAI)
- When the Government Should Say ‘No’ to an AI Use Case