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Chinese state-linked accounts hyped DeepSeek AI launch ahead of US stock rout, Graphika says
Date: January 31, 2025
Source: Reuters
Chinese state-linked social media accounts amplified narratives celebrating the launch of Chinese startup DeepSeek's AI models last week, according to Graphika. This hype occurred ahead of a US stock rout.
Link: https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/CHINA-AI-DEEPSEEK-204a99b4-d933-4f47-b669-403c96cea0fe
US Probing If DeepSeek Got Nvidia Chips From Firms in Singapore
Date: January 31, 2025
Source: Bloomberg
US officials are probing whether Chinese startup DeepSeek bought advanced Nvidia semiconductors through third parties in Singapore, potentially circumventing Washington's restrictions on sales of chips used for AI tasks.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf9fgcklT5A
Resource-poor Japan was girding for an AI energy surge. DeepSeek raised the stakes.
Date: January 31, 2025
Source: ΣΕΠΕ
Resource-poor Japan was preparing for an AI energy surge, but DeepSeek's breakthrough model has heightened the stakes. The Chinese startup's low-cost AI model has significant implications for global tech and energy demands.
Link: https://www.sepe.gr/en/business/22531817/resource-poor-japan-was-girding-for-an-ai-energy-surge-deepseek-raised-the-stakes/
Italy’s regulator blocks Chinese AI app DeepSeek on data protection
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: KSAT
Italy's data protection authority has blocked the Chinese AI application DeepSeek to protect users' data and announced an investigation. The authority expressed dissatisfaction with DeepSeek's response to its initial query about personal data collection, storage, and user notification. The app had been downloaded by millions globally despite the companies claiming they do not operate in Italy and that European legislation does not apply to them.
Link: https://www.ksat.com/tech/2025/01/30/deepseek-blocked-by-some-app-stores-in-italy-to-protect-users-personal-data/
SoftBank in talks to lead OpenAI funding round at $300 billion valuation
Date: January 31, 2025
Source: Economic Times
SoftBank is in talks to lead a funding round of up to $40 billion in OpenAI at a post-money valuation of $300 billion. This comes as Chinese startup DeepSeek has launched an inexpensive AI model challenging expectations of what it costs to develop and deploy AI.
Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/softbank-in-talks-to-lead-openai-funding-round-at-300-billion-valuation/articleshow/117765565.cms
Apple’s iPhone sales during the holiday season slipped despite a highly anticipated AI rollout
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: Barchart
Apple on Thursday disclosed its iPhone sales dipped slightly during the holiday-season quarter, signaling a sluggish start to the trendsetting company's year. The roughly 1% drop in revenue from the previous year's October-December period wasn't entirely unexpected, given the first software update enabling AI features.
Link: https://www.barchart.com/story/news/30695362/apples-iphone-sales-during-the-holiday-season-slipped-despite-a-highly-anticipated-ai-rollout
SoftBank in Talks to Invest Up to $25 Billion in OpenAI
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: Fox Business
SoftBank is in talks to invest $15 billion to $25 billion in OpenAI, potentially deepening the relationship between the two companies. The investment could be used for OpenAI's commitment to Stargate, a joint venture with SoftBank and others. This would make SoftBank OpenAI's biggest investor, displacing Microsoft. The deal aims to support OpenAI's AI data centers and cover its multibillion-dollar annual losses.
Link: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/softbank-talks-invest-25-billion-openai
Italy blocks access to the Chinese AI application DeepSeek to protect users’ data
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: The Associated Press
Italy's data protection authority, Garante, blocked access to the Chinese AI application DeepSeek to protect users' data. The authority expressed dissatisfaction with DeepSeek's response to its initial query about personal data collection, storage, and user notification. DeepSeek declared it does not operate in Italy and that European legislation does not apply to them. The app has been downloaded by millions globally in a few days, raising the stakes in the AI technology race.
Link: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-01-italy-blocks-access-chinese-ai.html
US Authors Guild to certify books from ‘human intellect’ rather than AI
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: ABC News
The Authors Guild has set up an online portal for members to certify that their books 'emanated from the human intellect' and not from artificial intelligence. The initiative, called 'Human Authored,' aims to create transparency and acknowledge the reader's desire for human connection in storytelling.
Link: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/authors-guild-sets-human-author-portal-certify-books-118244274
India IT Minister Praises DeepSeek’s Low-Cost AI, Compares It with Own Investment Approach
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: TechCrunch
India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised DeepSeek's low-cost AI model, highlighting its affordability and efficiency. Vaishnaw noted that India will host DeepSeek's large language models on domestic servers, addressing data privacy concerns. This move contrasts with India's previous restrictions on Chinese apps and services, demonstrating a shift in policy towards embracing Chinese technology under specific conditions.
Link: https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/30/india-to-host-china-deepseek-ai-model-locally-in-rare-tech-approval/
The west is already losing the AI arms race
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: The Guardian
The west is falling behind in the AI arms race, with China's tech sector leading the way in strategy and investment. This is highlighted by recent advancements in AI technology, such as DeepSeek, which has significantly impacted the industry.
Link: https://beamstart.com/news/the-west-is-already-losing-17382315456020
How DeepSeek stunned the AI industry – podcast
Date: January 31, 2025
Source: The Ashland Chronicle-Oregon
US News from The Guardian. How DeepSeek stunned the AI industry – podcast. January 31, 2025 by Presented by Helen Pidd with Robert Booth; produced by Lucy.
Link: https://theashlandchronicle.com/roguevalley/health-news-care/
Microsoft’s cloud outlook knocks shares, Meta rises on AI payoff signs
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: Global Banking and Finance Review
Microsoft shares fell after a downbeat cloud forecast, while Meta shares rose as investors scrutinized AI spending. Meta's Q4 revenue beat estimates, but the company's AI bets are under scrutiny.
Link: https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/TECH-STOCKS-RESULTS-d3c91f41-ab29-4134-98b2-95998c7d3ed9
