The evening briefing.
Today across AI and tech: Japan's biggest IPO eyes robotaxis, Amazon drops a Sam Altman film, and Norway bans generative AI in elementary schools.
AI Governance & Policy. Norway's ban on generative AI in elementary schools highlights growing concerns over its impact on foundational learning skills. The UK's data and AI regulator also resigned, citing inappropriate humor, underscoring the scrutiny public figures face in this sensitive domain. Meanwhile, a proposed social media ban for under-16s in the UK faces criticism, with Australia's similar ban showing limited effectiveness.
Corporate Strategy & AI Investment. Corporate AI strategies are under the microscope, with Microsoft shareholders filing a class action lawsuit over the company's substantial AI and cloud spending. This comes as companies globally are reportedly reining in AI usage due to budget strains. Amazon's decision to drop a Sam Altman film after its significant OpenAI partnership also raises questions about the influence of business ties on creative freedom.
Talent Movement & Ethical Tech. The AI talent war continues, as Nobel laureate John Jumper departs Google DeepMind for Anthropic, following recent high-profile exits from Google's AI division. Separately, Amazon engineers are under investigation for criticizing the company's AI data center buildout, highlighting internal tensions around ethical and environmental concerns. A consortium including Google and Anthropic also pledged nearly $1 billion to support carbon removal technologies.
Amazon drops Sam Altman film after $50 billion OpenAI deal.
Amazon MGM Studios canceled "Artificial," a film about OpenAI, following Amazon's $50 billion partnership with OpenAI in February. The decision raises questions about how business ties can impact creative freedom in the tech industry.
Japan's Go taxi app raises ¥88.6 billion in biggest IPO of 2026 for robotaxis.
Japan's Go taxi-hailing app raised ¥88.6 billion in the country's largest IPO this year, planning to use the capital for robotaxi development and acquisitions. The funding aims to address Japan's ongoing shortage of drivers.
Nothing cancels CMF Phone 2 Pro successor due to high RAM prices.
Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis announced the cancellation of the CMF Phone 2 Pro successor this year, citing current memory prices. The company stated it could not build a genuinely improved phone at a sensible price point for CMF.
US Army develops data centers on military land, focusing on community and sustainability.
The US Army is developing data center campuses on military land, emphasizing community engagement, energy independence, and net-zero water consumption. This approach aims to avoid the backlash often faced by big tech data center projects.
India's ED searches five crypto platforms over alleged illegal cross-border transfers.
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at premises linked to five Bengaluru-based crypto platforms. The investigation concerns alleged unauthorized cross-border transfers.
UK's data and AI watchdog boss resigns after 'inappropriate' humor.
John Edwards, the head of the UK's data watchdog since January 2022, resigned from his position. He stated that he had made inappropriate attempts at humor.
Microsoft shareholders file class action lawsuit over AI spending disclosures.
Microsoft shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit, alleging that the company's AI and cloud spending and disclosure practices led to investor losses. The lawsuit claims damages were suffered by investors.
Norway bans generative AI in elementary schools to protect basic learning skills.
Norway will ban generative AI tools in elementary schools for grades 1 through 7 starting in late August, with secondary schools allowing it only under supervision. Prime Minister Stoere stated children must first learn to read, write, and do math.
NASA selects Relativity Space for 2028 Aeolus mission to Mars.
Relativity Space, led by former Google executive Eric Schmidt, has been chosen by NASA to launch the Aeolus payload to Mars in 2028. The company will provide the spacecraft, rocket, and cruise operations for the mission.
Tech giants pledge nearly $1 billion for carbon removal technology.
Google, Anthropic, Salesforce, and other companies have committed nearly $1 billion to purchase future carbon removal credits. This initiative aims to provide funding for today's carbon removal startups.
Nobel laureate John Jumper leaves Google DeepMind for Anthropic.
Nobel Prize winner John Jumper is departing Google DeepMind to join Anthropic after nearly nine years, following recent high-profile exits from Google's AI division. Jumper's move marks another significant talent shift in the AI industry.
Amazon investigates engineers who criticized AI data center buildout.
A group of Amazon employees is under investigation after speaking out at a council meeting to criticize the company's AI data center expansion. Amazon stated it "may or may not take action" based on its findings.
Hyundai takes full control of Boston Dynamics as SoftBank exits.
Hyundai has acquired full control of Boston Dynamics, with SoftBank exiting its stake for $325 million. This move solidifies Hyundai's position in the robotics sector.
Australia's social media ban for under-16s proves ineffective, warns UK.
Australia's social media ban for under-16s has shown limited effectiveness, with many teens still accessing platforms without VPNs. This raises concerns that similar proposed UK child safety measures may also fail.