OpenAI has released reasoning-focused open-weight models in a strategic response to China’s surging AI ecosystem, led by DeepSeek’s disruptive efficiency. Unlike earlier coverage, the shift is framed not merely as competitive posturing but as a deeper recognition of shifting innovation philosophies.
DeepSeek’s rise stems from maximizing limited resources under the US’s export restrictions, proving that top-tier AI doesn’t require massive chip clusters. The agility has emboldened the open-source AI sector in China, where over 10 labs now rival those in the US, fundamentally reshaping competitive dynamics.
OpenAI’s ‘gpt-oss’ models, which reveal numerical parameters for customization, mark a departure from its traditional closed approach. Industry watchers see this as a hybrid play, retaining proprietary strengths while embracing openness to appeal to global developers.
The implications stretch beyond technology into geopolitics. US export controls may have inadvertently fueled Chinese AI innovation, with DeepSeek’s self-reliant architecture now serving as a proof point for resilience. DeepSeek’s achievement challenges the US’s historically resource-intensive approach to AI.
AI rivalry may spur collaboration or escalate competition. DeepSeek advances models like DeepSeek-MoE, while OpenAI strikes a balance between openness and monetization. Global AI dynamics shift, raising both technological and philosophical stakes.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has warned that many ChatGPT users are engaging with AI in self-destructive ways. His comments follow backlash over the sudden discontinuation of GPT-4o and other older models, which he admitted was a mistake.
Altman said that users form powerful attachments to specific AI models, and while most can distinguish between reality and fiction, a small minority cannot. He stressed OpenAI’s responsibility to manage the risks for those in mentally fragile states.
Using ChatGPT as a therapist or life coach was not his concern, as many people already benefit from it. Instead, he worried about cases where advice subtly undermines a user’s long-term well-being.
The model removals triggered a huge social-media outcry, with complaints that newer versions offered shorter, less emotionally rich responses. OpenAI has since restored GPT-4o for Plus subscribers, while free users will only have access to GPT-5.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Firms such as Wix.com, Shutterstock, and Adobe have been labelled high risk by Bank of America, with stock declines far outpacing the broader market. The shift stems from fears that AI will replace services like graphic design and data analysis, delivering them faster and cheaper.
Some analysts say the impact, once expected over five years, may unfold in just two.
The disruption is not limited to creative industries. Gartner saw a record share drop after cutting its revenue forecast, with some attributing the slump to cheaper AI-powered alternatives.
Meanwhile, major tech firms, including Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon, are expected to invest around $350 billion this year, nearly 50% more than last year, to expand AI infrastructure.
Despite the pressure, certain businesses are adapting successfully. Duolingo has doubled its share price over the past year by integrating AI into its language-learning tools, though questions remain over the long-term sustainability of such gains.
As the gap between AI-powered growth and industry decline widens, markets are bracing for further upheaval.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
AI tools used by over half of England’s local councils may be downplaying women’s physical and mental health issues. Research from LSE found Google’s AI model, Gemma, used harsher terms like ‘disabled’ and ‘complex’ more often for men than women with similar care needs.
The LSE study analysed thousands of AI-generated summaries from adult social care case notes. Researchers swapped only the patient’s gender to reveal disparities.
One example showed an 84-year-old man described as having ‘complex medical history’ and ‘poor mobility’, while the same notes for a woman suggested she was ‘independent’ despite limitations.
Among the models tested, Google’s Gemma showed the most pronounced gender bias, while Meta’s Llama 3 used gender-neutral language.
Lead researcher Dr Sam Rickman warned that biassed AI tools risk creating unequal care provision. Local authorities increasingly rely on such systems to ease social workers’ workloads.
Calls have grown for greater transparency, mandatory bias testing, and legal oversight to ensure fairness in long-term care.
Google said the Gemma model is now in its third generation and under review, though it is not intended for medical use.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix forecasts that the market for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, vital for AI, will expand by 30% annually until 2030. Demand growth is driven by cloud giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, boosting AI investments and memory needs.
HBM chips are specialised dynamic RAM designed for ultra-fast data processing with low energy use. SK Hynix’s head of HBM business planning, Choi Joon-yong, highlighted the strong link between AI infrastructure growth and HBM chip purchases.
Customised HBM products, tailored to specific AI models and workloads, are expected to form a multibillion-dollar market by 2030.
The upcoming HBM4 generation introduces client-specific ‘base die’ layers, allowing performance to be fine-tuned to match exact customer requirements. Such customisation builds strong supplier-client ties, benefiting SK Hynix and strengthening partnerships with key customers like Nvidia.
SK Hynix remains confident despite short-term price pressures from a potential oversupply of HBM3E chips. The company believes the launch of HBM4 and rising demand for tailored solutions will sustain growth.
Given its significant US manufacturing investments, geopolitical factors such as proposed US tariffs on foreign chip imports have had a limited impact on SK Hynix.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing has drawn significant attention to China’s growing humanoid robotics industry. With over 60 humanoid robots on display, the event attracted investors and tech enthusiasts alike, generating a surge in stock prices for companies such as Unitree Robotics.
The conference showcased robots performing diverse activities from industrial operations to more human-like tasks, including marathons and kickboxing, highlighting rapid AI advancements.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has supported the sector strongly, aiming for mass production and widespread adoption by 2027. The market, valued at $2.24 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to $41 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 44%.
New manufacturing facilities and advances such as carbon fibre materials are boosting the durability and agility of these robots, while companies are focusing on AI integration and teamwork capabilities.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges like high costs, AI learning complexities, and potential overvaluation remain. Experts acknowledge China is closing the gap in humanoid robotics innovation, though technical hurdles persist.
The event underscores the significant role humanoid robots could play in reshaping industries and everyday life, supported by both state initiatives and private investment.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The UAE Ministry of Interior states that AI, surveillance, and modern laws are key to fighting crime. Offences are economic, traditional, or cyber, with data tools and legal updates improving investigations. Cybercrime is on the rise as digital technology expands.
Current measures include AI monitoring, intelligent surveillance, and new laws. Economic crimes like fraud and tax evasion are addressed through analytics and banking cooperation. Cross-border cases and digital evidence tampering continue to be significant challenges.
Traditional crimes, such as theft and assault, are addressed through cameras, patrols, and awareness drives. Some offences persist in remote or crowded areas. Technology and global cooperation have improved results in several categories.
UAE officials warn that AI and the internet of Things will lead to more sophisticated cyberattacks. Future risks include evolving criminal tactics, privacy threats, skills shortages, and balancing security and individual rights.
Opportunities include AI-powered security, stronger global ties, and better cybersecurity. Dubai Police have launched a bilingual platform to educate the public, viewing awareness as the first defence against online threats.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
OpenAI will make its GPT-4o model available again for ChatGPT Plus subscribers after replacing it with GPT-5, following complaints from users who said the change was abrupt and unwelcome.
Chief executive Sam Altman confirmed that subscribers can choose between the two models, adding that the company will monitor usage before deciding how long to keep older versions available.
The decision comes days after the debut of GPT-5, which was introduced without the option to select previous models manually.
Some users said they valued the continuity and emotional connection they had formed with GPT-4o, describing it as unique and meaningful instead of simply replaceable. Others preferred having the freedom to select a model manually rather than relying on a default.
Altman acknowledged that GPT-5’s performance appeared weaker at times, attributing it partly to a temporary malfunction in the automatic switching system.
He also said adjustments are being made to improve how the system selects the most suitable model in different scenarios.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
NASA and Google are collaborating on an AI-powered medical assistant designed for long-distance space travel, particularly missions to Mars.
The Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant (CMO-DA) tool uses Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and a mix of open-source large language models to provide autonomous medical advice and diagnostics.
The capability is crucial due to the significant communication delays between Mars and Earth, which can reach up to 223 minutes one way, making real-time medical consultation impossible.
The CMO-DA aims to support astronauts by diagnosing conditions and offering treatment recommendations independently, without Earth-based input. Future versions will incorporate ultrasound imaging and biometric data to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Tested against common medical issues by a panel that included a doctor-astronaut, the AI demonstrated accuracy rates ranging from 74% to 88% for various ailments.
However, NASA acknowledges challenges such as building trust in AI decisions and limited data on health effects from spaceflight and partial gravity environments.
The project forms part of NASA’s Artemis programme, focusing on Moon exploration and preparing for human missions to Mars, emphasising the importance of autonomous healthcare tools for deep space missions.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Google is testing a new AI-powered version of its Finance page, offering users advanced tools to explore stock market, financial, and cryptocurrency information.
The platform enables users to ask natural language questions about finance and receive detailed answers, accompanied by source links.
The new page features three main components: research, charting tools, and real-time data and news. Users can visualise financial data using technical charts such as moving averages and candlestick charts, and access live updates and news feeds related to financial markets and cryptocurrencies.
Google plans to roll out the AI-powered Finance page over the coming weeks via Google.com/finance, aiming to provide a more interactive and insightful experience for users interested in financial data and market trends.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
