Development

Stargate venture to support OpenAI, according to FT.

Stargate, a new joint venture formed by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, aims to build data centres across the US to support the growing demands of AI. According to a report by the Financial Times on Thursday, these data centres will be dedicated solely to OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT. The collaboration between these tech giants underscores the increasing importance of robust infrastructure to power the next wave of AI innovation.

The exclusive focus on OpenAI’s needs comes when AI technologies rapidly expand, with the demand for high-performance computing capabilities soaring. The partnership will allow OpenAI to scale its operations and provide the necessary computing power for its cutting-edge AI models. As companies worldwide race to develop more advanced AI tools, the infrastructure provided by Stargate is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the next generation of AI services.

Oracle and SoftBank’s involvement brings significant expertise in cloud infrastructure and global telecom, making the venture a powerful alliance in the competitive AI landscape. The project highlights the growing intersection of cloud computing, data storage, and AI as companies like OpenAI push the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

GameOn founder faces fraud charges

The founder and former CEO of GameOn, an AI startup in San Francisco, has been indicted for orchestrating a six-year-long fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded investors and the company out of over $60 million. Alexander Beckman, 41, faces 23 criminal charges, while his wife, Valerie Lau Beckman, 38, who worked as a lawyer for the company, is charged with 16 counts, including obstruction. Both have pleaded not guilty. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed civil charges against the couple.

Beckman is accused of deceiving investors by inflating the company’s financial status, including fabricating fake customer relationships, overstating revenue, and creating fraudulent bank statements and audit reports. He allegedly went as far as impersonating individuals to share false information. Meanwhile, Lau Beckman allegedly assisted her husband by providing authentic audit reports to help fabricate false documents and delete critical files after an investigation began.

The Beckmans are also accused of misusing investor funds for personal expenses, including purchasing a luxury home, vehicles, and covering costs for their wedding. The fraudulent activities reportedly continued up until Beckman’s resignation as CEO in July 2024. GameOn, which has since been rebranded as On Platform, eventually admitted to the financial discrepancies and laid off most of its employees.

The case underscores the need for integrity in the tech industry, particularly within startups, as federal prosecutors emphasise that fraud cannot fuel innovation.

Technology transforms Maha Kumbh 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, has embraced cutting-edge technology to better manage the world’s largest gathering of humanity. Facial recognition software, AI, and advanced crowd-monitoring systems ensure a safer and more organised festival for the expected 400 million visitors. Sarita Singh’s experience highlights the impact of these advancements. Separated from her son and mother-in-law, she was reunited with them within hours thanks to facial recognition software linked to over 2,700 CCTV cameras.

Authorities use AI-powered tools to count crowds, detect surges, and prevent stampedes at the sprawling 4,000-hectare site. Nearly 93 million visitors were recorded in the festival’s first nine days alone. The AI systems also monitor for fire hazards and trespassing, providing real-time alerts to on-ground personnel. Underwater drones add another layer of safety, sending alerts if accidents occur during the ritual dips in the holy rivers. Multilingual chatbots on the official Kumbh app further assist visitors from diverse regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised technology integration, describing the event as a ‘union of data and technology.’ The digital tools being deployed reflect the changing era of the Maha Kumbh, which not only honours ancient traditions but also embraces modern innovations to enhance the experience for millions of devotees.

Pope urges vigilance over AI at World Economic Forum

Pope Francis has called on global leaders to exercise caution in the development of AI, warning it could deepen a ‘crisis of truth’ in society. In a statement read at the World Economic Forum in Davos by Cardinal Peter Turkson, the pontiff acknowledged the potential of AI but emphasised its ethical implications and the risks it poses to humanity’s future. The remarks come as AI becomes a key focus at this year’s summit.

Francis highlighted concerns about AI’s ability to produce outputs nearly indistinguishable from human work, raising questions about its impact on public trust and truth. He urged governments and businesses to maintain strict oversight of AI development to address these challenges effectively. The pope has been vocal on ethical issues surrounding AI in recent years, addressing its implications at high-profile events like the Group of Seven summit in Italy.

The leader of the Catholic Church has personal experience with AI-related controversies. In early 2024, a deepfake image of him wearing a white puffer coat went viral, underscoring the risks associated with the misuse of such technologies. Francis has consistently warned against relying on algorithms to shape human destiny, advocating for a more responsible and ethical approach to technological innovation.

Oracle unveils AI agents to assist sales teams

Oracle has introduced a suite of AI agents designed to streamline tasks for sales professionals. Unlike consumer-focused virtual assistants, these agents specialise in specific functions, such as updating records after customer meetings and compiling detailed reports to assist with deal negotiations. The agents can integrate data from across Oracle’s business software ecosystem, even translating information from different languages to offer sales teams a comprehensive view of customer interactions.

A notable feature of the new system is its ability to highlight critical insights, such as delays in shipments affecting repeat customers in other regions, which can help sales teams navigate negotiations more effectively. Rob Pinkerton, Oracle’s senior vice president, emphasised the global relevance of the technology, especially for companies operating in multiple markets. The tools are particularly tailored for industries like manufacturing and logistics, where accurate and timely data is crucial.

The AI agents are available to customers starting this week at no additional cost, reflecting Oracle’s commitment to enhancing its software offerings. The move aligns with broader industry trends, as competitors like Microsoft and Google also focus on deploying specialised AI to increase productivity and tackle complex challenges in enterprise environments.

SandboxAQ brings large quantitative models to Google Cloud

SandboxAQ, a quantum technology startup spun off from Alphabet in 2022, has announced its large quantitative models (LQMs) will be available on Google Cloud. These models, which handle vast numerical datasets and perform complex calculations, are designed for applications such as financial modelling, trading automation, and statistical analysis. The partnership will enable enterprises to develop and deploy LQMs more efficiently, broadening SandboxAQ‘s customer base.

CEO Jack Hidary emphasised the significance of quantitative AI, highlighting its role in industries like life sciences, financial services, and navigation. The company, headquartered in Palo Alto, recently secured $300 million in funding, raising its valuation to $5.6 billion. This is the first time SandboxAQ’s models will be accessible on a third-party platform, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

Google’s growing focus on quantum computing complements its collaboration with SandboxAQ. The tech giant announced progress in quantum chip development last December, aiming to address key challenges in the field. Rivals like Microsoft and Nvidia have also been advancing quantum computing initiatives, signalling intensified competition in the emerging technology.

UK competition regulator welcomes Doug Gurr

The UK‘s Competition and Markets Authority has appointed former Amazon executive Doug Gurr as its interim chairman, signalling the government’s push to boost economic growth and support the tech sector. Gurr, who brings extensive experience at Amazon, including leading the company’s UK and China operations, will guide the CMA as it fosters competition in industries such as cloud services and AI. The move aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to streamline regulations and position itself as a pro-business nation.

Gurr’s appointment comes amid a critical phase in the CMA’s investigation into the domestic cloud services market, which has been scrutinising Amazon’s dominant position. While Gurr will serve in an interim role, the government hopes his commercial background will help drive pro-business decisions that stimulate growth. This marks a shift from the previous chair, Marcus Bokkerink, whose tenure was shorter than expected, possibly due to dissatisfaction among government officials.

Industry experts note that Gurr’s appointment is timely, as the CMA is stepping up its oversight of Big Tech, particularly with the expanded powers under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act. Critics and lobby groups like the Open Cloud Coalition closely watch how the CMA will handle its regulatory responsibilities, particularly in the cloud services sector, where Amazon holds a significant market share. They urge the CMA to maintain a strong stance on promoting fairness and competition.

As the CMA navigates its investigations and enforces new rules, stakeholders are keen to see how Gurr’s leadership will shape the future of competition regulation in the UK. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers, particularly in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

New classroom features announced for ChromeOS

Google is rolling out a unique accessibility feature for Chromebooks that allows users to control their devices using head and facial movements. Initially introduced in December, this tool is designed for people with motor impairments and uses AI to let facial gestures act as a virtual cursor. The feature is available on Chromebooks with 8GB of RAM or more and builds on Google’s prior efforts, such as its Project Gameface accessibility tool for Windows and Android.

In addition to accessibility, Google is unveiling over 20 new Chromebook models this year, including the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1, to complement its existing lines. The devices target educators, students, and general users seeking enhanced performance and versatility.

Google has also introduced ‘Class Tools’ for ChromeOS, which offer teachers real-time screen-sharing capabilities. These tools allow educators to share content directly with students, monitor their progress, and activate live captions or translations during lessons. Integration with Figma’s FigJam now brings interactive whiteboard assignments to Google Classroom, promoting collaboration and creative group work. Together, these updates aim to enhance accessibility and productivity in education.

UK government shakes up CMA leadership

Marcus Bokkerink has been removed from his position as chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by the UK government, marking a shift in regulatory practices aimed at boosting economic growth. The CMA, a key agency overseeing mergers and competition, had recently paused the high-profile Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger, showcasing its regulatory power. Bokkerink, appointed in 2022, was expected to serve a five-year term but will now step down as part of the government’s effort to realign regulatory bodies with its economic priorities.

This decision reflects a broader governmental push to reduce barriers to economic expansion. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently sent a letter to several regulators, including the CMA, urging them to prioritize growth. Government insiders have suggested that the move signals a serious commitment to reshaping the regulatory environment to encourage investment and economic development.

The removal of Bokkerink, a former senior partner at Boston Consulting Group, comes as the government continues to focus on attracting international investment, with key figures like Reeves and Reynolds attending the World Economic Forum in Davos to further this goal. The government’s efforts to reshape regulatory culture align with its broader strategy to make economic growth the country’s top priority.

India watchdog demands fresh probe into Foxconn hiring

India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has rebuked labour officials for inadequately investigating claims of employment discrimination at Foxconn’s iPhone manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. The commission called for a thorough re-examination after a Reuters investigation revealed that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from assembly line jobs, relaxing the rule only during high-production periods.

Labour officials, who visited the Foxconn plant in July, reported that 6.7% of its 33,360 female workers were married but failed to confirm whether they worked on the assembly line. Federal investigators also relied on employee testimonies, finding no wage or promotion bias but neglected to scrutinise recruitment records. The NHRC criticised these findings as superficial, stating they failed to address the alleged discriminatory hiring practices effectively.

Foxconn and Apple, both key players in India‘s electronics manufacturing push, did not respond to inquiries about the NHRC’s concerns. While Foxconn previously instructed recruiters to remove discriminatory job criteria, the NHRC has ordered a fresh investigation into the matter. The statutory body, which holds civil court-like authority, continues to push for accountability in safeguarding workers’ rights.