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Apple denies misusing Siri data following $95 million settlement

Apple has clarified that it has never sold data collected by its Siri voice assistant or used it to create marketing profiles. The statement, issued Wednesday, follows a $95 million settlement last week to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that Siri had inadvertently recorded private conversations and shared them with third parties, including advertisers. Apple denied the claims and admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement, which could result in payouts of up to $20 per Siri-enabled device for millions of affected customers.

The controversy stemmed from claims that Siri sometimes activated unintentionally, recording sensitive interactions. Apple emphasised in its statement that Siri data is used minimally and only for real-time server input when necessary, with no retention of audio recordings unless users explicitly opt-in. Even in such cases, the recordings are solely used to improve Siri’s functionality. Apple reaffirmed its commitment to privacy, stating, ‘Apple has never used Siri data to build marketing profiles, never made it available for advertising, and never sold it to anyone.’

This case has drawn attention alongside a similar lawsuit targeting Google’s Voice Assistant, currently pending in federal court in San Jose, California. Both lawsuits are spearheaded by the same legal teams, highlighting growing scrutiny over how tech companies handle voice assistant data.

Malaysia sets sights on energy and chipmaking leadership

Malaysia plans to leverage its strategic location and rising investments to establish itself as a hub for energy and semiconductor manufacturing, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli announced Thursday. The country is benefiting from political stability, economic growth, and a strong currency, distinguishing it from regional peers facing uncertainty.

Prime Minister Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s economic rebound last year, driven by significant investments in renewable energy and AI infrastructure. He pointed to a stable ringgit, low inflation, and a leading stock market performance in Southeast Asia. ‘In 2025, we aim to capitalise on our geographical position as a conduit for electricity, talent, and supply chain diversification,’ Anwar said at an economic forum.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli revealed plans to produce homegrown graphics processing unit (GPU) chips in response to growing AI and data centre demands. Malaysia, which already accounts for 13% of global semiconductor testing and packaging, is targeting over $100 billion in investments for the sector. The country has attracted major firms like Intel and Infineon, as well as digital investments from Google, further boosting its economy and solidifying its role as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Netherlands moves closer to AI facility with Nvidia agreement

The Dutch government announced a deal with Nvidia on Thursday to provide hardware and expertise for a potential AI supercomputing facility. The planned facility is part of the Netherlands‘ broader strategy to bolster AI research and contribute to EU efforts to strengthen Europe’s digital economy.

Last year, the Netherlands allocated €204.5 million ($210 million) for AI investments, with additional funding expected from European subsidies. Economy Minister Dirk Beljaarts hailed the Nvidia agreement as a major step toward realising the project, emphasising the intense global competition for advanced AI technologies.

‘This deal brings building a Dutch AI facility a lot closer,’ Beljaarts said after meeting Nvidia representatives in Silicon Valley, although he refrained from disclosing specific details of the agreement.

Brazil warns tech firms to follow laws or face expulsion

Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes reiterated on Wednesday that technology companies must comply with national laws to continue operating in the country. His statement followed Meta’s recent announcement to scale back its US fact-checking program, raising concerns about its impact on Brazil.

Speaking at an event marking the anniversary of anti-institution riots, Moraes emphasised that the court would not tolerate the use of hate speech for profit. Last year, he ordered the suspension of social media platform X for over a month due to its failure to moderate hate speech, a decision later upheld by the court. X owner Elon Musk criticised the move as censorship but ultimately complied with court demands to restore the platform’s services in Brazil.

Brazilian prosecutors have also asked Meta to clarify whether its US fact-checking changes will apply in Brazil, citing an ongoing investigation into social media platforms’ efforts to combat misinformation and violence. Meta has been given 30 days to respond but declined to comment through its local office.

Israeli agri-tech startup Fermata secures funding for AI-powered farming solutions

Israeli startup Fermata, founded in 2020 by bioinformatics expert Valeria Kogan, is using AI and computer vision to monitor greenhouse crops for diseases and pests. The company’s software works with standard cameras, capturing images of plants twice a day and alerting farmers to potential infestations via an app. Initially considering robotic solutions, Kogan shifted focus after consulting with farmers, realising that simpler camera-based monitoring was more effective.

Based in Israel, Fermata has gained traction by prioritising farmer needs and keeping its AI training in-house, improving model accuracy. Partnering with major agricultural firms like Bayer and Syngenta, the company has deployed over 100 cameras and continues to expand. The startup recently secured a $10 million Series A investment from Raw Ventures, its existing investor, to scale operations and work towards profitability by 2026.

Plans for growth include strengthening the sales team and expanding beyond greenhouse tomatoes into new crops. Despite AI’s previous struggles in agriculture, Fermata’s practical approach and farmer-centric model have helped it carve a niche in the industry.

Trump reveals $20 billion investment pledge from Emirati billionaire

Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani plans to invest $20 billion in the growing US data centre sector over the coming years. The announcement was made alongside US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where Sajwani, chairman of Dubai-based developer DAMAC, expressed the potential for even larger investments depending on market conditions.

Sajwani’s company owns the only Trump-branded golf course in the Middle East, located in Dubai. The two have a long-standing relationship, with Sajwani celebrating New Year with Trump in Florida. Trump’s focus on economic growth aligns with this announcement, though previous investment promises, such as the Foxconn factory in Wisconsin, fell short of expectations.

A surge in AI technology, particularly since the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022, has driven significant investment in data infrastructure. Microsoft recently revealed plans to spend $80 billion this fiscal year on expanding its AI capacity. SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son also committed $100 billion in US investments, further highlighting the sector’s momentum.

US restrictions on advanced AI chip exports to China have intensified under the Biden administration. Trump’s recent appointments of China hard-liners in key economic and diplomatic roles signal a continued focus on limiting China’s access to cutting-edge technologies.

Faculty AI develops AI for military drones

Faculty AI, a consultancy company with significant experience in AI, has been developing AI technologies for both civilian and military applications. Known for its close work with the UK government on AI safety, the NHS, and education, Faculty is also exploring the use of AI in military drones. The company has been involved in testing AI models for the UK’s AI Safety Institute (AISI), which was established to study the implications of AI safety.

While Faculty has worked extensively with AI in non-lethal areas, its work with military applications raises concerns due to the potential for autonomous systems in weapons, including drones. Though Faculty has not disclosed whether its AI work extends to lethal drones, it continues to face scrutiny over its dual roles in advising both the government on AI safety and working with defense clients.

The company has also generated some controversy because of its growing influence in both the public and private sectors. Some experts, including Green Party members, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to Faculty’s widespread government contracts and its private sector involvement in AI, such as its collaborations with OpenAI and defence firms. Faculty’s work on AI safety is seen as crucial, but critics argue that its broad portfolio could create a risk of bias in the advice it provides.

Despite these concerns, Faculty maintains that its work is guided by strict ethical policies, and it has emphasised its commitment to ensuring AI is used safely and responsibly, especially in defence applications. As AI continues to evolve, experts call for caution, with discussions about the need for human oversight in the development of autonomous weapons systems growing more urgent.

UK regulator considers remedies for Synopsys-Ansys deal

The UK‘s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), announced it may accept remedies proposed by Synopsys and Ansys to address concerns over their $35 billion merger. The deal, announced in January of last year, involves Synopsys acquiring Ansys, a company known for its software used in industries like aerospace and sports equipment manufacturing.

The CMA outlined the proposed remedies, which include the sale of Ansys’ power consumption analysis product for digital chips and Synopsys’ global optics and photonics software business. The regulator has until March 5 to decide whether to accept these remedies, though it can extend the deadline to 6 May.

Synopsys expressed satisfaction with the CMA’s progress and reiterated its commitment to working closely with the authority. The outcome of the regulator’s review could significantly impact the completion of the merger, which aims to enhance the companies’ capabilities in chip design software.

US tech leaders oppose proposed export limits

A prominent technology trade group has urged the Biden administration to reconsider a proposed rule that would restrict global access to US-made AI chips, warning that the measure could undermine America’s leadership in the AI sector. The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), representing major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, expressed concerns that the restrictions could unfairly limit US companies’ ability to compete globally while allowing foreign rivals to dominate the market.

The proposed rule, expected to be released as soon as Friday, is part of the Commerce Department’s broader strategy to regulate AI chip exports and prevent misuse, particularly by adversaries like China. The restrictions aim to curb the potential for AI to enhance China’s military capabilities. However, in a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, ITI CEO Jason Oxman criticised the administration’s urgency in finalising the rule, warning of ‘significant adverse consequences’ if implemented hastily. Oxman called for a more measured approach, such as issuing a proposed rule for public feedback rather than enacting an immediate policy.

Industry leaders have been vocal in their opposition, describing the draft rule as overly broad and damaging. The Semiconductor Industry Association raised similar concerns earlier this week, and Oracle’s Executive Vice President Ken Glueck slammed the measure as one of the most disruptive ever proposed for the US tech sector. Glueck argued the rule would impose sweeping regulations on the global commercial cloud industry, stifling innovation and growth.

While the administration has yet to comment on the matter, the growing pushback highlights the tension between safeguarding national security and maintaining US dominance in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

Meta ends fact-checking program in the US

Meta Platforms has announced the termination of its US fact-checking program and eased restrictions on politically charged discussions, such as immigration and gender identity. The decision, which affects Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, marks a significant shift in the company’s content moderation strategy. CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the move as a return to ‘free expression,’ citing recent US elections as a cultural tipping point. The changes come as Meta seeks to build rapport with the incoming Trump administration.

In place of fact-checking, Meta plans to adopt a ‘Community Notes’ system, similar to that used by Elon Musk’s platform X. The company will also scale back proactive monitoring of hate speech, relying instead on user reports, while continuing to address high-severity violations like terrorism and scams. Meta is also relocating some policy teams from California to other states, signalling a broader operational shift. The decision follows the promotion of Republican policy executive Joel Kaplan to head of global affairs and the appointment of Trump ally Dana White to Meta’s board.

The move has sparked criticism from fact-checking organisations and free speech advocates. Angie Drobnic Holan, head of the International Fact-Checking Network, pushed back against Zuckerberg’s claims of bias, asserting that fact-checkers provide context rather than censorship. Critics, including the Centre for Information Resilience, warn that the policy rollback could exacerbate disinformation. For now, the changes will apply only to the US, with Meta maintaining its fact-checking operations in regions like the European Union, where stricter tech regulations are in place.

As Meta rolls out its ‘Community Notes’ system, global scrutiny is expected to intensify. The European Commission, already investigating Musk’s X over similar practices, noted Meta’s announcement and emphasised compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates robust content regulation. While Meta navigates a complex regulatory and political landscape, the impact of its new policies on disinformation and public trust remains uncertain.