Sustainable development

Meta to use EU user data for AI training amid scrutiny

Meta Platforms has announced it will begin using public posts, comments, and user interactions with its AI tools to train its AI models in the EU, instead of limiting training data to existing US-based inputs.

The move follows the recent European rollout of Meta AI, which had been delayed since June 2024 due to data privacy concerns raised by regulators. The company said EU users of Facebook and Instagram would receive notifications outlining how their data may be used, along with a link to opt out.

Meta clarified that while questions posed to its AI and public content from adult users may be used, private messages and data from under-18s would be excluded from training.

Instead of expanding quietly, the company is now making its plans public in an attempt to meet the EU’s transparency expectations.

The shift comes after Meta paused its original launch last year at the request of Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which expressed concerns about using social media content for AI development. The move also drew criticism from advocacy group NOYB, which has urged regulators to intervene more decisively.

Meta joins a growing list of tech firms under scrutiny in Europe. Ireland’s privacy watchdog is already investigating Elon Musk’s X and Google for similar practices involving personal data use in AI model training.

Instead of treating such probes as isolated incidents, the EU appears to be setting a precedent that could reshape how global companies handle user data in AI development.

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X faces EU probe over AI data use

Elon Musk’s X platform is under formal investigation by the Irish Data Protection Commission over its alleged use of public posts from EU users to train the Grok AI chatbot.

The probe is centred on whether X Internet Unlimited Company, the platform’s newly renamed Irish entity, has adhered to key GDPR principles while sharing publicly accessible data, like posts and interactions, with its affiliate xAI, which develops the chatbot.

Concerns have grown over the lack of explicit user consent, especially as other tech giants such as Meta signal similar data usage plans.

A move like this is part of a wider regulatory push in the EU to hold AI developers accountable instead of allowing unchecked experimentation. Experts note that many AI firms have deployed tools under a ‘build first, ask later’ mindset, an approach at odds with Europe’s strict data laws.

Should regulators conclude that public data still requires user consent, it could force a dramatic shift in how AI models are developed, not just in Europe but around the world.

Enterprises are now treading carefully. The investigation into X is already affecting AI adoption across the continent, with legal and reputational risks weighing heavily on decision-makers.

In one case, a Nordic bank halted its AI rollout midstream after its legal team couldn’t confirm whether European data had been used without proper disclosure. Instead of pushing ahead, the project was rebuilt using fully documented, EU-based training data.

The consequences could stretch far beyond the EU. Ireland’s probe might become a global benchmark for how governments view user consent in the age of data scraping and machine learning.

Instead of enforcement being region-specific, this investigation could inspire similar actions from regulators in places like Singapore and Canada. As AI continues to evolve, companies may have no choice but to adopt more transparent practices or face a rising tide of legal scrutiny.

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TheStage AI makes neural network optimisation easy

In a move set to ease one of the most stubborn hurdles in AI development, Delaware-based startup TheStage AI has secured $4.5 million to launch its Automatic NNs Analyzer (ANNA).

Instead of requiring months of manual fine-tuning, ANNA allows developers to optimise AI models in hours, cutting deployment costs by up to five times. The technology is designed to simplify a process that has remained inaccessible to all but the largest tech firms, often limited by expensive GPU infrastructure.

TheStage AI’s system automatically compresses and refines models using techniques like quantisation and pruning, adapting them to various hardware environments without locking users into proprietary platforms.

Instead of focusing on cloud-based deployment, their models, called ‘Elastic models’, can run anywhere from smartphones to on-premise GPUs. This gives startups and enterprises a cost-effective way to adjust quality and speed with a simple interface, akin to choosing video resolution on streaming platforms.

Backed by notable investors including Mehreen Malik and Atlantic Labs, and already used by companies like Recraft.ai, the startup addresses a growing need as demand shifts from AI training to real-time inference.

Unlike competitors acquired by larger corporations and tied to specific ecosystems, TheStage AI takes a dual-market approach, helping both app developers and AI researchers. Their strategy supports scale without complexity, effectively making AI optimisation available to teams of any size.

Founded by a group of PhD holders with experience at Huawei, the team combines deep academic roots with practical industry application.

By offering a tool that streamlines deployment instead of complicating it, TheStage AI hopes to enable broader use of generative AI technologies in sectors where performance and cost have long been limiting factors.

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UAE experts warn on AI privacy risks in art apps

A surge in AI applications transforming selfies into Studio Ghibli-style artwork has captivated social media, but UAE cybersecurity experts are raising concerns over privacy and data misuse.

Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, warned that engaging with unofficial apps could lead to breaches or leaks of personal data. He emphasised that while AI’s benefits are clear, users must understand how their personal data is handled by these platforms.

He called for strong cybersecurity standards across all digital platforms, urging individuals to be more cautious with their data.

Media professionals are also sounding alarms. Adel Al-Rashed, an Emirati journalist, cautioned that free apps often mimic trusted platforms but could exploit user data. He advised users to stick to verified applications, noting that paid services, like ChatGPT’s Pro edition, offer stronger privacy protections.

While acknowledging the risks, social media influencer Ibrahim Al-Thahli highlighted the excitement AI brings to creative expression. He urged users to focus on education and safe engagement with the technology, underscoring the UAE’s goal to build a resilient digital economy.

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AI transforms global healthcare with major growth ahead

The healthcare sector is poised for significant growth as AI continues to revolutionise the industry. A new report from Avant Technologies predicts an influx of AI-powered solutions in healthcare, with key technology giants leading the charge.

Avant Technologies and Ainnova, in their joint venture, plan to showcase their AI-powered Vision AI platform at the 2025 Mexico Healthcare Innovation Summit.

The platform, aimed at early disease detection, is nearing approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is already in clinical trials in Southeast Asia and South America.

Apple and Amazon are also entering the AI healthcare space, with Apple launching an AI-powered health coach to guide users on diet and exercise, while Amazon is expanding its AI solutions with a healthcare chatbot.

Meanwhile, GE Healthcare has seen success with its AI-driven cardiac imaging, which has garnered FDA approval. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports AI integration in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care and early diagnosis, though it has urged regulators to be cautious of potential risks.

AI in healthcare is expected to grow exponentially, reaching a market valuation of $613 billion by 2034. The sector’s rapid expansion is driven by increasing adoption rates, particularly for early disease detection, administrative efficiency, and personalised medicine.

Despite data privacy concerns, the adoption of AI tools in fields like dermatology, oncology, and cardiovascular health is expected to surge. North America is predicted to lead the market, followed by Europe and South Asia, as more healthcare institutions embrace AI technologies.

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Lenovo unveils compact edge AI server

Lenovo has introduced the ThinkEdge SE100, a compact AI inferencing server aimed at bringing edge AI within reach for businesses of all sizes.

Rather than relying on large data centres for processing, this server is designed to operate on-site in space-constrained environments, allowing data to be processed locally instead of being sent to the cloud.

The SE100 supports hybrid cloud deployments and is part of Lenovo’s new ThinkSystem V4 family. While the V4 systems are built for AI training, the SE100 is intended for inferencing, which is less demanding and doesn’t require power-hungry GPUs.

Lenovo says the unit is 85% smaller than a typical 1U server and draws under 140W, even with GPU configurations.

Engineered to be both energy-efficient and quiet, the SE100 uses Neptune liquid cooling instead of traditional fans, making it suitable for public spaces. Its design also helps extend system health and lifespan by reducing air flow needs and lowering operating temperatures.

Lenovo’s vice president of infrastructure products, Scott Tease, stated the SE100 is a cost-effective solution that simplifies AI deployment at the edge.

Its flexible design adapts to diverse business needs, offering low-latency, high-performance inferencing without the complexity or expense of full-scale AI infrastructure.

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Meta faces landmark antitrust trial

An antitrust trial against Meta commenced in Washington, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the company’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were designed to crush competition instead of fostering innovation.

Although the FTC initially approved these deals, it now claims they effectively handed Meta a monopoly. Should the FTC succeed, Meta may be forced to sell off both platforms, a move that would reshape the tech landscape.

Meta has countered by asserting that users have benefited from Instagram’s development under its ownership, instead of being harmed by diminished competition. Legal experts believe the company will focus on consumer outcomes rather than corporate intent.

Nevertheless, statements made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, such as his remark that it’s ‘better to buy than to compete,’ may prove pivotal. Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg are both expected to testify during the trial, which could span several weeks in the US.

Political tensions loom over the case, which was first launched under Donald Trump’s presidency. Reports suggest Zuckerberg has privately lobbied Trump to drop the lawsuit, while Meta has criticised the FTC’s reversal years after approving the acquisitions.

The recent dismissal of two Democratic commissioners from the FTC by Trump has raised concerns over political interference, especially as the commission now holds a Republican majority.

While the FTC seeks to challenge Meta’s dominance, experts caution that proving harm in this case will be far more difficult than in the ongoing antitrust battle against Google.

Unlike the search engine market, which is clearly monopolised, the social media space remains highly competitive, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube and X offering strong alternatives.

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Google offers steep discounts to US federal agencies

Google is offering a 71% discount on its business apps package to US federal agencies as part of a new agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA).

The move is aimed at capitalising on President Trump’s cost-cutting efforts, which include reducing government contracts. If fully adopted by federal agencies, the deal could save up to $2 billion.

The pricing structure will now be based on government-wide usage, rather than the individual agency agreements that previously offered smaller discounts. The GSA views the agreement as part of its broader strategy to create cost savings for the federal government.

A shift like this could help Google expand its presence in the government sector, where Microsoft currently holds an 85% market share.

As part of its push, Google has enhanced its Workspace suite with AI-driven features from its Gemini model. The platform has already been used by some government entities, including the US Air Force’s Air Force Research Laboratory, since 2021.

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Rapid AI growth raises global energy demands

The global demand for AI technology is set to consume nearly as much energy by 2030 as Japan does today, with much of that coming from data centres. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity demand from data centres will more than double by 2030, driven largely by AI.

Some AI data centres will require up to 20 times more energy than the average one, raising concerns about the environmental impact.

While AI’s rapid adoption could increase energy consumption, the IEA believes it also holds the potential for reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions. AI could improve energy efficiency, assist in designing grids for renewable energy, and optimise industrial processes.

However, the report warns that without careful regulation, AI’s growth could strain energy systems and harm the environment, particularly if fossil fuel-powered plants are used to meet energy demand.

Efforts to mitigate the impact of AI include harnessing its capabilities to design energy-efficient systems, optimise transport, and assist in critical infrastructure management. Yet, some experts argue that AI’s energy demands might outpace these benefits unless governments take proactive steps.

Claude Turmes, former Luxembourg energy minister, warned that the IEA’s optimistic outlook overlooks the severe risks to energy systems, urging stronger regulatory measures.

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Anker raises prices amid rising US tariffs

Chinese tech company Anker, one of Amazon’s largest sellers, has raised prices on a fifth of its products on the platform since last Thursday. The price hikes, averaging 18%, are a direct result of the recent increase in US tariffs on Chinese goods.

The majority of the price rises occurred after 7 April, when President Donald Trump imposed an additional 50% import duty on Chinese imports.

It follows a broader trend where US import tariffs on Chinese goods have now reached 145%, while Beijing retaliated by raising tariffs on US products to 125%.

In response, China’s largest cross-border e-commerce association warned that many Chinese businesses selling on Amazon are considering price hikes or may leave the US market altogether.

Anker, a major player in the e-commerce space since its founding in 2011, has leveraged its bargaining power to implement these price increases.

With 5,000 employees and annual revenues of 22.17 billion yuan ($3 billion), Anker is able to absorb some of the tariff pressure while many of its competitors face similar challenges.

The company has also hinted at expanding into non-US markets, including Europe and Southeast Asia, as it seeks to navigate the increasingly challenging trade environment.

Anker and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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