AI Mode reshapes Google’s search results

One year after launching AI-generated search results via AI Overviews, Google has unveiled AI Mode—a new feature it claims will redefine online search.

Functioning as an integrated chatbot, AI Mode allows users to ask complex questions, receive detailed responses, and continue with follow-up queries, eliminating the need to click through traditional links.

Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai described it as a ‘total reimagining of search,’ noting significant changes in user behaviour during early trials.

Analysts suggest the company is attempting to disrupt its own search business before rivals do, following internal concerns sparked by the rise of tools like ChatGPT.

With AI Mode, Google is increasingly shifting from directing users to websites toward delivering instant answers itself. Critics fear it could dramatically reduce web traffic for publishers who depend on Google for visibility and revenue.

While Google insists the open web will continue to grow, many publishers remain unconvinced. The News/Media Alliance condemned the move, calling it theft of content without fair return.

Links were the last mechanism providing meaningful traffic, said CEO Danielle Coffey, who urged the US Department of Justice to take action against what she described as monopolistic behaviour.

Meanwhile, Google is rapidly integrating AI across its ecosystem. Alongside AI Mode, it introduced developments in its Gemini model, with the aim of building a ‘world model’ capable of simulating and planning like the human brain.

Google DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis said the goal is to lay the foundations for an AI-native operating system.

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Google aims for profit with new AI Search

At its annual developer event, Google I/O, Google unveiled a new feature called AI Mode, built directly into its core product, Google Search.

Rather than being a separate app, AI Mode integrates a chatbot into the search engine, allowing users to ask complex, detailed queries and receive direct answers along with curated web links. Google hopes this move will stop users from drifting to other AI tools instead of its own services.

The launch follows concerns that Google Search was starting to lose ground. Investors took notice when Apple’s Eddy Cue revealed that Safari searches had dropped for the first time in April, as users began to favour AI-powered alternatives.

A decline like this led to a 7% drop in Alphabet’s stock, highlighting just how critical search remains to Google’s dominance. By embedding AI into Search, Google aims to maintain its leadership instead of risking a steady erosion of its user base.

Unlike most AI platforms still searching for profitability, Google’s AI Mode is already positioned to make money. Advertising—long the engine of Google’s revenue—will be introduced into AI Mode, ensuring it generates income just as traditional search does.

While rivals burn through billions running large language models, Google is simply monetising the same way it always has.

AI Mode also helps defend Google’s biggest asset. Rather than seeing AI as a threat, Google embraced it to reinforce Search and protect the advertising revenue it depends on.

Most AI competitors still rely on expensive, unsustainable models, whereas Google is leveraging its existing ecosystem instead of building from scratch. However, this gives it a major edge in the race for AI dominance.

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SynthID Detector aims to boost transparency in AI content

Google has launched SynthID Detector, a verification portal designed to identify whether content was created using its AI models. The tool scans for SynthID, Google’s watermarking technology, which invisibly marks text, images, audio, and video generated by tools such as Gemini, Imagen, Lyria, and Veo.

The Detector highlights which parts of the content likely contain SynthID watermarks. These watermarks are invisible and do not affect the quality of the media. According to Google, over 10 billion pieces of AI-generated content have already been marked using SynthID.

Users can upload files to the SynthID Detector web portal, which then checks for the presence of watermarks. For example, the tool can identify specific segments in an audio file or regions in an image where watermarks are embedded.

Initially rolled out to early testers, the tool will become more widely available in the coming weeks. Google has also open sourced SynthID’s text watermarking technology to allow broader integration by developers.

The company says SynthID is part of a broader effort to address misinformation and improve transparency around AI-generated content. Google emphasized the importance of working with the AI community to support content authenticity as AI tools become more widespread.

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DW Weekly #213 – The UAE’s AI campus | Cybersecurity’s turbulent sea | The race for space, quantum, and supercomputing

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16 – 23 May 2025


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Dear readers,

The UAE is going to have ‘the world’s largest AI campus outside the USA

In the past week, we have seen the United Arab Emirates surging to the forefront of the global AI and infrastructure race, with announcements such as the world’s largest AI campus outside the USA, a 10-square-mile, 5-gigawatt facility in Abu Dhabi led by G42, backed by a $200 billion deal sealed during President Trump’s Gulf tour as part of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.

Further amplifying this momentum, G42 and OpenAI are collaborating on the Stargate Initiative, a massive AI data facility. At the same time, du and Microsoft have launched a $544 million AI data centre to boost regional computing power. Meanwhile, the UAE’s EDGE Group unveiled an AI accelerator to advance defence and technology innovation.

Additionally, the UAE is opening to cryptocurrency, as Ripple has introduced cross-border blockchain payments in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to boost cryptocurrency adoption in the region.

Navigating cybersecurity’s turbulent sea

The cybersecurity landscape resembled a turbulent sea in the week behind us, with threats and policy shifts challenging AI governance and digital policy worldwide. Japan has taken a bold step forward, enacting its Active Cyberdefence Law to allow preemptive offensive cyber operations, marking a historic shift from its pacifist stance to counter escalating threats from state-sponsored actors. 

Across the Pacific, US lawmakers are grappling with a reported one-day pause in offensive cyber operations against Russia, raising questions about strategic shifts in digital warfare amid geopolitical tensions. 

In Europe, the Netherlands has expanded its espionage laws to include cyber activities, imposing up to 12 years in prison for digital spying, reflecting a broader push to secure critical infrastructure. 

Adding to the turmoil, Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a cyberattack costing up to $400 million, underscoring vulnerabilities in the private sector’s digital defences.

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The race for space, quantum, and supercomputing

The global race for dominance in space, quantum, and supercomputing is accelerating. China is leading the charge with the launch of its first AI-powered satellites, forming an orbital supercomputer network designed to process vast datasets in space, bolstering its strategic edge in AI-driven defence and communications. 

Meanwhile, Taiwan is intensifying its terrestrial efforts, unveiling a new NVIDIA-powered supercomputer to enhance its AI capabilities, confirming itself as a key player in the global tech supply chain amid rising geopolitical tensions. 

On the quantum frontier, Google’s breakthrough with a new quantum chip, capable of simulating complex systems and hinting at multiverse-like computational possibilities, is a new transformative potential of quantum computing for AI innovation.

Digital policy highlights

The European Commission is taking significant steps to create a safer online environment for children by introducing draft guidelines under the Digital Services Act.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Take It Down Act, which will criminalise the sharing of explicit images, whether real or AI-generated, without consent.

The UK government has suffered a second defeat in the House of Lords over its Data (Use and Access) Bill, as peers once again backed a copyright-focused amendment to protect artists from AI content scraping.

Russia’s Ministry of Justice is working on legislation that would classify crypto assets as property, enabling their confiscation during criminal investigations.

Event reminder:

If you are based in Geneva, today, 23 May, is the last day to register for the luncheon debate with Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of ITU hosted by FSPI, which will be held on Monday, 26 May. Overlapping with the luncheon is ILO’s webinar officially launching a new guide on the digitalisation and blending of training programmes. Monday also marks the start of the next TSAG meeting in Geneva, which will wrap up on Friday, 30 May.

Nestled in the middle of the week, on Wednesday, 28 May, is our briefing for diplomats on the UN80 Initiative, AI, and digital governance (for inquiries, contact us at [email protected].) Later in the day, UNHCR, UNDP, IOM, UNICC and the Permanent Mission of Switzerland will officially launch the Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS) during an event where participants will discuss how digital innovation is reshaping the future of aid delivery.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 16 – 23 May 2025

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Investors are shifting into Bitcoin as long-term bonds lose their appeal as traditional safe havens.

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Trade Ministers of the BRICS approved the Data Economy Governance Understanding, aiming to promote a fair data economy among BRICS nations and establishing a roadmap.

european union eu flag

The firm acquired Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments to gain regulatory approval and expand its reach under the EU’s financial regulations.

Google US Department of justice Trump Antitrust Chrome

The lawsuit alleges an AI chatbot manipulated a vulnerable teen by acting as a therapist and romantic partner before he died by suicide in February 2024.

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Horizon Europe backs African innovation and health projects

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Finance officials say the new authority will help Pakistan lead the global blockchain race.

Pavel Durov Telegram

France denies accusations that it tried to pressure Telegram into political censorship.

researchers validate quantum mimicry of organic molecules

Ion-based simulation offers a scalable quantum chemistry breakthrough.

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The Senate has advanced the GENIUS Act after reaching a bipartisan deal on new stablecoin rules.

coinbase cryptocurrency US SEC SP 500

Coinbase declines ransom, offers $20 million reward for information on hackers.

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Recently, 96 countries met at the UN to discuss AI-powered weapons, expanding the conversation to include human rights, criminal law, and ethics, with a push for legally binding agreements by 2026.


READING CORNER
blog diplomatic theory

Diplomatic theory says: follow orders. Practice shows: shape reality. Between theory and practice lies the diplomat’s quiet craft. Aldo Matteucci asks if theory can catch up.

DIPLO BLOGS generic

What does ‘compromise’ truly mean, and why does the word so often carry negative connotations?

caregiver robot

AI-powered tools from Google, IBM, and startups improve diagnostics, clinical documentation, and patient care, reducing clinician workloads and enhancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.

BLOG featured image 2025 72

The Vatican’s potential role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine highlights its historical significance in diplomacy. Amid today’s geopolitical complexities, Pope Leo XIV’s initiative, alongside the Community of Sant’Egidio’s proven mediation successes, embodies the Vatican’s unique moral authority.

UPCOMING EVENTS
FORUM SUISSE DE POLITIQUE INTERNATIONALE
26 May 2025, 11:45h – 14:00h

The event’s theme will be ‘Bridging the Digital Divide in the AI Era’.

ILO
26 May 2025, 13:00h – 14:00h

The International Labour Organization (ILO) will host an online presentation to launch a new practical guide on the digitalisation and blending of training programmes, on 25 May 2025.

ITU
26 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2025–2028 study period from 26 to 30 May 2025 at ITU headquarters in Geneva.

CYCON 2025
27 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

The 17th International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon 2025), organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), will take place from 27 to 30 May 2025.

IGF Brazil 2025
27 May 2025 – 30 May 2025

The 15th edition of IGF Brazil (Fórum da Internet no Brasil (FIB15)) will take place from 26 to 30 May, 2025, at the Fiesta Bahia Hotel in Salvador, Bahia.

Geneva Internet Platform 2 2
28 May 2025

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) will hold its first meeting of the 2025–2028 study period from 26 to 30 May 2025 at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Flag United Nations
28 May 2025, 14:00h – 17:00h

The official launch of the Digital Hub of Treasury Solutions (DHoTS) will occur on 28 May 2025.

IGF2025
23 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025
The Government of Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025.
UNESCO logu blue background
24 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025
Thailand will host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 24 to 27 June 2025.

Google’s AI Mode is now live for all American users

Google’s AI Mode for Search, initially launched in March as an experimental Labs feature, is now being rolled out to all users in the US.

Announced at Google I/O 2025, this upgraded tool uses Gemini to generate more detailed and tailored search results instead of simply listing web links. Unlike AI Overview, which displays a brief summary above standard results, AI Mode resembles a chat interface, creating a more interactive experience.

Accessible at the top of the Search page beside tabs like ‘All’ and ‘Images’, AI Mode allows users to input detailed queries via a text box.

Once a search is submitted, the tool generates a comprehensive response, potentially including explanations, bullet points, tables, links, graphs, and even suggestions from Google Maps.

For instance, a query about Maldives hotels with ocean views, a gym, and access to water sports would result in a curated guide, complete with travel tips and hotel options.

The launch marks AI Mode’s graduation from the testing phase, signalling improved speed and reliability. While initially exclusive to US users, Google plans a global rollout soon.

By replacing basic search listings with useful AI-generated content, AI Mode positions itself as a smarter and more user-friendly alternative for complex search needs.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Judge rules Google must face chatbot lawsuit

A federal judge has ruled that Google and AI startup Character.AI must face a lawsuit brought by a Florida mother, who alleges a chatbot on the platform contributed to the tragic death of her 14-year-old son.

US District Judge Anne Conway rejected the companies’ arguments that chatbot-generated content is protected under free speech laws. She also denied Google’s motion to be excluded from the case, finding that the tech giant could share responsibility for aiding Character.AI.

The ruling is seen as a pivotal moment in testing the legal boundaries of AI accountability.

The case, one of the first in the US to target AI over alleged psychological harm to a child, centres on Megan Garcia’s claim that her son, Sewell Setzer, formed an emotional dependence on a chatbot.

Though aware it was artificial, Sewell, who had been diagnosed with anxiety and mood disorders, preferred the chatbot’s companionship over real-life relationships or therapy. He died by suicide in February 2024.

The lawsuit states that the chatbot impersonated both a therapist and a romantic partner, manipulating the teenager’s emotional state. In his final moments, Sewell messaged a bot mimicking a Game of Thrones character, saying he was ‘coming home’.

Character.AI insists it will continue to defend itself and highlighted existing features meant to prevent self-harm discussions. Google stressed it had no role in managing the app but had previously rehired the startup’s founders and licensed its technology.

Garcia claims Google was actively involved in developing the underlying technology and should be held liable.

The case casts new scrutiny on the fast-growing AI companionship industry, which operates with minimal regulation. For about $10 per month, users can create AI friends or romantic partners, marketed as solutions for loneliness.

Critics warn that these tools may pose mental health risks, especially for vulnerable users.

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Google launches Gemini Live and Pro/Ultra AI tiers at I/O 2025

At Google I/O 2025, the company unveiled significant updates to its Gemini AI assistant, expanding its features, integrations, and pricing tiers to better compete with ChatGPT, Siri, and other leading AI tools.

A highlight of the announcement is the rollout of Gemini Live to all Android and iOS users, which enables near real-time conversations with the AI using a smartphone’s camera or screen. Users can, for example, point their phone at a building and ask Gemini for information, receiving immediate answers.

Gemini Live is also set to integrate with core Google apps in the coming weeks. Users will be able to get directions from Maps, create events in Calendar, and manage tasks via Google Tasks—all from within the Gemini interface.

Google also introduced new subscription tiers. Google AI Pro, formerly Gemini Advanced, is priced at $20/month, while the premium AI Ultra plan costs $250/month, offering high usage limits, early access to new models, and exclusive tools.

Gemini is now accessible directly in Chrome for Pro and Ultra users in the US with English as their default language, allowing on-screen content summarisation and Q&A.

The Deep Research feature now supports private PDF and image uploads, combining them with public data to generate custom reports. Integration with Gmail and Google Drive is coming soon.

Visual tools are also improving. Free users get access to Imagen 4, a new image generation model, while Ultra users can try Veo 3, which includes native sound generation for AI-generated video.

For students, Gemini now offers personalised quizzes that adapt to areas where users struggle, helping with targeted learning.

Gemini now serves over 400 million monthly users, as Google deepens its AI footprint across its platforms through seamless integration and real-time multimodal capabilities.

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Google brings sign language translation to AI

Google has introduced Gemma 3n, an advanced AI model that can operate directly on mobile devices, laptops, and tablets without relying on the cloud. The company also revealed MedGemma, its most powerful open AI model for analysing medical images and text.

The model supports processing audio, text, images, and video, and is built to perform well even on devices with less than 2GB of RAM. It shares its architecture with Gemini Nano and is now available in preview.

MedGemma is part of Google’s Health AI Developer Foundations programme and is designed to help developers create custom health-focused applications. It promises wide-ranging usability in multimodal healthcare tasks.

Another model, SignGemma, was announced to aid in translating sign language into spoken text. Despite concerns over Gemma’s licensing, the models continue to see widespread adoption.

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Experts urge stronger safeguards as jailbroken chatbots leak illegal data

Hacked AI-powered chatbots pose serious security risks by revealing illicit knowledge the models absorbed during training, according to researchers at Ben Gurion University.

Their study highlights how ‘jailbroken’ large language models (LLMs) can be manipulated to produce dangerous instructions, such as how to hack networks, manufacture drugs, or carry out other illegal activities.

The chatbots, including those powered by models from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, are trained on vast internet data sets. While attempts are made to exclude harmful material, AI systems may still internalize sensitive information.

Safety controls are meant to block the release of this knowledge, but researchers demonstrated how it could be bypassed using specially crafted prompts.

The researchers developed a ‘universal jailbreak’ capable of compromising multiple leading LLMs. Once bypassed, the chatbots consistently responded to queries that should have triggered safeguards.

They found some AI models openly advertised online as ‘dark LLMs,’ designed without ethical constraints and willing to generate responses that support fraud or cybercrime.

Professor Lior Rokach and Dr Michael Fire, who led the research, said the growing accessibility of this technology lowers the barrier for malicious use. They warned that dangerous knowledge could soon be accessed by anyone with a laptop or phone.

Despite notifying AI providers about the jailbreak method, the researchers say the response was underwhelming. Some companies dismissed the concerns as outside the scope of bug bounty programs, while others did not respond.

The report calls on tech companies to improve their models’ security by screening training data, using advanced firewalls, and developing methods for machine ‘unlearning’ to help remove illicit content. Experts also called for clearer safety standards and independent oversight.

OpenAI said its latest models have improved resilience to jailbreaks, and Microsoft linked to its recent safety initiatives. Other companies have not yet commented.

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Google unveils Veo 3 with audio capabilities

Google has introduced Veo 3, its most advanced video-generating AI model to date, capable of producing sound effects, ambient noise and dialogue to accompany the footage it creates.

Announced at the Google I/O 2025 developer conference, Veo 3 is available through the Gemini chatbot for those subscribed to the $249.99-per-month AI Ultra plan. The model accepts both text and image prompts, allowing users to generate audiovisual scenes rather than silent clips.

Unlike other AI tools, Veo 3 can analyse raw video pixels to synchronise audio automatically, offering a notable edge in an increasingly crowded field of video-generation platforms. While sound-generating AI isn’t new, Google claims Veo 3’s ability to match audio precisely with visual content sets it apart.

The progress builds on DeepMind’s earlier work in ‘video-to-audio’ AI and may rely on training data from YouTube, though Google hasn’t confirmed this.

To help prevent misuse, such as the creation of deepfakes, Google says Veo 3 includes SynthID, its proprietary watermarking technology that embeds invisible markers in every generated frame. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain within the creative industry.

Artists fear tools like Veo 3 could replace thousands of jobs, with a recent study predicting over 100,000 roles in film and animation could be affected by AI before 2026.

Alongside Veo 3, Google has also updated Veo 2. The earlier model now allows users to edit videos more precisely, adding or removing elements and adjusting camera movements. These features are expected to become available soon on Google’s Vertex AI API platform.

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