TikTok has announced a $3.8 billion investment in a data hosting centre in Thailand, marking a significant expansion of its digital infrastructure in the region. The project, managed through the company’s Singapore-based unit, is expected to support affiliated businesses and begin operations in 2026, according to Thailand’s Board of Investment.
The move comes amid a wave of tech investment in Thailand, with companies such as Google, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft all committing billions to establish data centres in the country. The Thai government hopes these developments will strengthen its digital economy and push the nation closer to becoming a regional technology hub.
TikTok’s decision to invest follows increased scrutiny over data privacy and security worldwide. As governments tighten regulations on tech firms, establishing regional data centres has become a strategic move for companies looking to maintain compliance and expand their presence in key markets.
Mexico has objected to Google’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US users on Google Maps. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Wednesday that her government will send an official letter to the tech giant demanding clarification.
The name change follows an announcement by the US government that it had officially rebranded the body of water. In response, Google stated that its platform displays local official names when they differ across countries.
The move has sparked concerns in Mexico over sovereignty and historical recognition. With the government pressing for an explanation, the issue highlights the growing tension between technology firms and national identities in the digital space.
Google Maps will rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America’ for users in the United States, reflecting an official update to the US Geographic Names System. However, users in Mexico will continue to see the original name, while others worldwide will view both names side by side. Alphabet’s Google confirmed the change on social media, highlighting its standard practice of adapting location labels based on recent regional naming disputes.
The name change stems from an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump hours after taking office on 20 January, as part of his pledge to prioritise nationalist symbolism. Alongside this decision, Trump restored the name of North America’s highest peak, Denali, to its previous designation of Mount McKinley. These actions have reignited debates about historical and cultural naming conventions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded light-heartedly, suggesting that North America could be renamed ‘Mexican America’ in reference to an old regional map. Google, which has navigated other geopolitical naming controversies, cited its consistent approach, such as labelling disputed waters as ‘Sea of Japan (East Sea)’, ‘Israel (Palestine)’, or ‘Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)’ in different regions.
The renaming has sparked mixed reactions, with critics accusing it of unnecessary politicisation and cultural erasure. Google’s application of the changes reflects its policy of balancing local preferences and global clarity in its mapping platform.
Google has appealed to the EU’s top court to overturn a record 4.3-billion-euro antitrust fine imposed seven years ago, arguing that the penalty punished the company for its innovation. The fine was originally levied by the European Commission, which accused Google of using its Android operating system to suppress competition by forcing manufacturers to pre-install Google Search, Chrome, and the Google Play store on devices. While the fine was later reduced to 4.1 billion euros by a lower court, Google maintains that its actions fostered competition, not hindered it.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Google lawyer Alfonso Lamadrid stated that the Commission failed to meet its legal obligations and relied on errors in law. Lamadrid defended Google’s agreements with phone manufacturers, insisting they were not anti-competitive, but rather beneficial to the market. The case centres on whether the European Commission acted appropriately in its investigation and decision to reshape markets through such penalties.
The judges of the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union will make a final ruling in the coming months, with no further opportunity for appeal. In addition to this case, Google remains under scrutiny by EU regulators for its advertising business, with another major decision expected later this year.
Google is ramping up efforts to influence public perception and policy on AI as it faces increasing global regulatory scrutiny. Kent Walker, Alphabet’s president of global affairs, emphasised the importance of educating the workforce on AI, saying that getting more people familiar with the technology would lead to better policy and open new opportunities. Google is keen on shaping the narrative around AI, especially as it competes with rivals like Microsoft and Meta in the fast-growing sector.
The company is also working to address concerns about job displacement and the potential for AI-driven workforce changes. Google has committed $120 million to AI education programs, with initiatives like the “Grow with Google” program, which provides online and in-person training to help workers gain skills in areas such as data analysis and IT. The company has already certified one million people through these programs and is now adding AI-focused courses.
As governments draft regulations on AI’s impact on privacy, copyright, and the economy, Google is pushing for public-private partnerships to help prepare workers for AI-related changes. Walker noted that while AI could displace some jobs, it will likely be integrated into most roles, creating new opportunities. Google is also researching AI’s potential in training programs, aiming to make adult retraining more engaging and effective.
Google secured an injunction from London’s High Court on Wednesday, preventing the enforcement of Russian legal judgments against the company. The rulings related to lawsuits filed by Russian entities, including Tsargrad TV and RT, over the closure of Google and YouTube accounts. Judge Andrew Henshaw granted the permanent injunction, citing Google’s terms and conditions, which require disputes to be resolved in English courts.
The Russian judgments included severe ‘astreinte penalties,’ which increased daily and amounted to astronomical sums. Google’s lawyers argued that some fines levied on its Russian subsidiary reached numbers as large as an undecillion roubles—a figure with 36 zeroes. Judge Henshaw highlighted that the fines far exceeded the global GDP, supporting the court’s decision to block their enforcement.
A Google spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the ruling, criticising Russia’s legal actions as efforts to restrict information access and penalise compliance with international sanctions. Since 2022, Google has taken measures such as blocking over 1,000 YouTube channels, including state-sponsored news outlets, and suspending monetisation of content promoting Russia‘s actions in Ukraine.
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.
The Japanese government has launched a new initiative, “Digital Positive Action,” to tackle the spread of online disinformation. The project, spearheaded by the communications ministry, brings together 19 firms and organisations, including Google, NTT Docomo, Meta, and the operator of Japan’s messaging app Line. The collaboration will focus on creating a dedicated website and educational materials to counter false information.
The initiative seeks to address how disinformation is often amplified for profit through higher engagement and advertising revenue. By consulting with public and private sectors, the government aims to make credible information more accessible and equip users with tools to recognise and resist misleading content.
Parliamentary Vice Communications Minister Hideto Kawasaki emphasised the goal of fostering a safer digital environment, while Keio University professor Tatsuhiko Yamamoto highlighted the need to shift societal attitudes, discouraging the pursuit of attention at any cost. With tech giants on board, Japan hopes to lead the charge in curbing the harmful effects of disinformation online.
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google in the smartphone ecosystem. The probe will examine their operating systems, app stores, and browsers to determine whether their ‘strategic market status’ stifles competition and innovation, particularly for businesses developing content and services.
CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell emphasised the potential for more competitive mobile ecosystems to drive innovation and boost economic growth in the UK. Both Apple and Google defended their practices, with Apple highlighting its ecosystem’s support for jobs in Britain and Google pointing to Android’s openness as a driver of choice and affordability.
The investigation, the CMA’s second under new regulatory powers, will explore whether Apple and Google are leveraging their dominance unfairly by prioritising their apps and services or imposing restrictive terms on developers. A conclusion is expected by October 22, 2025, as Britain continues to tighten its oversight of major tech companies.
Google is making a significant new investment in AI by committing more than $1 billion to Anthropic, according to a report by the Financial Times. Anthropic, a competitor to OpenAI, focuses on developing advanced AI models and tools, positioning itself as a major player in the growing AI sector.
The investment underscores Google’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its AI capabilities in a highly competitive market. As the race to dominate AI innovation intensifies, tech giants like Google are increasingly supporting smaller firms that specialise in cutting-edge developments to stay ahead.
Anthropic, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI executives, has quickly gained recognition in the AI community. The company aims to create more reliable and interpretable AI systems. Google’s backing is expected to strengthen Anthropic’s research and development efforts, further establishing it as a prominent force in the AI landscape.
