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Google to invest in small modular nuclear reactors for AI energy needs

Google has signed the first-ever corporate agreement to source electricity from small modular reactors (SMRs) to power its AI operations. Partnering with Kairos Power, the tech giant plans to bring its first SMR online by 2030, with further installations expected by 2035. The innovative approach aims to ensure a reliable, around-the-clock supply of clean energy, addressing the growing energy demands triggered by the expansion of AI technology.

The agreement outlines Google’s commitment to purchasing 500 megawatts of power from six to seven SMRs, though details regarding the plants’ financial terms and locations remain undisclosed. The power output from these SMRs is significantly smaller than traditional nuclear reactors, but Google’s strategic investment signals a push toward long-term sustainability.

The tech industry’s focus on nuclear energy has gained momentum this year, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft entering similar agreements. According to Goldman Sachs, the demand for data centres in the US is expected to triple between 2023 and 2030. The surge in energy consumption has prompted technology companies to explore alternative energy sources, including nuclear, wind, and solar, to meet future needs.

Kairos Power must navigate regulatory hurdles, including securing permits from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local agencies, which could take several years. However, the company achieved a key milestone last year by obtaining a construction permit to build a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, signalling progress toward deploying SMRs.

Despite the enthusiasm for SMRs, critics point to potential challenges, including high costs and the production of long-lasting nuclear waste. However, Google’s decision to commit to an order book framework with Kairos rather than purchasing individual reactors represents a strategic investment to accelerate the development of SMRs while ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely project delivery.

Google introduces compliance tool for apps and AI

Google has introduced ‘Checks by Google’, a new tool designed to assist developers and compliance teams ensure that apps, websites, and AI adhere to various standards and regulations. Initially used internally within Google, this tool is now publicly accessible and focuses on three key areas of compliance – app compliance, code compliance, and AI safety.

The app compliance feature evaluates adherence to regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Brazil’s Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD). Meanwhile, the code compliance aspect aids developers in identifying regulatory issues during the app development process.

Furthermore, the AI safety component addresses compliance and ethical standards related to AI, particularly targeting potential biases and safety concerns in AI-generated outputs. In addition to these features, ‘Checks by Google’ employs a fine-tuned Large Language Model and a smart AI crawler for thorough assessments, thereby providing insights into compliance without offering legal advice.

Moreover, the tool is customisable to meet the specific needs of various industries, such as finance and healthcare. Currently available for free, with additional paid services for enterprises, ‘Checks by Google’ has the potential to transform how developers navigate compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Google seeks delay on Play Store competition ruling

Google is pushing back against a federal judge’s recent order that would force it to allow more competition in its Play Store. In a court filing, the tech giant requested that US District Judge James Donato’s injunction, set to take effect on 1 November, be paused. Google argues that the ruling could introduce significant security, privacy, and safety risks to the Android ecosystem and is seeking time to pursue an appeal.

The injunction stems from a lawsuit initiated by Epic Games, the creator of ‘Fortnite,’ which argued that Google monopolised app distribution and in-app payment processes on Android devices. A jury sided with Epic, and the judge’s order now requires Google to allow users to download apps from third-party platforms and use alternative payment methods for in-app purchases.

In addition, the ruling prevents Google from paying manufacturers to preinstall its Play Store on devices and from sharing revenue generated through the Play Store with other distributors. These measures aim to reduce Google’s control over the app marketplace, opening up more space for competitors.

If Judge Donato denies Google’s request to delay the order, the company can take its case to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco. Google has already filed its notice of appeal and is preparing to challenge the injunction and the antitrust verdict that underpins it.

As the appeal process unfolds, the court will ultimately decide whether Google must comply with the ruling or if the tech giant can maintain its current app store policies while reviewing the case.

The legal battle has significant implications for app distribution on Android devices.

Google faces potential breakup as DOJ targets search monopoly

The US Department of Justice has proposed remedies to dismantle Google‘s dominance in the search market, which analysts warn could undermine the company’s primary profit source and hinder its advancements in AI. The DOJ may seek to compel Google to divest parts of its business, including the Chrome browser and Android operating system, while also considering measures such as barring the collection of sensitive user data, requiring transparency in search results, and allowing websites to opt out of their content being used for AI training.

The proposed changes have already affected Alphabet’s stock, which fell by 1.5% after the announcement. Analysts indicate that if these remedies are put into action, they could diminish Google’s revenue while providing more opportunities for competitors like DuckDuckGo and Microsoft Bing, as well as AI companies such as Meta and Amazon. With Google’s share of the US search ad market expected to fall below 50% for the first time in over a decade by 2025, these remedies are viewed as essential for creating a more competitive landscape.

Despite the ambitious nature of the DOJ’s proposals, some experts are sceptical about their feasibility. Adam Kovacevich from the Chamber of Progress argues that these remedies could encounter legal challenges and may not withstand the appeals process. While investors appear doubtful that a forced breakup of Google will take place, the situation highlights the increasing scrutiny and pressure on the tech giant within a rapidly changing competitive landscape.

Google terminates Kaspersky developer account

Kaspersky has announced that its developer account on the Google Play store has been terminated, resulting in the removal of all its apps. This decision follows recent US government actions that restrict the distribution and sales of Kaspersky products within the United States after September 29. While these restrictions have no legal impact outside the country, Google has preemptively removed Kaspersky’s products, limiting global access to its cybersecurity solutions.

Kaspersky believes Google’s decision stems from a misinterpretation of US restrictions, which are not confirmed by the US Department of Commerce. The company asserts that these measures do not prohibit the sale or distribution of its products and services beyond US borders. Kaspersky has communicated this understanding to the Department of Commerce and is awaiting further guidance.

For users with already-installed Kaspersky apps on Android, the apps will continue to function normally and receive database updates via Kaspersky’s cloud infrastructure. All paid features will remain operational. However, users will no longer be able to update or reinstall the apps directly from the Google Play store.

Google enhances Android security with new anti-theft tools

Google is gradually rolling out new security features to protect user data, focusing on preventing unauthorised access in cases of theft. The latest tools, which include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, were announced in May and are becoming available on various Android devices.

Theft Detection Lock uses AI to lock the screen when it detects movement commonly associated with theft, such as someone snatching the phone. Offline Device Lock automatically secures the screen if a phone remains offline for a while, while Remote Lock allows users to lock their phone remotely using only their phone number, even if they can’t log into Find My Device.

Some users have reported seeing the features on devices like the Xiaomi 14T Pro, though others may need to wait as Google rolls out these updates over time. Users are encouraged to ensure their Google Play Services are updated to potentially access these features sooner.

The new security options are supported on Android 10 and up for Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, while Remote Lock works on devices running Android 5 and higher.

International business leaders to gather at UK’s first investment summit

The British government is set to hold its first international investment summit on October 14, with top executives from companies such as Google, Wayve, and Brookfield Asset Management attending. The summit is aimed at encouraging foreign direct investment to stimulate economic growth, a key focus for Prime Minister Keir Starmer since taking office in July.

Sponsorship for the event comes from major corporations like Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds, with notable speakers including Ruth Porat from Alphabet and Bruce Flatt from Brookfield. Despite some controversy, such as Elon Musk criticising the United Kingdom for not inviting him, the summit has drawn significant attention from the global business community.

The government emphasised that the event would strengthen partnerships between businesses and the UK, providing investors with the confidence needed to drive future growth. Prior to the summit, Starmer will convene the first Council of Nations and Regions to align regional leaders on investment and economic strategies.

In a significant step towards sustainability, the government announced a £21.7 billion investment in carbon capture projects, underlining its commitment to green initiatives ahead of the summit.

US DoJ aims to break Google’s search engine monopoly

The US government is considering drastic measures to break up Google’s dominance in the online search industry, which could lead to the company divesting critical parts of its business, such as its Chrome browser and Android operating system. The potential legal move follows a judge’s August ruling that declared Google had illegally established a monopoly in online search. With the tech giant controlling about 90% of internet searches in the US, the Justice Department is pushing for remedies that could transform how Americans access information and shrink Google’s revenue while creating more opportunities for competitors.

One of the government’s proposals involves halting Google’s massive payments to ensure its search engine remains the default on new devices. In 2021 alone, Google paid $26.3 billion to companies like Apple to keep its search engine pre-installed on smartphones and browsers. The Justice Department argues that ending these agreements is necessary to prevent Google from maintaining its dominant position in search distribution today and in the future, particularly as the market expands into AI.

Prosecutors are also eyeing Google’s role in the growing AI sector. They propose opening up Google’s vast indexes, data, and models to its rivals to prevent the company from monopolising AI-driven search technologies. Additional suggestions include limiting Google’s ability to make deals, restricting competitors’ access to web content and allowing websites to opt out of having their data used for AI training. Google, however, has pushed back, arguing that such interventions could distort the rapidly developing AI industry and stifle innovation at a crucial moment.

The stakes are high for Google, which plans to appeal the proposed remedies, calling them ‘radical’ and far beyond the scope of the legal case. Google maintains that its search engine’s popularity is due to its superior quality and points to competition from companies like Amazon as proof of a competitive market. Meanwhile, the company faces mounting legal battles, including a separate ruling forcing it to open its Play app store to greater competition.

The Justice Department is expected to submit more detailed proposals by 20 November, with Google having until 20 December to respond with its suggestions.

Why does it matter?

The antitrust case is seen as a significant victory for regulators seeking to rein in the power of Big Tech, with similar lawsuits already filed against Meta, Amazon, and Apple. Smaller competitors, like Yelp and DuckDuckGo, have voiced support for breaking up Google’s assets, advocating for changes that could level the playing field in both search and AI.

Google AI to enhance Vodafone’s Giga TV

Vodafone has announced a significant development in its Giga TV service, as part of a renewed billion-dollar partnership with Google Cloud. Over the next ten years, Google’s artificial intelligence capabilities will be integrated into the platform to enhance personalisation and content discovery for its users.

The companies plan to leverage Google Cloud’s AI to improve Vodafone’s Android-based TV system in Germany. New features will help users find content more easily and deliver a more tailored viewing experience. Additionally, Google Ad Manager will be integrated into Giga TV, enhancing the advertising landscape within the platform.

Further collaboration will see YouTube become more deeply embedded in Vodafone’s TV devices, providing a richer video experience. These improvements are set to bring significant advancements in how viewers engage with television content, both in entertainment and beyond.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasising how these AI-driven innovations will transform communication and learning. She highlighted the unprecedented scale on which the new content and services will be delivered to millions of users.

Vodafone and Google announce billion-dollar AI partnership

Vodafone has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Google in a ten-year deal worth over a billion dollars. This agreement aims to introduce Google’s generative AI-powered devices to customers in Europe and Africa, capitalising on the 5G network. The collaboration will also promote the Android ecosystem in these regions.

Vodafone intends to extend the availability of Google’s AI-powered Pixel devices, enhancing customer access to innovative technology. By 2025, the company will begin offering Google One AI Premium subscription plans, which include advanced features such as Gemini Advanced.

In addition to customer-focused advancements, this multinational telecommunications company will use Google Cloud’s AI platform for enterprise-level applications. The integration of AI will streamline operations and enhance services within the company.

Google remains in fierce competition in the AI sector, vying against other major tech companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. The partnership with Vodafone strengthens its position in this fast-evolving market.