OpenAI has significantly tightened its internal security following reports that DeepSeek may have replicated its models. DeepSeek allegedly used distillation techniques to launch a competing product earlier this year, prompting a swift response.
OpenAI has introduced strict access protocols to prevent information leaks, including fingerprint scans, offline servers, and a policy restricting internet use without approval. Sensitive projects such as its AI o1 model are now discussed only by approved staff within designated areas.
The company has also boosted cybersecurity staffing and reinforced its data centre defences. Confidential development information is now shielded through ‘information tenting’.
These actions coincide with OpenAI’s $30 billion deal with Oracle to lease 4.5 gigawatts of data centre capacity across the United States. The partnership plays a central role in OpenAI’s growing Stargate infrastructure strategy.
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Groq has opened its first European AI data centre in Helsinki, Finland, in collaboration with Equinix. The facility offers European users fast, secure, and low-latency AI inference services, aiming to improve performance and data governance.
The launch follows Groq’s existing partnership with Equinix, which already includes a site in Dallas. The new centre complements Groq’s global network, including facilities in the US, Canada and Saudi Arabia.
CEO Jonathan Ross stated the centre provides immediate infrastructure for developers building fast at scale. Equinix highlighted Finland’s reliable power and sustainable energy as key factors in the decision to host capacity there.
The data centre supports GroqCloud, delivering over 20 million tokens per second across its network. European businesses are expected to benefit from improved AI performance and operational efficiency.
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The US is preparing stricter export controls on high-end Nvidia AI chips destined for Malaysia and Thailand, in a move to block China’s indirect access to advanced GPU hardware.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the new restrictions would require exporters to obtain licences before sending AI processors to either country.
The change follows reports that Chinese engineers have hand-carried data to Malaysia for AI training after Singapore began restricting chip re-exports.
Washington suspects Chinese firms are using Southeast Asian intermediaries, including shell companies, to bypass existing export bans on AI chips like Nvidia’s H100.
Although some easing has occurred between the US and China in areas such as ethane and engine components, Washington remains committed to its broader decoupling strategy. The proposed measures will reportedly include safeguards to prevent regional supply chain disruption.
Malaysia’s Trade Minister confirmed earlier this year that the US had requested detailed monitoring of all Nvidia chip shipments into the country.
As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, Washington appears determined to tighten enforcement and limit Beijing’s access to advanced computing power.
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Samsung Electronics expects its second-quarter operating profits to exceed half, citing Washington’s export controls on advanced AI chips to China.
The company announced a projected 56% year-on-year drop in operating profit, falling to 4.6 trillion won ($3.3 billion), with revenue down 6.5% from the previous quarter.
The semiconductor division, a core part of Samsung’s business, suffered due to reduced utilisation and inventory value adjustments.
US restrictions have made it difficult for South Korea’s largest conglomerate to ship high-end chips to China, forcing some of its production lines to run below capacity.
Despite weak performance in the foundry sector, the memory business remained relatively stable. Analysts pointed to weaker-than-expected sales of HBM chips used for AI and a drop in NAND storage prices, while a declining won-dollar exchange rate further pressured earnings.
Looking ahead, Samsung expects a modest recovery as demand for memory chips, mainly from AI-driven data centres, improves in the year’s second half.
The company is also facing political pressure from Washington, with threats of new tariffs prompting talks between Seoul and the US administration.
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Businesses increasingly fall prey to scams, with more than 74,000 attacks reported to the FBI between 2023 and 2024. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that companies face significant threats from data breaches, impersonation, and fake services.
In the US, losses from data breaches alone averaged $4.9 million per company in 2024, up to $1.4 billion. Scammers use familiar tactics, such as posing as trusted individuals and making urgent demands for payment or sensitive data.
Smaller businesses are especially at risk, often lacking dedicated IT support or robust security teams. Juggling multiple responsibilities makes them easier targets for sophisticated scam operations.
The BBB advises businesses to train staff to recognise suspicious behaviour and to enforce secure payment processes. Strengthening cybersecurity with tools like firewalls and multi-factor authentication can also reduce the attack risk.
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Capgemini has announced it will acquire Indian IT firm WNS for $3.3 billion to accelerate its leadership in agentic AI. The acquisition will significantly enhance Capgemini’s business process services (BPS) by integrating advanced AI capabilities into core operations.
The boards of both companies have approved the deal, which offers WNS shareholders a 28% premium over the 90-day average share price. Completion is expected by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
The company sees strong potential in embedding AI into enterprise operations, with BPS becoming a key showcase. The integration will strengthen Capgemini’s US presence and unlock cross-selling opportunities across the combined client networks.
Both firms emphasised a shared vision of intelligent operations powered by agentic AI, aiming to help clients shift from automation to AI-driven autonomy. Capgemini’s existing partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft, Google and NVIDIA will support this vision.
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A US federal court has ordered OpenAI to preserve nearly all user chats with ChatGPT, including those that users had deleted. The decision comes as part of The New York Times’s ongoing copyright lawsuit, triggering widespread privacy concerns.
The ruling means that millions of personal conversations, previously thought erased, will remain accessible during litigation. These exchanges may include medical queries, relationship issues, and other private matters shared in confidence.
Privacy advocates argue that users were not notified or allowed to object. Critics warn the US ruling sets a dangerous precedent, enabling mass data preservation in lawsuits unrelated to most users.
The Times claims users may have deleted chats to hide copyright infringement. Lawyers and privacy experts counter that people delete chats for legitimate, non-infringing reasons and should retain control over their data.
Legal experts call the preservation order excessive, noting it undermines trust in AI tools and could lead to a chilling effect on their use. The decision could reshape how user privacy is treated in tech litigation for years.
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SK Telecom has announced a major cybersecurity initiative worth KRW 700 billion, designed to restore trust and enhance information security after a recent incident.
The company’s new programme, called the Accountability and Commitment Program, includes four elements to protect customers and reinforce transparency.
A central part of the initiative is the Information Protection Innovation Plan, which involves a five-year investment to build a world-class cybersecurity system.
The project will follow the US National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework and aims to position SK Telecom as Korea’s leader in information security by 2028.
To further support affected customers, the company is upgrading its Customer Assurance Package and introducing a Customer Appreciation Package to thank users for their patience and loyalty.
A subscription cancellation fee waiver has also been included to reduce friction for those reconsidering their service.
SK Telecom says it will maintain its commitment to customer safety and service reliability, pledging to fully address all concerns and enhance security and service quality across the board.
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Deepfake abuse is emerging as a troubling form of peer-on-peer harassment in schools, targeting mainly girls with AI-generated explicit imagery. Tools that once required technical skill are now easily accessible to young people, allowing harmful content to be created and shared in seconds.
Though all US states and Washington, D.C. have laws addressing the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images, many do not cover AI-generated content or address the fact that minors are often both victims and perpetrators.
Some states have begun adapting laws to include proportional sentencing and behavioural interventions for minors. Advocates argue that education on AI, consent and digital literacy is essential to address the root causes and help young people understand the consequences of their actions.
Regulating tech platforms and app developers is also key, as companies continue to profit from tools used in digital exploitation. Experts say schools, families, lawmakers and platforms must share responsibility for curbing the spread of AI-generated abuse and ensuring support for those affected.
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United Airlines has rolled out facial recognition at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, allowing TSA PreCheck passengers to pass through security without ID or boarding passes. This service uses facial recognition to match real-time images with government-provided ID photos during the check-in process.
Seattle is the tenth US airport to adopt the system, following its launch at Chicago O’Hare in 2023. Alaska Airlines and Delta have also introduced similar services at Sea-Tac, signalling a broader shift toward biometric travel solutions.
The TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology was introduced at the airport in October and supports this touchless approach. Experts say facial recognition could soon be used throughout the airport journey, from bag drop to retail purchases.
TSA PreCheck access remains limited to US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents, with a five-year membership costing $78. As more airports adopt facial recognition, concerns about privacy and consent are likely to increase.
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