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RFE/RL sues Trump administration over grant cuts

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the US-funded news outlet established during the Cold War to reach people under Communist regimes, filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday.

The lawsuit aims to block the termination of its federal grant, which was recently cut by the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

The cuts affect not only RFE/RL, which broadcasts to Eastern Europe, Russia, and Ukraine, but also Radio Free Asia, which serves China and North Korea.

The decision to cut funding has been widely criticized by press freedom advocates and human rights organizations. Additionally, over 1,300 employees of Voice of America were placed on leave after Trump ordered cuts across USAGM and several other federal agencies.

In its lawsuit, RFE/RL argued that terminating the grant violates federal laws, including the US Constitution, which grants Congress the exclusive authority over federal spending.

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus called the move a dangerous step towards ceding influence to adversaries’ propaganda and censorship. The case was filed in US District Court for the District of Columbia.

While the Trump administration justified the cuts as part of its broader cost-reduction efforts, the action has drawn backlash from those who view it as an attack on free speech and independent journalism.

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Palmetto leverages AI to revolutionise home electrification across the US

Palmetto, known for its innovative approach to residential solar installations, is now focusing on the broader electrification of US homes using AI.

The company has developed an AI-powered tool that simulates digital twins of homes across the country, which will help determine how technologies like heat pumps and solar panels can be effectively deployed in individual homes.

By using public and private data, Palmetto’s AI can infer critical information about a home, such as insulation types and building materials, to optimise energy efficiency.

As the residential solar market slows, Palmetto has expanded its software to include electrification solutions beyond solar, including backup batteries and heat pumps.

The company has now made its tool available to external developers through an API, allowing them to create new applications that can speed up the electrification process.

Palmetto hopes that developers will build tools that can quickly address the demand for these technologies, which will be essential in the US effort to reduce carbon emissions.

The company’s AI system analyses over 60 characteristics of homes, including details like the construction year and materials used, to make accurate energy efficiency predictions.

However, this tool will also offer developers insights into the growing electrification market. With an API offering 500 free calls per month, Palmetto’s strategy allows for scalable growth while providing key data for the company’s future development.

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Samsung faces tough shareholder meeting over AI struggles

Samsung Electronics faces a challenging annual general meeting as shareholders express frustration over its failure to capitalise on the AI boom.

Despite being South Korea’s most valuable company, Samsung’s stock tumbled nearly a third last year, making it one of the worst-performing tech firms.

Executives, including Co-CEO Han Jong-hee, will address concerns over lagging innovation, competition in semiconductor technology, and strategies to counter US tariffs.

Internal discussions at Samsung have revealed concerns about losing its technological edge, particularly in high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, where it trails rival SK Hynix.

Chairman Jay Y. Lee reportedly criticised the company for focusing on maintaining the status quo rather than driving major innovation.

A stagnation like this has contributed to Samsung losing market share to competitors like TSMC in chip manufacturing and Apple in smartphones.

Adding to its challenges, Samsung has warned of sluggish AI chip sales due to US export restrictions to China, its biggest market. This puts the company at greater risk from potential US tariffs on Chinese trade.

In an attempt to regain investor confidence, Samsung launched a $7.2 billion share buyback plan in November, which has helped its stock recover slightly. However, shareholders remain sceptical about its future growth strategy.

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Treasury eyes AI-driven future as IRS technology review begins

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is pausing its technology modernisation efforts to evaluate the impact of AI on tax collection and operations, a senior official announced.

The review will include recent initiatives such as the Direct File system, which allows US taxpayers to submit returns for free. AI-driven advancements in customer service and data processing have raised questions about the agency’s long-term strategy.

As the Trump administration prepares for widespread staff reductions in federal agencies, a source familiar with IRS plans indicated that up to a quarter of the agency’s workforce could be cut.

The IRS has not confirmed specific numbers but acknowledged that changes in technology could lead to a realignment of staff. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed confidence that AI will improve tax collection efficiency, though no official budget or workforce reduction targets have been set.

The pause reflects shifting priorities in IRS funding, which was originally bolstered by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Republican lawmakers have pushed to reduce the agency’s modernisation budget, arguing that enhanced funding could lead to unnecessary audits.

Despite the pause, the IRS has assured taxpayers that the 2025 filing season will not be affected, with tax returns and refunds continuing as usual.

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Musk’s SpaceX challenges global barriers on Starlink service

SpaceX has called on the US government to address trade barriers that impact its global operations, particularly its Starlink satellite service.

The company claims it faces higher costs than foreign competitors due to import duties, regulatory fees, and the need to pay foreign governments for access to spectrum.

These challenges are seen as non-tariff trade barriers that inflate operating expenses and slow the rollout of its service in many countries.

Starlink, which operates in over 120 markets worldwide, has to navigate additional hurdles in some regions, including coordination with domestic satellite operators for spectrum sharing.

SpaceX has argued that such requirements are deliberately designed to protect local competitors, making it harder for the company to offer its lower-cost, high-quality services abroad.

The call for action comes amid wider discussions about trade barriers affecting American businesses. Companies like Tesla, also owned by Elon Musk, have warned of the risks posed by retaliatory tariffs resulting from trade tensions, particularly with countries like China, Canada, and the EU.

Musk has long been involved in efforts to streamline government regulations and advocate for freer trade policies.

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Infosys resolves cybersecurity lawsuits in the US

Indian IT services giant Infosys has settled lawsuits filed against its US subsidiary, Infosys McCamish Systems, for $17.5 million. The lawsuits stem from a cyber incident that occurred in November 2023, which resulted in the compromise of personal data. The company has agreed to pay the settlement into a fund that will resolve all claims related to the breach.

The breach, which involved unauthorised access and data exfiltration, affected up to 6.5 million individuals. Following the incident, Infosys McCamish in the US, in coordination with a third-party vendor, took steps to address the issue and limit the damage caused by the cyberattack.

This settlement marks a significant step for Infosys in resolving the ongoing legal issues stemming from the 2023 incident. The Indian company has worked to resolve the situation while continuing to bolster its cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.

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The role of AI in precision farming for wine production

AI is making its mark in the wine industry, with vineyards across California adopting cutting-edge technology to optimise crop production.

One notable example is Napa Valley farmer Tom Gamble, who has integrated an autonomous tractor equipped with AI sensors to map his vineyard.

These AI-powered machines gather data that allows farmers to make more informed decisions about water use, fertilizer application, and pest control, improving efficiency and sustainability.

AI’s influence extends beyond tractors. Companies like John Deere in the US have developed AI-driven technologies that help vineyard managers apply materials more precisely, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Smart irrigation systems, for example, can monitor water use and even shut off in case of leaks, making vineyards more water-efficient.

Despite concerns about the cost of adopting such technology, particularly for smaller, family-run vineyards, AI offers a way to streamline operations and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

While AI is enhancing wine production, it also aids in managing crop health and predicting yields. By analysing images and soil data, AI systems can detect early signs of disease or nutrient deficiencies, helping farmers take preventive action before issues escalate.

However, this technology allows vineyards to make smarter decisions, ultimately improving the quality and consistency of their wine production.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Meta faces lawsuit in France over copyrighted AI training data

Leading French publishers and authors have filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the tech giant used their copyrighted content to train its artificial intelligence systems without permission.

The National Publishing Union (SNE), the National Union of Authors and Composers (SNAC), and the Society of Men of Letters (SGDL) argue that Meta’s actions constitute significant copyright infringement and economic ‘parasitism.’ The complaint was lodged earlier this week in a Paris court.

This lawsuit is the first of its kind in France but follows a wave of similar actions in the US, where authors and visual artists are challenging the use of their works by companies like Meta to train AI models.

As the issue of AI-generated content continues to grow, these legal actions highlight the mounting concerns over how tech companies utilise vast amounts of copyrighted material without compensation or consent from creators.

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AI demand drives record power sector deals

The US power industry is experiencing a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as record demand for electricity, particularly from AI-driven data centres, fuels heightened interest in power generation assets.

Industry experts predict 2025 will be a bumper year for such deals, with assets in high demand due to massive projections for future consumption. Notable transactions, such as Constellation Energy’s $16.4 billion acquisition of Calpine, highlight the sector’s boom in early 2025.

Private equity firms, pension funds, and other institutional investors are rapidly deploying capital into the power sector, with over $330 billion in capital waiting to be invested in infrastructure.

Many of these firms are targeting not only operational companies but also firms that manufacture energy equipment, positioning themselves to profit from the ongoing expansion of the power grid to meet AI-related demand.

While the US M&A frenzy contrasts with a broader slowdown in the market, the momentum in the power sector is expected to continue.

Challenges such as material shortages and regulatory uncertainties, particularly surrounding tariffs on essential materials, may impact future projects.

However, the increasing value of power infrastructure makes these challenges more manageable for investors keen to tap into the growing market.

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Indian police arrest Garantex administrator wanted by US

Indian authorities have arrested Aleksej Besciokov, an administrator of the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, at the request of the US.

Besciokov, a Russian resident and Lithuanian national, was taken into custody in Kerala on charges of money laundering and violating sanctions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said he was planning to flee India, and Washington is expected to seek his extradition.

The arrest follows a joint operation by the US, Germany, and Finland to dismantle Garantex’s online infrastructure.

The exchange, under US sanctions since 2022, has processed at least $96 billion in cryptocurrency transactions since 2019. The US Justice Department recently charged two administrators, including Besciokov, with operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

Experts warn that sanctioned exchanges often attempt to bypass restrictions by setting up new entities. Blockchain research firm TRM Labs called the Garantex takedown a significant step in combating illicit finance but emphasised the need for continued vigilance against evasion tactics.

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