OpenAI names Slack CEO Dresser as first chief of revenue as ChatGPT maker aims to make a profit
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — OpenAI has appointed Slack CEO Denise Dresser as its first chief of revenue. Dresser will oversee global revenue strategy and help businesses integrate AI into daily operations. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently emphasized improving ChatGPT, which now has over 800 million weekly users. Despite its success, OpenAI faces competition from companies like Google and concerns about profitability. The company earns money from premium ChatGPT subscriptions but hasn't ventured into advertising. Altman had recently announced delays in developing new products like AI agents and a personal assistant.
Microsoft investing $17.5 billion in India for AI and cloud infrastructure
NEW DELHI (AP) — Microsoft has announced its largest-ever Asia investment of $17.5 billion in India to enhance cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure over the next four years. CEO Satya Nadella revealed this on Tuesday after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The investment aims to build infrastructure, skills and sovereign capabilities for India's AI future. This highlights the global technology competition to expand in India. The country is one of the fastest-growing digital markets. Google announced a $15 billion investment in India in October for its first AI hub. Microsoft plans to scale up cloud and AI infrastructure and expand operations across India.
Google facing a new antitrust probe in Europe over content it uses for AI
LONDON (AP) — The European Union is investigating Google for potential antitrust violations related to its AI models. Regulators are examining whether Google has used online content from web publishers and YouTube without permission or payment. They're concerned Google may have given itself an unfair advantage with its AI Overviews and AI Mode services. These services generate summaries and provide chatbot-style answers. The investigation, announced Tuesday, also looks into whether Google has restricted rival AI developers. Google argues the complaint could stifle innovation. The investigation is under the EU's competition regulations, not the newer Digital Markets Act.
Australia's social media ban leaves a 15-year-old worried about losing touch with friends
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia has introduced a world-first social media ban for children under 16, starting Wednesday. Riley Allen, a 15-year-old from a remote sheep ranch, is concerned about staying in touch with friends. Platforms like Facebook and TikTok face hefty fines if they don't comply. Riley's mother, a teacher, supports the ban but acknowledges kids might find ways around it. Another 15-year-old, Noah Jones, is challenging the law in court, arguing it limits freedom of communication. Critics warn the ban could push kids to less regulated platforms. The case will be heard next year.
Southeast Asia embraces offshore wind power, as Trump bashes renewable energy
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Southeast Asia is embracing the embattled offshore wind industry as it reels from U.S. President Donald Trump’s rejection of renewable energy. That dramatic shift in U.S. policy has thrown billions of dollars-worth of American offshore wind projects into turmoil. Industry experts say interest and investment is pivoting to the untapped potential for wind power in Southeast Asia. Momentum is building in the Philippines and Vietnam with first-time project auctions and new power development plans. Analysts say both countries may offer strategies for other developing nations wanting to build their energy independence and meet goals for countering climate change.
New report shows rise in violence against women journalists and activists linked to digital abuse
GENEVA (AP) — A new study says that more than two-thirds of women journalists, rights defenders and activists report online violence and over 40% of them have faced real-world attacks linked to digital abuse. The report released Tuesday by UN Women and partners highlights the rise of violence alongside social media and AI. It draws from over 6,900 participants in 119 countries. Lead researcher Julie Posetti notes that real-world harm cases linked to online violence have more than doubled in five years. The study calls for stronger laws and accountability for tech companies to combat this growing crisis.
UK sanctions Russian and Chinese firms suspected of being 'malign actors' in information warfare
LONDON (AP) — Britain has announced sanctions against several Russian media and ideas organizations. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measures will target the Telegram channel Rybar and the Center for Geopolitical Expertise. Two China-based firms are also sanctioned for cyber activities. Cooper warned that Western nations must improve their information warfare strategies, adding the threat includes disinformation campaigns using AI and manipulated videos. British officials point to fake websites and political ads during Moldova’s recent election.
At least 22 people killed in office building fire in Indonesia's capital
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian police say at least 22 people have been killed when a fire ripped through an office building in the capital. Flames engulfed the seven-story building in Jakarta on Tuesday. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and caused panic among nearby residents and workers in a neighborhood in central Jakarta. The fire broke out at midday. The police chief said that the blaze was believed to have started on the first floor of the building in the Kemayoran neighborhood before spreading to other floors. Hundreds of personnel and 29 fire trucks were deployed to try to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
IBM buys data streaming platform Confluent in $11 billion deal
IBM has announced it's acquiring data streaming platform Confluent in an $11 billion deal. The companies have signed a definitive agreement for IBM to buy all of Confluent's common stock at $31 per share in cash. Confluent is an open-source platform that connects, processes, and governs data and events in real time. IBM's CEO, Arvind Krishna, says the acquisition will enhance AI services by improving data communication and flow. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, pending approval from Confluent shareholders and regulators.
Golden Globes enter the world of podcasts and tread carefully, avoiding controversy
NEW YORK (AP) — The Golden Globes have introduced a best podcast category that's likely to spark conversations. On Monday, the Globes announced six nominees, including “Armchair Expert” and “SmartLess.” They represented a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews. Notably absent are politically oriented podcasts like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Pod Save America.” Experts suggest the Globes aim to avoid controversy by focusing on entertainment. The selection process has raised questions, as Luminate Data, owned by Penske Media Corp., chose the nominees. Despite the controversy, the inclusion of podcasts in a major awards show is seen as a positive step, highlighting the medium's growing influence and mainstream appeal.
