Daily Summary

Reuters reported that Alphabet and Blackstone will form a new AI cloud venture. The venture is aimed at meeting surging data-centre demand and could involve up to $25 billion in total investment. Reuters reported that Microsoft’s biggest India data centre is on track to go live by mid-2026. The Hyderabad build-out is part of Microsoft’s effort to serve rising AI demand in one of its largest growth markets.

AP reported that Pope Leo XIV will launch his first encyclical focused on artificial intelligence and human dignity on 25 May. The document addresses AI warfare risks, labour impacts, and ethical oversight concerns linked to advanced AI systems. Reuters reported that Spain will continue pursuing AI and social-media regulation despite sustained lobbying pressure from major technology companies. The measures focus on transparency obligations, algorithmic accountability, and protections against harmful AI-generated content.

Associated Press reported that Meta is rolling out an incognito mode for WhatsApp conversations with Meta AI. The feature is designed to keep sensitive chatbot exchanges temporary and inaccessible by default, reflecting rising scrutiny of personal data in generative AI services. Axios reported that internal White House disagreements have delayed planned federal action on advanced AI. The dispute centres on how to organise testing, safety and procurement oversight after renewed pressure around frontier model risks.

Reuters reported that the US Commerce Department removed details of a previously announced arrangement for Microsoft, Google and xAI to give government scientists early model access for security testing. The removed material concerned checks for risks including cyber misuse and military applications before public deployment. The Guardian reported that the US tech delegation’s China visit is unfolding alongside renewed debate over AI model review and national-security controls. The coverage linked commercial AI diplomacy with pressure for stronger pre-release oversight of advanced systems.

Axios reported that the US government is expanding frontier AI testing with Google DeepMind, Microsoft and xAI. The coverage describes a move toward pre-deployment checks for security-sensitive AI capabilities before public release. Reuters reported that major publishers filed a proposed class action against Meta over alleged use of books and scientific works to train Llama. The claim adds another large rights-holder dispute to the unresolved fair-use fight over AI training data.

Associated Press reported that Roblox will require facial scans for users under 16 in Indonesia under new rules for minors on digital platforms. The rollout creates age-based accounts and restricts chat access for children who have not completed facial age estimation. Insurance Journal reported Grant Thornton findings that insurers are gaining from AI but still face governance gaps. The survey found governance or compliance weaknesses linked to failed or underperforming AI projects, with limited confidence in independent review readiness. ABA Journal reported that Harvey will expand its legal AI presence with a new Chicago office. The move reflects continuing institutional investment in legal AI tools despite heightened scrutiny of accuracy, workflow control and professional responsibility.