Index Ventures co-founder Neil Rimer suggests wealth redistribution is inevitable for AI billionaires, either voluntarily or through legislation. This comes as philanthropic giving declines among the ultra-rich, while proposals like California's wealth tax and OpenAI's potential government equity stake are being considered.
Matt Shea's documentary explores how crypto billionaires seek to bypass traditional democratic systems, influencing politics and law through wealth and new digital nations like Liberland, with figures like Justin Sun and Donald Trump Jr. involved.
California's proposed 5% wealth tax on assets over $1 billion faces fierce opposition from tech billionaires. Over $120 million has been raised against the measure, with Google co-founder Sergey Brin donating $82 million. Supporters argue it will fund public services and reduce inequality.
The NY-12 Congressional primary sees a clash of tech billionaires through super PACs, with $27.83 million spent to influence the race, particularly around AI safety policies and candidate Alex Bores.
California's proposed billionaire tax faces a critical week as negotiations continue. Meanwhile, the UK's ban on social media for under-16s sparks debate, and SpaceX announces a major acquisition in the AI sector.
Rep. Ro Khanna criticized the growing influence of tech billionaires and AI executives in global policymaking after their participation in G7 discussions. He warned of concentrated private power and reiterated his support for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy.
AI firm Anthropic has confidentially filed for an IPO, surpassing rival OpenAI in valuation and funding. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley billionaires are investing heavily in California politics to influence regulations and elections.
Tech billionaires are spending unprecedented amounts on California's June 2 primary elections, aiming to secure political and regulatory influence. Major donors like Sergey Brin and Chris Larsen are funding candidates and ballot measures to shape AI development and avoid stifling regulations.
Pope Leo XIV references J.R.R. Tolkien in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, warning against the dangers of unchecked AI development, contrasting with interpretations by tech billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel who draw different lessons from Tolkien's works.
Tech billionaires are increasingly investing in and engaging with the fashion industry, viewing it as a way to gain cultural capital and project a softer, more human image for themselves and their companies.
Sam Altman has emerged victorious in a legal dispute with Elon Musk, though Musk has vowed to appeal. The trial has shed light on the dynamics of big tech and the global AI race.
Tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Sam Altman are downplaying fears of AI-driven job losses, promising economic abundance. However, critics like Bernie Sanders warn of mass layoffs and increased inequality, urging immediate government action and safeguards.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos have become honorary chairs of the 2025 Met Gala, sparking controversy as the main funders of the Costume Art exhibition. The Amazon founder's involvement has revived speculation about a potential Condé Nast acquisition, while activist group Everyone Hates Elon protests the couple's presence. Beyoncé, Venus Williams and Nicole Kidman co-chair the event with Anna Wintour, with tickets costing $100,000.
At Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie, digital artist Mike Winkelmann (Beeple) presents 'Regular Animals' — an installation featuring robotic dogs with hyper-realistic silicone heads of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. The quadruped robots move through the gallery capturing images and producing AI-generated interpretations, exploring how algorithms and digital platforms shape modern perception. The work also references artists Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol through other robot dogs, contrasting artistic interpretation with data-driven filtering. Beeple gained global recognition in 2021 when his NFT 'Everydays: The First 5000 Days' sold for $69 million at Christie's.
Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman begins in federal court in California this week, with a nine-person jury set to hear claims that Altman swindled Musk out of millions and betrayed the company's original non-profit mission. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left in 2018 after a power struggle, is seeking billions in damages and wants Altman ousted. OpenAI denies the claims, saying Musk is motivated by jealousy and regret for walking away from the company. The trial will feature testimony from Musk, Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and others, including Shivon Zilis, mother of four of Musk's children.
