G7 digital ministers struggled to reach consensus on regulating Big Tech and addressing the environmental impact of AI, with the US reportedly refusing to compromise. Meanwhile, tech firms are pitching AI to Pope Francis ahead of his first encyclical.
The UK government has announced a £1.1bn investment in AI hardware, aiming to foster domestic chip companies. Alongside this, new measures will compel big tech firms like Apple and Google to block child nudity online, with potential criminal liabilities for non-compliance. Future actions may include an under-16 ban on high-risk social media apps.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp cautioned tech leaders against celebrating AI-driven job cuts, warning it could fuel public backlash and calls for regulation. He noted Palantir uses AI for efficiency but plans to limit hiring rather than broad layoffs.
