A recent SaferAI report highlights that Z.ai's open-weight GLM-5.2 model is approaching the capabilities of leading frontier AI. However, it still lacks crucial safety features, raising fears that powerful open AI models might evolve faster than existing regulatory and safety frameworks can manage.
Anthropic has intensified its cloud collaboration efforts recently, culminating in a significant $10 billion agreement with the AI cloud startup Volta. This deal marks a major step in their strategic cloud partnerships.
Just a week after the Open Secure AI Alliance was launched by Nvidia, the coalition—now comprising over 120 companies—has already put forward initiatives aimed at protecting against threats posed by AI agents.
Waymo has officially removed the waitlist for its robotaxi service in Dallas, marking a significant move toward broader adoption of its self-driving technology. This expansion illustrates Waymo's ongoing efforts to scale its autonomous vehicle operations throughout the United States, as well as in the U.K. and Europe.
Tech companies and developers have been eagerly choosing Texas for new data center projects, attracted by its lenient regulations and abundant power resources. However, recent actions show that Texas is facing limits, as the governor has called for audits, leading to a pause on new data center developments.
Walmart has completed its acquisition of Vibe.co, a TV advertising company, integrating it into Walmart Connect, the retailer's platform for connected TV advertising. The deal, initially announced in June, aims to strengthen Walmart's presence in the connected TV advertising market.
Apple has revealed that its investigation into the possible sharing of confidential information with OpenAI has broadened. According to a recent court filing, the company suspects that more former employees might have retained or accessed sensitive trade secrets, raising concerns about data security.
Microsoft executive VP Jay Parikh has instructed employees via an internal email to limit their AI token consumption, stating that “tokenmaxxing is not our goal.” Reported by 404 Media, the email also announces that Microsoft has shifted its default internal AI model to a more cost-effective version from OpenAI. This move is part of a broader effort to manage AI resource usage and establish budgets at the division level within the company.
Deel, the global HR and payroll platform, has acquired Israeli AI cybersecurity firm Clarity, specializing in real-time deepfake detection and identity verification. The acquisition, valued between $45 million and $50 million in cash and shares, marks Deel’s 15th purchase and its entry into the Israeli market. This strategic move addresses the rising challenge of fake hires by enhancing trust and security in remote hiring processes.
Anthropic has appointed Mariano-Florentino Cuellar as its first chief global affairs officer, a strategic hire during a period of strained relations with the US government. Reporting directly to Anthropic president Daniela Amodei, Cuellar will operate out of the company's San Francisco headquarters. His role will focus on navigating the complex geopolitical landscape affecting the AI industry.
