Singapore's push to become an AI hub must prioritize sustainability, according to WWF's Mr Kumar and Pure Storage's Mr Matthew Oostveen. The city-state's data centres, which rely on power stations for energy, risk straining resources due to growing demand from other sectors like electric vehicles. As water usage for cooling increases pressure on Singapore's already strained water resources, the country must balance technological growth with sustainable resource management.
https://channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/generative-ai-environmental-impact-energy-water-5042011Throttling internet speeds and restricting VPN access can significantly increase digital security risks, hindering real-time threat detection and disrupting encrypted communications. This erodes public confidence in the digital economy, discouraging the adoption of digital services. Authorities must prioritize privacy rights and robust cyber security measures over surveillance to secure the digital landscape, as a fractured approach undermines any regulatory framework aimed at strengthening cyber security.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355866/protecting-digital-frontiersThe development of AI models that can interact autonomously with digital platforms and humans is expected to be transformative, but the tech industry's goals are unclear. Two approaches are being explored: "AI as adviser," which provides individually calibrated recommendations to human decision-makers, keeping humans in control, versus "autonomous AI" models that take control on behalf of humans, raising profound implications for their use.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/05/opinion/columns/two-models-for-agentic-ai/2086792The US government's delay in enforcing a ban on TikTok has raised concerns about national security, with experts warning that controlling the app's algorithm under ByteDance's authority does not alleviate these risks. Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, stated that data control and algorithmic control remain the main issues, as they do not change the underlying purpose or risks presented. The delay has sparked over 130 lawsuits, with Alan Rozenshtein, a University of Minnesota law professor, arguing that President Trump's actions violate the law by unilaterally declaring a non-enforcement period instead of negotiating a deal and notifying Congress.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/article_05184e09-969f-5b08-ab2d-f74a087c6853.htmlTikTok's algorithm will remain under ByteDance's control after a delay in the ban on the social media platform, raising national security concerns. The US government had passed a law banning TikTok due to its ties to China, but Trump's extension has kept these controls in place. Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, warns that this maintains risks as data and algorithm control are still under a foreign company with potential malicious intentions. A Pew Research Center survey found Americans are more divided on the issue than two years ago, with 8 in 10 supporters citing data security concerns as a major factor.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-extends-tiktok-ban-deadline/507-9ea046a3-076f-4b09-8637-2f9e420a8939A new app is available that allows users to turn their images into comic-like characters inspired by The Simpsons or Marvel. This technology uses AI-powered tools to create stylized and colorful versions of individuals or objects, similar to those found in animated TV shows and movies. The app's creator has stated that the process involves using machine learning algorithms to analyze the input image and apply a specific style, resulting in a unique and recognizable character.
https://www.livemint.com/technology/forget-ghibli-style-art-here-s-how-to-turn-your-images-into-a-simpsons-or-marvel-comic-like-character-11743765719348.htmlThe US government has seen significant job losses under President Trump's administration, with Challenger, Gray & Christmas reporting 279,445 job cuts across 27 government agencies since his inauguration on January 20. This includes reductions in federal support and contract terminations, affecting nonprofits and healthcare organizations as well. Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is particularly notable for its substantial job losses, exceeding a quarter of a million jobs.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/03/business/elon-musks-doge-slashed-280000-jobs-from-federal-government/US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs could hinder Big Tech's plans to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure, potentially undermining the administration's goal. Analysts warn that companies like Oracle and SoftBank may reallocate spending from expansion to procurement hedging or sourcing shifts due to the tariffs imposed on technology equipment suppliers from China, Taiwan, and South Korea. The US is also planning targeted tariffs for semiconductors, which could further disrupt the industry.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/trump-tariffs-could-stymie-big-techs-us-data-centre-spending-spreeBig Tech companies may be deterred from investing in US data centres due to the potential impact of Trump's tariffs, which could disrupt their supply chains and increase costs. The tariffs, particularly those on Swiss-made luxury goods like Rolex and Swatch watches, have already had a significant effect on Switzerland. In contrast, companies such as BYD are expanding their presence in South Korea to challenge Hyundai's dominance. US companies face significant losses in the markets due to Trump's tariffs, which could also affect Bitcoin mining operations rooted in Asia.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/billionaires-lose-combined-us208-billion-one-day-trump-tariffs