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OpenAI says its board of directors has unanimously rejected a $97.4 billion takeover bid by Elon Musk. “OpenAI is not for sale, and the board has unanimously rejected Mr Musk’s latest attempt to disrupt his competition," said a statement Friday from Bret Taylor, chair of OpenAI's board. OpenAI attorney William Savitt in a letter to Musk's attorney Friday said the proposal “is not in the best interests of OAI’s mission and is rejected.” TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US Musk, an early OpenAI investor, began a legal offensive against the ChatGPT maker nearly a year ago, suing for breach of contract over what he said was the betrayal of its founding aims as a nonprofit. OpenAI has increasingly sought to capitalize on the commercial success of generative AI. But the for-profit company is a subsidiary of a nonprofit entity that's bound to a mission — which Musk helped set — to safely build better-than-human AI for humanity's benefit. OpenAI is now seeking to more fully convert itself to a for-profit company, but would first have to buy out the nonprofit's assets. Throwing a wrench in those plans, Musk and his own AI startup, xAI, and a group of investment firms announced a bid Monday to buy the nonprofit that controls OpenAI. Musk in a court filing Wednesday further detailed the proposal to acquire the nonprofit’s controlling stake. Savitt's letter Friday said that court filing added “new material conditions to the proposal. As a result of that filing, it is now apparent that your clients’ much-publicized ‘bid’ is in fact not a bid at all.” In any event, “even as first presented,” the board has unanimously rejected it, Savitt said. Musk has alleged in the lawsuit that OpenAI is violating the terms of his foundational contributions to the charity. Musk had invested about $45 million in the startup from its founding until 2018, his lawyer has said. He escalated the legal dispute late last year, adding new claims and defendants, including OpenAI's business partner Microsoft, and asking for a court order that would halt OpenAI’s for-profit conversion. Musk also added xAI as a plaintiff, claiming that OpenAI was also unfairly stifling business competition. A judge is still considering Musk's request but expressed skepticism about some of his claims in a court hearing last week.

TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S., after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a TikTok ban. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on Jan. 18 to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app or be banned in the U.S. The popular social media app, which has over 170 million American users, previously suspended its services in the U.S. for a day before restoring service following assurances from Trump that he would postpone banning the app. The TikTok service suspension briefly prompted thousands of users to migrate to RedNote, a Chinese social media app, while calling themselves “TikTok refugees.” The TikTok app became available to download again in the U.S. Apple App store and Google Play store after nearly a month. On Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to extend the enforcement of a ban on TikTok to April 5. TikTok has long faced troubles in the U.S., with the U.S. government claiming that its Chinese ownership and access to the data of millions of Americans makes it a national security risk. TikTok has denied allegations that it has shared U.S. user data at the behest of the Chinese government, and argued that the law requiring it to be divested or banned violates the First Amendment rights of its American users. During Trump’s first term in office, he supported banning TikTok but later changed his mind, claiming that he had a “warm spot” for the app. TikTok CEO Shou Chew was among the attendees at Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Trump has suggested that TikTok could be jointly owned, with half of its ownership being American. Potential buyers include real estate mogul Frank McCourt, Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary and popular YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, also known as MrBeast.

Buying a new smartphone is a big investment, so discovering that your "brand-new" device is actually used or refurbished can be frustrating. Since new smartphones are significantly more expensive than second-hand or refurbished models, it's crucial to confirm that your device is genuinely new before making a purchase. By taking a few simple steps, you can avoid the risks of buying a pre-owned or tampered phone and ensure you're getting exactly what you paid for.  Ways to Check Whether Your Smartphone is New and Never Used Before . Check the Packaging and Accessories One of the most obvious ways to verify if a smartphone is new is by inspecting the packaging. A brand-new phone should come in a factory-sealed box with no signs of tampering. Manufacturers use specific security seals and adhesive tapes to ensure authenticity. If you notice any resealing marks, misaligned stickers, or damaged box edges, it may indicate that the phone was previously opened. The contents inside the box should also be carefully examined. A new phone comes with neatly packed accessories, including a charger, USB cable, SIM ejector tool, and sometimes earphones, depending on the brand. If any accessory appears used, has scratches, or is missing altogether, this is a red flag. Additionally, check for official manuals and warranty cards that should accompany a new smartphone. Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources Examine the Physical Condition of the Phone A thorough physical inspection of the device is essential before considering it brand-new. A new smartphone should have no scratches, dents, or marks on its body or screen. Carefully check the edges, ports, and camera lens for any visible signs of wear or damage. Moreover, inspect the buttons to ensure they feel firm and function smoothly. Due to frequent usage, a previously used phone might show slight discoloration around buttons, especially the power and volume keys. Another effective way to confirm newness is by checking the SIM card tray. If there are scratches or dust inside the tray, it may have been inserted and removed before, indicating prior use. Verify the IMEI or Serial Number Every smartphone comes with a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can help you determine if the device is new. You can find the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the phone’s dial pad or by navigating to Settings > About Phone. Cross-check this number with the IMEI printed on the box. If the numbers do not match, this could indicate that the phone is not in its original box or has been tampered with. Read more: Top Free Prompt Engineering Courses Online in 2025 Another way to check is by using IMEI lookup websites such as IMEI.info or IMEI24.com. These platforms can provide details about the phone’s activation date, warranty period, and whether it has been reported stolen. If the phone has an activation date earlier than your purchase date, it means the device was used before. Check Software and System Information Smartphones store specific information that can reveal their usage history. For iPhone users, an easy way to check if the device is brand-new is by looking at the model number. You can find this under Settings > General > About. The first letter of the model number provides key insights: "M" – Brand new unit "F" – Refurbished by Apple "N" – Replacement device "P" – Personalized with engraving If the model number starts with "F" or "N," it means the device was either refurbished or replaced, respectively, which means it is not brand new. Read more: Top Virtual Reality Trends of 2025: The Future of VR For Android users, the best way to check the device’s history is through the developer options. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status, where you can see the device’s Build Number and First Activation Date (if available). If the phone has an activation date before your purchase, it indicates that the device has been used before. Assess Battery Health and Charging Cycle Battery health is another critical indicator of a phone’s usage history. A new phone should have 100% battery health, especially iPhones, where this information can be checked under Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the capacity is below 100%, the phone may have been previously used or left charging for extended periods. For Android users, battery health can be checked using third-party apps such as AccuBattery. Additionally, you can check the Charge Cycle Count, which refers to how many times the battery has been fully charged. A high charge cycle count indicates prior usage. Read more: 10 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2025 Check for Signs of Prior Setup or Activation When turning on a brand-new phone for the first time, it should display the initial setup screen, asking you to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google or Apple ID. If the phone directly opens to the home screen or already contains apps, contacts, or settings, it has likely been used before. For iPhones, you can check the Apple System Status online using the device's serial number. Go to Settings > General > About and enter the serial number on Apple's website to check the warranty status. If the warranty has already started before your purchase date, the phone was likely activated earlier. Similarly, for Android devices, you can check the Device Activation Date by dialing *#12580*369# on Samsung phones. If the activation date is earlier than your purchase date, it means the phone is not new. Read more: Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs and Healthcare Innovations of 2024 Review Warranty and Return Policy Before purchasing a smartphone, always check its warranty status. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty starting from the date of first activation. You can verify this on the brand’s official website by entering the phone’s serial number. If the warranty period has already started before your purchase, the phone was activated earlier, meaning it is not a new device. Additionally, reputable sellers provide a return or exchange policy. Ensure that your purchase comes with a valid return window so that you can return the phone if you discover it is not new. Check for Hidden System Logs Most smartphones keep internal records of previous activities. On Android devices, you can check Usage History by going to Settings > Developer Options > Running Services. If any apps show usage history before your purchase date, the phone has been previously used. Read more: 12 Most In-Demand Tech Skills for 2025: Stay Ahead in the Job Market On iPhones, you can check Analytics Data under Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements > Analytics Data. If you see logs dating back to before you first turned on the phone, it suggests prior usage. Observe Performance and Storage A brand-new smartphone should run smoothly without any lag or unusual behavior. If your phone experiences slow performance, random reboots, or excessive heating, it might not be new. Additionally, check the Storage Usage under Settings > Storage. If the device already has storage space occupied before setup, it could indicate previous usage. Final Words Ensuring that your smartphone is genuinely brand-new during purchase requires thorough inspection and verification. By checking the packaging, physical condition, IMEI number, software details, battery health, and activation records, you can confidently determine whether your device has been used before.  Read more: Why Do Mobile Phones Explode? How to Protect Your Smartphone from Blasting? These checks help protect you from receiving a pre-owned, refurbished, or tampered device when you have paid for a new one. Always purchase from authorized sellers and verify the return and warranty policies to safeguard your investment.

A Texas county on Wednesday approved holding an election sought by SpaceX that would let residents living around billionaire Elon Musk 's company decide whether to formally create a new city called Starbase. The election was set for May 3 and votes can only be cast by residents living near the launch site that is currently part of an unincorporated area of Cameron County, located along the U.S.-Mexico border. In December, more than 70 area residents signed a petition requesting an election to make Starbase its own municipality. Most of the residents are company employees and the community includes more than 100 children, according to copies of the petition obtained by The Associated Press. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño said the county reviewed the petition and found it met the state's requirements for the incorporation process to move forward. “If the election passes, this will be the newest town in Cameron County since Los Indios in 1995,” Treviño said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing the outcome of this election.” SpaceX responded to a request for comment by referring to the company's earlier statement in December. Elon Musk-led group proposes buying OpenAI for $97.4 billion. OpenAI CEO says ‘no thank you’ Kathryn Lueders, Starbase's general manager, previously said that the incorporation would streamline certain processes to build amenities in the area. Some local environmental advocates have expressed worry about what the effects would mean for development. SpaceX's launch site broke ground in Texas in 2014. Only 10 of the roughly 250 lots of land within the proposed new city limits do not belong to the company. More than 3,400 full-time SpaceX employees and contractors work at the Starbase site, according to a local impact study issued by the county last year. Musk has long been planting business roots in Texas and has spread them far and wide across the Lone Star State. The billionaire moved to Texas in 2020 and relocated to or expanded a number of his companies in the state, citing the state’s business-friendly climate. Bill Gates warns of AI’s impact on work and society Tesla’s massive 10-million-square-foot (930,000-square-meter) Gigafactory, where the company makes its Cybertrucks, opened near Austin in 2022 and will also serve as the company headquarters.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly criticised Elon Musk, describing the Tesla and xAI chief as "insecure" and unwilling to compete by improving his own technology. The remarks come after Musk's reported $97 billion bid to take over OpenAI was firmly rejected. In an interview with Bloomberg, Altman was direct in his response to Musk's attempted buyout, stating: "OpenAI is not for sale. The OpenAI mission is not for sale. Elon tries all sorts of things for a long time. This is, you know, this week's episode." His dismissive stance suggested that Musk’s efforts did not concern him, emphasising that such actions were not new. Altman further accused Musk of attempting to hinder OpenAI's progress in artificial intelligence (AI) instead of focusing on innovation. "I think he is probably just trying to slow us down. He obviously is a competitor. He has raised a lot of money for xAI and they are trying to compete with us from a technological perspective... I wish he would just compete by building a better product," Altman remarked. Perhaps the most pointed part of the discussion was Altman’s take on Musk’s personality. When asked whether Musk’s tactics stemmed from insecurity over his AI aspirations, Altman responded: "Probably his whole life is from a position of insecurity. I feel for the guy. I don’t think he is like a happy person." Elon Musk-led group proposes buying OpenAI for $97.4 billion. OpenAI CEO says ‘no thank you’ The interview has since gone viral, intensifying the long-standing rivalry between the two tech magnates. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, left the organisation in 2018 following reported disagreements over its direction. Since then, he has been a vocal critic of OpenAI and its leadership, particularly Altman. Musk's latest buyout offer, made in partnership with his AI startup xAI and a group of investors, was intended to restore OpenAI to its original nonprofit research model. However, Altman swiftly dismissed the bid and even mocked Musk on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want." The rivalry has further escalated amid Musk's increasing influence in US policy circles, particularly with his proximity to former President Donald Trump. Musk’s role in the government-backed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked concerns about his sway over AI-related policies. When asked about this, Altman remained unconcerned, responding: "Maybe I should, but not particularly. I try to just wake up and think about how we are going to make our technology better." With the AI race heating up, the friction between Musk and Altman is unlikely to subside anytime soon, setting the stage for more clashes between two of the most prominent figures in the industry. Source: India Today (revised) 

A group of investors led by Elon Musk is offering about $97.4 billion to buy the nonprofit behind OpenAI, escalating a dispute with the artificial intelligence company that Musk helped found a decade ago. Musk and his own AI startup, xAI, and a consortium of investment firms want to take control of the ChatGPT maker and revert it to its original charitable mission as a nonprofit research lab, according to Musk’s attorney Marc Toberoff. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman quickly rejected the unsolicited bid on Musk’s social platform X, saying, “no thank you but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” Musk bought Twitter, now called X, for $44 billion in 2022. Musk and Altman, who together helped start OpenAI in 2015 and later competed over who should lead it, have been in a long-running feud over the startup’s direction since Musk resigned from its board in 2018. Advertisement Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the company last year, first in a California state court and later in federal court, alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab that would benefit the public good by safely building better-than-human AI. Musk had invested about $45 million in the startup from its founding until 2018, Toberoff has said. Related Stories The sudden success of ChatGPT two years ago brought worldwide fame and a new revenue stream to OpenAI and also heightened the internal battles over the future of the organization and the advanced AI it was trying to develop. Its nonprofit board fired Altman in late 2023. He came back days later with a new board. Now a fast-growing business still controlled by a nonprofit board bound to its original mission, OpenAI last year announced plans to formally change its corporate structure. But such changes are complicated. Tax law requires money or assets donated to a tax-exempt organization to remain within the charitable sector. Advertisement If the initial organization becomes a for-profit, generally, a conversion is needed where the for-profit pays the fair market value of the assets to another charitable organization. Even if the nonprofit OpenAI continues to exist in some way, some experts argue it would have to be paid fair market value for any assets that get transferred to its for-profit subsidiaries. Judge says Elon Musk's claims of harm from OpenAI are a 'stretch' but welcomes possible trial Lawyers for OpenAI and Musk faced off in a California federal court last week as a judge weighed Musk’s request for a court order that would block the ChatGPT maker from converting itself to a for-profit company. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers hasn’t yet ruled on Musk’s request but in the courtroom said it was a “stretch” for Musk to claim he will be irreparably harmed if she doesn’t intervene to stop OpenAI from moving forward with its planned transition. But the judge also raised concerns about OpenAI and its relationship with business partner Microsoft and said she wouldn’t stop the case from moving to trial as soon as next year so a jury can decide. “It is plausible that what Mr. Musk is saying is true. We’ll find out. He’ll sit on the stand,” she said. Advertisement long with Musk and xAI, others backing the bid announced Monday include Baron Capital Group, Valor Management, Atreides Management, Vy Fund, Emanuel Capital Management and Eight Partners VC. Toberoff said in a statement that if Altman and OpenAI’s current board “are intent on becoming a fully for-profit corporation, it is vital that the charity be fairly compensated for what its leadership is taking away from it: control over the most transformative technology of our time.” Musk’s attorney also shared a letter he sent in early January to the attorneys general of California, where OpenAI operates, and Delaware, where it is incorporated. SoftBank and OpenAI launch joint venture in Japan to expand AI collaboration Since both state offices must “ensure any such transactional process relating to OpenAI’s charitable assets provides at least fair market value to protect the public’s beneficial interest, we assume you will provide a process for competitive bidding to actually determine that fair market value,” Toberoff wrote, asking for more information on the terms and timing of that bidding process.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has expressed concerns over the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, cautioning that while the technology holds immense potential, it could also lead to unforeseen disruptions in industries and employment. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on February 4, Gates highlighted both the benefits and uncertainties of AI. Bill Gates says he is stepping down from Microsoft board He noted that in the coming decade, intelligence would no longer be a rarity but widely accessible, enhancing fields such as healthcare and education. However, he also warned that such progress could bring significant changes. One of Gates’ most striking predictions involved AI’s potential to reshape the traditional work structure. He questioned whether people might eventually work only two or three days a week as AI takes over complex tasks previously handled by humans. While this shift could offer more flexibility, it also raises concerns about widespread job displacement. Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of AI’s evolution, Gates admitted that many people find the situation unsettling, describing it as "completely new territory." Bill Gates says he has COVID, experiencing mild symptoms Despite his concerns, Gates recognizes AI’s transformative impact on industries like healthcare and education. As AI-powered diagnostics and tutoring become more accessible, these essential services could become both more efficient and affordable. However, the bigger challenge remains—can humanity steer AI’s development before it begins shaping society in unforeseen ways? Source: With input from Economic Times

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has started a series of performance-based layoffs today, targeting approximately 5% of its global workforce. This move is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's strategy to "raise the bar" on performance and streamline operations. Layoff Details Affected employees are being notified via their work and personal emails, detailing severance packages. Access to company systems is revoked within an hour of notification. In the United States, notifications began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. Due to local labour regulations, employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands are exempt from these immediate cuts and will follow local performance management processes instead. Meta to invest up to $65 billion in AI projects in 2025 Global Impact While the initial notifications are concentrated in the U.S., employees in other regions, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, are scheduled to receive their notifications between 11 and 18 February. The layoffs are expected to affect nearly 4,000 employees worldwide. Strategic Shift Towards AI Concurrently, Meta is expediting the hiring of machine learning engineers and other critical engineering roles. This accelerated hiring process is set to take place between 11 February and 13 March, aligning with the company's strategic priorities for 2025. Employee Sentiment The layoffs have generated anxiety among Meta's workforce. Some employees have expressed concerns about a culture of fear and the potential negative impact on morale. There is apprehension that the performance-based cuts could unfairly label departing employees, affecting their future job prospects. Meta abandons diversity programmes amid shifting US policy Industry-Wide Trend Meta's decision mirrors a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are reassessing their workforce in response to economic pressures and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Other tech giants, including Google and Microsoft, have also implemented layoffs and restructured their operations to focus on AI-driven initiatives. As Meta navigates this transition, the company emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a high-performance culture while investing in future technologies that will shape the next era of digital interaction. Source: Agencies 

The geopolitics of artificial intelligence will be in focus at a major summit in France where world leaders, executives and experts will hammer out pledges on guiding the development of the rapidly advancing technology. It's the latest in a series of global dialogues around AI governance, but one that comes at a fresh inflection point as China's buzzy and budget-friendly DeepSeek chatbot shakes up the industry. U.S. Vice President JD Vance — making his first trip abroad since taking office — will attend the Paris AI Action Summit starting Feb. 10, while China's President Xi Jinping will be sending his special envoy, signaling high stakes for the meeting. Here's a breakdown: Summit basics Heads of state and top government officials, tech bosses and researchers are gathering in Paris for the two-day summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event aims to address how to harness artificial intelligence’s potential so that it benefits everyone, while containing the technology’s myriad risks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is attending, along with company officials from 80 countries, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft President Brad Smith and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Tesla chief Elon Musk, who attended the inaugural 2023 summit at former codebreaking base Bletchley Park in England, and DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng have been invited, but it’s unclear if either will attend. Panel talks and workshops at the Grand Palais venue on Monday will be followed by a dinner at the Elysee presidential palace for world leaders and CEOs. Leaders and company bosses are expected to give speeches at Tuesday’s closing session. What's at stake? More than two years after ChatGPT 's debut, generative AI continues to make astounding advances at breakneck speed. The technology that powers all-purpose chatbots is transforming many aspects of life with its ability to spit out high-quality text, images or video, or carry out complex tasks. The 2023 summit in the U.K. resulted in a non-binding pledge by 28 nations to tackle AI risks. A follow-up meeting hosted by South Korea last year secured another pledge to set up a network of public AI safety institutes to advance research and testing. AI safety is still on the agenda in Paris, with an expert group reporting back on general purpose AI's possible extreme dangers. US lawmakers seek ban on DeepSeek from government devices But this time organizers are expanding the discussion to more countries, and widening the debate to a range of other AI-related topics. Like previous editions, this summit won't produce any binding regulation. “The summit comes at a time when many are trying to position themselves in the international competition,” Macron told reporters, according to La Provence newspaper. “It’s about establishing the rules of the game. AI cannot be the Wild West.” The deliverables Organizers are working on getting countries to sign a joint political declaration gathering commitments for more ethical, democratic and environmentally sustainable AI, according to Macron’s office. But it's unclear whether the U.S. would agree to such a measure. A public-interest partnership named “Current AI" is to be launched with an initial $400 million investment. The initiative aims at raising $2.5 billion over the next five years for the public-private partnership involving governments, businesses and philanthropic groups that will provide open-source access to databases, software and other tools for “trusted” AI actors, according to Macron's office. Macron's team wants to shift the focus away from the race to develop better-than-human artificial intelligence through sheer computing power and, instead, open up access to data that can help AI solve problems like cancer or long COVID. “We now have this incredible opportunity to figure out not only how we should mitigate the potential harms from artificial intelligence, but also how we can ensure that it’s used to improve people’s lives,” said Martin Tisné, the summit’s envoy for public interest AI. Trump's team U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken of his desire to make the U.S. the “world capital of artificial intelligence” by tapping its oil and gas reserves to feed the energy-hungry technology. Meanwhile, he has moved to withdraw the U.S. — again — from the Paris climate agreement and revoked former President Joe Biden's executive order for AI guardrails. Trump is replacing it with his own AI policy designed to maintain America's global leadership by reducing regulatory barriers and building AI systems free of “ideological bias.” The U.S. position might undermine any joint communique, said Nick Reiners, senior geotechnology analyst at the Eurasia Group. Workday lays off 1,750 employees, or about 8.5% of its workforce “Trump is against the very idea of global governance,” Reiners said. “It’s one thing to get countries to agree that AI should have guardrails and that AI safety is something worth caring about. But they’ve widened the scope to talk about the future of work and the environment and inclusivity and so on — a whole range of concepts. So it’s hard to imagine getting a widespread agreement on such a broad range of subjects.” China's role Chinese leader Xi is sending Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, who's been elevated to the role of Xi's special representative. It's a big step up from the 2023 Bletchley meeting, when the Chinese government sent the vice minister of science and technology. It signifies that Xi wants China to play a bigger role in global AI governance as Trump pulls back, Reiners said. DeepSeek ’s release last month stunned the world because of its ability to rival Western players like ChatGPT. It also escalated the wider geopolitical showdown between Beijing and Washington over tech supremacy. Trump said DeepSeek was a “ wake-up call ” for the U.S. tech industry and his AI advisor David Sacks accused DeepSeek of training its model on stolen OpenAI data. The DeepSeek chatbot app now faces investigations, and in some cases, bans in the U.S. and a number of other countries over privacy and security concerns. Yet the rise of DeepSeek, which built its open source AI model at a fraction of the cost and with fewer chips, also puts China's interests in line with France's. French organizers said “the summit aims at promoting an ambitious French and European AI strategy" as advances in the sector have been led by the U.S. and China. Macron hopes to make room for others, including French startup Mistral, which also uses an open source AI model. “DeepSeek is being seen as a kind of vindication of this idea that you don’t have to necessarily invest hundreds of billions of dollars in in chips and data centers,” Reiners said. Transatlantic tensions Another showdown could involve Brussels, which has long been a thorn in the side of U.S.-based Big Tech companies, cracking down with antitrust penalties against the likes of Google, Apple and Meta. Trump lashed out at last month's World Economic Forum with “very big complaints” about the EU’s multibillion-dollar fines, calling them a tax on American companies. Researchers link China's DeepSeek chatbot to a state telecom, raising privacy concerns More recently, the European Union's artificial intelligence regulation has met resistance from the companies. The EU recently unveiled a non-binding "code of practice” for its AI Act but Meta's top lobbyist said the company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, won’t sign up. The EU guidelines, intended to standardize how the AI Act's regulations are applied across the 27-nation bloc, are “unworkable” and the continent’s regulatory environment is “pushing Europe to the sidelines,” Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan told a Brussels event.

A major outage of Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) on Saturday has left tens of thousands of gamers unable to access online services, stores and multimedia apps. “We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN,” PlayStation said on its social media platforms, confirming users’ mounting complaints around the globe. Reports of connectivity issues spread quickly across social media, with users frustrated by error messages and login failures. “PSN down on a Friday night is criminal,” a London-based user named Ramos wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting tactics that shook Washington and Backfired at Twitter According to the Downdetector outage tracking site, users started to report issues with PSN late Friday. Shortly after, Sony responded to users’ concerns, confirming the problems without providing details on the possible cause of the outage. The Sony website confirmed problems with its PlayStation Network services. The PlayStation support webpage said “some services are experiencing issues,” including its account management and gaming and social services, as well as PlayStation Video, PlayStation Store and PlayStation Direct. Last October the PlayStation network was down for several hours.