AI growth hinders Google’s green goals, and BlackRocks’s big buy

AI drives a 48% increase in Google’s emissions

Google’s greenhouse gas emissions surged by 48% from 2019 to 2023, mainly due to the heightened energy demands of AI-powered data centres.

These centres require significantly more electricity than standard online activities, raising concerns about AI’s environmental impact.

Despite Google’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, the integration of AI presents challenges. While European and American data centres use mostly carbon-free energy, those in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia rely more on fossil fuels.

Reducing emissions amid AI’s growth remains a formidable task for the tech giant: “As we further integrate AI into our products, reducing emissions may be challenging,” they said.

Read more…

BlackRock to acquire UK data group Preqin for £2.55bn

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has agreed to acquire Preqin, a UK-based private markets data group, for £2.55bn in cash.

This acquisition marks BlackRock’s entry into financial information provision, enhancing its focus on alternative assets.

Preqin, specialising in tracking private equity and hedge funds, will be integrated into BlackRock’s technology arm.

This deal underscores the growing demand for granular financial data. Preqin, founded 20 years ago, has experienced significant revenue growth fuelled by the private capital boom.

The acquisition is set to close later this year, positioning BlackRock for further expansion in private markets.

Read more…

Supreme Court rulings boost Big Tech’s power

Recent US Supreme Court decisions are set to significantly enhance Big Tech’s influence by limiting regulatory oversight.

A ruling mandating that SEC fraud cases be tried in court, coupled with overturning the Chevron doctrine, which allowed agencies to interpret laws, will curtail regulators’ power.

This shift empowers companies like Meta and SpaceX to challenge regulatory actions more effectively.

Legal experts warn of increased litigation and a chilling effect on rulemaking. As the US regulatory landscape becomes more complex, there’s concern the country might lag in tech regulation compared to global standards.

“The US invented competition policy — what we call antitrust law — but we’re not only failing to adapt to modern times, but we’re also falling into political retrenchment,” said Laura Phillips-Sawyer, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law.

Read more…

Audi enhances voice control with ChatGPT integration

Audi will upgrade its vehicle voice control this month by integrating ChatGPT via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.

This enhancement applies to around two million Audi models from 2021 onwards, equipped with the third-generation modular infotainment system (MIB 3).

Drivers can now use natural language to interact with their cars, improving safety and convenience.

The Q6 e-tron and future models with the E3 1.2 electronics architecture will also benefit from ChatGPT through Cerence Chat Pro.

The carmaker claims this integration allows for seamless, AI-powered voice commands for infotainment, navigation, and climate control, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Read more…

Australia to build a top-secret cloud with AWS for military use

Australia’s government plans to develop a top secret-rated cloud in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity of its Defence and National Intelligence Community.

Partnering with the Australian Signals Directorate, the TS Cloud aims to securely host the nation’s most sensitive information, improving data sharing and analysis capabilities.

The project, with an estimated budget of up to AUD$2 billion over ten years, involves constructing three dedicated data centres and establishing a local AWS subsidiary.

The initiative promises improved interoperability with the US and utilises advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning. According to The Register, Microsoft chose not to bid because it couldn’t match AWS’s interoperability.

Read more…