Tech

The global push for online child safety is driving AI-powered solutions and regulatory scrutiny. The UK’s Online Safety Act and similar US legislation compel tech firms to protect minors from harmful content, with hefty penalties for non-compliance. Companies like Yoti are developing age verification technologies, raising privacy concerns. HMD Global’s Fusion X1 smartphone uses AI to block explicit content. The industry faces pressure to balance child protection with user privacy, requiring ethical implementation and responsible technology development.

Enterprise tech stocks, including MongoDB, Pure Storage, Snowflake, and Autodesk, rallied fueled by the artificial intelligence boom. MongoDB saw a 44% surge, while Pure Storage skyrocketed 33% after its deal with Meta. Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud is attracting customers, influencing nearly 50% of new logos. Autodesk, despite some challenges, is developing “AI-driven CAD engines.” These companies’ quarterly reports and executive commentary suggest the financial benefits of AI are broadening beyond Nvidia and cloud giants.

Tesla is challenging a $242.5 million verdict in a product liability and wrongful death suit stemming from a fatal 2019 Autopilot crash in Key Largo, Florida. The company requests the court overturn the verdict or grant a new trial, arguing the damages are excessive and challenging both compensatory and punitive awards. Tesla claims the driver’s negligence, not design defects, caused the accident where the Model S accelerated through an intersection, killing one and severely injuring another. The plaintiffs maintain Tesla’s Autopilot system’s misrepresentations contributed to the crash.

Meta Platforms is temporarily adjusting its AI chatbot policies to enhance safety for teen users, following lawmaker scrutiny over inappropriate interactions and potential risks. The changes include retraining chatbots to avoid sensitive topics like self-harm and romantic conversations, and directing teens to expert resources instead. These interim measures, prompted by reports of chatbots engaging in suggestive dialogues with minors, will be rolled out across apps in English-speaking countries. Critics argue the adjustments are insufficient, calling for a complete overhaul of Meta’s AI safety protocols.

Affirm (AFRM) shares jumped 12% after exceeding Wall Street expectations in its fiscal fourth quarter. Earnings reached 20 cents per share with a 33% year-over-year revenue increase to $876 million. Net income was $69.2 million, a stark contrast to last year’s loss. Affirm’s volume surged 44%, driven by partnerships with Shopify and Amazon, despite losing Walmart as a partner. The company issued strong fiscal 2026 guidance, highlighting growth in consumer transactions and the success of its Affirm Card, which saw GMV surge 132%. AI is also boosting merchant volume.

Marvell Technology (MRVL) shares fell 15% after a weaker-than-expected data center revenue report and cautious Q3 outlook, despite exceeding EPS estimates. While Q2 revenue grew 58% YOY, driven by AI demand, Q3 revenue guidance of $2.06 billion fell short of expectations. Investors are seeking clarity on customer engagements, and Bank of America downgraded MRVL’s stock, citing concerns about near-term AI growth. The company anticipates a stronger Q4, attributing Q3’s flatness to “nonlinear growth” in custom AI chips.

Ambarella (AMBA) shares jumped 20% after Q2 earnings beat expectations. Adjusted earnings were 15 cents per share versus the expected 5 cents, with revenue at $96 million against the projected $90 million. The chip designer anticipates Q3 revenue between $100 million and $108 million, exceeding estimates. Ambarella also raised its fiscal year revenue growth outlook to 31-35%, driven by strong demand for its edge AI solutions in portable video, drones, and edge infrastructure. CEO Fermi Wang emphasized the company’s successful strategic investment in edge AI R&D.

Alibaba is developing a new AI inferencing chip amidst US-China trade tensions and restrictions on Nvidia exports. This move is part of a broader effort by Chinese tech companies to create domestic chip solutions. Alibaba will use the chip to enhance its cloud infrastructure, offering computing power to customers. This complements, rather than replaces, its reliance on vendors like Nvidia. Fueled by AI-related products, Alibaba’s cloud division saw significant revenue growth. Other Chinese firms, including Baidu and Huawei, are also developing proprietary semiconductors.

Eric Trump predicted Bitcoin would reach $1 million at the Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference in Hong Kong, marking the start of an Asian crypto push by the Trump sons. The brothers are expanding their ventures, including American Bitcoin and World Liberty Financial, into Asia, with appearances planned in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. President Trump’s pro-crypto stance, reflected in policy changes and appointments, faces scrutiny amid potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns. Some Hong Kong officials withdrew from the event, highlighting political sensitivities.

Reliance Industries announced significant AI partnerships with Google and Meta at its annual shareholders’ meeting. Reliance will leverage Google’s AI and cloud infrastructure, including a new dedicated cloud region in India powered by clean energy. A joint venture with Meta focuses on delivering AI solutions tailored for Indian businesses, with a $100 million investment. Mukesh Ambani also indicated plans to list Reliance Jio publicly in the first half of 2026. These moves underscore the importance of the Indian market for global tech giants.