#AI

Anthropic has reportedly agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement in a copyright lawsuit brought by authors who alleged their works were used without permission to train AI models. The proposed settlement includes payments of $3,000 per book plus interest and a commitment to destroy datasets containing the allegedly infringing material. This landmark case addresses copyright law in AI development. The plaintiffs’ attorney emphasized the importance of respecting copyright laws for AI training. The lawsuit, filed last year, claimed “large-scale copyright infringement.” Following a substantial funding round, experts believe this settlement could clarify legal frameworks around AI training data.

Roblox (RBLX) introduced “Roblox Moments,” enabling users 13+ to share in-game short videos, challenging TikTok and YouTube. AI tools will democratize 3D content creation, impacting the developer economy. These moves come as Roblox faces regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges concerning child safety. Safety chief Matt Kaufman emphasized moderation of “Moments” content and AI-generated creations. The company is expanding age estimation programs amid allegations of failing to protect underage users from exploitation.

Tesla is seeking shareholder approval for a new CEO compensation package for Elon Musk, following a court invalidation of his 2018 pay plan, deemed excessive. The proposal includes stock options vesting upon achieving ambitious market capitalization and operational milestones, aiming to incentivize Musk and grant him increased voting power. Tesla also proposes investing in Musk’s AI venture, xAI, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. The timing coincides with an ongoing legal battle regarding the 2018 package, adding complexity to executive compensation practices and corporate governance.

Salesforce (CRM) shares tumbled 8% after a tepid revenue forecast, extending its year-to-date slump to 28%. While Q2 revenue beat expectations with a 10% increase to $10.24 billion, forward guidance fell short. Despite AI investments and SaaS offerings, Salesforce hasn’t capitalized on the AI boom like competitors. Concerns persist about AI disrupting the software sector. Salesforce acknowledges challenges in marketing and commerce product sales, but highlights success with Agentforce. The company maintains full-year revenue outlook but raised earnings guidance, prioritizing profitability.

Reports surfaced alleging ByteDance dismantled its chip team, transferring operations to a Singaporean entity and cutting system access without severance. ByteDance denies these claims, stating the chip business entity remains unchanged and the action is a routine data migration to a new Lark tenant. CNBC analysis highlights the strategic importance of in-house chip development amid geopolitical tensions. The move to a new tenant could be preparatory for future separation, offering strategic flexibility in complex regulatory environments and potentially proving technological independence critical for valuation in future IPO possibilities.

Figma (FIG) shares fell 14% after hours following its first earnings report as a public company. While revenue beat expectations at $249.6 million (up 41% YoY), the report presented a mixed picture. Q3 revenue is projected at $263-$265 million, surpassing estimates. Full-year adjusted operating income is forecasted between $88-$98 million, with revenue exceeding $1.02 billion. Figma is innovating with AI-powered tools and strategic acquisitions. Concerns about AI displacing designers were addressed, with the CEO emphasizing AI’s role in augmenting design. The company reported a 129% net retention rate.

Microsoft and the GSA have reached an agreement to accelerate AI and digital technology adoption across federal agencies. The deal provides free services like Microsoft 365 Copilot and aims to modernize government IT infrastructure. This partnership, part of the GSA’s “OneGov” strategy, joins similar offerings from other tech giants. Agencies procuring through the GSA will access Microsoft’s suite, including Azure, Dynamics 365 and Sentinel, improving productivity and security. Microsoft expects over $3 billion in savings for the government in the first year, with projected cumulative savings exceeding $6 billion over three years.

Salesforce’s stock has significantly underperformed compared to Oracle, reversing their pandemic-era market cap crossover. Investors await Salesforce’s quarterly results amid slowing growth in its core CRM market. AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity, with Salesforce launching Agentforce, an AI-powered customer support system. Analysts are watching improvements in remaining performance obligations and the impact of the Informatica acquisition. Activist investors remain engaged, seeking further improvements in profitability. Oracle, meanwhile, benefits from cloud infrastructure commitments related to AI.

Anthropic, an AI company founded by ex-OpenAI researchers, secured $13 billion in Series F funding, boosting its valuation to $183 billion. Led by Iconiq, Fidelity, and Lightspeed, the round signifies strong investor confidence. Fueled by its AI assistant, Claude, Anthropic’s revenue run rate exceeded $5 billion in August with over 300,000 business customers. Capital will support safety research, enterprise demand, and global expansion, intensifying its rivalry with OpenAI, valued potentially at $500 billion.

OpenAI is acquiring Statsig, a product development startup, for $1.1 billion to enhance its capabilities in feature testing and data optimization. Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji will become OpenAI’s technology chief within the applications unit, reporting to Fidji Simo. Statsig will operate independently, serving existing customers. This acquisition follows OpenAI’s purchase of Jony Ive’s AI devices startup, IO, and analytics database company Rockset, demonstrating its aggressive expansion strategy. A previous attempt to acquire AI-assisted coding tool Windsurf was unsuccessful.