Tech News
LAST UPDATE: June 17, 2025
Meta Gets Out Its Checkbook to Catch Up in the AI Race
Meta has invested heavily in acquiring a 49% stake in AI startup Scale AI, in a deal that could reach $14.3 billion and includes hiring Scale’s CEO, reflecting its determination to close the gap in AI innovation.
Insight
This bold move underscores Meta’s urgency to reclaim leadership in AI, signaling a shift from social media to foundational model investment. It illustrates how major tech firms now pursue aggressive M&A to stay competitive in AI.
Bitcoin Falls, XRP Rises. How Trade Tensions Are Affecting Cryptos.
On June 16, Bitcoin dipped 0.3% to $104,052 after earlier gains, while other cryptos like XRP (+0.5%) and Solana (+1.3%) rose amid resurging U.S.–China trade tensions and renewed crypto optimism.
Insight
The mixed performance shows crypto’s dual role as both a safe haven and a high-risk asset. The recent boost underscores how policy uncertainty and pro-crypto regulatory signals can drive investor interest across asset classes.
Italy regulator opens probe into China’s DeepSeek
Italy’s antitrust authority has launched an inquiry into AI firm DeepSeek, citing inadequate warnings about its models producing false or misleading outputs (“hallucinations”)—a follow-up to earlier privacy actions.
Insight
This emphasizes increasing regulatory scrutiny around AI transparency. Regulators are enforcing accountability to ensure public safety and trust, indicating future global norms may require stronger oversight and user information disclosures.
Trump Sons to Launch Trump Mobile and ‘US Made’ Phone
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have launched “Trump Mobile,” a licensed SIM service with a gold-branded “T1” Android smartphone priced at $499. The venture touts U.S. manufacturing, telehealth, roadside assistance, and unlimited international data.
Insight
This reflects a fusion of celebrity branding, political messaging, and business expansion. The emphasis on U.S.-made technology taps into populist narratives—but manufacturing claims may face logistical challenges and scrutiny.
