OpenAI’s $40 billion funding deal led by SoftBank could make it one of the most valuable private firms in the world. But there is a catch. It must fully transition to a for profit model by the end of 2025 or risk losing billions, marking a major shift for the AI company.
Elon Musk’s xAI has bought social media platform X for $33 billion, calling it a major step in combining AI with real-time public conversation. Critics are concerned about data privacy and the true value of X, while others see it as a bold move to challenge AI leader OpenAI.
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Lt. General Michelle McGuinness, a 30-year military intelligence veteran, is appointed as Australia’s national cyber security coordinator. She aims to strengthen business-government collaboration against rising cyber threats.
Military intelligence veteran Michelle McGuinness has been appointed national cyber security coordinator by the Department of Home Affairs, formally replacing Air Marshall Darren Goldie, who was recalled last year following allegations about a workplace matter.
"I’m excited to get started and continue to ensure that Australia is best positioned to respond to threats of the digital age," McGuinness said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Mcguinness has served the defence force for 30 years in several roles,and most recently was deputy director for Commonwealth integration (DDCI).
"Previously, while serving in the Defence Intelligence Organisation, she led interagency intelligence efforts supporting whole-of-government counter-proliferation initiatives, as well as Australia’s Strategic Health Intelligence capability during the COVID-19 pandemic," Clare O'Neil, Minister for Home Affairs of Australia said in a statement.
"With the National Office of Cyber Security, the coordinator drives forward the necessary work to ensure Australia is best positioned to respond to the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.”
Praised for her extensive experience, McGuinness takes on a crucial position amid a surge in cyber attacks. Her challenge includes persuading major businesses to collaborate with government cyber defence experts to address escalating threats effectively.
McGuinness aims to position Australia strategically in navigating the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, building on her previous roles, including leading intelligence efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NVIDIA's Blackwell Chip ignites an AI innovation race, slashing DeepSeek R1’s time to 10 seconds. Dobot’s $27,500 humanoid robot dazzles, sending stocks soaring with affordable automation flair. Alphabet’s $32B Wiz buy excites markets, yet U.S. cyberattacks cast a dark shadow over tech’s rise.
Elon Musk’s X AI platform has been hit by a massive cyber-attack, leaving users in the U.S. and UK unable to refresh feeds or access accounts. Musk confirmed the attack’s severity, pointing to IP traces from “the Ukraine area,” though experts caution that origin masking is possible.
A new report by Australian researcher Lina Lau links the NSA to a cyberattack on China’s Northwestern Polytechnical University. Allegedly, NSA hackers used U.S. work schedules and American keyboards, exposing their operations.
Cisco faces fallout from a massive data leak exposing critical files, while China accuses the U.S. of cyber espionage amid rising tech tensions. AI governance sparks debate as Europe enforces strict rules, and ASIC sues HSBC for $23M scam failures. Global cyber affairs take center stage this week.
