Brief

The Trump administration's efforts to establish federal AI regulation are stalled due to internal disagreements and a tight schedule. Officials are reportedly spooked by advanced AI models like Anthropic's Mythos, but a lack of consensus is delaying any concrete actions. The administration's approach to AI safety testing and potential regulatory frameworks remains unclear, with some officials suggesting a cautious, wait-and-see approach influenced by upcoming international summits. AI

The Canadian government has allocated over $800 million towards artificial intelligence contracts in the past three years. Public Services and Procurement Canada and Innovation Canada were the leading departments in this spending. National Defence also contributed significantly, with $83.7 million spent on AI-related contracts. AI

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is launching a nationwide campaign from May to December to dismantle barriers hindering a unified market and fair competition. This initiative will target issues such as restricted market access, unfair trade practices, and discriminatory qualification assessments. Additionally, SAMR is actively working on revising key laws like the Price Law and the Anti-Unfair Competition Law, and is developing new regulations for administrative penalties to ensure stricter, more standardized enforcement. AI

American drug overdose deaths have decreased for the third consecutive year, reaching levels not seen since 2019. Preliminary data indicates a 14% drop last year, with declines observed across various substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine. While this trend offers cautious optimism, researchers warn that continued vigilance is crucial, as a rapid increase in deaths could occur if preventative measures are relaxed. The evolving drug supply, with new potent substances like cychlorphine emerging, presents ongoing challenges. AI

House Democrats, with some Republican support, have successfully gathered enough signatures to force a vote on a bill providing aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. This legislative maneuver bypasses Speaker Mike Johnson and marks the eighth use of a discharge petition in recent years to bring bills to a vote against leadership's wishes. The proposed bill includes $1.3 billion in military and other assistance for Ukraine, alongside up to $8 billion in loans, and new sanctions against Russia, though its passage through the Senate and potential enactment remain uncertain. AI

A proposed Microsoft AI data center in Kenya faces significant power challenges, with government officials stating it would necessitate shutting down power to half the country. The scale of the energy demand for the AI facility has raised concerns about its impact on the national grid and existing power supply. AI

A new standard is being proposed to ensure actors and other creative professionals are compensated when their likeness or work is used by artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to establish machine-readable licensing rules that address the growing concerns around AI-generated content and the potential misuse of intellectual property. The proposed standard seeks to provide a framework for fair compensation and attribution in the evolving landscape of AI and creative industries. AI

The European Union is considering new legislation to restrict children's access to social media, potentially proposing a "delayed social media use" policy as early as this summer. This move is driven by ongoing concerns about child online safety and follows calls from several EU member states for a unified minimum age for social media use. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the protection of minors in the digital space. AI

The FCC has approved a deal allowing AT&T and Starlink to acquire spectrum licenses from EchoStar. This decision has drawn criticism from smaller carriers, who argue it unfairly benefits larger companies. The approval follows pressure from the FCC chair on EchoStar to divest these assets. AI

The Open Society Foundations, led by Alex Soros, announced a $30 million commitment over three years to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate. This initiative aims to strengthen interfaith partnerships and protect communities facing increased threats, particularly in light of recent global events and heightened rhetoric. The funding will support educational programs, community leaders, and nonprofits working to address discrimination and intolerance in a unified manner, rather than in silos. AI

Vietnam plans to develop its own domestic cloud infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign operators for government data. This initiative aims to enhance data security and enable personalized, real-time decision-making for the government by 2035. The move reflects a broader trend of nations seeking greater digital sovereignty. AI

US inflation is worsening, with wholesale prices rising significantly in April and showing broad-based increases beyond energy costs. The Producer Price Index for final demand increased by 1.4% in April and 6% year-over-year, with core components also showing substantial growth. This persistent inflation makes Federal Reserve interest rate cuts less likely this year, and some officials are even considering further tightening of monetary policy. AI

An audit of AI-powered medical scribes in Ontario revealed significant inaccuracies, with most approved systems failing tests. These AI tools incorrectly transcribed patient conversations, with 60% misidentifying prescribed medications. The audit also found that nearly half of the systems generated fabricated information or missed crucial patient details, particularly concerning mental health. AI

The Czech AI Factory (CZAI) has officially launched in Ostrava, marking Czechia's entry into Europe's AI infrastructure development. This initiative is part of the broader EuroHPC AI Factories project, aiming to bolster AI services and supercomputing capabilities across the continent. The launch signifies a strategic move to integrate Czechia into the growing European AI ecosystem. AI

TSMC has approved a $20 billion capital injection for its Arizona semiconductor fabrication plant, Fab 21, as part of a larger expansion plan. Despite this financial commitment and initial operational smoothness, the project faces significant hurdles including water and labor shortages, as well as complications with visa regulations for foreign workers. The company is seeking assistance from Arizona authorities to secure reliable resources and is encouraging Taiwanese suppliers to establish a presence nearby, which may require regulatory adjustments in Taiwan. AI

China's technology exports, particularly in computing hardware and integrated circuits, have surged significantly, driven by global demand for AI applications. This boom in tech exports is providing Beijing with increased economic leverage ahead of a crucial meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Analysts note that the growth in these sectors is a key driver for China's overall export performance, even offsetting challenges from other global events. AI

xAI has reportedly installed 19 additional natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center campus, bringing the total to 46. This expansion occurs while xAI is involved in a lawsuit with the NAACP and environmental groups over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act due to operating turbines without proper permits. The company claims the temporary turbines are equipped with emission control technology, but regulators are still evaluating the situation amidst community opposition and concerns about air quality. AI

The United States will send a delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in China this month, with participation spanning May 11-24. Key US officials, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Cyberspace and Digital Policy John Mills and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, will lead discussions on trade, digitalization, and other economic policies. This engagement occurs shortly after President Trump's departure for Beijing for a significant summit. AI