Mon. 05/12 – Saudi Arabia Enters The AI Race

May 12, 2025 16m

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Episode Description

Looks like China tariffs are back off, question mark? But not soon enough for some deals. OpenAI and Microsoft are trying to work out how to get to an IPO. Saudi Arabia, the country, makes a big AI play. Why you might want to take out AI insurance? And did the Pope choose his name because of the AI moment? Sponsors: Tonal.com MackWeldon.com promocode BRIAN Links: Apple Considers Raising iPhone Prices, Without Blaming Tariffs (WSJ) SoftBank Stargate Venture With OpenAI Snags on Tariff Fears (Bloomberg) OpenAI negotiates with Microsoft to unlock new funding and future IPO (FT) Saudi Arabia launches AI venture Humain ahead of Donald Trump visit (FT) Insurers launch cover for losses caused by AI chatbot errors (FT) Klarna Slows AI-Driven Job Cuts With Call for Real People (Bloomberg) Pope Leo signals he will closely follow Francis and says AI represents challenge for humanity (CNN)

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US-China Tariff Developments

In a significant turn of events, the US and China have announced a temporary agreement to lower tariffs for 90 days, reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while Chinese duties on US imports will fall from 125% to 10%. This easing of tensions is a hopeful sign for future dealings between the two economic superpowers, although analysts warn that concerns linger over tariffs impacting financial projections in the tech sector. SoftBank and OpenAI's $100 billion Stargate investment is reportedly facing hurdles due to these tariff uncertainties.

OpenAI and Microsoft IPO Negotiations

OpenAI is in talks with Microsoft to facilitate a potential IPO. These discussions revolve around restructuring the corporate relationship and determining Microsoft's equity stake after investing more than $13 billion. Microsoft is reportedly willing to decrease its stake for continued access to OpenAI's technologies beyond 2030. However, the relationship has become tense, reflecting a shift in OpenAI's competitive ambitions.

Saudi Arabia's Bold AI Initiatives

Saudi Arabia has unveiled its ambitious AI venture named Humane, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The new initiative is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to establish itself as a key player in the AI market, aiming to develop advanced AI technologies and infrastructure, including Arabic language models. This announcement coincides with high-profile visits by figures like Elon Musk and others, underscoring the Kingdom's growing ambitions in the tech sector.

AI Insurance Developments

Lloyd’s of London insurers have launched a new insurance product covering AI-related liabilities, developed by the Y-Combinator startup Armila. This insurance is designed to protect companies against losses stemming from AI chatbot errors or underperformance, a growing concern as more businesses incorporate AI tools into operations. The policy aims to encourage further adoption of AI by alleviating fears associated with potential mistakes.

Pope Leo XIV's AI Religious Stance

In a unique intersection of technology and faith, Pope Leo XIV indicates that he chose his papal name in recognition of historical responses to industrial revolutions, addressing the emerging challenges posed by AI. His comments suggest a focus on human dignity and justice amidst rapid technological change, drawing parallels between past industrial transformations and the present AI advancements.