In this week’s Week In Review: Google backtracks on its Gemini ad for the Super Bowl after a fact-checking mistake, Amazon announces $100 billion in AI investment, OpenAI unveils Deep Research and AI data centres raise fresh concerns over UK water shortages.
Google Revises Super Bowl AI Ad After False Claim on Gouda Cheese
Google was forced to edit its Super Bowl ad for its AI tool Gemini after it falsely claimed that gouda accounts for 50-60 percent of global cheese consumption. Google’s executive Jerry Dischler said the false number was a reflection of untrue information on websites Gemini scrapes, as opposed to ‘hallucinations’ in the tech.
AI Expansion Could Worsen UK Water Shortages, Experts Warn
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s push to make the UK a leader in AI could strain already limited drinking water supplies, the BBC reported. Data centres needed for AI require large amounts of water for cooling, which has raised concerns about sustainability. While tech firms are working on more efficient cooling methods, experts warn that without stricter regulations, AI expansion could worsen water shortages, particularly in southern England.
Wildlife Photographer Tim Flach Says AI Is Copying His Work Without Royalties
Renowned wildlife photographer Tim Flach has accused AI companies of exploiting his work without compensation after learning his images were among the most “scraped” online, the Times reported. Flach, who spends thousands capturing nature’s beauty, likened the practice to parasitism, warning it threatens artists’ livelihoods and creative integrity.
‘AI Godfather’ Yann LeCun Predicts Major AI Breakthroughs by 2030
Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun, also referred to as one of the ‘godfathers’ of AI, predicts a new AI revolution within five years but says current systems excel at “manipulating language” but not at understanding the physical world.
He said: “There are still a lot of scientific and technological challenges ahead, and it’s very likely that there’s going to be yet another AI revolution over the next three to five years because of the limitation of current systems,” he said. “If we want eventually to build things like domestic robots and completely autonomous cars, we need systems to understand the real world.”
BigBear.ai Secures Pentagon Contract for AI-Driven Threat Analysis
BigBear.ai has won a US Department of Defence contract to develop its Virtual Anticipation Network (VANE) prototype, an AI system designed to analyse foreign media and predict national threats. The company’s stock has surged amid the news.
Amazon to Invest $100 Billion in AI Amid Rising Competition
Amazon will invest $100 billion in AI initiatives in 2025, surpassing Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta in AI spending. The move comes amid competition from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek and industry-wide energy constraints. Despite missing revenue forecasts, Amazon said it remains committed to AI infrastructure, with the company confident in long-term returns for customers and shareholders.
AI to Impact 70 Percent of Computer-Based Jobs, Report Warns
A new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warns that AI could disrupt 70 percent of tasks in computer-based jobs, including marketing, project management, and admin roles. The study urges the UK government to address AI’s economic implications alongside its adoption. As AI agents become more autonomous, concerns over job losses have grown. This news comes ahead of next week’s Paris AI Action Summit, where global leaders will discuss international AI policies.
Perifery Expands AI-Driven Media Solutions with Pixitmedia Acquisition
Perifery, an archive storage solution, has acquired Pixitmedia to enhance its AI-enabled storage and workflow solutions for the media and entertainment industry. The deal integrates Pixitmedia’s file system and data management platform with Perifery’s archival and AI-driven analytics tools. This marks Perifery’s third acquisition in two years, strengthening its offerings for major clients like BBC Studioworks and NBCUniversal.
Google Drops AI Ban on Weapons and Surveillance Amid Security Push
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has scrapped its pledge to not use its AI for ‘harm’, including for weapons and surveillance. In a blog post, executives James Manyika and Demis Hassabis cited evolving geopolitical threats and AI’s rapid advancement as reasons for the shift. The company introduced three new AI principles – bold innovation, responsible deployment, and collaboration – marking a significant policy change since its 2018 guidelines.
StackAdapt Raises $235 Million in Series B, Valued at $2.5 Billion
Programmatic advertising platform StackAdapt has secured $235 million in a Series B funding round led by Teachers’ Venture Growth, bringing its valuation to $2.5 billion. The Canada-based company, which reports $500 million in annual revenue, uses AI-driven solutions to enhance digital ad planning. CEO Vitaly Pecherskiy said the investment will help meet growing demand for cost-effective, automated marketing tools in a competitive industry.
Nodals AI Secures £2M Pre-Seed Funding for AI-Driven Ad Platform
London-based media buying platform Nodals AI has raised £2 million in pre-seed funding to expand its AI-powered advertising tool. The platform uses autonomous AI agents to help advertisers access first-party data while maintaining consumer privacy and cutting carbon emissions by 75%.
“AI-powered agents automate workflows, providing real-time recommendations on what’s working and what’s not – allowing buyers to make informed decisions while maintaining full control,” said co-founder Aly Nurmohamed.
“By increasing the availability of high-impact signals, identifying which creatives perform best, and delivering actionable insights, we ensure advertisers can optimise campaigns efficiently”.
OpenAI Launches Deep Research, an AI Tool for Fully Cited Reports
OpenAI unveiled Deep Research, an AI tool that autonomously conducts multi-step research and generates fully cited reports in minutes. Launched for ChatGPT Pro users, the tool gathers and synthesises online information to tackle complex queries. OpenAI’s chief product officer Kevin Weil says the tool streamlines work that could take humans days, marking a leap in AI-driven research automation. However, unlike instant-response AI models, Deep Research takes up to 30 minutes to deliver results.
Adobe and Dentsu Unveil AI-Powered Marketing Tool for Personalised Content
Adobe and advertising giant Dentsu launched Adobe GenStudio Dentsu+, an AI-driven marketing tool that leverages audience data for personalised content creation. The platform integrates Adobe GenStudio with Dentsu’s data platform Merkury, using customer insights to generate targeted marketing materials. Adobe’s GenStudio, which launched last year, combines Firefly AI, Experience Manager, and Workfront, enhancing workflow automation and audience engagement for brands.
OpenAI and SoftBank Launch AI Service for Businesses in $3 Billion Partnership
OpenAI partnered with SoftBank to develop Cristal Intelligence, an AI service for businesses offering marketing, automation, and legacy code training tools. SoftBank will invest $3 billion to implement the technology within its own companies before expanding to external clients. The firms have also launched SB OpenAI Japan, a joint venture to market OpenAI products in Japan, with SoftBank companies gaining priority access to the latest AI advancements.
