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Love it or loathe it, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay – and it’s getting harder to ignore. From how we generate and consume content to how industries operate and innovate, AI is reshaping the world around us. It’s making waves across sectors from media to science, transforming not just the headlines, but the way we live and work. Each month, our ‘AI Digest’ breaks down the biggest stories in AI, exploring their broader impact on brands, industries, and everyday life.
Trump’s AI plan hands the keys to big tech
Donald Trump is making a bold move in the global AI race and Silicon Valley stands to benefit handsomely. At a Washington summit packed with tech leaders, the US President unveiled an ambitious AI Action Plan that promises to cut red tape, fast-track development, and champion what he calls ‘American AI.’
The plan, grounded in three major executive orders and more than 90 policy recommendations, places speed over scrutiny, with a clear priority: boost US tech dominance – fast.
Key elements of the plan include eliminating so-called ‘woke’ AI, relaxing environmental regulations to accelerate the construction of data centers, and supercharging the expansion of American AI technologies worldwide. In short, the administration is making it easier – and faster – for US companies to scale AI at home and abroad.
But this isn’t just about innovation – it’s a green light for Big Tech. Already this year, eight of the ten largest US tech firms have spent a combined $36 million on lobbying efforts – an average of $320,000 for every day Congress is in session. With this plan, their influence has never been more visible.
Yet, critics are sounding alarms. While AI holds extraordinary potential, slashing safeguards could come at a high cost. Without oversight, experts warn, AI could entrench inequality, pose serious security threats, and accelerate environmental concerns.
In fact, just days after Trump’s announcement, China responded with its own AI strategy, one with a very different tone.
Premier Li Qiang called for international coordination on AI development and security, cautioning against the risk of AI becoming an ‘exclusive game’ dominated by a few powerful players. Without naming the US, Li’s comments drew a sharp contrast with Trump’s go-it-alone approach, urging global consensus over unilateral ambition.
Trump’s plan may help the US surge ahead in the global AI race – but at what cost? As Big Tech tightens its grip and the world races towards an AI-powered future, one question looms large: is this a sprint with no finish line, or a race the public was never invited to join?
The UK’s AI ambitions take flight with Isambard-AI and OpenAI deal
Beyond the dominance of the US and China, the UK continues to emerge as an AI leader. In July, the country marked a major milestone by switching on Isambard-AI – the UK’s most powerful supercomputer – named after the pioneering 19th-century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Powered by 5,400 Nvidia superchips, Isambard-AI is set to drive innovation across public services, research, and healthcare. Unlike similar machines run by tech giants, Isambard-AI is designed for public projects. Its capabilities will be made available to unlock breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and beyond – from reducing NHS waiting lists to detecting infections in livestock.
In a move to further boost the UK’s AI ambitions, OpenAI has signed a landmark agreement to support productivity in Britain’s public services. The goal is to deploy AI tools to streamline administrative tasks and free up public servants to focus on complex, human-centric challenges where AI still falls short.
However, the deal hasn’t come without controversy. The arrangement involves granting OpenAI access to government datasets, raising legitimate concerns over data privacy, security, and transparency.
AI in music and film: The Eternaut and The Velvet Sundown spark debate
July has been a lively month in the ongoing conversation about AI’s role in the arts. While some embrace its potential, others question whether it belongs in creative industries at all, and many remain on the fence.
Netflix made headlines by revealing it used generative AI to create visual effects in its new series The Eternaut. One striking scene – the dramatic collapse of a building in Buenos Aires – was reportedly completed ten times faster and at significantly lower cost than it would have been using traditional special effects methods, all thanks to AI tools.
Meanwhile, over on Spotify, a mysterious new band called The Velvet Sundown raised eyebrows after racking up over 100 million streams across two albums released in June. With slick visuals and catchy tunes, the band seemed too good to be true and suspicions about their authenticity quickly followed.
Initially, the group denied any involvement with AI, even claiming their identity had been hijacked. But eventually, they came clean: the music, images, and the band’s backstory had all been generated using AI.
These cases reignite the larger debate about AI in the creative industries. On one hand, AI can speed up tedious production processes and open new doors for creative expression. On the other, there are growing concerns about transparency, authenticity, and authorship.
As AI continues to shape the future of entertainment, many argue it’s vital to ensure it serves human creativity, not replaces it. Creators and audiences alike are calling for clear labelling and ethical standards. The goal? To make sure AI is used as a tool for innovation, not a shortcut at the expense of artistic integrity.
This month once again brought significant AI progress on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet, we’re still looking at the same coin – innovation on one side, caution on the other – constantly flipping as we search for equilibrium in an accelerating landscape.
