China blocks Meta’s $2B AI acquisition, orders deal unwind
China’s top economic planner has ordered Meta to unwind its proposed $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, halting a high-profile cross-border deal. The intervention signals tighter scrutiny over foreign investment in AI firms with Chinese origins, even when those companies relocate abroad. The National Development and Reform Commission said the decision to prohibit the […]
Mangrove Lithium opens B.C. facility to test lower-emission refining process
Mangrove Lithium has opened a new headquarters and commercial production facility in Delta, B.C., capable of producing 1,100 tonnes of battery-grade lithium per year using a new refining process. The site serves as a proof-of-concept for its Clear-Li technology, which aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions compared to conventional lithium processing. The facility, launched […]
Calgary Public Library AI artist residency draws backlash over authorship and ethics
The Calgary Public Library has launched a 10-week paid residency for artists who use artificial intelligence, prompting widespread criticism from parts of the local creative community. The programme, offering up to $8,000 in compensation, is designed to explore how AI is used in artistic practice and to engage the public in discussions about its implications. […]
California “Based Act” fails after sweeping Big Tech lobbying effort
A California bill aimed at limiting how large technology platforms prioritise their own products has failed after a rapid and coordinated lobbying push from major tech companies and industry groups. The collapse of the “Based Act” underscores the difficulty of advancing platform regulation in a state where the tech sector holds significant economic and political […]
