Alphabet’s AI spending, processor sales broaden ITAD outlook

Meta, Google, and TikTok are suing to block a California law aimed at protecting minors from addictive social media content and requiring the deletion of children's accounts with compulsive-use features, according to the companies.

Google is being sued by the parents of a 13-year-old girl who used its Gemini AI chatbot on a school Chromebook to plan a suicide attempt. The lawsuit claims Google failed to warn of the AI's dangers and pushed its products on students. Google says it works with experts to provide support and is reviewing the claims. The company will turn off Gemini by default for student accounts.

Google, Meta, and TikTok sued California to block a law restricting addictive features on youth-focused social media platforms. The companies argue the law violates free speech and Section 230 of the Communications Defense Act. Meta previously settled with US states for $18 billion over privacy concerns.

AMD will acquire Taalas for ~$2.9B, completing by 2026. Google guarantees Anthropic's lease at a Kentucky data center, with conditions. Oracle plans a $20B capital raise, split between stock and bonds, with shares down 39% YTD.

Google plans to invest $15 billion in Malaysia in 2027 and 2028 to expand its data centers, according to AFP. The expansion is tied to commitments on power, water, and skills as authorities review the plans.

Alphabet's stock rose 3.2% on Wednesday after Democrats won control in key states, potentially leading to stricter data center regulations. Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona are major hubs for data centers. Alphabet's cloud and AI services grew, but investors were concerned about negative free cash flow and high capital expenditures. Analysts suggest regulations could benefit Alphabet by slowing competition and reducing capex, making the stock attractive at 15 times earnings.