U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by China’s ByteDance.

In a news conference, President Trump suggested that multiple bidders are interested, stating, “There’s great interest in TikTok” and indicating that a competitive bidding process could be on the horizon. The comments come as the app faces ongoing regulatory pressure in the U.S. due to national security concerns.

TikTok, which has around 170 million users in the U.S., was briefly taken offline earlier this month after a law came into effect requiring ByteDance to either sell its American operations or face an outright ban. However, President Trump intervened by signing an executive order delaying the enforcement of this law by 75 days, allowing negotiations to continue. Microsoft has yet to comment publicly on the talks, while TikTok and ByteDance have also remained silent on the latest developments.

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has been in the frame to acquire TikTok. Back in 2020, the company was one of the leading contenders when Trump, during his first term, sought to force a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations due to national security concerns. At that time, Oracle and Walmart were also involved in negotiations, though no deal was ultimately reached. Now, with Trump back in office, Microsoft has once again emerged as a potential buyer.

Other parties are also making moves. AI startup Perplexity AI has reportedly submitted a revised bid to merge with TikTok in a deal that would give the U.S. government up to 50 per cent ownership of the newly formed entity. Under the latest proposal, the U.S. government would receive its stake following an initial public offering (IPO) valued at a minimum of $300 billion. Perplexity has revised its offer based on feedback from the Trump administration, suggesting the White House is actively involved in shaping potential acquisition deals.

Trump has previously floated the idea of other high-profile bidders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, taking over TikTok. However, Musk has yet to publicly express any interest, while Oracle’s role remains unclear. Trump recently told reporters, “I’ve spoken to many people about TikTok, but not with Oracle.” Meanwhile, billionaire Frank McCourt has also made a formal offer for the platform.

The next 30 days could be pivotal for TikTok’s future in the U.S., with Trump indicating that discussions are ongoing and a decision is expected soon. With national security concerns cited as being at the heart of the issue, ByteDance remains under pressure to divest its American operations. Whether Microsoft, Perplexity AI, or another bidder ultimately secures control remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a high-stakes battle over one of the world’s most influential social media platforms.

Cybercriminals are using an AI chatbot called GhostGPT to generate malware, craft phishing emails, and develop exploit code, according to a recent blog post by security firm Abnormal Security.

Unlike mainstream AI tools, GhostGPT has no ethical safeguards, making it a powerful tool for cybercrime.

Available as a Telegram bot, GhostGPT provides instant, uncensored responses and has a strict no-logs policy, making it easy for attackers to use while remaining anonymous. Despite being advertised for “cybersecurity,” it is openly sold on cybercrime forums, with subscriptions starting at $50 per week.

GhostGPT follows a growing trend of AI-powered cybercrime tools, including WormGPT and WolfGPT, which have made attacks more sophisticated and accessible. Security experts warn that by removing ethical restrictions, these chatbots allow criminals to create highly convincing phishing scams, develop malware that evades detection, and exploit software vulnerabilities with minimal effort.

With AI now being used to bypass traditional defences, businesses must adapt their security strategies. Implementing AI-driven threat detection, strengthening email security, and training employees to recognise phishing attempts are essential to mitigating the risks posed by tools like GhostGPT.

New research indicates that sustainability is now a defining issue in the IT channel, with businesses increasingly focusing on reducing carbon emissions rather than relying on offsetting.

Sustainability Rises Back Up the Agenda

The new research from Agilitas IT Solutions, conducted in partnership with Censuswide, highlights a renewed commitment to sustainability, as companies seek to align environmental responsibility with operational efficiency and cost savings. The “Channel Trends: Sustainability: An Urgent Imperative” 2025 report appears to show the growing prioritisation of sustainability among UK-based channel businesses with annual revenues exceeding £5 million. The study highlighted in the report, which surveyed 250 key industry figures, found that three-quarters of respondents rated sustainability at least 7 out of 10 in importance. Notably, 39 per cent of businesses saw sustainability as a key focus area, scoring 9 or 10 out of a maximum 10.

Rebound But Disparity

While this remains below the peak score of 7.8 recorded in 2021, it seems to represent a welcome rebound from the decline seen in 2022 and 2023. Despite this, the survey also exposed a striking disparity in sustainability engagement across different levels of seniority. For example, just 8 per cent of junior managers consider it a top priority, in contrast to more than half of CEOs and business owners. Among senior managers, 34 per cent expressed confidence in their organisation’s sustainable practices, while 37 per cent of CEOs said they were optimistic about their company’s sustainability efforts.

Sara Wilkes, CEO of Agilitas, points to the need for better alignment within organisations, saying: “While business leaders are focused on sustainability goals, there is a notable disconnect across organisations which needs to be addressed in order to create a culture of collaboration and innovation.”

Moving from Offsetting to Carbon Reduction

One of the most notable shifts in the IT channel’s approach to sustainability, highlighted by the research, is the move away from carbon offsetting towards reduction strategies. For example, in 2022, a third of surveyed businesses were investing in offsetting schemes, but today, less than a quarter are following that route. Instead, firms are prioritising direct reductions in emissions and operational efficiencies that not only help the planet but also cut costs.

Among those already taking action, 36 per cent have implemented reduction-based initiatives, focusing on:

– Improving energy efficiency

– Streamlining business processes

– Adopting remote and hybrid working models

– Partnering with environmentally responsible suppliers

Also, a further 37 per cent of businesses say they plan to roll out reduction strategies over the next year, although more than a quarter admit they have no immediate plans to prioritise carbon reduction.

Commenting on the study’s findings, Deborah Johnson, Head of ESG at Agilitas, has reinforced the importance of carbon reduction over offsetting, stating: “Carbon offsetting, whilst useful in balancing emissions, does not address the underlying issue. Whilst investing in projects that absorb or remove carbon are still good things to do, it’s great to see the switch to carbon reduction strategies that focus on directly reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere from a business’ own operations.”

Challenges in Sustainability Reporting and Transparency

One of the biggest barriers to sustainability progress in the IT channel is the complexity of tracking and reporting emissions, particularly Scope 3 emissions, which encompass the entire supply chain. Businesses are under increasing pressure to collect accurate data and report their progress transparently, not only to comply with regulations but also to meet customers’ growing sustainability expectations.

According to the report, 21 per cent of respondents calculated their carbon footprint across Scope 1 and 2, while only 19 per cent accounted for all three scopes, suggesting that 60 per cent of the channel is not aligning sustainability reporting with the GHG Protocol.

Agilitas CEO Wilkes has highlighted the importance of high-quality data collection, saying: “Ensuring data is accurate, well-logged and reviewed regularly is just the first step. Our Channel Trends report aims to help businesses integrate sustainability into their long-term strategies, both now and in the future.”

The Role of Partnerships in Sustainability

Collaboration appears to be a key driver of sustainability progress in the IT channel. By sharing resources, knowledge, and solutions, companies can work together to reduce supply chain emissions, improve energy efficiency, and embed circular economy principles into their operations.

As highlighted by Lee Ellams, Head of Marketing at a UK-based IT services and solutions provider Tieva: “Partnerships are key to sustainability in the IT Channel, enabling companies to share resources, knowledge, and solutions. Together, they can tackle supply chain emissions, boost energy efficiency, and promote circular economy practices.”

This sentiment has also been echoed by Agilitas IT Solutions, saying: “By working together, channel partners can share best practices, leverage cutting-edge technology, and create truly sustainable supply chains that benefit both the industry and the environment.”

Balancing Sustainability with Business Growth

While sustainability is increasingly recognised as a key business priority, many companies still face the challenge of balancing environmental goals with commercial pressures. With economic uncertainty and rising costs impacting decision-making, some organisations are hesitant to invest in sustainability measures that do not deliver immediate financial returns.

However, many industry experts argue that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. A well-executed sustainability strategy can help businesses reduce operational costs, enhance brand reputation, and attract environmentally conscious customers. For example, as Sara Wilkes says: “Sustainability isn’t just about compliance or reputation; it’s about resilience. Companies that embrace sustainability will be better positioned for long-term growth and success.”

Consensus?

Other recent industry reports appear to align with Agilitas’s findings, emphasising a growing commitment to sustainability within the IT sector. For example, Deloitte’s 2024 Sustainability Action Report highlights that both public and private US companies are increasingly integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures into their operations, viewing them as beneficial for long-term success.

Similarly, Capgemini’s 2024 sustainability trends report highlights the importance of climate technologies, such as low-carbon hydrogen and industrial carbon capture, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report notes that two-thirds of executives believe data and digital technologies accelerate the adoption of these climate solutions, despite challenges like high costs and regulatory uncertainties.

A recent analysis by global sustainability consultancy ERM identifies decarbonisation as a critical focus, with stakeholders pushing for more aggressive emission reduction strategies. The report also highlights the need for streamlined sustainability disclosures and the development of sustainable, transparent supply chains.

It seems, therefore, that there is a kind of consensus within the industry on the importance of moving beyond carbon offsetting to implement tangible carbon reduction strategies, aligning with Agilitas’s findings.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

The research from Agilitas IT Solutions does appear to highlight a crucial shift in the IT channel’s approach to sustainability, i.e. one that moves beyond carbon offsetting towards genuine reduction strategies. While offsetting has long been seen as a convenient means of mitigating environmental impact, the industry is increasingly recognising that it does little to address the root causes of emissions. Instead, businesses are turning to proactive measures such as improving energy efficiency, refining supply chains, and adopting new operational models that directly lower their carbon footprint.

However, despite this positive momentum, the findings also highlight a disparity in engagement across different levels of seniority, with business leaders more invested in sustainability than junior managers. This disconnect suggests that while sustainability is now firmly embedded in strategic discussions, translating that commitment into organisation-wide cultural change remains a challenge. Without clear alignment across all levels of an organisation, sustainability efforts risk becoming fragmented or failing to deliver their full potential.

Another critical barrier to progress is the complexity of emissions tracking and reporting, particularly when it comes to Scope 3 emissions i.e., emissions from a company’s value chain, including suppliers, product usage, and transportation. The research indicates that a significant portion of the IT channel is still struggling to meet reporting standards such as the GHG Protocol. Without accurate data and transparent disclosure, businesses may find it difficult to demonstrate real progress or build trust with stakeholders. However, the increasing emphasis on collaboration through partnerships, shared best practices, and collective industry efforts suggests that companies are recognising the need to work together to overcome these challenges.

While commercial pressures remain, there is, therefore, growing evidence that sustainability and business growth are not mutually exclusive. Companies that integrate environmental responsibility into their long-term strategies should stand to benefit not only from cost efficiencies but also from enhanced brand reputation, regulatory compliance, and increased customer loyalty. The findings of the Agilitas report, alongside those of other recent industry analyses, suggest a broader consensus that real carbon reduction, not mere offsetting, is the path forward. The IT channel may be making progress, but continued commitment, collaboration, and clear measurement will be key to ensuring that sustainability remains more than just a stated priority and becomes an embedded reality.

With the change in AI happening so quickly, you’d be forgiven for not keeping up with it all so this update quickly outlines the state of play with some of the main ones used by businesses.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It may be best to download it first]

When pasting text from a website or document, this tip is a great way avoid unwanted fonts, images and colours by allowing you to paste just the plain text. Here’s how:

– Copy text normally (Ctrl + C).

– Press Ctrl + Shift + V instead of Ctrl + V to paste without formatting.

– This works in many apps like Chrome, Edge, and Google Docs, helping keep your documents neat.

At a time when China’s “DeepSeek” chatbot has jolted the AI industry (having developed incredibly quickly and on a shoestring budget), we take a look at the US “Stargate Project,” a $500 billion initiative aimed at cementing the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) by constructing cutting-edge infrastructure.

Heated Debate

Announced by President Donald Trump and backed by industry titans such as SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX, the Stargate Project has garnered significant attention. With promises of transformative economic benefits alongside concerns over its financial feasibility, energy demands, and political undertones, it is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about developments in the AI landscape.

However, the project has also ignited a heated debate (laptop bags at dawn) among the biggest names in tech, including Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Satya Nadella, and Marc Benioff.

What Is the Stargate Project?

At its core, the Stargate Project is an ambitious plan to build state-of-the-art AI infrastructure across the United States. The initiative will see an initial investment of $100 billion, ramping up to $500 billion over four years. The funds will be used to construct massive data centres, with the first one-million-square-foot facility already underway in Texas. According to OpenAI, the project aims to secure American dominance in AI, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and drive global economic growth.

The venture is spearheaded by SoftBank and OpenAI, with SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son serving as chairman. While SoftBank will handle financial responsibilities, OpenAI will oversee operations. Key technology partners include Microsoft, Nvidia, Arm, and Oracle, marking a collaborative effort among some of the most influential companies in the tech industry.

President Trump, speaking at the White House, declared the Stargate Project as the “largest AI infrastructure project in history.” Emphasising its strategic importance, he stated, “We want to keep it in this country. China’s a competitor and others are competitors – we want it to be in this country, and we’re making it available.”

The Numbers Behind the Vision

The scale of the Stargate Project does appear to be pretty staggering. For example, each data centre will require an estimated 6GW of power, with annual operating costs predicted to reach $4 billion per site! In total, the energy consumption of these centres could significantly strain regional power grids, with projections suggesting that data centres could account for a massive 12 per cent of U.S. energy use by 2028, up from 4.4 per cent today.

Research by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicts power demands for data centres will rise to between 325TWh and 580TWh over the next four years. This has raised concerns among environmental groups and energy experts, who worry about the sustainability of such rapid expansion.

Criticised By Musk

Despite the grand vision, the Stargate Project has faced scepticism regarding its financial feasibility. Elon Musk, a frequent critic of OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman (perhaps a big clue to the reason for his criticism), has cast doubt on the project’s funding. “They don’t actually have the money,” Musk recently claimed on X (formerly Twitter). “SoftBank has well under $10 billion secured. I have that on good authority.”

Sam Altman, however, was quick to rebut Musk’s allegations, stating, “Wrong, as you surely know. Want to come visit the first site already underway? This is great for the country.” OpenAI maintains that the funding commitments are solid, with SoftBank’s $24.3 billion in cash reserves and MGX’s $100 billion in capital commitments cited as evidence. Oracle, another key partner, boasts $11 billion in cash on its balance sheet, while OpenAI itself has secured over $10 billion in venture capital.

Microsoft Weighs In Too

Adding to the voices from big tech leaders about the project, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also weighed in, saying, “All I know is, I’m good for my $80 billion,” referencing Microsoft’s massive investment in Azure data centres to support AI efforts. Nadella’s comments essentially highlight Microsoft’s ongoing partnership with OpenAI, though tensions have emerged over OpenAI’s recent decision to end Microsoft’s exclusivity as its cloud provider.

Industry Feud

The announcement of the Stargate Project appears to have exposed deep rifts within the tech industry. Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but later parted ways, has been vocal in his criticism of the organisation’s shift towards profit-driven ventures. His scepticism extends beyond financial concerns, as he has accused OpenAI of abandoning its original mission to prioritise humanity’s benefit.

Meanwhile, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has raised questions about the potential fallout between OpenAI and Microsoft, saying: “I think it’s extremely important that OpenAI gets to other platforms quickly because Microsoft is building their own AI,” adding that Microsoft’s hiring of Mustafa Suleyman (a co-founder of DeepMind) may signal its intent to develop independent AI models.

Microsoft’s Nadella, however, has downplayed the possibility of a rift, describing Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI as a “critical partnership” and emphasising that Microsoft retains the right of first refusal for OpenAI’s cloud needs and is committed to supporting the organisation’s ambitions.

Political and Environmental Implications

The Stargate Project appears to be as much a political statement as it is a technological endeavour. President Trump has framed the initiative as a dual strategy, i.e. to counter China’s rapid advancements in AI and to revitalise the U.S. economy through technological innovation. By accelerating domestic AI infrastructure development, the U.S. hopes to not only secure its position as a global leader in the field but also to reindustrialise key sectors, generate jobs, and strengthen national security in the face of growing global competition. Some economic commentators have suggested that the debt-laden U.S. could be showing signs of an ‘empire’ now in decline, with China and BRIC nations emerging as dominant players on the global stage. The Stargate Project, therefore, could be seen as an effort to reassert America’s dominance by leveraging technological leadership as a cornerstone for economic and geopolitical power in the 21st century.

Environmental Concerns

However, the project’s environmental impact has become a point of contention. For example, as highlighted in a recent LinkedIn post by Mark Nelson, managing director of the Radiant Energy Group, the Stargate Project’s data centres will have enormous power requirements. He estimated that each data centre would require at least 6GW of firm power capacity, warning that this could strain existing energy infrastructure, exacerbate shortages, and significantly drive up costs. Nelson also criticised the project’s reliance on fossil fuel-based energy generation, arguing that this approach runs counter to global climate goals. His detailed analysis has sparked broader debate, with environmentalists calling for a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions to power such ambitious developments.

President Trump, however, is unlikely to heed such environmental concerns, given his long-standing scepticism of climate change initiatives, his reference to “drill, baby, drill” in his inauguration speech, and his signing of an executive order directing the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time. President Trump, therefore, appears more committed to prioritising economic growth over environmental regulations. Also, by declaring a “national energy emergency,” Trump has taken steps to reverse previous climate policies and bolster oil and gas development, further indicating that projects like Stargate, with their substantial energy demands, are in line with his administration’s priorities (which aren’t the same priorities as environmental campaigners).

A Divisive Vision for the Future

The Stargate Project may be an ambitious plan to reshape AI infrastructure, with promises of economic and technological breakthroughs but its financial, operational, and environmental obstacles have sparked sharp debates among industry leaders and policymakers. As construction begins in Texas, the project remains a focal point for discussions about the future of AI and its broader implications.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The Stargate Project embodies both ambition and controversy. On one hand, the promises of economic revitalisation, job creation, and technological advancement reflect a vision for a transformed future. On the other, the financial feasibility of such a monumental endeavour, coupled with its environmental and political undertones, is fuelling intense debate.

For proponents, the project offers a strategic response to growing competition from nations like China, hopefully positioning the U.S. as a global leader in AI infrastructure while potentially reinvigorating key sectors of its economy. The involvement of major players such as SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and Microsoft lends credibility to its aspirations. However, critics (like Musk) have questioned whether the funding commitments are truly secure and whether the reliance on non-renewable energy undermines global climate efforts.

The environmental concerns raised may also highlight a significant challenge, i.e. balancing progress in AI with sustainable practices. With President Trump prioritising energy independence and economic growth over climate commitments, these issues are unlikely to disappear from the discourse anytime soon.

For businesses, the Stargate Project could herald significant change. By dramatically increasing the availability of cutting-edge infrastructure, it has the potential to lower entry barriers for smaller companies while further empowering established players like Microsoft, Oracle, and Nvidia. This could lead to intensified competition, spurring innovation but also challenging businesses to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies. The influx of infrastructure might enable startups to leverage powerful AI tools (previously out of reach), creating a more dynamic and diverse AI ecosystem. However, with such a significant investment at stake, large corporations could also use their scale to dominate key markets, potentially sidelining smaller players in the process.

Beyond competition, the project’s focus on domestic production and innovation could shift global market dynamics, reshaping supply chains and forging new partnerships. By making the U.S. a central hub for AI development, it might draw talent and investment away from other nations, accelerating its dominance in a field critical to the future of technology and industry. This centralisation could benefit American businesses with greater access to advanced AI capabilities but also risk exacerbating global inequalities in technological advancement.

The Stargate Project, therefore, could be seen to encapsulate the complexities of navigating the intersection of technology, economics, and geopolitics in a rapidly changing world. Its success or failure will not only shape the future of AI but also reflect broader societal priorities and the willingness of leaders to address the pressing challenges of our time. Whether it becomes a successful example of progress or a cautionary tale remains to be seen.