Malaysia Investigates Server Shipments Tied to Singapore Fraud Case

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Malaysia has launched an investigation into whether local laws were violated in the shipment of servers linked to a fraud case in Singapore, as the equipment may have contained advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips subject to U.S. export restrictions.

The case, which surfaced late last month, led Singaporean authorities to charge three men with fraud. Reports suggest the case involves the transfer of Nvidia AI chips to Chinese AI company DeepSeek. Singapore stated that the servers, supplied by U.S. firms, were shipped to Malaysia and may have contained Nvidia chips. However, it has not clarified whether these components fall under U.S. export controls.

Malaysia’s trade ministry issued a statement confirming that the government is taking “necessary actions” to determine if any Malaysian laws were breached regarding the shipment of U.S.-sanctioned AI chips. It further emphasized ongoing collaboration with both the United States and Singapore to develop effective measures for addressing trade compliance issues involving restricted technology.

Meanwhile, U.S. authorities are investigating whether DeepSeek has been using restricted American-made chips to develop its AI models. The Chinese firm’s advancements in AI have drawn significant global attention, particularly after its model’s performance made headlines in January.

Google Pushes Back Against U.S. Government’s Antitrust Efforts

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Alphabet’s Google has urged the U.S. government to reconsider efforts to break up the tech giant, meeting with officials from President Donald Trump’s administration last week, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently pursuing two antitrust lawsuits against Google, focusing on its dominance in online search and advertising technology. The agency has outlined potential remedies, including forcing Google to divest key assets such as the Chrome web browser and ending agreements that make it the default search engine on devices like Apple’s iPhone.

A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company regularly engages with regulators, including the DOJ, to discuss ongoing legal matters. “As we’ve publicly stated, we are concerned that the current proposals would harm the American economy and national security,” the spokesperson said.

The DOJ has not yet commented on the recent meeting. The trial to determine potential remedies in the search case is scheduled for April, with a final ruling expected by August.

President Trump’s administration is expected to take a less aggressive stance on antitrust enforcement compared to former President Joe Biden’s policies. Industry experts suggest that this could include a softened approach toward breaking up Google, a move that has been a key concern for the tech giant.

ByteDance Increases Valuation in Latest Share Buyback Amid TikTok Uncertainty

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TikTok parent company ByteDance is offering to buy back shares at an increased valuation, marking a positive shift in its financial outlook. The company has launched a new share repurchase program for its U.S. employees, with shares priced at $189.90 each, according to sources familiar with the matter. This represents an 11% increase from last year’s buyback price of $171 and an uptick from the $181 offer six months ago.

The revised valuation could place ByteDance’s total worth at approximately $315 billion, signaling recovery from its 2023 valuation decline. The share buyback highlights ByteDance’s robust financial standing, supported by its expanding domestic and international operations, despite looming regulatory challenges in the United States.

TikTok faces potential restrictions following U.S. Congress’ passage of a law requiring ByteDance to divest the platform by January 19 or risk a ban. The app, which has 170 million American users, briefly ceased operations in the U.S. before resuming after President-elect Donald Trump granted a 75-day delay to explore alternative solutions. Vice President JD Vance has been tasked with overseeing discussions between ByteDance and U.S. officials to find a path forward.

The ongoing uncertainty has prompted various high-profile figures to express interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is leading a bid backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Another group, spearheaded by tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, includes YouTube personality MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Wyoming businessman Reid Rasner.

ByteDance has not yet provided an official response regarding the buyback program or the ongoing negotiations over TikTok’s future in the U.S.