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Google Cloud leads as AI spending tops $700B

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Google has emerged as the standout performer in Big Tech’s AI infrastructure race after Google Cloud posted a 63% revenue surge, sharply outpacing rivals and reshaping investor expectations.

The strong growth, driven largely by enterprise AI demand, exceeded both Microsoft Azure and Amazon cloud growth rates, reinforcing Google’s strategy of commercializing its AI stack across chips, cloud and business tools.

Across major U.S. tech giants, projected AI-related capital expenditures now exceed $700 billion this year, rising from prior estimates near $600 billion. Google raised its own spending outlook further as demand continues to outstrip available compute capacity.

The market response highlighted a growing divide: investors are increasingly rewarding companies converting AI spending into visible revenue acceleration, while punishing those where returns remain less clear.

South Korea Postpones Decision on Google’s Map Data Export Request

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South Korea has once again delayed its decision on Google’s request to export detailed map data, saying it will wait until the company provides additional documentation required for review, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Tuesday.

The ministry’s National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) has given Google 60 business days — until February 5, 2026 — to submit the necessary materials before a final ruling is made.

The request involves Google’s plan to transfer 1:5,000-scale map data — equivalent to 50 meters per centimeter — to servers outside the country. Google says this level of detail is necessary for accurate navigation services, comparable to those offered by domestic firms Kakao Corp and Naver.

South Korea previously rejected similar requests from Google in 2007 and 2016, citing national security concerns about storing sensitive geographical data overseas.

In September, Google said it would comply with South Korea’s security requirements, including ensuring that coordinate data for locations within the country are not displayed to users inside or outside South Korea and agreeing to blur images of security-sensitive facilities.

However, the ministry stated that Google has not yet submitted an updated application reflecting these commitments. The inconsistencies between the company’s previous statements and its formal submissions have complicated the review process.

The dispute comes as Seoul and Washington continue talks on trade and security agreements, adding geopolitical weight to the outcome of Google’s mapping request.

EU Considers Pausing Parts of Landmark AI Act Amid Pressure from U.S. and Big Tech

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The European Commission is considering pausing parts of its landmark Artificial Intelligence Act, following growing pressure from U.S. officials and major tech companies such as Meta and Alphabet, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

According to the report, the move comes after months of lobbying from Silicon Valley giants and warnings from the Trump administration that strict EU regulations could strain transatlantic trade relations.

A senior EU official told the FT that Brussels has been “engaging” with Washington on potential adjustments to the AI Act and related digital regulations as part of a broader simplification effort, which is expected to be adopted on November 19.

The AI Act, which became law in August 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive framework to regulate artificial intelligence technologies. It categorizes AI systems by risk level — from minimal to unacceptable — and imposes restrictions on areas like facial recognition, biometric surveillance, and generative AI transparency.

While a European Commission spokesperson had previously dismissed calls for delays, officials are now reportedly weighing temporary pauses for specific provisions, particularly those affecting companies developing large AI models.

An EU spokesperson told the FT that “various options” are being discussed but emphasized that the bloc remains “fully behind the AI Act and its objectives.”

The proposal reflects Europe’s balancing act between maintaining AI safety and innovation leadership while addressing geopolitical and trade pressures from the United States and industry stakeholders.