Big Tech Stories - Page 2

Kiwi Stories

Big Tech stories

Govt pushes ahead with social media ban for under-16s

The plan faces an uncertain path in Parliament, with coalition partners ACT and New Zealand First refusing support for the under-16s ban.

By Giles Dexter • 7 min read • Fri, 28th Aug 2026

Data Protection

TUANZ backs online safety plans but warns on age ban

Support for tougher online protections comes with calls for scrutiny of age checks, as TUANZ warns they could harm privacy and exclude vulnerable youth.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Tue, 25th Aug 2026

Software-as-a-Service

Companies must adapt to rising AI costs, tech CEO says

Rising token-based charges and compliance risks are forcing firms to monitor AI agents more closely, Fusion5's chief executive says.

By Nona Pelletier • 5 min read • Wed, 12th Aug 2026

Digital Transformation

Microsoft appoints Nick Walton as NZ Managing Director

The appointment strengthens Microsoft's push in New Zealand as businesses weigh AI adoption, cloud investment and data-residency demands.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Tue, 11th Aug 2026

Global Stories

Big Tech stories

Robotics

AWS, NVIDIA to deploy 2 million more GPUs for AI workloads

The deployment will help AWS meet surging demand for AI computing as the cloud giant deepens reliance on NVIDIA hardware and robotics.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Sat, 29th Aug 2026

Generative AI

AWS launches Australia's first AI ambassador search

A university student will get a year of AI training and mentoring as AWS and Duck Labs seek to widen access to industry experience in Australia.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Fri, 28th Aug 2026

Data Protection

Why banks should bet on digital identity, not super apps

Banks could turn trusted identity checks into a new revenue stream as EU rules open the door to wider use of digital credentials.

By Giesecke+Devrient • 5 min read • Wed, 26th Aug 2026

Digital Transformation

Amazon Chief says conversational AI will reshape shopping

Shoppers may soon ask for product advice in chat form as Amazon races rivals to turn generative AI into a new retail interface.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Fri, 14th Aug 2026

Generative AI

OpenAI widens free ChatGPT access with GPT-5.6 update

Free ChatGPT users will now get unlimited text chats and a new higher-reasoning mode as OpenAI tightens accuracy and safety controls.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Fri, 7th Aug 2026

Data centers

Ofgem weighs tougher rules for data centre grid queue

Tighter queue rules could speed grid access for legitimate projects, but risk pushing more data centre operators towards pricier off-grid power.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Thu, 6th Aug 2026

Software-as-a-Service

AWS revenue growth hits fastest pace in 18 quarters

Demand for AI and core cloud services is boosting Amazon's key profit engine, with AWS growth accelerating to a 36.7% annual pace.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Mon, 3rd Aug 2026

Digital Transformation

Amazon retail growth boosted by grocery & AI shopping

Amazon reported growth across retail, grocery, pharmacy and AI shopping as it expanded product selection and accelerated delivery speeds.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Mon, 3rd Aug 2026

Software-as-a-Service

EU AI Act transparency rules take effect on 2 August

Companies serving EU users face new disclosure duties from 2 August, as Brussels keeps transparency rules on schedule despite delaying tougher AI obligations.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 5 min read • Thu, 30th Jul 2026

Data Protection

Cognizant deepens Anthropic tie-up as Claude rollout grows

The expansion signals Cognizant's push to turn AI trials into production work for clients amid tighter scrutiny of governance and risk.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Tue, 28th Jul 2026

Data Protection

EU advances tech sovereignty and UK reshapes AI oversight

Brussels' move could reduce reliance on non-EU tech, while London's new AI minister signals tighter oversight of a fast-growing sector.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Mon, 27th Jul 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Big Tech stories

Semiconductors

NVIDIA backs Ohio AI campus for OpenAI at PORTS-Pike

The deal underscores how scarce power and land have become for AI expansion, with OpenAI planning a huge Ohio facility over 20 years.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Wed, 19th Aug 2026

Wearables

Apple Pay launches in the Philippines for shoppers

Shoppers in the Philippines now have access to Apple's contactless payment service across stores, apps and websites, with banks and merchants on board.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Wed, 5th Aug 2026