Microsoft

Microsoft committed to invest £2.5 billion in the UK over the next three years to expand its AI data centre footprint, a boost to the country’s ambitions to become a leader in growing and developing the technology.

Microsoft set out plans to invest $500 million to expand its footprint in Canada by upgrading its regional cloud and AI infrastructure, alongside the launch of training initiatives.

Microsoft pledged an investment of AUD5 billion ($3.2 billion) to expand its cloud compute and AI capabilities in Australia over the next two years as part of a wide-ranging effort to improve cybersecurity and digital training.

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn outlined plans to axe 668 jobs across its engineering, product, talent and finance teams, adding to tens of thousands of cuts in the technology sector this year.

The UK’s competition regulator finally cleared Microsoft’s big money buy of gaming peer Activision Blizzard after the tech giant restructured the deal to appease its concerns.

Microsoft announced it would protect customers using its generative AI-powered Copilot programme from copyright infringement lawsuits, an attempt to ease apprehension about the risk of IP claims.

Microsoft set out a plan to transfer various cloud streaming rights to game publisher Ubisoft Entertainment should a buy of Activision Blizzard complete, the company’s latest attempt to persuade the UK’s competition regulator to give its blessing.