NATO members are considering raising their defense budgets in light of current global tensions. Meanwhile, Microsoft is diving into healthcare AI, led by a former DeepMind expert, to enhance consumer health tools. The rise of AI offers improved patient engagement, though trust issues persist regarding data privacy. The podcast also highlights new regulations forcing companies to examine modern slavery in their supply chains, with recent controversies surrounding brands like Mini Cooper. Plus, Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup raises eyebrows.
European NATO members are considering increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP due to geopolitical pressures and the Ukraine conflict.
Microsoft is developing an AI chatbot for consumer health inquiries to improve efficiency and trust in under-resourced healthcare systems.
Deep dives
Increased NATO Defense Spending
European NATO members are considering raising the military spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP. This potential increase is driven by pressure from the U.S., particularly from President-elect Donald Trump, who has long called for Europe to contribute more to NATO. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted European countries to reassess their defense capabilities and readiness. As most member states are expected to meet the current 2% benchmark, the discussions indicate a shift towards greater military investment in response to evolving geopolitical threats.
Microsoft's AI in Healthcare
Microsoft aims to expand its presence in the healthcare sector through the development of an AI chatbot designed to address consumer health inquiries. Led by AI chief Mustafa Suleiman, who previously founded a health unit at Google DeepMind, the new team will focus on creating a product that provides accurate and trustworthy health information. The appeal for tech companies like Microsoft and Google in the healthcare field stems from the significant financial opportunities and the potential to improve efficiency within under-resourced healthcare systems. However, they face challenges regarding public trust in managing health data and ensuring privacy and data security.
New Human Rights Regulations
The European Union and the United States are implementing new regulations aimed at addressing human rights abuses in global supply chains. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive requires companies to identify and mitigate human rights violations in their supply chains, while the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act focuses specifically on forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China. Both regulations have significant implications for businesses, compelling them to conduct rigorous due diligence to avoid penalties and ensure ethical practices. As these laws take effect, companies must prepare to navigate this evolving legal landscape or risk severe impacts on their operations and reputations.
European Nato members are holding talks about increasing the alliance’s target for defence spending, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence head Mustafa Suleyman is building a team focused on consumer health, and US inflation ticked up to 2.7 per cent last month. Plus, new regulations on human rights are forcing global companies to address concerns about modern slavery and tackle problems in their supply chains.
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