AI Shakes Up 2025: Big Investments, Bold Moves, & Major Controversies
Where We’re Starting 2025
Let’s take a snapshot of where we’re kicking off 2025: In 2024, generative AI shook up business strategies like never before. According to the 2025 AI & Data Leadership Executive Survey, a whopping 98.4% of companies ramped up their investments in AI and data. Nearly 94% saw tangible benefits, especially in boosting productivity and improving customer service. AI adoption skyrocketed, with a staggering 500% increase in organizations scaling AI production compared to the year before. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—over 91% flagged cultural resistance as a roadblock. On the bright side, 77.6% of businesses stepped up with responsible AI practices, even as new Chief AI Officer roles faced growing pains with high turnover and fuzzy responsibilities. The momentum? It’s giving major 1990s internet boom vibes.
Meta’s AI Controversy
Meta faced backlash after admitting to creating AI-generated personas like "Liv" and "Grandpa Brian" on its platforms. These bots, which featured fabricated backstories and AI-generated images, were designed to drive user engagement and ad revenue. “Grandpa Brian” even disclosed its purpose of fostering emotional connections for profit. Meta attributed the accounts to a "bug" in an experimental phase and has since deleted them. This incident reignites ethical debates over AI’s role in social media and its potential for manipulation.
UK Unveils AI Growth Plan
The UK’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced the AI Opportunities Action Plan, aiming to create 13,250 jobs and transform public services. Supported by £14 billion in investments, the plan highlights AI’s potential in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. Proposed initiatives include “AI Growth Zones” and a government-funded supercomputer. While the plan emphasizes innovation and global competitiveness, critics raise concerns about costs, infrastructure readiness, and safety. The strategy marks a shift from a risk-focused approach under former leadership to prioritizing economic growth through AI.
Microsoft Expands AI Offerings
Microsoft launched Copilot Chat, enabling businesses to use AI for tasks like market research and strategy drafting. Powered by OpenAI's GPT-4, the service is free, with premium features available through a $30/month subscription to Microsoft 365 Copilot. The launch comes amid an $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure, addressing concerns about slow adoption. This move highlights Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing AI accessibility for businesses.
OpenAI Introduces “Tasks”
OpenAI rolled out a beta feature called “tasks” for ChatGPT Plus, Teams, and Pro users, enabling scheduled actions such as reminders and daily updates. This development reflects OpenAI's pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), allowing AI to act on users’ behalf. Accessible via web and mobile, this feature marks a significant step toward integrating agentic AI into everyday workflows.
DeepSeek Disrupts AI Market
Chinese startup DeepSeek is gaining global attention with its efficient, cost-effective AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and R1. Offering performance rivaling OpenAI and Meta at up to 50 times lower cost, DeepSeek’s AI assistant became the top-rated app on Apple’s U.S. App Store. Backed by founder Liang Wenfeng’s hedge fund, High-Flyer, the company prioritizes research and affordability. Beijing views DeepSeek’s success as pivotal in advancing self-sufficiency amidst U.S. export restrictions.
ChatGPT’s Operator Mode
OpenAI’s new Operator mode takes autonomy to the next level by allowing ChatGPT to execute complex, multi-step tasks without continuous input. Equipped with natural language processing, vision capabilities, and third-party tool integration, Operator can manage tasks like online shopping and trip planning. While still in early stages with bugs and safety concerns, this feature could redefine workflows for businesses and individuals. Available to U.S.-based ChatGPT Pro users, Operator signifies a step toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Sources
6 Ways AI Changed Business in 2024 – Harvard Business Review
Microsoft Launches Copilot Chat – Yahoo Finance
OpenAI Adds Agentic AI Tasks to ChatGPT – Mashable
