Global Scans · Artificial intelligence · Weekly Summary

• [New] Meta expects to spend upwards of $70bn on AI, even though its main source of revenue is still in social media advertising. The Observer
• [New] As Generative AI matures, 2026 will mark an important stage in consumer adoption and use of large language models, with implications for online behaviour and content ecosystems. London Business School
• [New] Consider that one billion workers worldwide will need to be reskilled for the new automated AI landscape. UCI
• [New] The digital world's power is reflected in the growing importance and shifting expectations for artificial intelligence, with 68% of CEOs saying that they plan to increase their AI spending in 2026. O'Dwyers PR
• [New] Several key themes apart from AI will shape markets in 2026, including new developments in US trade policies and specifically a Supreme Court case that will rule on the legality of levies. financialpost
• [New] In 2026, regulators and courts will increasingly focus on whether data subject rights can meaningfully apply to trained AI models. JD Supra
• [New] Although Congress is expected to face ongoing challenges in advancing major legislative initiatives in 2026, AI legislation with significant privacy components is likely to move forward. JD Supra
• [New] There will be no omnibus U.S. privacy or AI law yet, but there will be a steady increase in state AI laws. JD Supra
• [New] Capital expenditure for AI infrastructure by tech giants is expected to smash through the $500 billion mark. Gotrade
• [New] Global investment in AI infrastructure is expected to reach $2 trillion in 2026, and the potential for packaging is immense. WhatTheyThink
• [New] As we move past the novelty phase of generative AI, 2026 will mark a shift toward the utility of agentic AI, and with it a growing appreciation for custom-made AI security tools tailored for an organization's specific needs. Tenable
• [New] Prediction: In 2026, AI-fueled acceleration will become adversaries' primary weapon, rendering reactive security measures ineffective. Tenable
• [New] Prediction: In 2026, as attackers increase their use of AI, cyber attacks will grow in number and become less expensive to launch. Tenable
• [New] Entities like the EU AI Office are set to begin supervising compliance for general-purpose AI models, with enforcement activities kicking in in 2027. ChannelPro
• [New] The Agentic AI trend - where autonomous AI agents handle complex business processes - is moving from the pilot phase to full-scale deployment, a shift that could redefine productivity metrics across the S&P 500. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] AI sectors show quadrupled productivity gains but face valuation risks as $520 B hyperscaler investments drive 9% S&P 500 earnings growth. Ainvest
• [New] Elevated volatility is expected due to shifting trade landscapes, AI-driven capital reallocation, and policy uncertainties, including decisions on US tariffs and the appointment of the next Federal Reserve Chair. Whalesbook
• [New] By 2026, everyone will need AI bodyguards that can spot sophisticated phishing attempts, manage password security, and protect personal data in real-time. Software House
• [New] By 2050, Multiverse (AI) price is estimated to vary within a trading range of $0.09290 and $0.1584. BitScreener
• [New] In 2026, AI agents will play a far greater role in daily operations. AI systems to optimize business processes
• [New] AI-powered wearables and smart glasses, including Google's Gemini glasses and Meta's Ray-Ban Meta frames, will expand the ecosystem of everyday AI gadgets. Caliber.az
• [New] AI-driven IoT applications will surge, with an estimated 75% of IoT devices incorporating AI capabilities by 2026, empowering intelligent data analysis, predictive insights, and autonomous decision-making. Zealous System

Last updated: 04 January 2026