In this Tech Insight, we look at how Manus, China’s latest AI agent, is redefining autonomous AI applications, its connection to Browser Use, and whether this signals a new shift in search engine optimisation (SEO) and business strategy.

Agentic Applications

It seems that AI is no longer just about answering questions or generating text, but is also now executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. Enter agentic applications, a new breed of AI designed to act on behalf of users, making decisions and performing actions autonomously. These agents can book flights, manage projects, analyse data, and even interact with software, the kinds of tasks that previously required direct human involvement.

Manus is one of the most ambitious examples of this emerging technology. Unlike a chatbot, which passively waits for input, an AI agent like Manus actively seeks out solutions, using multiple tools and web services to accomplish goals with minimal guidance.

China’s ‘Manus’ AI Agent

Manus was launched on 6 March this year and has already been dubbed the world’s first general-purpose AI agent. It was created by Monica, a Chinese AI startup backed by major investors including Tencent and Sequoia Capital China. Initially developed as an AI-powered browser plugin, Manus has since evolved into a fully autonomous digital assistant.

Its capabilities go beyond those of traditional AI chatbots. For example, instead of simply retrieving information, Manus also acts on it. Users have reported that Manus can handle complex tasks such as rebooking flights, summarising legal documents, and even conducting independent research. Manus has reportedly outperformed OpenAI’s Deep Research and Anthropic’s Operator in benchmark tests, proving its ability to operate autonomously with high accuracy.

Exclusive

Manus has become so exclusive that its beta access invite codes are selling for up to £11,000 on resale platforms. While it is still in its early stages, its performance has already sparked a global conversation about the future of AI agents.

Manus CEO Xiao Hong has been open about the vision behind the product, stating: “[Manus] isn’t just another chatbot or workflow. It’s a completely autonomous agent that bridges the gap between conception and execution. We see it as the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration.”

Manus is, therefore, positioning itself not just as another AI tool but as a shift in how AI can integrate with daily life.

How ‘Browser Use’ Powers Manus

Manus wouldn’t be as powerful without Browser Use, a tool that enables AI to navigate the web more effectively. Developed by a Swiss startup, Browser Use allows AI agents to click on elements, extract data, and interact with web applications just like a human would.

After Manus’s launch, Browser Use downloads surged from 5,000 per day to 28,000 in a matter of days. This is because Manus relies on it to function smoothly, automating interactions with websites in a way that traditional AI assistants cannot.

For example, Browser Use enables AI to:

– Extract and analyse web content by understanding HTML and visual elements.

– Automate web navigation for tasks such as online shopping, booking reservations, and filling out forms.

– Manage multiple tabs and run complex workflows in real-time.

This kind of web automation is now opening new doors for AI, but it also raises questions about how businesses optimise their websites for AI interaction.

A New Kind of SEO?

With AI agents like Manus autonomously browsing and interacting with websites, it may be the case that businesses need to rethink their SEO strategies. For example, traditional SEO focuses on optimising content for human users and search engine algorithms, but what happens when AI agents become the primary visitors to a site?

Some experts believe we are entering an era of AI-first optimisation, where companies must ensure their websites are structured in a way that AI agents can easily interpret. This could involve:

– Making sites more AI-readable, with clear data structuring and interactive elements.

– Optimising for AI decision-making, ensuring product information and services are easily accessible for automated interactions.

– Reducing friction in transactions, making it easier for AI agents to complete bookings, purchases, and other actions.

The implications for businesses are vast. For example, if AI agents start making decisions on behalf of users, such as booking the best-rated hotels or purchasing products based on past behaviour, companies will need to focus on making their offerings AI-friendly to remain competitive.

New Challenges (and Opportunities) For Businesses

All this means that for companies looking to stay ahead, the rise of AI agents like Manus presents both challenges and opportunities. These could include, for example:

– Automation at scale. Businesses could now use AI agents to streamline customer support, market research, and administrative tasks.

– AI-powered personalisation. With AI making decisions on behalf of users, companies will need to ensure their products and services stand out in AI-driven recommendations.

– New compliance and security concerns. As AI agents navigate sensitive information, data privacy laws and security measures may need to evolve.

While Manus and Browser Use are still in their early days, their rapid rise suggests that agentic applications could become mainstream far sooner than expected. This means that businesses that start preparing for an AI-driven future now may be best positioned to capitalise on this shift.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

As AI agents begin to reshape online interactions, UK businesses may need to seriously consider the implications of this technology. From retail and finance to customer service and logistics, companies need to adapt their digital presence to accommodate AI-driven decision-making.

For UK-based e-commerce platforms, ensuring products and services are easily discoverable by AI agents looks likely to be critical. AI-optimised listings and seamless purchase experiences will determine whether an AI agent selects a business over a competitor. In financial services, AI agents could automate complex client interactions, helping with portfolio management, compliance, and fraud detection.

However, concerns about data privacy and regulation remain. The UK’s AI Safety Summit in 2023 signalled a commitment to ensuring AI development aligns with ethical standards, and companies leveraging AI agents must be mindful of GDPR compliance and transparency in AI-driven decision-making.

The bottom line here is that UK businesses may now need to start exploring AI-readiness strategies, not just for SEO, but for operations, security, and customer engagement. Those who embrace AI-driven automation early may stand to gain a competitive advantage in what looks likely to become an increasingly autonomous digital landscape.

IPv4.Global, the world’s largest marketplace for IPv4 addresses, has launched a loan programme that allows businesses to use their IPv4 addresses as collateral.

A New Way To Get Funding

This new initiative gives companies access to funding while still retaining full use of their IP assets, responding to the strong ongoing demand for IPv4 despite the slow transition to IPv6.

Who is IPv4.Global?

IPv4.Global is the largest and most transparent marketplace for IPv4 addresses, i.e. the unique numerical identifiers assigned to devices on a network, allowing them to communicate over the internet. The company facilitates the buying, selling, leasing and now the lending of these assets. A division of Hilco Streambank, IPv4.Global has completed more transactions in this space than any other provider, having brokered the sale of over 55 million addresses. With a reputation for credibility and efficiency, it has become the go-to platform for organisations looking to monetise their IPv4 holdings.

How the Loan Programme Works

The idea of using IPv4 addresses as financial instruments is not entirely new. For example, network operator Cogent previously issued $206 million worth of debt notes backed by its IPv4 assets. However, IPv4.Global has gone a step further by offering loans directly secured by these addresses.

Under the new scheme, businesses can leverage their IPv4 holdings to access loans while still retaining full use of their addresses. This differs from previous models that used lease revenues as security, as the addresses themselves now serve as collateral.

Lee Howard, Senior Vice President of IPv4.Global, highlighted the unique nature of the initiative, saying: “We just successfully implemented our lending programme for a data centre operator so they can grow their cloud business, making us the first and only company lending against IPv4 addresses today.”

The programme does not have a strict minimum or maximum address requirement, with each loan’s terms tailored to the borrower’s financial standing and balance sheet. However, Howard has noted that a key consideration is how quickly the market could absorb the addresses in case of default, meaning larger loans may require more structured risk assessments.

Why This Matters

Despite the slow transition to IPv6 (a newer protocol designed to replace IPv4 with a vastly larger address pool), demand for IPv4 addresses remains strong, driving their market value upwards. AWS, for example, rents public IPv4 addresses for $43.80 per year, and recent transactions have seen them sell for around $30 per address.

By allowing businesses to use these digital assets as collateral, IPv4.Global is effectively unlocking a new source of liquidity for organisations in need of working capital. This is particularly useful for companies in cloud computing, data centre operations, and telecoms, where maintaining access to IPv4 resources is crucial for day-to-day operations.

The Key Benefits of IPv4-Based Loans

Some of the key benefits of IPv4-based loans include:

– Immediate access to capital. Companies can leverage their IPv4 holdings for financial flexibility without selling them outright.

– Retained operational control. Unlike asset sales, using IPv4 addresses as collateral allows businesses to keep them in use.

– It’s a new financing avenue. Many commercial lenders do not consider IPv4 holdings in loan assessments, making this a unique funding opportunity.

– Support for growth. Businesses needing capital to expand, particularly in cloud and hosting sectors, can now do so without disrupting operations.

Challenges and Potential Risks

While the benefits are clear, using IPv4 addresses as collateral is not without its risks. For example, these include:

Market fluctuations. The value of IPv4 addresses depends on supply and demand, which could shift as more organisations adopt IPv6.

The risk of default. If a borrower fails to repay their loan, they could lose control over vital IPv4 assets, potentially affecting their network operations.

Regulatory concerns. As IPv4 addresses take on greater financial significance, they could attract new regulatory scrutiny, particularly in markets with evolving digital asset laws.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

By providing businesses with an alternative means of securing capital without relinquishing operational control, IPv4.Global’s move (to accept IPv4 addresses as loan collateral) opens up new financial opportunities, particularly for organisations in sectors such as cloud computing, data centre management, and telecoms, where IPv4 addresses remain an essential resource.

For UK businesses, this could offer a novel way to raise funds while preserving critical network infrastructure. Many companies still rely on IPv4 addresses for their digital operations, and with limited availability continuing to drive market prices higher, leveraging these assets for financing could be a practical solution for those looking to scale without selling off key resources. At the same time, lenders entering this space may see potential in offering similar financing models, although risk management will be crucial given the uncertainty surrounding long-term IPv4 valuations.

For other stakeholders, including investors and policymakers, this development highlights the growing financialisation of internet infrastructure. While it demonstrates the enduring demand for IPv4 and its potential as a financial instrument, it also raises questions about market stability, regulatory oversight, and the eventual transition to IPv6. If IPv4 addresses continue to be treated as high-value assets, the shift to IPv6 could be further delayed, creating ongoing complexities for businesses and regulators alike.

It seems, therefore, that IPv4.Global’s initiative reinforces the idea that digital assets are becoming increasingly intertwined with traditional financial mechanisms. Whether this approach gains widespread adoption remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a fresh avenue for businesses seeking capital while demonstrating the lasting relevance of IPv4 in a changing technological landscape.

From March 28, a change to a long-standing Amazon Echo privacy feature will mean that every Alexa request will be transmitted to Amazon’s cloud by default, rather than being processed locally on the device.

What’s Changing?

For years, Amazon Echo users had the option to keep some of their voice interactions with Alexa private. For example, select Echo devices, including the Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15, offered a setting called “Do Not Send Voice Recordings.” This allowed Alexa to process certain requests locally on the device, meaning users’ voices never left their homes. However, this is about to change.

Every Command To Be Sent To Amazon’s Servers

Amazon has confirmed that from March 28, 2025, every single voice command issued to an Echo device will be transmitted to its cloud servers for processing. The company is discontinuing the local processing option entirely, regardless of user preference. Even if customers select the “Don’t save recordings” setting, voice data will still be sent to Amazon’s servers, although the company says it will delete it once processed.

Emailed Explanation

In an email to affected users, Amazon explained the change, stating:
“We are reaching out to let you know that the Alexa feature ‘Do Not Send Voice Recordings’ that you enabled on your supported Echo device(s) will no longer be available beginning March 28, 2025. As we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, we have decided to no longer support this feature.”

Why Is Amazon Making This Change?

In short, the official reason for the change is generative AI. Amazon says Alexa is evolving, and the latest advancements require more computational power than what’s possible on an Echo device. Instead of processing requests locally, Alexa will therefore leverage Amazon’s cloud-based AI to provide more sophisticated responses.

This change aligns with Amazon’s push for Alexa+, a new AI-powered version of the voice assistant expected to roll out later this year. The upgrade promises a more human-like, conversational Alexa experience (closer to ChatGPT), offering smarter interactions and better understanding of user requests.

According to Panos Panay, Amazon’s Senior VP of Devices & Services:
“Alexa+ is more conversational, smarter, and personalised. It understands what you mean, even if your request is half-formed or vague. This kind of AI capability requires cloud processing.”

What Does This Mean for Echo Users?

For those who had privacy concerns and enabled “Do Not Send Voice Recordings,” this update removes an important layer of control. Essentially, from March 28 onwards:

– Everything you say to Alexa will be sent to Amazon’s servers.

– Local processing will no longer be an option.

– If you select “Don’t save recordings,” it won’t store your voice data, but Amazon will still process it in the cloud.

– Voice ID (used for personalised features like recognising different users) will no longer work unless you allow recordings to be saved.

– For users who bought their Echo devices under the assumption that they could keep their voice data private, this could feel like a fundamental change to what they originally purchased.

How Have Users Reacted?

The announcement has sparked backlash online, with many questioning Amazon’s motives. Privacy advocates argue that this is less about AI improvements and more about data collection and monetisation. Some commentators have reacted suspiciously, suggesting that this could be a step towards making Amazon’s ecosystem more reliant on surveillance-driven AI.

On Reddit, frustrated Echo users have been voicing their concerns, with some suggesting it may be time to switch to an alternative. Also, many have pointed to previous scandals, such as when Amazon admitted in 2019 that human reviewers were listening to some Alexa recordings, and in 2023, the company was fined $25 million for storing voice recordings of children.

Privacy-conscious users may now be looking for alternatives, e.g. Apple’s on-device Siri processing or open-source voice assistants like Mycroft AI.

What About Echo Devices in Businesses and Home Offices?

The change doesn’t just impact home users because businesses that use Alexa-powered devices may also need to rethink their approach. For example:

– Conference rooms and smart offices. If companies have Alexa-enabled speakers in workspaces, they now need to consider the implications of sending voice data to Amazon’s servers.

– Home offices. Professionals who use Alexa for reminders, to-do lists, or calendar management may be less comfortable knowing all voice data is processed externally.

– Regulatory compliance. Businesses that handle sensitive information may need to reassess their data security policies, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and law, where client confidentiality is critical.

Some businesses could choose to disable Alexa in certain settings altogether, particularly where privacy concerns are paramount.

What Are the Wider Implications for Amazon?

Amazon is betting big on Alexa+ and generative AI, hoping to keep pace with competitors like Apple and Google. But this shift also risks alienating privacy-conscious customers.

At the moment, less than 0.03% of Alexa users had the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting enabled, according to Amazon. However, the backlash suggests that even users who didn’t enable this option are now thinking twice about trusting Alexa.

The move could, for example:

– Drive privacy-focused users to competitors like Apple’s Siri, which processes more requests on-device.

– Open the door for legal challenges around how Amazon informs users about data processing.

– Hurt trust in Alexa, at a time when voice assistants are already facing stagnating growth.

While Amazon insists that security remains a priority, the fact remains that this is a fundamental change to how Alexa works, and it’s happening whether users like it or not.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

While Amazon is framing this change as a necessary evolution to support more advanced AI-driven capabilities, many users clearly see it as a loss of control over their privacy. By removing the ability to keep voice commands on-device, Amazon appears to be fundamentally altering the way Echo devices function, a move that some customers feel undermines the trust they originally placed in the product.

For everyday users, this means having to accept that their voice data will always pass through Amazon’s servers, even if it is not stored long-term. While Amazon has pledged that recordings will be deleted after processing, past controversies involving stored conversations and human reviewers have left some sceptical. Those who put a great deal of emphasis on privacy may now feel compelled to seek alternatives, such as Apple’s Siri, which offers more on-device processing, or open-source options that provide greater transparency.

The implications of this change stretch beyond individual households. For example, UK businesses using Echo devices in offices, meeting rooms, or customer-facing environments may now need to reassess their approach. Many industries, particularly those handling sensitive client data, already have strict privacy policies in place. With all Alexa commands now routed through Amazon’s servers, businesses will need to consider whether continuing to use these devices aligns with their compliance requirements. Some may opt to disable Alexa in certain settings, while others might look for alternative solutions that allow for local voice processing.

From Amazon’s perspective, this change is about keeping Alexa competitive in an AI-driven world. With Google and Apple enhancing their voice assistants, and ChatGPT-like models becoming increasingly integrated into everyday tech, Amazon is pushing Alexa to become more responsive, conversational, and intelligent. However, this ambition looks likely to come at a cost. By prioritising cloud-based AI, Amazon risks alienating a portion of its user base, particularly those who bought Echo devices for their privacy features.

HP has come under scrutiny for implementing a policy that enforced a minimum 15-minute wait time for customers seeking telephone support for consumer PCs and printers.

Frustration

The move, which was (quietly) introduced earlier this year, was designed to push customers towards self-service digital support options, but it has triggered frustration among users and raised concerns about customer service standards.

Internal Memo Reveals Strategic Delay

An internal HP memo, which was leaked to the press, appears to show that the 15-minute call delay was intentional. The document stated that the company wanted to “influence customers to increase their adoption of digital self-solve” and “generate warranty cost efficiencies.”

The changed policy affected customers in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Italy, with HP’s phone system informing callers of the extended wait time before redirecting them to HP’s online support tools, such as its website and virtual assistant. The idea was to encourage users to find answers themselves rather than immediately resorting to human customer service.

Customer Backlash and Internal Dissent

However, unfortunately for HP, its decision didn’t go unnoticed. Customers quickly voiced their frustration, arguing that a forced waiting period was an unreasonable tactic to discourage live support requests. Many took to social media and consumer forums, questioning why a major tech company would deliberately delay assistance.

Internally, the policy was reportedly not well received by HP employees either. It’s been reported that sources within the company suggested that frontline staff had no direct involvement in the decision, leaving them to handle complaints from disgruntled customers without a clear justification.

U-Turn After Widespread Criticism

Facing significant backlash, HP reversed the 15-minute waiting policy within weeks of its implementation. The company issued a statement clarifying that the move was meant to encourage digital solutions and reduce enquiry resolution times, but it acknowledged that customer expectations were not met.

“We are committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience and have listened to our customers’ feedback,” HP said. The company assured users that they would no longer experience artificial delays when calling for support.

Part of a Shift From Traditional Customer Service Models?

For businesses that rely on HP devices, the brief but controversial policy raises important questions about customer support access and service reliability. While HP may have abandoned the delay, the incident highlights an ongoing industry trend of shifting away from traditional customer service models. For example:

– Operational efficiency at risk. Businesses that rely on quick resolutions for IT issues could face significant disruptions if similar policies are reintroduced.

– Rising costs and productivity loss. Longer wait times for technical support translate to delayed troubleshooting, which can impact productivity and profitability.

– Trust and vendor loyalty. Companies may start re-evaluating their relationship with HP, particularly if competitors offer more accessible customer support.

A Growing Industry Trend

HP doesn’t appear to be alone in pushing customers towards digital self-service. For example, many technology companies are investing in AI-powered chatbots and automated support to cut costs. Some firms have even implemented fees for live customer support, reinforcing the idea that human assistance is becoming a premium service.

However, the balance between automation and accessibility remains a concern. A recent Gartner report suggests that consumer protection laws in the EU may soon mandate a “right to human support” to prevent companies from making digital-only assistance the default option.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

HP’s brief experiment with forced waiting times may have ended, but it appears to have left some lingering concerns over how major tech firms balance cost-cutting with customer care. It seems that businesses should, therefore, remain cautious about future shifts in HP’s support strategy, as the company’s willingness to experiment with such measures suggests a broader trend towards digital-first service models.

While automation can streamline some processes (and cut costs), the need for live support remains critical, particularly in high-stakes business environments where downtime can be costly. Companies should evaluate whether HP’s evolving approach aligns with their operational needs or if alternative vendors offer more reliable support.

At the same time, HP and other industry leaders should probably recognise that restricting access to human assistance could drive customers towards competitors who offer direct service rather than cost-saving efficiencies. The growing tension between digital automation and consumer expectations suggests that future policies will need to strike a careful balance or risk further alienating business customers.

As customer expectations continue to evolve, businesses must be prepared to advocate for accessible and reliable support services, whether from HP or any other technology provider.

A new Nozomi Networks report has found that 94 per cent of Wi-Fi networks lack proper protection against deauthentication attacks, leaving them vulnerable to disruption and infiltration.

The analysis of 500,000+ wireless networks revealed that only 6 per cent had enabled Management Frame Protection (MFP), a key security feature preventing attackers from forcing devices offline using spoofed deauthentication frames. These denial-of-service (DoS) attacks can disrupt connectivity and serve as a gateway for data theft and system intrusions.

Deauthentication attacks exploit weaknesses in Wi-Fi protocols, allowing hackers to disconnect devices, intercept data, and launch man-in-the-middle attacks. Nozomi warns that state-linked hacking groups, such as Volt Typhoon, have used these tactics to target critical infrastructure, healthcare, and industrial networks.

To mitigate risk, businesses should enable 802.11w (MFP), upgrade to WPA3 encryption, and monitor networks for suspicious activity. Regular wireless security audits and strong segmentation are also essential to prevent attackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities.

A new report from the Rhodium Group claims that advanced geothermal energy could power nearly all new data centres by 2030.

A Stable, Renewable Solution

With the exponential rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing driving unprecedented demand for electricity, the energy consumption of data centres is a growing concern. However, the report suggests that tapping into the Earth’s heat could provide a stable, renewable solution to this looming energy crisis.

The Data Centre Energy Problem

Data centres are essentially the backbone of the digital economy, hosting everything from cloud storage to AI model training. However, their hunger for power (and water) is becoming a pressing issue. For example, according to the Rhodium Group, electricity demand from data centres in the US has surged from 2 per cent of total consumption in 2020 to around 4.5 per cent in 2024. Projections indicate this could rise to as much as 12 per cent by 2028.

Much of this surge comes from the rapid expansion of AI, with models such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot requiring massive computational power. The grid is struggling to keep pace, with utilities and regulators facing growing challenges in ensuring reliable, low-carbon electricity supply.

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy harnesses heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface, converting it into electricity or direct heating. Traditionally, geothermal power plants were limited to areas where hot water or steam naturally rises close to the surface, such as Iceland or parts of the western US.

However, advancements in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which use deep drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques to unlock heat from otherwise inaccessible rock formations, are now changing the game. For example, according to the US Department of Energy, EGS could unlock up to 90 gigawatts (GW) of geothermal capacity in the US alone, providing a vast, untapped source of clean energy.

Why Geothermal Could Meet Data Centre Demand

The Rhodium Group’s report estimates that under current trends, geothermal could provide up to 64 per cent of new data centre electricity demand by 2030. If data centre developers strategically site their facilities in areas with the best geothermal resources, this figure could rise to 100 per cent!

In practical terms, this means geothermal could quadruple its current installed capacity in the US, from 4GW today to approximately 16GW by the end of the decade. Crucially, the cost of geothermal energy is expected to be competitive with existing power sources, ranging from $50 to $75 per megawatt-hour (MWh) (on par with current grid electricity prices for data centres).

Real-World Examples of Geothermal in Action

A number of innovative startups are already proving the feasibility of geothermal-powered data centres. These include:

– Fervo Energy, founded by former oil and gas engineers, has been pioneering horizontal drilling techniques to boost geothermal output. The company secured over $200 million in investment in 2024 and has significantly reduced drilling costs.

– Bedrock Energy is focusing on space-constrained urban environments. Their deep-drilling approach enables office buildings and data centres to tap into geothermal heat with a small footprint.

– Quaise Energy has developed a breakthrough technology that uses high-powered microwaves to vaporise rock, allowing them to drill as deep as 12.4 miles (20km). At these depths, temperatures exceed 1,000°F, providing an almost limitless source of heat.

– Sage Geosystems is taking a different approach, using geothermal wells to store energy. Water is injected under pressure and later released to generate electricity, similar to an underground hydroelectric dam.

The Benefits of Geothermal for Data Centres

Geothermal energy offers a host of advantages for data centre operators, most notably:

– 24/7 reliability. Unlike wind or solar, geothermal provides continuous, baseload power with 90 per cent+ capacity factors.

– A low carbon footprint. Geothermal plants emit little to no greenhouse gases, aligning with tech companies’ aggressive net-zero targets.

– Grid independence. By using behind-the-metre geothermal installations, data centres can bypass lengthy grid connection delays, reducing wait times for power.

– Cost stability. Unlike natural gas, which is subject to price volatility, geothermal energy provides long-term price certainty.

The Challenges of Scaling Geothermal

However, while the potential is pretty clear, there are some significant hurdles to overcome before geothermal can power the next wave of data centres. These include:

– High upfront costs. Deep drilling and well stimulation require significant capital investment. However, costs are falling as technology advances.

– Permitting delays. In the US, for example, securing permits for geothermal projects can take up to 10 years! Streamlining regulatory approvals is crucial to accelerating deployment.

– Geographic constraints. While EGS expands geothermal’s reach, the best sites are still concentrated in the western US, meaning some data centres may have to relocate or use hybrid energy strategies.

– Infrastructure readiness. Drilling rigs, turbines, and skilled labour all need to scale rapidly to meet growing demand. Leveraging expertise from the oil and gas sector could help bridge this gap.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

Geothermal energy could be a real and practical way to address the growing electricity demands of data centres while aligning with sustainability goals. The technology is proven, its reliability is unmatched among renewables, and its potential is vast. However, realising this potential requires significant investment, regulatory reform, and strategic siting of new facilities.

For data centre operators, integrating geothermal could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and offer long-term cost stability. For policymakers, streamlining permitting processes and incentivising geothermal development will be key to unlocking its full potential. Meanwhile, investors and energy companies have a chance to shape a growing market by developing innovative drilling and power generation techniques.

For UK businesses, the need for cleaner, more stable energy sources is just as pressing in this country, where data centre energy demand is rising rapidly. While the UK lacks the geothermal resources of the US, investment in energy innovation, including geothermal heating and advanced drilling techniques, could provide valuable lessons and opportunities. Also, British companies specialising in energy technology, infrastructure, and financing may find growing international demand for their expertise.

The question, therefore, is no longer whether geothermal can support the data centre boom, but how quickly the industry can scale to meet demand. With the right mix of investment, policy support, and technological innovation, the heat beneath our feet could soon be powering the digital world in ways previously unimaginable.

In contrast to the ChatGPT ‘memory’ feature (that we outlined last week), this week’s Tech Talk suggests some ways to use their new ‘Temporary’ feature, in case you want to sandbox your conversations and keep them private.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It may be best to download it first]

When chatting with ChatGPT on WhatsApp, you can now send images and voice messages, allowing the AI to analyse photos and respond to spoken queries. Here’s how to make the most of these new features.

How to Chat with ChatGPT on WhatsApp

– Before using images and voice notes, you’ll need to set up ChatGPT as a contact in WhatsApp.

– Open WhatsApp and tap the New Chat button.

– Select New Contact and enter ChatGPT as the name.

– Under Country, select United States (even though you’re in the UK) and enter the number 1-800-242-8478.

– Save the contact, then open a chat with ChatGPT and start typing your queries.

How to Send Images to ChatGPT

Want AI-powered insights on your photos? You can send images to ChatGPT for analysis.

– Open your chat with ChatGPT in WhatsApp.

– Tap the paperclip or camera icon.

– Choose an existing photo or take a new one.

– Type a message with your query, such as “What’s in this image?” and send it.

– ChatGPT will analyse the image and reply with relevant information.

How to Use Voice Messages with ChatGPT

Prefer to talk instead of type? ChatGPT can now process voice messages and reply in text.

– In your chat with ChatGPT, tap the microphone button.

– Record your question and send the voice message.

– ChatGPT will transcribe your audio and respond with a text reply.

– You can continue the conversation with more voice messages or switch to text.

More Ways to Use ChatGPT on WhatsApp

Need quick help while multitasking? You can also:

– Ask ChatGPT to summarise text or documents by sending images of printed pages.

– Get descriptions of objects, landmarks, or signs by snapping a picture.

– Use voice messages to dictate ideas, notes, or reminders hands-free.

With these new features, interacting with ChatGPT in WhatsApp is more natural and intuitive than ever.

UK banking customers who have faced repeated IT failures are set to receive millions in compensation, following a damning Treasury Committee investigation into the scale and impact of these outages.

Nine Banks

The inquiry revealed that in the past two years alone, nine major banks and building societies have suffered more than a month’s worth of system failures, leaving millions unable to access their money when they needed it most.

How Big Is The Problem?

The inquiry revealed that between January 2023 and February 2025, major high street banks (including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide, Santander, and NatWest) collectively experienced at least 803 hours of IT outages. That’s more than 33 days of service disruptions, affecting customers’ ability to make payments, transfer funds, and in some cases, even access their own accounts.

To make matters worse, some of the most disruptive outages occurred on key dates, including payday, adding to the distress caused. For many, these incidents resulted in late bill payments, missed wages, and even the inability to complete major transactions – a situation that has been described as ‘deeply unsettling’ by campaigners.

Many Living Pay Cheque to Pay Cheque

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dame Meg Hillier, Chair of the Treasury Committee, did not hold back in her criticism of the situation, stating: “For families and individuals living pay cheque to pay cheque, losing access to banking services on payday can be a terrifying experience. The fact there has been enough outages to fill a whole month within the last two years shows customers’ frustrations are completely valid.”

Which Banks Are Paying Out and How Much?

As scrutiny on the sector intensifies, it seems that some banks have now set aside millions to compensate affected customers. Here’s what each bank is paying and why:

– Barclays… The worst-hit bank in the report, Barclays is expected to pay between £5 million and £7.5 million for inconvenience and distress caused by various outages, with the total amounting to £12.5 million over the past two years.

– Bank of Ireland… The second-largest compensation payout, with £350,000 being distributed to impacted customers.

– NatWest… Has recorded 13 major incidents and will be compensating customers £348,000.

– HSBC… With 32 separate IT failures, HSBC has set aside £232,697 in compensation payments.

– Lloyds… Customers will receive £160,000 following 12 incidents of service disruption.

– Nationwide… The building society has paid out £77,452 due to system failures.

– Santander… Despite 24 incidents, its compensation stands at just £17,000.

– AIB… Paying out a nominal £590 in compensation.

The scale of Barclays’ payout alone shows the gravity of the problem, particularly given that its most recent failure in January left 56 per cent of online payments failing on payday, with some customers unable to complete house moves and others left stranded without funds.

What It Could Mean for Customers

For banking customers, these payouts are likely to come as both a relief and a frustration. For example, while the compensation acknowledges the distress caused, it’s likely to do little to restore confidence in the reliability of banking services. Many customers have already expressed concerns that IT failures are becoming more frequent, rather than less, despite advances in technology.

Although the payouts may be welcomed, customers will still be aware that unless something is done about the failing IT systems from underlying legacy banking infrastructure that keeps crashing, they’re still at risk of it happening again.

Unclear How to Claim Compensation

While Barclays and others have vowed that no customer will be left out of pocket, the process of claiming compensation still remains unclear for many. Some have already lodged formal complaints, while others may need to wait for banks to proactively contact them about payments.

The Wider Impact on the Banking Industry

This wave of IT failures, and the subsequent compensation payouts, has put the UK banking industry under renewed pressure to modernise its digital infrastructure. Thankfully, the Treasury Committee has made it clear that more needs to be done to reduce the frequency of these failures, and banks are now being urged to make urgent investments in:

– IT resilience – ensuring systems are robust enough to handle peak usage periods.

– Third-party oversight – many failures stem from external suppliers, raising questions about regulation.

– Customer communication – better transparency when outages occur and clearer processes for compensation.

The government has already hinted that further regulation may be on the horizon, with a Treasury spokesperson stating: “We are working with the financial authorities to regulate third-party suppliers, as well as considering whether the banks are doing all they can to provide the level of service customers expect.”

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

The banks now find themselves at a crossroads. While the compensation payments acknowledge the impact on customers, they do not solve the deeper issue of unreliable IT infrastructure. For customers, the payouts may soften the blow, but they will do little to restore long-term confidence unless meaningful action is taken to prevent future disruptions.

For businesses, the implications of these failures are always far-reaching. For example, many companies rely on seamless banking operations to pay staff, manage cash flow, and complete critical transactions. Therefore, when banking systems go down, the knock-on effects can be severe, potentially leading to delayed wages, operational disruptions, and financial uncertainty. Small businesses, in particular, can struggle to absorb these setbacks, making banking reliability an essential component of economic stability.

The industry’s response to this crisis will shape the future of banking in the UK. If banks commit to modernising their IT systems and prioritising customer service, they may yet rebuild trust. However, continued failures could prompt stricter regulatory intervention, higher penalties, and increased competition from digital-only banks that have so far proven more resilient. With technology at the heart of modern finance, institutions that fail to adapt may find themselves losing not just customers, but also their position in the market.

As pressure mounts, it seems that banking in the UK is at a kind of turning point, and the coming months will determine whether these institutions can step up to meet the expectations of the businesses and individuals who depend on them every day.

In this Tech Insight, we look at the latest AI developments, including AI agents creating their own language, Opera’s new AI-powered browsing assistant, and a growing debate over the risks of an international race to artificial general intelligence.

AI Agents Are Speaking Their Own Language

A new experiment called ‘GibberLink’ has just demonstrated an intriguing concept, i.e. AI voice agents that can recognise when they are speaking to another AI and then switch to a more efficient communication method (which is incomprehensible to humans). Developed at a hackathon in London by Meta engineers Boris Starkov and Anton Pidkuiko, GibberLink replaces human-like speech with GGWave, a sound-based protocol that allows AI systems to exchange information faster and with less computing power.

To human ears, the communication sounds like a series of beeps and boops, reminiscent of dial-up internet modems from the 1980s. While it may seem like a niche experiment, the technology could actually have real-world applications. For example, as companies increasingly deploy AI-powered customer service agents, there may be a need for them to communicate directly. By using this machine-native ‘language,’ AI agents could cut computing costs significantly, making AI-driven voice interactions cheaper and more efficient.

The apparent viral success of GibberLink has sparked both fascination and concern. For example, some fear that AI developing its own incomprehensible communication methods could reduce transparency and accountability. However, Starkov and Pidkuiko insist their project is simply an experiment, and they have open-sourced the code rather than commercialising it (at least for now).

Opera’s AI Assistant Could Change How We Browse

It seems that Opera, the long-standing web browser, is aiming to redefine internet browsing with its AI-powered feature called ‘Browser Operator’. Unlike traditional AI assistants that simply summarise search results, Browser Operator actively completes tasks for users. For example, if you need to book a flight, it’s just a case of providing a few details, and the AI will search, compare prices, and add the best option for you.

What sets Opera’s AI apart from competitors like OpenAI’s Operator and Anthropic’s Claude is that it operates locally within the browser. This ensures not only faster performance but also better privacy, as user data never leaves the device. Unlike cloud-based AI tools, which require remote servers to function, Browser Operator processes requests directly on the user’s machine.

The potential benefits are clear, i.e. more efficient browsing, time saved on repetitive online tasks, and a more seamless digital experience. However, as with any AI-driven automation, questions remain about how much control users will ultimately have over decisions made on their behalf. Opera has included safeguards, allowing users to pause or cancel tasks at any time, ensuring that humans remain in the loop.

Eric Schmidt Warns Against an AI Arms Race

Amidst the rapid AI advancements, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and two co-authors, Alexandr Wang and Dan Hendrycks, have just published a policy paper warning against a US-led push for artificial general intelligence (AGI). It seems they’re concerned that an aggressive AI race could provoke international retaliation, particularly from China, and potentially destabilise global relations.

Schmidt and his colleagues argue that the pursuit of AGI (a hypothetical AI system with intelligence surpassing human capabilities) should not be treated like the Manhattan Project, the US government’s programme to develop nuclear weapons in the 1940s. Instead, they propose a more cautious strategy, advocating for ‘Mutual Assured AI Malfunction’ (MAIM), which suggests that governments should focus on defensive measures to deter AI-driven threats rather than escalating an AI arms race.

The paper challenges the notion that the US must ‘win’ the AGI race, arguing that such thinking could lead to dangerous consequences, including pre-emptive cyberattacks from adversaries. Instead, they suggest limiting access to powerful AI chips, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring AI remains under human control.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

These developments show just how rapidly AI is reshaping industries, and why businesses need to stay ahead of the curve. The rise of AI agents like GibberLink suggests a future where automated systems could interact more efficiently without human intervention. While this might reduce costs, businesses relying on AI-driven communication must consider transparency and ethical oversight to maintain customer trust and regulatory compliance.

Meanwhile, Opera’s Browser Operator signals a shift in how AI can automate everyday digital tasks. For businesses, this could mean exploring ways to integrate AI-powered automation into their workflows to improve efficiency. Whether it’s customer service, e-commerce, or operations, AI-driven task completion could actually free up human employees for more strategic work. However, as with any AI system, companies will need to carefully manage data privacy concerns and ensure these tools remain user-controlled rather than fully autonomous.

Also, the debate over AGI development highlights broader implications for businesses investing in AI research. If governments take a more defensive stance, regulations around AI chips and open-source models could tighten, limiting access to cutting-edge AI innovations. For businesses in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI ethics, this could create new opportunities (but also new risks). Understanding the shifting regulatory landscape will be critical for companies looking to leverage AI without falling foul of future legal constraints.

The main message here is, therefore, that as AI continues to evolve, businesses that can embrace its efficiencies while maintaining ethical and regulatory oversight are likely to be best positioned for long-term success. Whether integrating AI assistants, automating customer interactions, or staying informed on global AI policy, companies that adapt strategically will stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven world.