AI Boom Sparks Job Cuts & Gaza Ceasefire Falters

Tech Boss Warns of "Carnage" Amidst AI Boom, Amazon Announces Job Cuts

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom will produce both winners and losers, according to Chuck Robbins, chairman and chief executive of Cisco Systems. Robbins warned that the current market is likely a bubble and some companies "won't make it," while also stating that AI will "change everything" and be "bigger than the internet" (BBC Technology, BBC Business). His comments come as Amazon confirmed it would cut 16,000 jobs in an effort to "remove bureaucracy" at the firm (BBC Business).

Robbins, speaking to the BBC, said that AI would change or even eliminate some jobs, particularly in customer service areas (BBC Technology, BBC Business). Cisco, a leading technology company, provides critical IT infrastructure for AI use.

Meanwhile, Amazon confirmed plans to reduce its workforce by 16,000 employees after an email detailing the layoffs was accidentally sent to staff (BBC Business). The email, seen by the BBC, indicated that employees in the US, Canada, and Costa Rica would be affected. Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, announced the job reductions as part of a plan to "remove bureaucracy" (BBC Business).

These developments occur as other global events unfold, including Keir Starmer's trip to Beijing, where he pledged to raise human rights issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping (The Guardian). Additionally, discussions continue regarding the Gaza ceasefire, with reports indicating that Israel has fallen short on phase one of the agreement (Al Jazeera).