AI Titans Clash, Netflix Faces Backlash

Amazon is projected to significantly increase its capital expenditures, primarily in artificial intelligence and related fields, while the tech industry faces scrutiny regarding its influence and financial practices. The company announced in its earnings report that it anticipates $200 billion in capital expenditures through 2026, a substantial increase from the $131.8 billion spent in 2025, according to TechCrunch. This investment will span AI, chips, robotics, and low earth orbit satellites.

The tech industry's dominance continues to grow, with software, machine learning, and AI permeating various aspects of modern life, as noted by TechCrunch. This has led to immense wealth and influence for tech leaders, mirroring the Gilded Age, with seven of the top 10 richest people in the world directly tied to the tech sector. Amazon co-founder, chairman, and Washington Post owner, were among those whose wealth is tied to the industry.

Simultaneously, the AI sector is experiencing a surge in venture capital investment, reminiscent of previous booms, according to TechCrunch. Startups are rapidly achieving high annual recurring revenue (ARR), sometimes reaching $100 million within months. However, Andreessen Horowitz general partner Jennifer Li cautioned that not all ARR is equal, and not all growth is the same, as she stated on TechCrunch's Equity podcast.

In other tech news, Roblox is working to attract more adult players by prioritizing high-fidelity shooters, RPGs, sports, and racing games, as reported by The Verge. This shift follows the implementation of age verification last year, with the platform aiming to increase the number of players over 18.

Meanwhile, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos faced a Republican attack about the spread of "woke" ideology on the streaming service during a Senate hearing, as covered by The Verge. The hearing, initially focused on antitrust issues related to the Warner Bros. merger, shifted to a discussion about content on the streaming platform.