Protests Erupt at TikTok in Berlin Amid Job Cuts, Google Boosts AI Investment

In a significant move, employees of TikTok in Berlin have initiated a strike, marking the first time workers from a social media platform in Germany have taken such action. This protest comes in response to potential job losses as the company plans to eliminate its Trust-and-Safety division in Germany, alongside cuts to its Live-Operations department. The roles affected are set to be replaced by artificial intelligence systems developed in China, alongside external service providers, with approximately 150 jobs at risk.

The workers, represented by the United Services Union (Verdi), are demanding dialogue with management, which has been largely unresponsive to their requests. Verdi views this strike as a crucial step towards establishing fair labor conditions within the tech industry.

While TikTok faces scrutiny for its staffing decisions, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is experiencing a contrasting trend as it significantly increases its investments in artificial intelligence. Following a notable surge in revenue from its cloud services, Alphabet has raised its AI budget for 2025 from $75 billion to $85 billion. This adjustment reflects the company's strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced AI technologies and to enhance its infrastructure to support this growth.

In the gaming sector, a new cooperative game titled Elsewhere Electric has emerged, allowing players to engage collaboratively using virtual reality (VR) and smartphones. One player assumes the role of an operations leader, providing guidance from the surface, while the other, equipped with VR gear, navigates an underground facility to perform manual tasks. The game emphasizes the challenges of communication and teamwork, bringing a unique experience to the players.

Meanwhile, advancements in transportation technology are being observed in China, which is making strides with hovercraft-like vehicles known as ground effect vehicles. These vehicles, which can glide just above the surface of water, combine features of both ships and aircraft. Recently, a large ground effect vehicle was showcased in the Bohai Sea, raising questions about its potential military applications and signaling a revival of interest in this innovative mode of transport.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, the disparity between workforce dynamics at companies like TikTok and the investment strategies of giants like Google highlights the ongoing shifts in the industry driven by technological advancements and market demands.