OpenAI Partners With Google To Expand Cloud Infrastructure - 1

Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash

OpenAI Partners With Google To Expand Cloud Infrastructure

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

OpenAI said on Wednesday that it expects to use Google’s cloud infrastructure for its AI models and has added the company to its list of suppliers to meet growing demand for computing capacity. The move is seen as part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to reduce its reliance on Microsoft.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • OpenAI will use Google’s cloud infrastructure for its AI models.
  • The AI company added Google as its supplier on its website on Wednesday.
  • The move is seen as part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to reduce its reliance on Microsoft.

According to Reuters , the deal has been under discussion for months—it was first reported in June. The new update showing the partnership has finally been added to OpenAI’s website, in its OpenAI Sub-processor List , updated on July 16.

A source familiar with the matter explained that the negotiation was extended due to OpenAI’s business relationship with Microsoft. Both companies have been under a difficult negotiation process this year to adjust their multi-billion-dollar partnership.

OpenAI relies on Oracle, CoreWeave, and Microsoft as cloud infrastructure suppliers as well. The AI giant also partnered with Softbank and Oracle for the Stargate Project , a joint venture—backed by around $500 billion—to build AI infrastructure in the United States.

The new partnership with Google is part of another of OpenAI’s strategies to reduce its dependency on Microsoft and expand its services.

As stated by OpenAI, Google will run its infrastructure in the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Japan, providing services for its API, ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu, and ChatGPT Team.

This week, Google also announced a major investment in AI infrastructure and energy. The tech giant plans to invest $25 billion in data centers and AI infrastructure, and signed a $3 billion deal to modernize two hydropower plants in Pennsylvania.

Teens Must Verify Age To Access Roblox’s New Private Chat Feature - 2

Image by Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com, from Unsplash

Teens Must Verify Age To Access Roblox’s New Private Chat Feature

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Roblox is rolling out a new age verification process to allow teenage users who want to access private and unfiltered chat functions.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Roblox requires facial scans or ID to unlock unfiltered chats for teens.
  • Teens must verify adults as trusted connections with QR or contact import.
  • New privacy tools include Do Not Disturb and teen screen time limits.

The move is part of the company’s new “Trusted Connections” system, which replaces the old “Friends” feature and allows users with unrestricted chat as long as they prove they are over 13, as first reported by The Verge.

To gain access, users must choose between taking a video selfie for age estimation through facial recognition, or uploading their government-issued identification. The facial scan tool, operated by Persona, uses AI to verify user ages and deletes biometric data after 30 days, unless legal requirements demand its retention.

“If the system is not able to estimate the user’s age with high confidence, then the user’s age will remain unconfirmed and the user won’t be able to access Trusted Connections,” said Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman, as reported by The Verge .

Teens aged 13 and 17 can connect with peers without restrictions, but must verify their relationships with adults (18+) through Trusted Connections. They can do this only if they have met in real life. The Verge reports that in order to do this, users need to verify their connections to the adult through a QR code scan or by using Roblox’s Contact Importer feature.

The update also follows legal pressure for stronger age checks. “Features that we really believe are something that should be limited to an older audience — 13 and over,” said Kaufman, explaining the reason behind the new requirement, as reported by CNBC . Ryan Ebanks, Roblox’s social products manager, added, “confirm[ing] the age of our users” helps offer “tailored and age-appropriate features.”

While users can chat more freely with Trusted Connections, Roblox will continue to monitor conversations for “critical harm,” including grooming and inappropriate sexual behavior, despite offering users more free chat capabilities, as noted by CNBC. The company implemented new privacy tools that include Do Not Disturb mode, online status controls, and teen-driven screen time limits.