Discussions about privacy in artificial intelligence have intensified after Google and Meta demonstrated how user data can be used to improve AI models. The issue now extends beyond simple search queries; AI development companies are showing growing interest in data users generate while interacting with their services, including chats, photos, voice recordings, documents, and search activity.
Google began rolling out new Search Services History settings on May 26, separating the management of search activity from older Internet & App Activity settings. Under this new system, images, audio recordings, videos, and files used in services such as Search, Maps, Translate, News, and Lens may be stored and potentially used to improve AI systems unless the user disables the relevant option. Google stated that this rollout process will continue over the next few months.
In the first week of July 2026, Meta's AI tools drew attention. The company expanded its features by including Muse Image, which can create AI-generated images using suitable public photos from Instagram, if users do not opt out.
Google defends these changes, asserting that they provide users with 'more control' over personalization and search history settings. The company emphasized that users can completely deactivate Search Services History or choose whether to save images, files, and audio recordings. In an official support document, Google stated: 'We take your privacy seriously and are taking steps to protect it when using your Search Services History data to train our AI models.'
Meta, meanwhile, claims that its AI features are designed to assist users in creating and editing images, and that people can manage the relevant AI settings through the privacy controls available on its platforms. Meta reported: 'At any time you can turn off or allow reuse for Reels, feed videos, and photos across your entire account.'
The broader issue affects more than just Google and Meta. OpenAI's ChatGPT allows many consumer account dialogues to be used to improve the model if users do not disable the relevant training settings. Microsoft Copilot collects prompts, documents, and usage data to improve services, although commercial clients receive stronger protection. Furthermore, Anthropic's Claude and xAI's Grok can also use some consumer interactions and uploads to improve models, depending on their privacy settings and opt-out capabilities.
Payment for a service does not always guarantee that data will not be used. Consumer subscriptions primarily offer additional features and higher usage limits. The strictest limitations are usually provided in enterprise, educational, and commercial plans, where providers assume contractual obligations not to train models on client data.
Privacy experts advise users concerned about AI training to check their settings rather than relying on default parameters. For Google services, this means checking Search Services History, Web & App Activity, and auto-delete settings. ChatGPT users can disable 'Chat History & Training' if they do not want their conversations to be used to improve the model. Meta users should check Instagram and Meta AI privacy settings and opt out of AI features that use public photos where possible. Claude users can review data controls in settings and opt out of model improvement if offered, and Grok users should review privacy settings on X and avoid sharing sensitive personal information.
A delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan held negotiations with the management of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP) during a working trip to Hong Kong. The main focus of the meetings was strengthening partnership in the fields of innovation, startups, artificial intelligence, and attracting international technology companies.
The meeting took place on July 14, 2026. It was attended by Azamat Karamatov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, and Vincent Ma, Chief Executive Officer of HSITP. During the visit, the delegation also toured the park's visitor center, familiarized itself with the residential infrastructure for specialists, and received a presentation on the opportunities that IT Park Uzbekistan offers to international technology enterprises.
During discussions, the delegation studied the HSITP infrastructure and presented Uzbekistan's digital ecosystem, emphasizing the country's potential as a regional hub for innovation, technology, and international entrepreneurship. Representatives of HSITP provided detailed information about the creation of their world-class innovation ecosystem in the Lok Ma Chau Loop area. This project is being implemented under the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' and is designed to accommodate over 100,000 specialists in technology and innovation.
The HSITP territory is designated for housing research centers, laboratories, high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence development infrastructure, office spaces, and residential complexes. Special attention was paid to the mechanism for selecting park residents. In HSITP, land plots are allocated primarily based on the quality of business proposals and their innovative value. When evaluating applications, 70 percent of the score is assigned to the business plan and technological component of the project, and the remaining 30 percent to the commercial proposal. This approach is aimed at developing projects in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, life sciences, and microelectronics.
The parties also discussed the development of the startup ecosystem. HSITP management presented its incubation program, which allows promising technology companies to participate free of charge without giving up a stake in their business. The goal of this program is to commercialize research and development results, scale projects internationally, and form partnerships with leading industry players. Key areas for joint work include integrating Uzbek startups into Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem, expanding interaction with venture capital funds and investors, and creating conditions for Chinese technology companies to enter the Central Asian market through Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, participants noted the prospects for joint activities in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, and commercialization of scientific discoveries. The role of HSITP as a cross-border innovation platform connecting Hong Kong with Victoria Harbour, one of the world's largest technological clusters with a population of about 86 million, was also considered. The parties noted that this model provides international companies access to the mainland Chinese market while retaining the advantages of the Hong Kong business environment. At the conclusion of the negotiations, an agreement was reached to develop cooperation through startup exchange programs, organization of business missions and joint events, expansion of contacts with investors, holding thematic seminars, and ensuring the participation of HSITP representatives in ICT Week Uzbekistan.
BYD Central Asia organized the international event titled THE SECOND SILK ROAD – Civilization in Motion in Samarkand on July 9–10. The event focused on the fusion of the history of the Great Silk Road, advanced technologies, and sustainable development concepts.
The event coincided with the passage of the international expedition The Marco Polo Drive, which demonstrates the potential of new energy mobility along the route connecting Europe and Asia. Over two days, Samarkand served as a platform for international exchange of views, where participants from the business community, experts, and the automotive industry discussed the prospects of eco-friendly transport and the latest trends in mobility.
The BYD Beni Motors Samarkand dealership center and its surrounding area were transformed into a major attraction for citizens, guests, representatives of state bodies, diplomatic missions, company partners, media, bloggers, and expedition participants. Visitors were able to examine the current BYD model range, take part in test drives, attend a special exhibition, use zones for interaction with brand specialists, and enjoy entertainment programs.
A significant moment was the cultural forum and official meeting held at the BYD Beni Motors Samarkand showroom. It featured Ivan Cao, Regional Managing Director of BYD Group for Central Asia and the Caucasus, Patrick June, co-founder of The Marco Polo Drive project, and Davlatbek Rakhimov, founder of Beni Motors. Expedition participants, traveling along the historic route from Rome to Hong Kong, discussed the development of transport using alternative energy sources, the necessity of strengthening international cooperation, and the role of modern technologies in creating sustainable transport infrastructure in Central Asia.
In addition to learning about BYD technologies, test drives, and consultations, guests showed significant interest in interactive activities, quizzes, and prize giveaways. The culmination of each day was the BYD × Silk Road Night evening program, which combined a modern multimedia show, performances by famous artists, and the creation of an atmosphere of a grand city celebration. This evening segment provided a vibrant conclusion to the busy business and exhibition part of the event.
Holding THE SECOND SILK ROAD – Civilization in Motion highlighted the milestone importance for the further promotion of the BYD brand in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The international event provided a platform for open dialogue between business, international partners, and the general public, demonstrating the company's commitment to developing modern technologies, supporting global cooperation, and popularizing transport powered by new energy sources in the region.
Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji noted that IT service providers can utilize their deep knowledge of clients' business processes, systems, and operational environments to achieve efficiency, implement innovations, and drive AI-based growth.
Thanks to years of experience understanding customer workflows, IT service companies are well-positioned to transform and organize their systems using AI and extract value from them. However, these companies have faced difficulties due to prolonged weak demand and an unstable geopolitical situation, leading to annual growth of less than 5 percent over the last three years, a trend that may persist this year.
Furthermore, AI is reducing the revenue of traditional players as they have to pass on savings to clients. Nevertheless, Premji emphasized that AI will not only increase efficiency but also open up new opportunities for growth and innovation, as enterprises seek to move beyond pilot projects and integrate AI into their workflows, increasing demand for data and AI-based IT modernization.
During Wipro's 80th annual general meeting on Wednesday, Premji stated that 'new sources of growth will emerge. Organizations must rethink processes and workflows, enterprise architecture, and data modernization. This transformation journey will be carried out gradually, through the joint work of new operating models, people, and AI.' As an example, he cited that Wipro's internal financial closing cycle was reduced from 24 to eight hours by using AI.
An S&P Global Ratings report published earlier this week warned that over the next three years, Indian IT service providers will face increased competition from AI-native firms, which could undermine their revenue base if they fail to remain competitive and protect their core business. Premji added that last year, the industry was cautious due to persistently weak demand and geopolitical volatility. Clients continued to focus on cost optimization deals, even investing in AI to transform their talent and platforms.
He also noted that cost optimization deals, although large, require significant time to implement after signing and put pressure on operating margins as traditional players compete for the same market share. In contrast, smaller, AI-focused deals generate revenue faster, provide a regular stream of income, and have higher margins.
CEO and Managing Director Srinivas Pallia clarified that enterprise AI goes beyond just large language models. It includes understanding existing limitations, process mechanics, integrating domain expertise, ensuring data security, and managing change. Moreover, AI is driving the shift towards new commercial models—from effort-based pricing to consumption, transaction, and business outcome-based models.
