ASML books record orders on AI boom
ASML, the Dutch company that holds a near-monopoly on the lithography machines needed to produce advanced semiconductors, raised its 2026 sales guidance for the second time on Wednesday. The company cited 'unprecedented demand' from AI chipmakers including TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. ASML's order backlog grew to a record high, and its CEO said the AI-driven cycle is 'just getting started.' Shares rose 4% in Amsterdam trading.
Meta sued over AI use in layoff decisions
Current and former Meta employees filed a class-action lawsuit on Tuesday alleging the company used artificial intelligence tools to make discriminatory layoff decisions. The suit claims Meta's AI-driven workforce reduction algorithm disproportionately affected older workers, women, and employees of color. Meta denied the allegations, saying its AI tools were used only as decision-support and that all layoffs were reviewed by human managers.
US says few Nvidia H200 chips reached China
A U.S. trade official disclosed that 'very few' Nvidia H200 AI chips have been shipped to China, despite reports that the Biden-era export controls had been relaxed. The official said the vast majority of advanced AI chips remain restricted, and that any shipments that have occurred fall within licensing exemptions for research and commercial applications. The statement appeared to contradict recent reports that China had secured access to Nvidia's latest hardware.