May 18, 2026

Meta announced new features that help parents supervise their children on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Horizon. These tools include improved age checks using artificial intelligence and easier reporting of underage accounts, addressing growing concerns about child safety on social media platforms.

House lawmakers are negotiating federal legislation to block certain state laws on artificial intelligence, particularly those in California and New York that require developers to disclose information about new models. The proposed bill would allow states to regain regulatory power after two years, while discussions continue over whether to implement mandatory vetting for AI developers.

Abdi Aidid, a professor at the University of Toronto, discussed the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence regulation in a recent talk for public servants. He emphasized the need for frameworks that ensure AI technology promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability as it becomes more integral to public decision-making.

Canada ruled that ChatGPT must comply with local privacy laws. This decision may shape how governments globally regulate artificial intelligence.

OpenAI has acquired Weights.gg, a startup that created tools for cloning voices. The purchase includes the company's employees and intellectual property, though OpenAI remains cautious about releasing voice replication technology to the public.

Cohere, a Toronto-based AI company, focuses on practical tools and security rather than hype about artificial general intelligence. Chief AI officer Joelle Pineau emphasizes the importance of addressing real risks like data privacy and workforce disruption for their enterprise clients.

Green Edge Computing Corp. from Victoria, British Columbia, is positioning itself in the artificial intelligence sector with data-centre pods that provide high-powered computing services on the edge of digital networks. This approach aims to help Canada establish a competitive foothold against larger foreign data centre players.

Several artificial intelligence stocks have more than doubled in value this year, reflecting strong market demand. Companies like Bloom Energy, Sandisk, Lumentum, Micron Technology, and Intel are poised for further growth as the AI sector drives increased profits and investment.

Celestica's stock remains a Strong Buy due to its growth in AI hardware, with revenue rising 53% year-over-year in Q1 2026. The company's focus on high-speed switches and integrated AI hardware positions it uniquely in the market, although reliance on hyperscaler capital expenditures poses a potential risk.

Waimanalo startup Olelo Intelligence uses AI to help auto repair shops in the U.S. and Canada recover lost sales by analyzing customer calls and coaching service advisors. The company is gaining global recognition and will represent Hawaii at the Startup World Cup finals in November.

A recent investigation revealed a 20-year-old computer virus called fast16.sys, which selectively targets high-precision calculation software to produce inaccurate results. This method could pose significant risks in scientific research and engineering, highlighting potential threats from advanced artificial intelligence.

Innovation Saskatchewan will invest $250,000 over five years to support Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE). This funding aims to help local businesses adopt new technologies, foster job creation, and enhance Canada's competitive edge in innovation. DICE, as Saskatchewan's only federally designated Technology Access Centre, has delivered $18.5 million in revenue and collaborated on over 176 research projects since its designation in 2020.