Andrew Forrest is suing Meta, arguing it cannot claim Section 230 protections against liability for deceptive ads using his image to promote scams. A judge allowed his claims to proceed, potentially tightening Section 230 defenses for platforms regarding third-party ads.

Google released Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS, an advanced text-to-speech model with improved emotional expression and control. Features include natural language audio tags, Director Mode for nuanced outputs, and multi-speaker capability for realistic conversations. Supporting over 70 languages and designed for efficiency, it aims to enhance AI-generated content and address misinformation. The launch reflects growing competition in voice technology, especially from OpenAI and Meta.

Robert Dunlap, 55, was sentenced to 23 years in prison for a $20 million cryptocurrency fraud through Meta-1 Coin Trust, falsely claiming assets worth $45 billion. He misled nearly 1,000 investors, many losing their life savings.

Meta will increase prices for its Quest 3S and Quest 3 VR headsets due to rising memory chip costs, effective April 19. The Quest 3S will range from $349.99 to $449.99, while the Quest 3 will be priced at $599.99, affecting refurbished units as well.

U.S. stock indices closed higher on April 16, with the S&P 500 reaching a record. Tech stocks surged, particularly within the semiconductor sector and Chinese companies. Crude oil prices rose, while precious metals declined. Analysts offer mixed views on the rally's sustainability amidst geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Lebanon.

TSMC and ASML's positive outlook suggests major tech firms will continue to invest heavily in AI chips and data centers. Spending is expected to surpass $600 billion this year, driven by capacity constraints and demand from hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon.

Anthropic plans to expand its London office to 800 staff, significantly enhancing its presence in the city's Knowledge Quarter. This growth, alongside OpenAI's new UK office, reinforces London as a major AI hub supported by government incentives and a strong talent pool.

Robert Dunlap has been sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for a $20 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme involving the sale of a fictitious coin, falsely backed by valuable assets. He was convicted of mail fraud and must pay restitution to nearly 1,000 victims.

Broadcom's stock rose 0.44% to $398.47, marking its longest winning streak since December, boosted by a recovering semiconductor sector and positive analyst forecasts. The company’s partnerships and increased demand for AI infrastructure contribute to strong investor confidence.

Meta is launching a product group focused on generative AI to enhance services like WhatsApp and Instagram. Under Ahmad Al-Dahle, the initiative will start with AI chatbots and evolve into AI personas, aiming to compete with other tech giants.