Disney names AI chief as first CTO amid state AI rules

Disney has made a notable move by appointing Karandeep Anand as its first ever chief technology officer. Anand most recently led Character.AI, an AI startup that Disney had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to over concerns about the use of its characters. This appointment signals Disney's deepening focus on technology and AI across its operations. At the same time, state governments are stepping up their involvement in AI oversight. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order calling for independent auditors inside AI labs and exploring a 'kill switch' for powerful AI models. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has directed her administration to support local communities in shaping data center development. Beyond these leadership and policy moves, MediaTek has launched its new Dimensity 9600M processor in Taiwan, bringing updated AI and software features to its chip lineup. Morocco has activated its first large-scale battery storage system, a 125 MWh LFP project marking a step forward in renewable energy infrastructure. And Crusoe has secured $3.9 billion in funding to build its Spark modular data centers, aiming to expand AI-ready infrastructure from its base in Houston.