SoftBank’s CEO Isn’t Alone in Questioning Elon Musk’s Orbital Data Center Claims

Elon Musk’s Orbital Data Centers: A Skeptical Look from Industry Leaders

Not everyone is buying Elon Musk’s vision for orbital data centers.

Masayoshi Son’s Candid Assessment

At a recent shareholder gathering, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, expressed doubt about the feasibility of space-based data centers. He emphasized the urgency of AI advancements, stating that the next few years are critical compared to potential advances a decade down the road.

Insights from TechCrunch’s Equity Podcast

In a recent episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, experts discussed Son’s perspectives alongside other trending topics, including OpenAI’s new custom chips and Groq’s recent $650 million funding round.

Kirsten Korosec pointed out the irony of Son’s skepticism given SoftBank’s history of high-risk investments.

SpaceX: A Guaranteed Demand for Launch Services

Sean O’Kane remarked that Musk’s ambitions to create a satellite constellation merely serve to increase business for SpaceX’s launch services. The need for constant satellite replacement ensures ongoing business opportunities.

Key Takeaways from Our Podcast Discussion

Sean O’Kane: “Neo-clouds are the new oil, and everyone is pivoting to capitalize on this. TechCrunch is now embracing the neo-cloud trend—let’s bring on your investment!”

He added that the competitive landscape is crowded, with various players like Groq and Allbirds shifting towards providing computing resources.

Sean noted SpaceX’s strategy of renting computing power and forming partnerships, including a recent deal with Reflection AI.

Masayoshi Son’s Concerns About Orbital Data Centers

Anthony Ha: Discussing Son’s skepticism, he pointed out that the industry is heavily constrained by computing resources, questioning the practicality of data centers in space.

Son’s comments reflect larger concerns about the timelines and costs of these proposed solutions, underscoring that immediate data center needs must be addressed here on Earth.

The Irony of SoftBank’s History

Kirsten Korosec: “It’s ironic that Son, known for making bold bets, questions the viability of orbital data centers—an idea previously dismissed by many.”

Challenges in Space-Based Ventures

Sean: He noted how engineering and economic hurdles will play a significant role in shaping these space endeavors.

To underscore his point, he observed that SpaceX’s substantial reliance on Starlink drives a considerable share of the launch market.

Computing Power and Market Realities

Kirsten: SpaceX’s computing rentals play a significant role in its business model, pointing to the necessity of considering all aspects of the tech landscape.

Anthony: He highlighted that discussions about future tech innovations often reflect the interests of those proposing them, noting that executives might have biases in their projections.

As the world contemplates the future of AI and its implications, it’s essential to consider the specific agendas of industry leaders and investors.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Here are five FAQs regarding the situation with Elon Musk’s orbital data center hype, particularly in relation to SoftBank’s CEO’s inquiries:

FAQs

1. What is the concept behind Elon Musk’s orbital data centers?

Answer: Elon Musk proposes the idea of establishing data centers in orbit to leverage low-latency connections for internet services. This would enhance global connectivity, especially in remote areas, by utilizing satellite technology.

2. Why is SoftBank’s CEO questioning the feasibility of Elon Musk’s plan?

Answer: SoftBank’s CEO is concerned about the technical and financial viability of building and maintaining orbital data centers. Questions arise regarding the infrastructure required, the cost of launching and sustaining such facilities, and whether the projected benefits can outweigh these investments.

3. What are the potential benefits of orbital data centers?

Answer: Orbital data centers could offer reduced latency for internet services, improved global coverage, and the ability to process and store vast amounts of data closer to end-users. This could be particularly advantageous for applications in areas like AI, gaming, and real-time communications.

4. What technical challenges might arise with deploying data centers in space?

Answer: Key challenges include extreme environments in space (radiation, temperature fluctuations), the need for constant power supply (solar energy), and complex logistics for maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, establishing reliable connections with ground stations poses significant difficulties.

5. How might the skepticism from industry leaders like SoftBank’s CEO impact the future of this initiative?

Answer: Skepticism from industry leaders can lead to increased scrutiny and caution in investing resources into such ambitious projects. It may encourage Musk to provide more detailed plans and data to support the initiative, potentially fostering collaboration or reevaluation within the tech and aerospace sectors.

Source link

While You Can’t Libel the Dead, Creating Deepfakes of Them Isn’t Right Either.

<div>
    <h2>Zelda Williams Calls Out AI Deepfakes of Her Father, Robin Williams</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, shares a heartfelt message regarding AI-generated content featuring her father.</p>

    <h3>A Plea to Fans: Stop Sending AI Videos</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a candid Instagram story, Zelda expressed her frustration: “Please, just stop sending me AI videos of Dad. It’s not something I want to see or can comprehend. If you have any decency, just cease this behavior—for him, for me, and for everyone. It’s not only pointless but also disrespectful.”</p>

    <h3>Context Behind the Outcry: New AI Technologies</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zelda's emotional response comes shortly after the launch of OpenAI's Sora 2 video model and <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/03/openais-sora-soars-to-no-1-on-the-u-s-app-store/">Sora</a>, a social app that enables users to create highly realistic <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/01/openais-new-social-app-is-filled-with-terrifying-sam-altman-deepfakes/">deepfakes</a> of themselves and others, including deceased individuals.</p>

    <h3>The Ethics of Deepfakes and the Deceased</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Legally, creating deepfakes of deceased individuals might not be considered libel, as per the <a target="_blank" href="https://splc.org/2019/10/can-you-libel-a-dead-person/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Student Press Law Center</a>. However, many believe this raises significant ethical concerns.</p>

    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
        <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" height="546" width="680" src="https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/zelda-williams-deepfakes.jpg?w=680" alt="Zelda Williams on the implications of deepfakes" class="wp-image-3054964"/>
    </figure>

    <h3>Deepfake Accessibility and Its Implications</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the Sora app, users can create videos of historical figures and celebrities who have passed away, such as Robin Williams. However, the platform does not allow the same for living individuals without permission, raising questions about the treatment of the deceased in digital media.</p>

    <h3>OpenAI's Policies on Deepfake Content</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI has yet to clarify its stance on deepfake content involving deceased individuals, but there are indications that their practices may fall within legal boundaries. Critics argue that the company's approach is reckless, particularly in light of recent developments.</p>

    <h3>Preserving Legacy Amidst Digital Manipulation</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zelda voiced her concerns about the integrity of people's legacies being reduced to mere digital imitations: “It’s maddening to see real individuals turned into vague caricatures for mindless entertainment.”</p>

    <h3>The Broader Debate: Copyright and Ethics in AI</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As AI technology continues to evolve, concerns surrounding copyright and ethical usage are at the forefront. Critics like the Motion Picture Association have called on OpenAI to implement stronger guidelines to protect creators’ rights.</p>

    <h3>The Future of AI and Responsibility</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With Sora leading in realistic deepfake generation, the potential for misuse is alarming. If the industry fails to establish responsible practices, we risk treating both living and deceased individuals as mere playthings.</p>
</div>

This version presents the information in a structured and engaging format while optimizing it for search engines with proper headings.

Here are five FAQs with answers based on the theme "You can’t libel the dead. But that doesn’t mean you should deepfake them."

FAQ 1: What does it mean that you can’t libel the dead?

Answer: Libel pertains to false statements that damage a person’s reputation. Since a deceased individual cannot suffer reputational harm, they cannot be libeled. However, ethical implications still arise when discussing their legacy.

FAQ 2: What are deepfakes, and how are they created?

Answer: Deepfakes are synthetic media in which a person’s likeness is altered or replaced using artificial intelligence. This technology can create realistic videos or audio but raises ethical concerns, especially when depicting deceased individuals.

FAQ 3: Why is it unethical to create deepfakes of deceased individuals?

Answer: Creating deepfakes of the deceased often disrespects their memory and can misrepresent their views or actions, potentially misleading the public and harming the reputations of living individuals associated with them.

FAQ 4: Are there legal repercussions for creating deepfakes of the dead?

Answer: While you can’t libel the dead, producing deepfakes may still lead to legal issues if they violate copyright, personality rights, or other laws, especially if used for malicious purposes or financial gain.

FAQ 5: How can society address the ethical concerns surrounding deepfakes of deceased individuals?

Answer: Societal solutions include creating clear ethical guidelines for AI technologies, promoting respectful portrayals of the deceased, and encouraging platforms to regulate deepfake content to prevent abuse and misrepresentation.

Source link