Tech Layoffs Surge Again, Ring's Privacy Fight Returns, and Cities Revolt Against AI Data Centres

Tech layoffs are back with a vengeance. In this episode of Hashtag Trending, Jim Love looks at new data showing technology companies announced more than 38,000 job cuts in May — the highest monthly total in nearly two years. As billions flow into AI infrastructure, data centres, and specialized AI talent, the tech industry appears to be reshaping itself once again. We also examine Amazon Ring's latest privacy controversy. A new lawsuit alleges the company's facial recognition technology collects biometric data from neighbours, visitors, and delivery drivers who never consented to being scanned. The case raises a broader question: why does Ring keep finding itself at the centre of privacy debates? Finally, Seattle joins a growing movement pushing back against AI data centres. While Microsoft says its newest facilities use dramatically less water, critics point to rising electricity consumption and unanswered environmental questions. As communities hear conflicting claims from industry and researchers, public opposition is growing. Today's stories: • Tech layoffs hit a two-year high as AI spending accelerates • Ring faces a new facial recognition privacy lawsuit • Seattle and other communities push back on AI data centres #AI #TechLayoffs #AmazonRing #FacialRecognition #DataCentres #Microsoft #ArtificialIntelligence #Privacy #TechnologyNews #HashtagTrending Sources: Bloomberg Ars Technica Reuters Challenger, Gray & Christmas Gallup Tom's Hardware The Guardian Microsoft Google Sustainability Reports