The conversation around an AI bubble often conjures images of economic disaster—a sudden, catastrophic market collapse. However, framing it this way overlooks a more nuanced and ultimately more manageable reality. The AI boom isn’t an “all-or-nothing” bet; it’s a supply-and-demand mismatch fundamentally rooted in mismatched timelines.

Understanding the Economic Bubble

In plain economic terms, a bubble isn’t necessarily a total fraud or a worthless idea. It’s simply a bet that got too big.

When investment pours into a sector, driving valuations to extreme highs, it’s based on an expectation of future demand. If the resulting supply (the products, services, or infrastructure built) eventually outstrips the actual, immediate demand at those elevated prices, the air comes out. That’s the bubble deflating.

The key takeaway is this: even good bets can turn sour if they’re made with too much capital, too quickly. The underlying technology or idea might still be valuable. However, the market’s expectation of when that value will be realized was simply too aggressive.

The AI Timeline Paradox

What makes the current AI situation so tricky is the extraordinary difference in speed between its two core components:

1. The Breakneck Pace of AI Software Development:
   • AI models are improving at an exponential rate. New, more powerful foundation models, innovative applications, and software tools are emerging every few months. This is the software-driven supply of AI capabilities.
2. The Slow Crawl of Data Centre Construction:
   • The hardware required to train and run these massive models—the specialised chips (GPUs), the enormous data centres, and the vast amounts of power needed to run them—takes years to plan, finance, permit, build, and bring online. This represents the physical infrastructure supply.

The “bubble” risk here is that the rapid software advancement and resulting investor excitement (the demand for AI) are outpacing the physical infrastructure needed to deploy it at scale.

We may have already built an incredible amount of powerful software “supply.” However, if the energy and data centre “demand” to actually use that software widely and profitably takes years to catch up, there will be a temporary glut. This creates a classic supply/demand mismatch.

A Timing Correction, Not a Total Collapse

Therefore, instead of fearing an “AI apocalypse”, we should prepare for a timing correction.

This correction might mean:

• Temporary Devaluations: Companies whose valuations are based purely on future potential without the current infrastructure or power to execute may see their stock prices deflate.
• A Focus on Efficiency: The scarcity of data centre space and power will incentivise companies to develop smaller, more efficient models that can run on less hardware, driving the next wave of innovation.
• Infrastructure Wins: Companies focused on the slow-moving infrastructure—power generation, specialised cooling, and data centre construction—might see their value hold steady or rise as the world scrambles to catch up to the software’s needs.

The AI revolution is happening, but our investment timelines need to align with our construction timelines. The “bubble” isn’t a sign the technology is worthless; it’s a flashing warning sign that the market’s eagerness has outrun physical reality.

A recent report reveals that Cuba has cut off internet access and is actively surveilling journalists. The rise of email access in Cuba has been slow, but it has been a boon for Cuban journalists outside of the country. However, the recent internet restrictions have made it difficult for journalists to report on current events in Cuba.

The Internet restrictions in Cuba have been in place for some time, but they have become even more severe in recent years. On July 12, 2024, Netblocks reported that the Cuban government had cut off access to information about the protests. This has made it difficult for journalists to report on the protests and has limited the flow of information to the outside world.

Key Takeaways

• Cuba has cut off internet access and is actively surveilling journalists.
• The internet restrictions in Cuba have made it difficult for journalists to report on current events in the country.
• The Cuban government’s actions have limited the flow of information to the outside world.

Overview of Internet Restrictions

Government Statement

The Cuban government has been known to restrict internet access to its citizens. In 2019, the Cuban government released a statement claiming that it would provide internet access to all citizens by 2020. However, as of 2024, internet access remains limited and heavily monitored by the government.

The government has been known to block access to certain websites and social media platforms and to surveil and punish individuals who express dissenting opinions online. The government has also been known to cut off internet access entirely during times of political unrest.

Internet Accessibility Impact

The limitations on internet access in Cuba have had a significant impact on the country’s economy and society. Businesses, particularly those in the technology and tourism sectors, have struggled to operate without reliable internet access. Additionally, the restrictions on internet access have limited the ability of Cuban citizens to access information and communicate with the outside world.

Despite the government’s promise to provide internet access to all citizens, the limitations on internet access in Cuba continue to be a significant issue. The government’s tight control over internet access has limited freedom of expression and hindered economic development.

Surveillance of Journalists

Surveillance Tactics

According to a report, Cuba has been cutting off the internet and surveilling journalists. The government is using surveillance tactics to monitor and control the flow of information in the country. The report suggests that the Cuban government is using various tactics to keep an eye on journalists, including:

• Blocking websites: The Cuban government is blocking access to websites that are critical of the government. This includes websites that are run by journalists and news organizations.
• Monitoring online activity: The Cuban government is monitoring the online activity of journalists. This includes monitoring their social media profiles, emails, and other online communications.
• Physical surveillance: The Cuban government is also using physical surveillance to monitor journalists. This includes following them, watching their homes, and listening in on their conversations.

These tactics are being used to silence journalists and control the flow of information in the country.

Reactions from Media Organizations

The report has sparked outrage from media organizations around the world. Many organizations have condemned the Cuban government for its actions and have called for the government to stop its surveillance of journalists.

Reporters Without Borders, an international organization that advocates for press freedom, has called on the Cuban government to stop its surveillance of journalists. The organization has also called on the international community to put pressure on the Cuban government to respect press freedom.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has also condemned the Cuban government’s actions. The organization has called on the Cuban government to stop its surveillance of journalists and to respect press freedom.

International Response

Global Condemnation

The international community has strongly condemned Cuba’s decision to cut internet access and surveil journalists. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed its concern over the situation and called on the Cuban government to respect freedom of expression and the right to access information. The IACHR also urged the government to release all individuals who have been detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

The United Nations (UN) also issued a statement expressing its concern over the situation in Cuba. The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, called on the Cuban government to restore internet access and to respect the rights of journalists. La Rue also urged the government to release all individuals who have been detained for expressing their opinions.

Human Rights Advocacy

Human rights organizations have also condemned Cuba’s actions. Amnesty International issued a statement calling on the Cuban government to immediately restore internet access and to release all individuals who have been detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also expressed its concern over the situation and called on the international community to put pressure on the Cuban government to respect the rights of journalists.

In addition, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned Cuba’s actions and called on the government to immediately restore internet access and to release all journalists who have been detained. The CPJ also called on the international community to hold the Cuban government accountable for its actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What measures has the Cuban government taken to limit internet access?

The Cuban government has implemented various measures to limit internet access for its citizens. The government has restricted access to the internet by implementing a state-controlled internet service provider, ETECSA, which has a monopoly on internet services in the country. The government has also limited access to certain websites and social media platforms that are deemed critical of the government or that promote dissent. In addition, the government has made it difficult for citizens to access the Internet by keeping the cost of Internet services prohibitively high.

How are journalists monitored in Cuba?

Journalists in Cuba are closely monitored by the government. The government controls all media outlets in the country and has strict regulations in place to prevent journalists from reporting on topics that are critical of the government. Journalists who report on sensitive topics are often subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arrest. The government also monitors journalists’ communications and internet activity to prevent them from accessing information that is critical of the government.

What are the restrictions for foreign journalists reporting from Cuba?

Foreign journalists reporting from Cuba are subject to strict regulations and restrictions. The government requires foreign journalists to obtain a special visa and accreditation before they can report from the country. The government also controls the content of foreign media outlets and has the power to censor any content that is deemed critical of the government.

In what ways does the Cuban government censor information?

The Cuban government censors information in a variety of ways. The government controls all media outlets in the country and has strict regulations in place to prevent journalists from reporting on topics that are critical of the government. The government also limits access to certain websites and social media platforms that are deemed critical of the government or that promote dissent. In addition, the government has made it difficult for citizens to access the Internet by keeping the cost of Internet services prohibitively high.

How does media control manifest in Cuba?

Media control in Cuba is manifested through the government’s strict regulations and restrictions on media outlets and journalists. The government controls all media outlets in the country and has the power to censor any content that is deemed critical of the government. The government also monitors journalists’ communications and internet activity to prevent them from accessing information that is critical of the government.

What legal protections do journalists have in Cuba?

Journalists in Cuba have limited legal protections. The government has strict regulations in place to prevent journalists from reporting on topics that are critical of the government. Journalists who report on sensitive topics are often subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arrest. The government also controls all media outlets in the country, which limits the ability of journalists to report on topics that are critical of the government.

Social media has offered amazing tools and apps that have revolutionized the lifestyle of people. Social networks always keep you connected with your friends, colleagues and family. Some creative apps have become very popular in recent times especially among the enthusiastic youth who create funny clips with the help of  TikTok. 

Tiktok is the greatest platform for creating short mobile videos. These videos contribute to inspire creativity and bring smiles on the faces of people even amid pandemic and lockdowns. The app has become very popular even in Pandemic and as some of the best informative and educational content went  Viral. 

 Tiktok is the subsidiary of  Grand Tech Startup  Byetdance -a leading  Chinese Startup with mushrooming growth. TikTok has always been expanding its reach worldwide due to its aggressive expansion programs. At present, Tiktok has offices in  Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Tiktok was founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming. Video sharing is the most popular segment among youth and the company has tapped tremendous growth. The Company is also called douyin in China but its global version is called Tiktok. The continual growth empowered it to acquire its American rival app  musical.ly. The  Company has expanded its outreach globally. 

New Dimensions  i.e. Online Education

The covid-19 has affected the Education badly throughout the world and the online digital education has been getting ground. Most of the Schools, Colleges, Universities, Coaching centres and Academies have anchored to Online Education such as live lectures, quizzes, Presentations and Webinars. Tiktok has announced to enter the online  Education in India as some of the content uploaded on Tiktok related to Education and learning has become viral earning millions of views and generating great revenue prompting  Tiktok to enter the world of  Education. 

Tiktok has already interacted with content creators and firms in  India to Provide innovative  Learning material as all the educational institutions are closed for an indefinite period and  Tiktok finds it the perfect time to enter the world of Education. 

According to statistics that social Media app used by more than 200 million users every month in India and Tiktok will cover the range of  Science and Math related topics to help students learn from this service. 

 It has partnered with tech startups Vedanta,  Toppr,  Made Easy and Gradeup that will produce educational content for TikTok. It is also collaborating with social enterprises Josh Talks and the Nudge Foundation to mentor 5,000 people across India.

Continuing Growth  amid Pandemic

According to reports of Forbes and Bloomberg, Byetdance surpasses  Uber growth as it has become the top  Startup with value at $78 Billion. Byetdance is the parent company of Tiktok that runs various services. Byetdance has made  London as its strong base owing to trade war of the US with China in the aftermath of the Wuhan covid-19  outbreak. Trump Administration has imposed limitations on Chinese companies to pressurize China to accept US’ demands. Byetdance has attracted many professionals from Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and Apple to establish a strong hub at London to expand its outreach in Europe. 

Hiring than Firing amid Pandemic: A big surprise

It is really surprising that when the biggest companies and Franchises are constantly laying off their employees owing to prolonged lockdowns due to Covid-19, The Parent company of  Tiktok, the Byetdance has gone on a hiring spree and plans to recruit 10000 professionals in engineering, software and marketing fields that has stunned the world as even tech giants Google, Yahoo, Microsoft have laid off their staff and closed their offices over the covid-19 outbreak advising their employees to work from home.

Increasing Visibility of Byetdance Globally

With the ambitious journey of growth and reaping the enormous benefits, the company has no more remained a secret for the world as its subsidiary  Tiktok has broken all the records of usability and popularity exploring new frontiers with successful footprint. The recent leap of Tiktok to launch its Education initiative in India will further its grip in the  Asian markets. 

Will the bubble burst or Sustain Market Shocks?

The Byetdance has established footprints in Asia and Europe building strong basis and marketing its services, it is estimated that it can sustain the jolts of pandemic and will retain its position as some reports regarding bubble reputation will fade away forever as the popularity graph of the company maintains upward trend and keeps going.

The majority of the world population is youth so if  Tiktok focuses on youth-related interests by adopting  AI practices, it has already achieved the milestone. 

The Tech experts argue that TikTok has foreseen opportunity amid pandemic when the entire markets have crashed, Offices, Business, schools, colleges have been closed and stock markets crashed, even in such circumstances, if a company keeps hiring that means it established its strong bases so the bubble is not going to burst likely in post-Covid-19 World provided that it adheres to its policies of customer retention, market intelligence and the most important Artificial intelligence to explore the interests of users and offering more relevant content.

 Besides profits, Tiktok pledged a huge amount for Vaccine development for  Africa under its Tiktok for Good endeavours.