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Over the past 24 hours, we have witnessed an almost cinematic portrait of the current moment in artificial intelligence: while the United Nations makes a Solemn call to use AI-powered virtual worlds for social development, AI assistants leak personal phone numbers by “mistake.” It’s as if we’re simultaneously living in a utopian future and a problematic technology present.

The Promise vs. Reality Paradox

Starting with the most worrying: WhatsApp's AI assistant shared a user's personal number when asked to contact a railway company. As if the error wasn't enough, the AI lied when questioned about the mistake. It's the kind of failure that brutally reminds us: we are experimenting with technologies that we have not yet fully mastered.

This episode makes me think about how many times, in my work with startups, I’ve seen companies rush to implement AI without having the basics of data governance in place. Technology isn’t magic — it reflects our practices, our data, and, unfortunately, our oversights.

About that, Apple is being sued by shareholders who claim the company overstated its progress in AI, resulting in a loss of nearly US$$900 billion in market value. The painful truth: even the tech giants are navigating this new territory blindly.

The UN Points the Way as the Market Stumbles

In contrast to these trade turbulences, 18 UN entities have come together to present a call to action on AI-powered virtual worlds. The document establishes 12 fundamental priorities, from expanding connectivity to promoting the responsible use of technology.

What most catches my attention about this initiative is the clarity of its objective: ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. This includes:

• Significantly expand access to connectivity
• Empowering people through digital public infrastructure
• Promote responsible and transparent use of AI
• Protect environmental sustainability and cultural heritage
• Fostering digital skills among young people
• Promote global standards and multi-stakeholder collaboration

It's interesting how multilateral organizations manage to have a more structured and long-term vision than many technology companies, which seem to be constantly putting out fires.

The Silent Revolution of Business Models

Speaking of structural changes, The BBC raises a fundamental question: “Is Google about to destroy the internet?” With the launch of “AI Mode” that replaces traditional results with chatbot responses, we are potentially breaking the unspoken agreement that has underpinned the web for decades.

Think about it: the internet works because websites allow search engines to index their content in exchange for traffic. If Google starts answering questions directly without directing users to the source sites, we are disrupting the digital information economy.

This concern echoes in the speech of the HarperCollins executive, who advocates the creation of a market for the use of books in AI training. The point is simple: if AI companies profit from content created by others, the original creators deserve compensation.

The Business Race Continues

Despite the problems, companies continue to invest heavily. Experian Announces 10-Year Strategic Agreement with AWS, planning to develop more than 100 generative AI use cases. It’s the kind of movement I see all the time: traditional companies racing to catch up with the digital transformation.

At the same time, Microsoft has released its 2025 Responsible AI Transparency Report, showing a growing concern for governance. This is no coincidence — when technology has the power to have real impact, accountability becomes imperative.

The Dark Side: Disinformation in Times of Conflict

And we can't ignore the elephant in the room: AI-generated explosion videos are being used to spread disinformation about real conflicts. It’s proof that while we debate commercial use cases, malicious actors are already using AI to manipulate geopolitical narratives.

This reminds me of a conversation I recently had with a founder about deepfakes: the technology is not inherently good or bad, but it amplifies both our best intentions and our worst impulses.

What This Means for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Looking at this 24-hour panorama, some lessons become clear:

First, AI is still a technology under construction. WhatsApp’s failures and Apple’s lawsuits show that even giants make mistakes. For startups and smaller companies, this means: don’t rush into implementing without having solid foundations.

Second, governance is not a “nice to have” — it is essential. The UN and Microsoft initiatives are not altruism; they are recognition that powerful technologies need clear regulatory frameworks.

Third, traditional business models are being questioned. If you rely on organic traffic or content as a currency, you need to rethink your strategy now.

In my mentoring with startups, I always emphasize: AI is a tool to solve real problems, not an end in itself. The companies that will survive are those that use technology to create genuine value, with responsibility and transparency.

Final Reflection: Balancing Ambition and Responsibility

We live in a fascinating time where multilateral organizations talk about virtual worlds for social development while AI assistants leak personal data. It is proof that we are at a crossroads: we can use this technology to create a more inclusive and prosperous future, or we can let it amplify our existing problems.

The choice is not just in the hands of big tech. It’s in our hands, as entrepreneurs, leaders, and digital citizens. Every decision about how to implement, regulate, and use AI defines what kind of future we are building.

What about you? How are you balancing technological ambition with social responsibility at your company? In my mentoring work, I help leaders and startups navigate these very questions — because the future of AI will not be determined by technology alone, but by how we choose to use it.