This Month's Latest Tech News in Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

AI is ushering in a monumental shift for Rancho Cucamonga and beyond, with 2025 marking a tipping point as agentic AI, large and small language models, and robotics move from experimental to real-world solutions across industries.

Recent breakthroughs - such as Apple's privacy-focused on-device AI and Google's Gemini 2.5 multimodal model - are democratizing access, enabling everything from advanced medical diagnostics to smarter everyday search, while Alibaba's Qwen3 is intensifying global AI competition and lowering operational costs for businesses with multilingual, cost-efficient AI tools.

Over half of manufacturers worldwide now leverage AI to optimize production and supply chains, signaling a broader industry shift described as “a defining moment in AI's story” by industry leaders chronicling record investment and deployment.

Recognizing the innovators powering this transformation, the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards spotlighted organizations excelling in generative AI, explainable AI, and predictive analytics - demonstrating tangible benefits in sectors from finance to healthcare.

As Russ Fordyce, CEO of the Business Intelligence Group, stated,

“These innovators are not only demonstrating technical excellence but also showing how AI can be harnessed to solve real-world challenges and improve lives.”

For a deeper look at the year's pivotal breakthroughs and recognized leaders, visit the comprehensive summary of award-winning AI solutions highlighted in this year's AI Excellence Awards.

Visa has announced "Intelligent Commerce," a pioneering initiative enabling AI agents to autonomously shop and make purchases using your credit card, with user-defined budgets and preferences controlling each transaction.

By opening its global payment network - covering over 4.8 billion credentials at 150 million merchant locations - to partnerships with leading AI developers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Perplexity, Visa aims to turn AI agents from mere recommendation tools into trusted, secure shopping assistants.

According to Jack Forestell, Visa's Chief Product and Strategy Officer,

"Each consumer sets the limits, and Visa helps manage the rest."

The underlying technology leverages authentication, tokenization, and personalized spending controls to protect consumers and prevent fraud; VISA's platforms reportedly blocked over $40 billion in fraud last year.

AI agents will be able to handle routine errands (such as groceries and home improvement) or complex bookings, with customizable permissions for purchase approvals, creating a flexible user experience.

Dmitry Shevelenko of Perplexity explains,

"Visa has the ability for a user to consent to share streams of their transaction history with us... when we generate a recommendation - say you're asking, ‘What are the best laptops?' - we would know what are other transactions you've made and the revealed preferences from that."

Read more about Visa's AI-powered shopping transformation in the TechCrunch coverage of Intelligent Commerce, explore the comprehensive security and platform details at Visa's official Intelligent Commerce page, and see how these capabilities are poised to redefine your online shopping experience in PYMNTS' deep dive on Intelligent Commerce APIs.

Meta is set to begin using public posts and comments from adult Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union to train its generative AI models starting May 27, 2025, after a yearlong pause and extensive regulatory review.

The move has generated significant controversy, as privacy watchdogs like noyb have argued that Meta's reliance on a default opt-out format - rather than explicit user consent - violates the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with legal threats and potential class actions looming if the practice continues unchecked.

According to the Hacker News GDPR analysis on Meta's use of EU user data for AI training, Meta claims its approach is both legal and necessary for capturing linguistic and cultural diversity but critics argue it prioritizes profits and burden users with complicated opt-out procedures.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has confirmed that Meta improved transparency, simplified objection forms, and implemented data de-identification and filtering following regulator feedback, as described in the official DPC statement on Meta's AI data practices.

Yet, watchdogs continue to raise concerns about whether all objection requests will be honored, and legal disputes persist over the legitimacy of Meta's “legitimate interest” claim.

As privacy activist Max Schrems put it,

“This fight is essentially about whether to ask people for consent or simply take their data without it. Meta relies on an alleged 'legitimate interest' to just take the data and run with it. This is neither legal nor necessary.”

For EU users wishing to protect their data, step-by-step instructions are available to opt out, though the process may be cumbersome (Euronews guide on how to prevent Meta from using European social posts for AI training).

The debate underscores ongoing tensions between tech innovation and European digital privacy standards.

California's booming data center industry, fueled by surging demand from artificial intelligence and cloud services, faces mounting energy and water challenges amid the state's already high utility costs and resource constraints.

As data center construction accelerates - like the ambitious CalETHOS geothermal-powered project near the Salton Sea, which aims for up to 4 million square feet and 2 GW of clean power - state lawmakers are responding with bills to shield residents from subsidizing infrastructure upgrades and to increase transparency around these facilities' energy and water usage.

For instance, Assembly Bill 93 would require data centers to report and certify their annual water consumption under penalty of perjury, while new proposals like SB-58 link tax incentives to carbon-free power and job creation.

Despite these efforts, experts warn that only a fraction of current data center proposals will materialize, but even partial buildout could significantly impact local rates, emissions, and resources over the next decade.

As Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember (D-San Ramon), emphasizes,

“We need to make sure those costs are not being borne by the ratepayers in order to enrich these private companies.”

The economic and environmental stakes are captured in recent developments and projects, including plans for closed-loop cooling systems near the Salton Sea meant to limit ongoing water draw.

The following table summarizes key data points from a major proposed server farm in Southern California:

Aspect	Details
Initial data center size	200,000 sq ft
Target power capacity	Up to 2 GW
Permanent jobs (phase 1)	~300
One-time water fill per 60 MW	~200,000 gallons
Imperial County unemployment rate	17.9%

For deeper analysis of how legislators are tackling the energy impact of server farms, read our feature on California's efforts to protect electricity rates from data center expansion, and for engineering perspectives on large-scale projects, see the overview of a geothermal-powered data farm near the Salton Sea.

Additionally, updates on state policies incentivizing greener, more efficient infrastructure are detailed in the proposal for a certified data center facility tax exemption.

Rancho Cucamonga is at the forefront of a national wave of AI innovation in construction, where firms are leveraging artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, safety, and project delivery.

AI technologies are transforming project management by enabling real-time progress tracking, predictive risk analysis, and schedule optimization, with global leaders like Bouygues and Bechtel demonstrating material savings and faster completion through data-driven design and scheduling solutions.

Notably, the adoption of AI in construction also introduces crucial considerations around transparency, integrity, and the risk of unintended consequences, requiring responsible governance as highlighted in recent industry analyses on AI in construction.

Leading AI platforms such as Mastt, ALICE Technologies, and Buildots are powering a shift to predictive, automated workflows across the sector, summarized in the table below:

Company	AI Focus Area	Best For
Mastt	Reporting, Forecasting, Risk & Payments	Project owners, consultants
Bouygues	Design Optimization, AI Scheduling	Infrastructure, civil planners
Buildots	Computer Vision Progress Tracking	PMs, quality control teams

State and federal policies are also accelerating AI integration; California's new generative AI initiatives aim to improve public infrastructure efficiency, while recent federal memoranda support U.S.-developed AI and streamline public-private partnerships for data center construction, as described in April 2025 AI policy updates from the government contracts perspective.

In this rapidly evolving landscape, industry experts emphasize,

“Responsible adoption and oversight are crucial to balance innovation with integrity.”

As AI use expands, Rancho Cucamonga construction firms exemplify how blending advanced technology with ethical practices is shaping the future of building regionally and nationwide.

For a comprehensive overview of top AI solutions in global construction, review the 2025 list of leading construction AI companies by Mastt.

President Trump's sweeping tariffs in 2025, including a universal 10% levy on all imports and reciprocal rates targeting trade deficits, have sent ripples through U.S. tech supply chains and the global economy, drawing local attention in the Inland Empire and beyond.

Major ports such as Los Angeles and Tacoma have reported export declines of 17% and 28% respectively, with agriculture and tech sectors particularly hard-hit, while imports dropped a staggering 43% in a single week - a disruption not seen since the early days of the pandemic, according to CNBC's analysis of supply chain data.

The Consumer Technology Association estimates these policies will reduce American consumers' purchasing power by $123 billion, with expected price increases of 31% on smartphones, 32% on monitors, and 34% on laptops and tablets (see table below and full study at CTA's recent tariff impact research).

Product	Estimated Price Increase (%)
Smartphones	31%
Monitors	32%
Laptops/Tablets	34%
Video Game Consoles	69%

With some tariffs on technology temporarily paused or under review (such as for smartphones and semiconductors), the long-term outlook remains uncertain, especially as China and other trading partners implement retaliatory measures.

Local and national supply chains are now adopting “China plus one” strategies and stockpiling inventory, but executives warn that price hikes, product shortages, and industry slowdowns are likely if trade tensions persist.

As Foreign Policy details, experts agree U.S. reliance on Chinese manufacturing is a formidable barrier, with one analyst noting,

“It's obvious now that the U.S. is more reliant on China than it cares to admit.”

The sector is bracing for further shockwaves - and local businesses should prepare for more volatility in the months ahead.

AI concierge services are rapidly reshaping the hospitality industry, driving a wave of innovation that promises to enhance guest experiences while bringing operational efficiency to new heights.

Brand Engagement Network Inc. (BEN) recently announced its entry into luxury hospitality with a two-phase AI concierge pilot at The Dvin in Armenia, leveraging their iSKYE platform to provide 24/7 guest support and intelligent reservation management, underlining a commitment to secure, guest-first solutions that redefine service standards.

As Artak Tovmasyan, owner of The Dvin, explains,

“Introducing AI at this level isn't just about adopting new technology - it's about redefining luxury. We chose BEN for their secure, guest-first platform - designed with trust, speed, and world-class execution in mind.”

Meanwhile, Marriott International has introduced its “Marriott Assistant” AI concierge across global properties, seamlessly integrating with mobile apps to handle everything from reservations to local activity suggestions, all tailored through machine learning and guest history analysis.

Simultaneously, in-room solutions like HCN's AI Concierge are making headway with major hotel groups, including Hilton's million-room network, demonstrating the technology's broad appeal and scalability.

As these advancements roll out, industry data underscores the momentum: over 80% of hospitality companies now use AI, with the market forecast to reach $1.7 billion by year's end.

For a closer look at these developments, explore BEN's luxury launch at The Dvin in this press release, Marriott's global AI concierge rollout with detailed insights, and broad industry trends in AI adoption in this comprehensive resource.

This month, the United States took a decisive step into the future by mandating artificial intelligence (AI) education for all K-12 classrooms, following an executive order signed by President Trump on April 23.

The order, titled "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth", establishes a comprehensive framework: early AI exposure in curriculum, enhanced teacher training, public-private partnerships, and expanded funding for AI-specific programs and apprenticeships.

According to experts, this policy positions the U.S. alongside nations like China and South Korea, which already require AI literacy for youth, aiming to cultivate a workforce ready for an AI-driven economy.

The urgency is underscored by projections that 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling by 2030, with 39% of current skills becoming obsolete. As summarized by IBM's Andreas Horn,

“AI is no longer optional. It's not a niche skill. It's the new literacy. And we're raising a generation that needs to be fluent - not fearful - of how it works.”

Still, some educators and community leaders note that successful integration will depend on ongoing local oversight to ensure AI tools promote equity and student agency rather than deepen educational divides.

For further perspectives on implementation challenges, ethical considerations, and global trends, visit EdSource's detailed analysis of local leadership in AI education and the Forbes report on nationwide CEO support for K-12 AI literacy.

This landmark initiative signals a new era, tasking educators and policymakers to balance innovation, privacy, and the future-readiness of America's students.

The European Union is entering a decisive phase in AI regulation as officials weigh innovation-friendly policies against robust oversight. The landmark AI Act, known for its comprehensive ethical standards and risk-based framework, faces mounting industry resistance, particularly from US technology giants like Meta and Google, who claim the rules are excessive, costly, and technologically challenging, with Meta explicitly refusing to sign the EU's current Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models.

Compliance costs are a leading concern - Airbnb, Adobe, Lyft, and Mastercard have warned investors about operational complexities and hefty penalties reaching up to €35 million or 7% of global revenue for severe violations, a risk compounded by ongoing regulatory uncertainty and the withdrawal of the AI Liability Directive.

As implementation progresses, the newly established EU AI Office will oversee enforcement and compliance, supported by a €9 million budget and upcoming tenders for risk assessment infrastructure, while delayed publication of key guidelines and calls for a pause highlight lingering ambiguity and fragmentation across the single market.

Industry leaders stress the delicate balance needed:

“Any effort that aims to improve the regulatory environment or reduce bureaucracy in Europe is a good thing.”

(Jonas Andrulis, Aleph Alpha).

The debate now centers on whether regulatory adjustments will boost competitiveness without sacrificing democratic safeguards, privacy, or EU technological autonomy.

For a deeper look at the EU's strategy and its global ramifications, read The EU's AI Power Play: Between Deregulation and Innovation, explore details on how industry backlash and enforcement delays may impact the AI Act rollout, and see how major tech firms are preparing for compliance risks under Europe's evolving AI rules.

As the global AI boom drives soaring energy demand, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are investing in next-generation nuclear power to fuel their vast new data centers - yet California's progress remains hesitant.

Google recently announced a partnership with Elementl Power to develop three advanced nuclear sites totaling 1.8 GW of carbon-free capacity to power its AI-driven infrastructure, and deals with Kairos Power for small modular reactors (SMRs) are underway nationwide, signaling a broader shift to reliable nuclear baseload energy as detailed by Data Center Frontier.

In California, lawmakers are reconsidering their decades-old moratorium on new nuclear plants, with some advocating for extending the Diablo Canyon facility's lifespan and cautiously exploring SMRs to address the state's clean-energy and reliability targets according to CalMatters' analysis.

Still, concerns around radioactive waste, regulatory hurdles, and cost overruns persist, while California's utility costs - exacerbated by data center expansion - are among the nation's highest.

In response, recent legislation such as Senate Bill 57 aims to shield residential ratepayers from footing the bill for big tech's power appetite.

“California ratepayers are already struggling to make ends meet and expecting them to pay for the infrastructure and energy needs of wealthy tech companies is unconscionable," said Senator Steve Padilla as SB 57 advanced in the state Senate.

With the state's 270+ data centers projected to increase their share of electricity consumption from 4.4% to up to 12% by 2028, the question remains: will nuclear power become the backbone of California's AI future - or will regulatory caution keep the Golden State lagging behind? Read more on California's evolving energy policy here.

Fact	California Data	US/Industry Data
% of state electricity from Diablo Canyon	9%	N/A
Data center share of electricity	N/A	4.4% (2023); 6.7–12% (by 2028)
Clean energy goal	100% by 2045	N/A

Rancho Cucamonga's construction and service sectors are seeing rapid transformation as California embraces artificial intelligence, blending cutting-edge efficiency with regulatory safeguards.

Governor Newsom recently announced a statewide rollout of an AI-powered e-check software - developed with tech partners like Archistar, Autodesk, and Amazon - to automate building permit reviews, enabling communities to rebuild after disasters faster and more cost-effectively.

As Steadfast LA Chairman Rick Caruso noted,

“Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days.”

Local contractors and engineers are adopting AI-driven tools for predictive scheduling, risk assessment, and resource optimization, achieving up to a 50% reduction in project delays during pilot programs.

AI's impact extends to computer vision for site management, automated document reviews, and generative design, while new laws are shaping responsible adoption and protecting against potential biases in hiring and project management.

The integration of these technologies is succinctly outlined in a comprehensive survey of tech tools California's top contractors use in 2025.

As AI becomes indispensable for rebuilding and optimizing local projects, legal and industry voices caution that awareness of AI's risks - such as data hallucination and shifting liability - remains vital, as highlighted in this detailed analysis of AI's impact on construction.

With these innovations now being adopted across dozens of North American cities, Rancho Cucamonga stands as a prime example of how smart deployment, community partnerships, and regulatory discipline can work together for faster, safer, and more equitable urban growth; further details on the state-led AI permit software and its local rollout are available in Governor Newsom's official announcement.

California is ushering in a new chapter of tech policy and public innovation, with rapid adoption of generative AI in government workflows, even as regulatory debates intensify.

Recent partnerships, such as with Authorium, are accelerating legislative analysis through GenAI to reduce bill redundancy and enhance budget insights, supported by a state-of-the-art platform incorporating models like Meta's Llama and Amazon Bedrock infrastructure (California to use GenAI for legislative bill analysis).

Yet, the regulatory landscape is shifting: state privacy regulators have weakened key AI rules under pressure from business and policymakers, leaving California's protections for consumer privacy and algorithmic decision-making in flux.

“Watering down its proposed rules to benefit Big Tech does nothing to achieve [data privacy] goals.”

said Sacha Haworth of the Tech Oversight Project, reflecting widespread concern (California regulator weakens AI rules).

In parallel, a proposed federal moratorium threatens to block enforcement of more than 20 state AI laws and halt 30 new initiatives, potentially stripping millions of Californians of privacy and anti-discrimination safeguards for the next decade (Congress advances bill blocking California AI regulations).

As Rancho Cucamonga and the broader region face these crossroads, local innovation and tech upskilling - such as programs offered by Nucamp - will be crucial for residents to navigate unprecedented changes in tech policy, workplace opportunity, and civic participation.