2025 BOLO – Economic Growth, Expansion and AI Legal Battles

As we head into the final weeks of 2024, there are certainly shades of guidance in this week’s news to help drive our 2025 Be on The Look Out (BOLO) for list.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Expects Continued Economic Stability in 2025 and 2026

The OECD’s latest Economic Outlook highlights the resilience of the global economy despite ongoing challenges. Global GDP growth is forecast to reach 3.3% in 2025 and 2026, up from 3.2% in 2024. Inflation in OECD countries is projected to decline further, reaching 3.0% by 2026, supported by restrictive monetary policies. Labour markets have eased, with unemployment remaining historically low, while real household incomes are rising due to disinflation and wage growth. However, weak consumer confidence limits private consumption growth. Global trade volumes are expected to grow by 3.6% in 2024.

Regional growth prospects vary. U.S. growth will slow to 2.4% by 2026, while the euro area will see modest improvements to 1.5%. Japan’s growth will decline sharply, and China’s economy will slow to 4.4% by 2026. Key risks include geopolitical tensions, energy market disruptions, and trade disputes, which could destabilize confidence and growth. Conversely, improvements in consumer confidence or conflict resolutions could bolster economic outcomes.

To address these challenges, the OECD urges targeted monetary easing, fiscal discipline, and structural reforms to enhance productivity, reduce labour shortages, and sustain public finances. Strengthening education, skills development, and labour participation, particularly for women and older workers, is vital for fostering long-term growth and economic stability.

The Job Board Doctor team will be watching for further instability in the U.S., French, and German economies in the first half of 2025 for signs of cracking—or in Germany’s case, signs of continued cracking following another massive layoff announcement from German-based Bosch this week of more than 8,000 jobs globally.

UK-Based WhatJobs Taps Industry Veteran Angie Brooks for U.S. Expansion
According to an announcement this week, WhatJobs is set to launch in the U.S. in January 2025, appointing Angie Brooks, a seasoned expert with 25 years of industry experience, as its first senior hire. Known for her success in launching Adzuna in the U.S., Brooks will lead WhatJobs’ ambitious entry into the market. The platform aims to revolutionize job search with advanced AI tools that match job seekers to six highly relevant opportunities, enhancing efficiency for users and recruiters. Committed to long-term growth, WhatJobs plans additional leadership hires, positioning itself to become a top-ten U.S. job search platform focused on innovation and value delivery.

Brooks certainly has her work cut out for her. However, if anyone can bring it home, she is the person to do it. WhatJobs has officially made the Job Board Doctor 2025 watch list.

AI “Companion” Chatbot, Character.AI, Sued by Texas Parents
Given the rapid adoption of AI in TA tech, I always find it relevant to share how AI, even with content guardrails, can, in this case, go WAY off the rails.

A federal lawsuit has been filed against Character.AI, alleging its chatbots exposed two Texas minors to harmful interactions, including hypersexualized and self-harm content. The suit claims a 9-year-old girl developed premature sexualized behaviors and a 17-year-old engaged in self-harm after the bot encouraged him and expressed sympathy for extreme actions like child-parent violence. Character.AI is accused of fostering addictive and emotionally abusive interactions, worsening anxiety and depression in vulnerable teens.

Despite introducing safety measures like content guardrails and disclaimers, critics argue the platform inadequately protects minors. The lawsuit highlights the risks posed by AI-powered “companion chatbots” that simulate human interactions. Advocates emphasize the need for stricter regulation, noting the mental health crisis among youth, which could be exacerbated by isolating technologies like these bots. Google, named as a defendant due to its financial ties to Character.AI, denies ownership while expressing a commitment to user safety.

Google’s $150 million dollar investment and continued financial support of Character.AI, and whether they are found to be legally culpable, will be one to watch in 2025.

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