Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) won’t lead to the replacement of humans in the workforce and will instead create labor shortages.

Bezos spoke at the VivaTech technology conference in Paris Wednesday and offered an optimistic outlook on the impact of AI on the workforce amid concerns about its impact on the role of human workers across the economy.

“I know there’s a lot of concern that many people have, including many smart people, that AI is going to make humans redundant and so on,” Bezos said.

“I totally disagree with that point of view. And I think, in fact, AI is going to create a labor shortage,” the Amazon founder added. “We have an endless set of things to invent. … We are limited not by our imaginations but by what we can actually do.

AI REMAINS TOP REASON FOR US JOB CUTS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH AS EMPLOYERS AXED 97,000 WORKERS IN MAY

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said AI will lead to a labor shortage, rather than pushing humans out of the workforce. (Stefano Rellandini/AFP via Getty Images)

“I promise you every single person in this audience has had an idea for a new business or a new product or a new device that they wish they could manufacture, and that idea stayed in your head and went nowhere,” Bezos explained. “And the reason it stayed in your head and went nowhere is because it’s too hard to do, and it wasn’t worth it.

“If we can accelerate the dream build loop, all of the ideas will then become possible. And then we end up being limited not by our capabilities, but by our imaginations.”

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Bezos’ comments come as companies are reevaluating their workforces in light of the advancements in AI, with thousands of job cuts following companies’ investments in the emerging tech.

A report by global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that about 40% of the 97,006 job cuts announced by companies in May were attributed to AI.

The 38,579 cuts attributed to AI in May marked the highest monthly total linked to that since Challenger began tracking it in 2023.

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“The labor market is being reshaped by technology in real time. AI is now the leading reason companies give for cutting jobs, and the primary industry citing it is technology,” said Andy Challenger, the firm’s chief revenue officer and a labor and workplace expert.

Amazon announced layoffs in January as it ramps up AI investments. (Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The tech sector announced 38,242 job cuts in May, the highest for the sector since August 2024. Firms within the sector have announced 123,653 cuts in 2026 so far, which is an increase of 66% from the same period in 2025 and leads other sectors in job cuts this year by a wide margin.

“AI isn’t yet the jobpocalypse some predicted. Like spreadsheets and email before it, the technology will ultimately make workers more productive, but our data shows companies are already acting on it, citing AI for more cuts than any other reason,” Challenger explained. “The open question isn’t whether AI changes the workforce, but how fast.”

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Amazon is one of the tech firms that has cut jobs amid its investments in AI, with the company announcing 16,000 cuts in January.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Disney Plus experienced a widespread outage Thursday that left tens of thousands of subscribers unable to log into the streaming platform, with user-reported error counts climbing steadily throughout the afternoon and evening as the company remained largely silent about the cause of the disruption.

Disney+ experienced a possible outage Thursday, according to Downdetector.com. More than 14,000 users had reported problems with the platform as of 4:26 p.m. Pacific Time, according to the outage-tracking site, which monitors service disruptions by collecting status reports from multiple sources. Most users reporting a problem with Disney+ said they were experiencing login issues.

A Rapidly Escalating Outage

What began as a few thousand scattered reports quickly snowballed into one of the more significant disruptions the streaming platform has faced in recent memory. Nearly 20,000 users had reported an issue with the streaming platform shortly after the initial reports surfaced. That figure continued climbing throughout the evening, with more than 26,000 Disney+ users reporting an issue, then more than 43,000 users, and ultimately more than 52,000 users reporting problems with the platform as the outage stretched on.

Disney+ has not made a statement available regarding the cause or expected resolution timeline of the disruption, leaving frustrated subscribers with little official information as they attempted to troubleshoot the issue on their own.

Users Report Being Locked Out Across Devices

Independent outage-tracking services corroborated the scale of the disruption, with real-time monitoring tools picking up elevated error rates well above the platform’s typical baseline. User reports suggest Disney+ is likely experiencing an outage, with reports running roughly 2.4 times the normal level for the time of day and social-media chatter elevated in step, according to one outage-monitoring service that aggregates anonymous user reports and public social media posts to detect service anomalies, often before they are officially confirmed by the company itself.

Frustrated subscribers took to social media and outage-reporting platforms to describe their experiences. One user reported being unable to access their account at all, writing that they were kicked out of their Disney Plus account and that every time they attempted to log back in with their email, the platform returned an error message. Another user reported that Disney Plus would not load on either their television or their phone, indicating the disruption was affecting multiple device types rather than being isolated to a single platform or operating system.

Subscribers also reported difficulty reaching Disney’s customer support channels for help resolving the issue, with one user noting that the company’s online chat support and phone help line both appeared to be experiencing their own technical problems amid the broader outage, while another asked pointedly whether the company would consider compensating subscribers for the service disruption.

A History of Periodic Service Interruptions

Thursday’s outage adds to a pattern of periodic disruptions that Disney+ has experienced since its 2019 launch, though the scale of user reports in this latest incident appears to rank among the more significant disruptions in recent months. Disney Plus can sometimes run into service issues that interrupt streaming, login, or app access, with several notable examples in the platform’s recent history. An outage on March 17, 2026, caused a sudden increase in user reports and lasted about one hour before the service recovered. The platform also experienced a few brief outages on November 7, 2025, with users reporting problems specifically with logging in. Separately, Disney Plus was impacted on October 20, 2025, as part of a significant outage affecting Amazon Web Services, the cloud infrastructure provider that underpins a substantial portion of the modern internet’s streaming and cloud computing services.

Looking back further, the streaming service has weathered technical turbulence dating back to its very first day of operation. When Disney Plus launched at 3 a.m. Eastern Time on a Tuesday in November 2019, the service suffered technical difficulties just hours later, as consumer demand exceeded the company’s expectations. Problems began a little before 7 a.m. that day, according to Downdetector, which received more than 8,000 reports of difficulties, mostly related to video streaming, alongside additional complaints about login problems. Those reports peaked around 9 a.m. before dwindling by early afternoon. At the time, a Disney spokeswoman said the company was working to resolve the issue after consumer demand exceeded its expectations, though the company did not disclose what specifically caused that initial launch-day disruption.

The Scale of Disney’s Streaming Investment

The persistent nature of these periodic outages stands in contrast to the enormous financial commitment Disney has made to its streaming infrastructure over the past decade. Disney invested billions of dollars in its streaming service, beginning with the purchase of a stake in streaming technology company BAMTech in 2016, a stake the company later increased to a majority ownership position. That underlying technology has since been used to power other Disney-owned streaming products, including ESPN Plus, which launched using BAMTech’s infrastructure in 2018.

Despite that substantial technological investment, large-scale consumer streaming platforms remain vulnerable to periodic disruptions, whether stemming from internal technical failures, surges in simultaneous user demand, or external dependencies on third-party cloud infrastructure providers that host significant portions of the internet’s most popular digital services.

What Subscribers Can Do in the Meantime

For users experiencing access problems, outage-tracking services have offered standard troubleshooting recommendations while official fixes remain pending. Suggested steps include trying to open the Disney Plus website or app from another browser, device, or network — such as a mobile hotspot — disabling any active VPN connections, clearing the device’s DNS cache, restarting a home router, or checking whether a user’s internet service provider is separately experiencing its own issues. If the platform works properly on an alternate network or device, the problem is more likely to be local to the user’s specific setup rather than part of the broader platform-wide outage being reported by tens of thousands of other subscribers.

Outage-monitoring services that track Disney Plus typically employ multiple verification checks before officially classifying the platform as experiencing a major outage, repeating failed connectivity tests from multiple randomly selected global locations to rule out false positives before confirming a genuine service disruption.

Looking Ahead

As of the most recent reporting, Disney has not issued a public statement addressing the cause of Thursday’s outage, the number of subscribers affected, or an expected timeline for full restoration of service. The company’s silence has left affected users relying primarily on crowdsourced outage-tracking platforms and social media chatter for updates, rather than official communication from Disney itself.

Given the platform’s history of resolving previous disruptions within roughly one to three hours, subscribers experiencing login failures may see service restored within a similar window, though the substantially higher volume of user reports in this latest incident — climbing past 52,000 reports compared to far smaller figures seen in earlier 2025 and 2026 disruptions — suggests Thursday’s outage may represent a more significant technical failure than the platform’s more routine, brief service interruptions.

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Making Tax Digital (MTD) was first introduced by HM Revenue and Customs as part of a wider plan to modernise the UK tax system.

The rollout started with VAT in 2019, and now it’s expanding to Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA), with key changes beginning from April 2026.

The goal behind MTD is to reduce errors, improve accuracy, and make tax reporting more efficient. HMRC estimates that billions are lost each year due to avoidable mistakes in tax returns, often caused by manual record-keeping. Moving everything into digital systems aims to fix that.

There are also practical benefits for taxpayers. Digital records make it easier to track income, manage expenses, and get a clearer view of your finances throughout the year instead of scrambling at the end.

Making your tax digital can feel confusing at first, but don’t worry, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare so you can stay on track without the stress.

Who Needs to Follow MTD?

MTD for Income Tax applies based on how much you earn from self-employment, property, or a combination of both. The rollout is being introduced in stages, so not everyone will be required to follow the rules at the same time. What matters here is your total qualifying income, not profit, which means the threshold is based on your gross earnings before expenses.

If you earn income from renting out property, running a business, or both, you’ll need to check where you fall. Even if you’re not included in the first phase, it’s likely you’ll be brought in later as the system expands.

6 Steps on How to Prepare for Making Tax Digital

Preparing for MTD is mostly about understanding the rules and setting up the right system early.

Here are six steps to help you get ready and stay compliant:

1) Check when MTD applies to you

Start by confirming your total qualifying income. MTD for Income Tax applies to individuals earning over £50,000 from self-employment, property, or a combination of both from April 2026. This threshold is based on gross income rather than profit, which means expenses are not deducted when calculating eligibility.

From April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000, bringing more taxpayers into scope. If your income is close to either level, preparing early gives you more time to adjust before the rules take effect.

2) Understand the new MTD rules and reporting requirements

MTD changes how you report your income to HMRC. Instead of submitting one Self Assessment return each year, you’ll need to keep digital records and send updates throughout the year.

You’ll be required to submit quarterly updates covering your income and expenses, followed by a final declaration at the end of the tax year.

In total, this means at least five submissions annually. The quarterly updates give HMRC a running estimate of your tax position, while the final declaration confirms the full picture.

3) Use HMRC-compatible software

To comply with MTD, you’ll need software that connects directly to HMRC. This is often referred to as MTD-compatible or bridging software.

Most modern accounting platforms can automatically import bank transactions, organise expenses, and provide real-time updates on your income. This reduces the need for manual entry and helps lower the risk of mistakes.

4) Understand how quarterly reporting works

Quarterly reporting is one of the biggest changes under MTD. Instead of waiting until the end of the tax year, you’ll need to submit updates every three months.

Each update will include a summary of your income and allowable expenses for that period. Deadlines are usually set one month after the end of each quarter. For example, if your reporting period ends in June, your submission will be due by early August.

Although these updates don’t confirm your final tax bill, they help you stay aware of your position throughout the year. This can make it easier to plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs.

5) Get ready to register for MTD

Before you can begin submitting updates, you’ll need to register for MTD through HMRC. This involves linking your accounting software to your HMRC account and making sure your records are set up correctly.

You’ll also need access to your Government Gateway account and accurate details about your income sources. Going through this process early gives you time to fix any issues before reporting becomes mandatory.

6) Work with a professional accountant

If you want to save time and reduce the risk of errors, working with a professional can make things easier. A trusted team of Making Tax Digital accountants, like LJS Accounting Services, can help you set up your system, manage your submissions, and keep everything aligned with HMRC requirements.

They can also support you before MTD applies, helping you get organised early and prepare for the changes ahead without unnecessary stress.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failing to follow MTD rules can lead to penalties, but HMRC is moving away from instant fines and instead using a points-based system for late submissions. Each time you miss a deadline, you receive a penalty point. Once you reach a certain number of points, a £200 fine is issued.

The threshold for penalties depends on how often you’re required to submit. Since MTD involves quarterly reporting, you can build up points faster if you fall behind. After reaching the penalty limit, every additional missed submission can result in another £200 charge.

There are also penalties for late payment of tax. HMRC may charge interest from the due date, and further penalties can apply if the delay continues. On top of that, inaccurate records or incorrect submissions can lead to additional charges, especially if HMRC considers the errors avoidable.

Beyond the financial side, non-compliance can create ongoing issues. Late or incorrect submissions can affect your tax record, trigger further checks, and make future reporting more complicated.

Staying Compliant with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a shift in how tax reporting works, but it’s manageable once you understand what’s required. Keeping digital records, staying consistent with updates, and using the right tools all make a difference.

Preparing early gives you time to adjust before deadlines start to matter. It also helps you stay aware of your tax position throughout the year rather than dealing with everything at once.

Taking a bit of time now to set things up properly can save you stress later. The right approach can help you stay compliant and handle MTD seamlessly.

Many UK entrepreneurs notice how fintech payment startups are reshaping everyday spending on digital leisure.

This is allowing quicker and more reliable transfers when users seek out international options such as a non gamstop casino. These new firms focus on reducing friction in cross-border transactions, which helps people enjoy their free time without the delays once common in older systems. The result shows up in smoother access to varied entertainment choices that fit around busy work schedules. For instance, someone finishing a long shift might want to unwind with a quick online game or subscription service, and instant payments remove the old frustration of waiting for funds to clear. This shift also encourages more spontaneous decisions, as users no longer need to plan transfers days ahead.

Early Funding Rounds Shape Sector Growth

Startups in this space often begin with modest seed rounds that target practical tools for handling payments. Investors look for teams that understand both technology and consumer habits, especially those tied to leisure spending. Such backing lets young companies test features that simplify transfers for users who want seamless experiences during evenings at home. Over time, these early investments build a foundation for scaling, letting firms add support for multiple currencies and local regulations without losing speed. Entrepreneurs who secure this support can expand their offerings faster, creating options that appeal to a wide audience interested in convenient digital transactions. Studies on how capital flows into these firms reveal steady interest from venture sources keen on scalable solutions. Many backers now prioritise startups that already show traction with real users rather than just promising ideas on paper.

Patterns Behind Successful Fintech Backing

Research highlights recurring themes in what attracts money to payment innovators. Funding for fintechs: patterns and drivers points to the importance of clear user benefits and reliable infrastructure. Founders who demonstrate these elements tend to move through later rounds with greater ease, building products that support regular leisure activities without added complications. Patterns also show that teams with strong compliance knowledge attract more follow-on funding, since regulators across Europe keep tightening rules around data and security. This pattern encourages more entrants to the market, each bringing fresh ideas on how payments can blend into daily routines. UK business owners watching the space see opportunities to partner or invest where the focus remains on practical improvements rather than flashy additions. Success often comes down to listening closely to feedback from everyday users who simply want payments to work without fuss.

How Transactions Improve Daily Choices

Better payment tools change how individuals decide on evening entertainment. When transfers happen quickly and securely, people feel more confident exploring different digital leisure experiences that match their interests. The emphasis stays on convenience, letting users allocate time and money without unnecessary hurdles. In practice this might mean a parent can top up an account for a streaming service while the children finish homework, or a remote worker can join an international gaming session without worrying about currency conversion delays. Fintech and the Financing of Entrepreneurs underscores the link between targeted investment and real-world outcomes for smaller firms. These resources help payment startups refine their services, which in turn supports consumers who balance work demands with personal downtime. As more options appear, users gain greater freedom to choose experiences that genuinely match their mood rather than being limited by technical barriers.

Inclusion Gains from New Payment Methods

Broader access to financial tools plays a key role as fintech grows. Recent World Bank research explores how modern solutions reach users who previously faced barriers. In leisure contexts, this means more people can participate in online entertainment without traditional banking limits slowing them down. For example, freelancers or gig workers who lack conventional credit histories now find it easier to open accounts and make small deposits for games or subscriptions. Entrepreneurs benefit too, as they gain insights into consumer needs across different regions. This knowledge feeds back into product development, keeping offerings relevant to those who spend leisure time on interactive digital experiences. Over the longer term, wider inclusion also reduces cash reliance, which many households prefer for budgeting reasons when they track spending on entertainment.

Practical Steps for SME Decision Makers

Business leaders considering involvement in fintech payments often start by reviewing case studies of similar ventures. They examine how these startups integrate with existing financial networks to support leisure spending habits. The goal remains steady growth that aligns with wider economic trends rather than rapid over-expansion. Leaders also compare transaction fees across services and test how well new tools handle peak times such as weekends or holiday periods when demand spikes. Clear metrics around transaction speed and reliability guide these evaluations. When startups meet those benchmarks, they create lasting value for both investors and everyday users seeking uncomplicated ways to enjoy their free time. Many decision makers now run small pilot programmes with staff before rolling out changes to customers, which helps spot any hidden friction early.

Future Directions in Payment Innovation

Ongoing development points toward even tighter integration between payment systems and leisure habits. Startups backed by thoughtful capital continue to test features that prioritise speed and security. UK entrepreneurs stay alert to these shifts, recognising how they influence consumer behaviour in the digital space. Looking ahead, voice-activated payments and deeper links with wearable devices could make transactions almost invisible during an evening’s entertainment. The focus stays on sustainable models that serve real needs, helping people make straightforward choices about how they spend evenings and weekends. This steady progress supports a growing range of options that feel natural within daily life, encouraging more households to explore digital leisure without second-guessing the payment process.

This article was written by

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In the Nifty500 pack, 10 stocks’ closing prices crossed above their 200 DMA (Daily Moving Averages) on June 18, 2026, according to stockedge.com‘s technical scan data. The 200-day daily moving average (DMA) is used by traders as a key indicator for determining the overall trend in a particular stock. As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily timeframe, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend. Take a look:​