On Byte Into IT's 2025 return, Mike Bantick, Eric Jong and Vanessa Toholka present a show jam-packed with some of the most significant developments in technology news over the summer. A dive into the surprising cost-efficiency of DeepSeek's AI model training, which took just US$6 million compared to the typical range of US$100 million to $1 billion. We discover how DeepSeek's innovative approach is challenging the big players like OpenAI and Meta in the AI infrastructure race. Plus, we explore the massive impact on cybersecurity with Netskope reporting an over 1000% increase in DeepSeek usage last week alone.

We discuss dramatic developments around TikTok's prospective ban in the U.S., including President Biden's legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or shut it down, and Trump's executive order delaying enforcement. Find out how TikTok refugees are flocking to RedNote and what this means for social media dynamics. We also report on Musk's new role leading the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization and his controversial plans to integrate AI deeply into government operations, raising significant security concerns.