(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in small business technology that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
This Week in Business Tech News
Small Business Technology News #1 — How we’re reimagining maps with Gemini.
Google posted an update on its blog about major upgrades planned for Google Maps — the most comprehensive in a decade. Harnessing the capability of Gemini, users will experience a more visual, intuitive navigation with Immersive Navigation — “a complete transformation of the navigation experience,” according to Google. The two-dimensional format will be replaced with a three-dimensional presentation of streets, landmarks and aerial imagery. Users will see a digital vehicle as they navigate their chosen route and will be shown details like lane changes or tricky turns in advance — with upgraded “friendly” voice guidance. Ask Maps is the other major update that allows users to ask complex, real-world questions with conversational input. Ask Maps can assist with trip planning, what certain locations offer such as recreational facilities, restaurants, and up to date reviews. (Source: Google)
Why this is important for your small business:
I use Google Maps frequently as a business traveler, and although I haven’t seen these changes pushed to me yet I’m very much looking forward to them. This will also have a major impact on how local businesses are found and it will be interesting to hear how people are “asking” for information on Maps and what results appear. Businesses that have relied on Google Maps for prospects should be keeping a close eye on how these changes will impact them.
Small Business Technology News #2 — Employers say AI makes workers faster — but it’s also creating ‘friction of mistrust,’ report finds.
CNBC reported on findings from a recent MetLife poll concerning AI acceleration in the workplace. The MetLife’s U.S. Employee Benefits Trend Study surveyed 7500 professionals — 2500 decision-makers from SMBs and 5000 employees. Of those surveyed, 83 percent of decision-makers said that AI is making workers more productive — however — 67 percent shared that AI is fostering tensions and mistrust. To that end, 61 percent of employees said they’re “worried about the ethical and safety risks” of AI — as well as misinformation — a concern that persists in the AI space. Regarding job security, 59 percent said they’re worried the technology will make their jobs obsolete while 24 percent feel they have to compete with AI. (Source: CNBC)
Why this is important for your small business:
Your employees aren’t just worried about AI, they’re absolutely terrified. And all of these reports aren’t helping. For many reasons, I believe these threats are overblown but not withstanding it’s important to invest this year in training for your people. Focus first on your office platforms from Microsoft and Google. Get trainers and consultants on board to make sure your employees truly understand how these tools can help them do their jobs better, make them more productive and potentially bring more balance to their lives.
Small Business Technology News #3 — This startup’s AI beat 99% of humans in six elite hacking competitions.
Israeli startup Tenzai tested its AI in a hacking competition, which performed better than 99 percent of human competitors. The yearly competition challenges cybersecurity experts to successfully perform basic hacks like cracking passwords to more complex attacks. The goal is to break through all security layers that protect a “digital flag.” Tenzai’s founders put its AI to the task in six elite “capture-the-flag” (CTF) hacking competitions with sweeping success as the AI beat 125,000 human participants. Tenzai co-founder Pavel Gurvich said the AI was “surprisingly adept at combining exploits for software vulnerabilities,” and it only cost them $5000 to run the AI across all competitions. Using advanced models from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, Tenzai’s AI demonstrates a turning point for cybersecurity. “There’s still room at the top for humans,” Gurvich said. (Source: Forbes)
Why this is important for your small business:
The takeaway for business owners is that clearly AI is giving hackers more opportunities than ever before. On the flip side, IT security experts are countering attackers with their own AI tools. But I think it’s safe to say that the bad guys are always going to be ahead. IT security isn’t an option anymore for business owners. It’s important to have a good IT partner or managed services provider to help keep your information as safe and as private as possible.
Small Business Technology News #4 — HSB introduces AI liability insurance for small businesses.
Insurer Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) is launching a new insurance product designed to cover risks created by AI use, protecting businesses from lawsuits. With AI usage increasing by the day, legislation around AI is still evolving. HSB’s coverage is a welcome solution for SMBs as it covers: lawsuits and financial losses tied to AI systems used by a business; and fills gaps where standard general liability policies mayexclude AI-related incidents. HSB’s AI liability insurance covers bodily injury as a result of AI use such as an AI-powered HVAC system; liability due to property damage — e.g., an electrical appliance is installed with guidance by a chatbot and the appliance malfunctions. This effort to formalize “AI liability insurance” for small businesses will likely expand as more businesses integrate the technology. (Source: Business Wire)
Why this is important for your small business:
Your company needs to have a written AI policy to offer protection against potential misuse of these tools by your employees. But beyond that, having AI insurance is also likely to become a required form of insurance to have in the coming years.
Small Business Technology News #5 — TikTok invests in user engagement, small business ads with new local feed.
TikTok is rolling out a “local feed” to increase user engagement and offer more advertising opportunities for small businesses. The feed will show content tied to a user’s geographic area and identify nearby businesses or events. According to a 2025 Edison Research survey, 54 percent of users between ages 25–44 get their information about a product on TikTok with 47 percent following through with the purchase. With the “local feed” small businesses can attract potential customers who are within their proximity giving them another avenue to engage with and grow their customer and function as a “digital storefront.” This new feature positions TikTok as a more powerful local discovery and advertising engine. (Source: EMARKETER)
Why this is important for your small business:
Now that things have been mostly settled with TikTok, the platform continues to engage a very strong and loyal audience and is making moves to grow. One of those moves includes better advertising for local small business owners. TikTok could be a very valuable audience for many small businesses and should be considered as part of your marketing plans for this year.
Each week I round up five small business technology news stories and explain why they’re important for your business. If you have any interesting stories, please post to my X account @genemarks
