March was all about data. Google acquired cloud security platform Wiz, signaling that using multiple clouds while ensuring data security is a top enterprise priority. IDC put out a report predicting 40% of Global 2000 businesses will be using AI agents within three years to automate knowledge work and increase productivity. This raises questions about how companies can protect internal proprietary data if an agent malfunctions or is scammed, which is likely. On the connectivity side, investors continue to back bold (sometimes controversial) AI founders, attempting to find a leg up, indicating that control over data infrastructure could provide a strategic edge in the AI arms race. 

Cloud jumped significantly in share of voice this month on the heels of Google’s $32B acquisition of Wiz and a major data breach of Oracle’s cloud. Media’s attention on agentic AI and the associated security risk also caused a spike in cybersecurity coverage. Agents are being touted as a path to both increased productivity and business value, so we expect this trend to grow in the coming months. Fintech coverage dipped slightly, largely because M&A activity fell off significantly more than expected as the Trump administration's tariffs took effect.  

AI has remained a key topic, with #AI driving innovation across cybersecurity, finance, and decentralized tech. Conversations about #Cybersecurity highlighted AI’s dual role in enhancing defenses and posing new threats. #Crypto, #Blockchain, and #DeFi also trended as leaders explored AI’s integration with decentralized finance. #Web3 is gaining traction with a focus on enhancing data integrity and user autonomy. Broadly, #Tech, #BigData, and #Innovation underscored AI’s ongoing influence across industries. 

AI was at the forefront of social conversations in March. When X posts and mentions were included, topics skewed neutral-positive, discussing integrations across finserv and healthcare, and partnerships between Web3 and AI tech.

Without X, the conversation starts to lean neutral-negative, including the ethical implications of using AI in data collection and processing, and calls for more legislative oversight, due in part to digital attacks targeting companies through AI tool vulnerabilities.

Across all searches, other topics include decentralization in fintech and insurance, advancements in fintech, cloud, and IoT innovations, and increasing concerns over cyberthreats and ransomware attacks.