World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS)
Accelerating SDGs through digital innovation: SMEs take center stage at WSIS+20
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, the session ‘Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem and Digital Transformation’ spotlighted how digital ecosystems can empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organised by the China Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the event drew experts from governments, industry, and international organisations to strategise on digital solutions for sustainable development. Dr Cosmas Zavazava of ITU emphasised that SMEs are the heartbeat of global economies, yet many still lack the digital capacity to thrive. Through the ITU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance—comprising over 100 stakeholders and 17 acceleration centres—efforts are underway to provide universal connectivity and foster sustainable digital transformation. – https://dig.watch/updates/accelerating-sdgs-through-digital-innovation-smes-take-center-stage-at-wsis20
UNESCO pushes for digital trust at WSIS+20
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, UNESCO convened a timely session exploring how to strengthen global information ecosystems through responsible platform governance and smart technology use. The discussion, titled ‘Towards a Resilient Information Ecosystem’, brought together international regulators, academics, civil society leaders, and tech industry representatives to assess digital media’s role in shaping public discourse, especially in times of crisis. UNESCO’s Assistant Director General Tawfik Jelassi emphasised the organisation’s longstanding mission to build peace through knowledge sharing, warning that digital platforms now risk becoming breeding grounds for misinformation, hate speech, and division. To counter this, he highlighted UNESCO’s ‘Internet for Trust’ initiative, which produced governance guidelines informed by over 10,000 global contributions. – https://dig.watch/updates/unesco-pushes-for-digital-trust-at-wsis20
Rights before risks: Rethinking quantum innovation at WSIS+20
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, a powerful call was made to ensure the development of quantum technologies remains rooted in human rights and inclusive governance. A UNESCO-led session titled ‘Human Rights-Centred Global Governance of Quantum Technologies’ presented key findings from a new issue brief co-authored with Sciences Po and the European University Institute. It outlined major risks—such as quantum’s dual-use nature threatening encryption, a widening technological divide, and severe gender imbalances in the field—and urged immediate global action to build safeguards before quantum capabilities mature. – https://dig.watch/updates/rights-before-risks-rethinking-quantum-innovation-at-wsis20
Preserving languages in a digital world: A call for inclusive action
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, UNESCO convened a powerful session on the critical need to protect multilingualism in the digital age. With over 8,000 languages spoken globally but fewer than 120 represented online, the panel warned of a growing digital divide that excludes billions and marginalises thousands of cultures. Dr Tawfik Jelassi of UNESCO painted a vivid metaphor of the internet as a vast library where most languages have no books on the shelves, calling for urgent action to safeguard humanity’s linguistic and cultural diversity. – https://dig.watch/updates/preserving-languages-in-a-digital-world-a-call-for-inclusive-action
Governance and Legislation
Pakistan launches AI customs system to tackle tax evasion
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) Pakistan has launched its first AI-powered Customs Clearance and Risk Management System (RMS) to cut tax evasion, reduce corruption, and modernise port operations by automating inspections and declarations. The initiative, part of broader digital reforms, is led by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with support from the Intelligence Bureau. By minimising human involvement in customs procedures, the system enables faster, fairer, and more transparent processing. It uses AI and automated bots to assess goods’ value and classification, improve risk profiling, and streamline green channel clearances. – https://dig.watch/updates/pakistan-launches-ai-customs-system-to-tackle-tax-evasion
Experts gather in Malta to address digital risks in insurance
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) Malta is leading in the insurance sector’s response to digital transformation and emerging global risks. At the centre of this push was a high-level forum, Innovating Insurance: Malta’s Digital Shift and Emerging Risks, hosted by FinanceMalta and the University of Malta’s Department of Insurance and Risk Management. The event gathered regulators, professionals, academics, and students from across Europe and beyond to examine the future of insurance. – https://dig.watch/updates/experts-gather-in-malta-to-address-digital-risks-in-insurance
Geostrategies
Indian Companies Launch Effort to Build First Quantum-Secure Satellite
(Quantum Insider – 8 July 2025) India is launching its first indigenous quantum-secure satellite through a partnership between Space TS and Synergy Quantum. The collaboration will develop post-quantum encrypted satellite systems, secure ground infrastructure, and autonomous mission control technologies. The initiative aims to protect national space assets from future quantum cyber threats and support India’s goal of technological self-reliance. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/07/08/indian-companies-launch-effort-to-build-first-quantum-secure-satellite/
US targets Southeast Asia to stop AI chip leaks to China
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) The US is preparing stricter export controls on high-end Nvidia AI chips destined for Malaysia and Thailand, in a move to block China’s indirect access to advanced GPU hardware. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the new restrictions would require exporters to obtain licences before sending AI processors to either country. The change follows reports that Chinese engineers have hand-carried data to Malaysia for AI training after Singapore began restricting chip re-exports. – https://dig.watch/updates/us-targets-southeast-asia-to-stop-ai-chip-leaks-to-china
Reliance set for $50 billion growth with AI and green energy
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) According to analysts at Morgan Stanley, Reliance Industries is set to grow its market value by $50 billion through large-scale investments in AI infrastructure and new energy. The conglomerate, led by Mukesh Ambani, is retooling its energy and digital units as part of a long-term transformation strategy. Central to this growth is constructing a generative AI data centre in Jamnagar, India, which will feature 1GW of capacity powered by 1.3GW of green energy. Reliance plans to source this power from its rapidly scaling renewable ecosystem, including solar and green hydrogen. – https://dig.watch/updates/reliance-set-for-50-billion-growth-with-ai-and-green-energy
Security
Did Quantum Fears Prompt a Bitcoin Whale to Make an $8 Billion Move?
(Quantum Insider – 8 July 2025) A dormant Bitcoin whale transferred $8.6 billion in BTC to modern, more secure wallets, prompting speculation the move was driven by fears of quantum threats rather than market activity. Blockchain firm Arkham and Ledger’s CTO confirmed the transfer was not a sale but a precaution likely triggered by legal-style messages and rising cybersecurity concerns. Experts warn that quantum computers could eventually break current encryption, with institutions like BlackRock flagging the risk and researchers estimating 4 million BTC may be vulnerable. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/07/08/did-quantum-fears-prompt-a-bitcoin-whale-to-make-an-8-billion-move/
How agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) Cybersecurity is gaining a new teammate—one that never sleeps and acts independently. Agentic AI doesn’t wait for instructions. It detects threats, investigates, and responds in real-time. This new class of AI is beginning to change the way we approach cyber defence. Unlike traditional AI systems, Agentic AI operates with autonomy. It sets objectives, adapts to environments, and self-corrects without waiting for human input. In cybersecurity, this means instant detection and response, beyond simple automation. – https://dig.watch/updates/how-agentic-ai-is-transforming-cybersecurity
Inside Visa’s war room: How AI battles $15 trillion in threat
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) In Virginia’s Data Centre Alley, Visa operates a high-security fraud command centre to protect $15 trillion in annual transactions — nearly 15% of the global economy. With cybercrime growing more sophisticated, the company has spent $12 billion in five years to bolster its AI-powered defences. ‘From lone hackers to criminal syndicates generating hundreds of millions, fraud today is highly structured,’ said Michael Jabbara, Visa’s global head of fraud solutions. – https://dig.watch/updates/inside-visas-war-room-how-ai-battles-15-trillion-in-threats
Defence, Intelligence, and Warfare
With push to 3D print drones, Army examines battlefield calculation
(Ashley Roque – Breaking Defense – 7 July 2025) In May and June of this year, US Army soldiers participating in exercise Combined Resolve 25-02 flooded the battlefield with small drones, the kind of UAS that have transformed combat everywhere from Ukraine to Myanmar in the last five years. That the small drones have battlefield utility is hardly news, though. What was different about this exercise was that both sides were equipped with mobile 3D printers, as part of the Army’s push to wrap its hands around whether these kind of first-person view (FPV) drones can be produced near the front lines in an active combat scenario. “Every unit right now that’s a [Transformation in Combat] TiC-based unit is trying to develop capabilities in-house to create these small UAS or FPV-style drones,” said Lt. Col. Dan Huff, the commander for the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment which served as the opposing force (OpFor) for the exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, – https://breakingdefense.com/2025/07/with-push-to-3d-print-drones-army-examines-battlefield-calculation/
Integration, existing weapons and uncertainty: In Paris, industry makes its Golden Dome pitch
(Aaron Mehta and Michael Marrow – Breaking Defense – 7 July 2025) US firms have not been shy about their desire to cash in on President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome homeland defense initiative. But ironically, companies used an international gathering — this year’s Paris Air Show — to start laying out their visions. At forums and in interviews with Breaking Defense, industry officials stressed that while they don’t know exactly the shape of Golden Dome, themes are emerging starting with an emphasis on using existing technologies as the core of the project. Speaking to Breaking Defense, Raytheon president Phil Jasper was direct, saying “As you build out that architecture, what we believe is, start with the fielded, battle-tested systems that are out there today.” Among the systems he noted apply to Golden Dome are platforms like NASAMS and THAAD. – https://breakingdefense.com/2025/07/in-paris-industry-makes-its-golden-dome-pitch-despite-uncertainty/
DOD gets millions for cyber capabilities under GOP reconciliation package
(David DiMolfetta – NextGov – 7 July 2025) The Republican domestic policy law, signed over the weekend, includes significant boosts for U.S. military cyber spending, including new investments in cyberdefense, offensive operations and workforce development. The law establishes a $250 million investment for AI-related efforts at Cyber Command. Meanwhile, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command would get $1 million devoted to offensive cyber capabilities. INDOPACOM’s territory includes China, Russia and North Korea, which make up most of the top nation-state cyberspace adversaries targeting U.S. and Western interests. – https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2025/07/dod-gets-millions-cyber-capabilities-under-gop-reconciliation-package/406540/?oref=ng-homepage-river
Frontiers
NEURA Robotics Partnering with HD Hyundai to Develop Humanoid and Quadruped Shipbuilding Robots
(AI Insider – 8 July 2025) HD Hyundai Samho, HD Hyundai Robotics, and NEURA Robotics have formed a strategic partnership to test and develop humanoid and quadruped robots for shipbuilding, aiming to boost safety, efficiency, and productivity amid a skilled labor shortage. The collaboration will combine Hyundai Samho’s shipyard expertise, Hyundai Robotics’ automation capabilities, and NEURA’s cognitive robotics technology, including the humanoid platform 4NE1, to validate real-world applications. Signed during Automatica in Munich, the agreement marks a milestone in industrial robotics, with all three partners targeting long-term innovation and global competitiveness in shipbuilding automation. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/07/08/neura-robotics-partnering-with-hd-hyundai-to-develop-humanoid-and-quadruped-shipbuilding-robots/
NVIDIA unveils world’s first long-context AI that serves 32x more users live
(Interesting Engineering – 8 July 2025) NVIDIA has unveiled a powerful new parallelism technique that could radically improve how AI models operate on massive contexts. Dubbed Helix Parallelism, this innovation allows AI agents to process millions of words simultaneously, like encyclopedias, while delivering lightning-fast responses. The upgrade was co-designed for Blackwell, NVIDIA’s newest GPU system that brings ultra-high memory bandwidth and FP4 compute to the table. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/nvidia-helix-breakthrough-long-context-ai
Video: China’s humanoid robot turns wheels into feet to conquer all terrains
(Interesting Engineering – 8 July 2025) Chinese robotics firm Agibot has unveiled the X2-N, a humanoid robot featuring a dual-mode locomotion system, switching between bipedal walking and wheeled movement. The hybrid mobility allows the X2-N to adapt to varied terrains, climbing stairs with loads up to 12 pounds (5.44 pounds) in bipedal mode and tackling ramps and narrow bridges in wheeled mode, according to reports. Also unique is X2-N’s sensor-less navigation that mimics human-like intuition, enabling it to sense and adapt to its surroundings in real-time. In March 2025, AgiBot introduced the Lingxi X2, a next-generation general-purpose humanoid robot that blends AI and robotics, showcasing agility with walking, running, dancing, turning, scooter riding, and cycling abilities. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/agibot-x2-n-humanoid-robot-china
Google Announces New AI Tools for Mental Health Research and Treatment
(AI Insider – 8 July 2025) Google has launched two AI-driven initiatives to improve global mental health care, including a new field guide for organizations and a research program targeting anxiety, depression, and psychosis, backed by the Wellcome Trust. The field guide, developed with Grand Challenges Canada and the McKinsey Health Institute, outlines how AI can support clinician training, personalize support, and streamline workflows to help scale evidence-based interventions. A separate multi-year research effort, led by Google for Health and DeepMind with funding from the Wellcome Trust, will explore more objective tools and therapies for mental health conditions, reflecting a broader push to make care more accessible in underserved regions. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/07/08/google-announces-new-ai-tools-for-mental-health-research-and-treatment/
Mental health support is evolving with AI
(DigWatch – 8 July 2025) AI is beginning to play a growing role in the mental health space, offering personalised and consistent support for those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Tools like Woebot use natural language processing to engage individuals in conversations based on evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. These digital companions are not designed to replace therapists but to complement their work by providing timely interventions and ongoing monitoring. – https://dig.watch/updates/mental-health-support-is-evolving-with-ai