Governance
Egypt reaffirms commitment to AI and digital transformation
(DigWatch) During a recent meeting with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) at the Doha Forum, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed the country’s dedication to advancing responsible digital transformation, data governance and AI. He highlighted Egypt’s active role not only domestically but across the Arab and African regions, positioning the country as a key partner in shaping multilateral frameworks for digital cooperation. Among the milestones he noted were the launch of the second phase of Egypt’s national AI strategy and the adoption, in 2025, of a national open-data policy. – https://dig.watch/updates/egypt-reaffirms-commitment-to-ai-and-digital-transformation
Russia moves forward with a nationwide plan for generative AI
(DigWatch) A broad plan to integrate generative AI across public administration and key sectors of the economy is being prepared by Russia. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin explained that the new framework seeks to extend modern AI tools across regions and major industries in order to strengthen national technological capacity. The president has already underlined the need for fully domestic AI products as an essential element of national sovereignty. Moscow intends to rely on locally developed systems instead of foreign platforms, an approach aimed at securing long-term independence and resilience. – https://dig.watch/updates/russia-moves-forward-with-a-nationwide-plan-for-generative-ai
Addressing Cumulative Online Harms Through Human Rights Law
(Meri Baghdasaryan – Tech Policy Press) The United Nations has repeatedly recognized that online speech should enjoy the same protections as offline speech. However, what happens online does not travel, influence or impact people in the same way, and often carries a different risk profile. Former UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye observed that “the scale and complexity of [social media companies] addressing hateful expression presents long-term challenges and may lead companies to restrict such expression even if it is not clearly linked to adverse outcomes.”. Real-world examples show that content’s reach, virality or aggregation can lead to cumulative impacts that disproportionately harm marginalized groups. While some of the most consequential harms in digital environments develop cumulatively through scale, repetition and algorithmic amplification, platform policies and human rights frameworks must move beyond incident-based analysis towards systemic approaches that recognize how risk grows over time and through platform design. – https://www.techpolicy.press/addressing-cumulative-online-harms-through-human-rights-law/
A Doritos Bag, a Police Response, and an AI Accountability Crisis
(Nicholas E. Stewart – Tech Policy Press) One afternoon in October at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, 16-year-old Taki Allen was eating Doritos after football practice when an AI gun-detection system misread his snack bag as a firearm. The alert triggered the arrival of police cars, a prone search, and handcuffs. The officers eventually realized Allen was not holding a weapon; he was holding chips. The system failed, but so did the decision-making around it. The episode shows what happens when untested AI tools move into schools and policing without accuracy standards, bias audits, or clear and effective protocols. Despite these risks, adoption is accelerating. Districts and departments often buy systems on marketing promises rather than evidence. Few ask who validated the model or how it performs across racial groups. Even fewer consider how a single false positive can trigger force, especially against Black students. Policy is only beginning to catch up. California’s SB 53, signed in 2025, is the first law requiring advanced AI developers to publicly disclose safety practices and report critical incidents. It is modest but meaningful: an acknowledgment that transparency can’t depend on voluntary statements. – https://www.techpolicy.press/a-doritos-bag-a-police-response-and-an-ai-accountability-crisis/
Legislation
Japan weighs easing rules on personal data use
(DigWatch) Japan is preparing to relax restrictions on personal data use to support rapid AI development. Government sources say a draft bill aims to expand third-party access to sensitive information. Plans include allowing medical histories and criminal records to be obtained without consent for statistical purposes. Japanese officials argue such access could accelerate research while strengthening domestic competitiveness. – https://dig.watch/updates/japan-weighs-easing-rules-on-personal-data-use
UK Laws Do Not Provide Effective Protection From Chatbot Harms
(Julia Smakman – Tech Policy Press) Chatbot risks are a hot topic, and for good reason. In June, multiple cases of UK lawyers citing hallucinated cases were reported, imperilling the cases of their clients. In October, the Dutch Data Protection Authority cautioned people against using AI chatbots to help them determine which candidate to vote for in the upcoming elections, warning that chatbot advice is ‘unreliable and clearly biased’. And, time and time again, instances of people experiencing serious adverse mental health impacts and delusional spirals after interacting with AI chatbots have been reported and used to sound the alarm about their addictive features. In short, AI chatbots create serious risks across a range of contexts and often provide information that is biased, inaccurate, or otherwise not in the best interest of their users. And these are risks that are already materializing in real time. However, despite extensive media coverage of AI chatbots, assistants and agents, there has been little progress within the UK to make laws and policies that meaningfully protect people from the adverse impacts of AI systems. Last week, the Ada Lovelace Institute, together with law firm AWO, published a legal analysis depicting just how dire the situation is. Across four realistic scenarios, it was difficult to find any effective legal pathways that give people access to redress when they have been harmed by what we at Ada call Advanced AI Assistants. This analysis indicates that urgent policymaker attention is needed but comes at a time when the UK government has still not announced a timeline for an AI Bill, indicating a belief that AI is already covered by existing regulations. Ada’s recent paper shows that, at least for one increasingly impactful type of AI system, this belief is unfounded. Existing regulations simply do not effectively manage risks from AI chatbots or assistants. – https://www.techpolicy.press/uk-laws-do-not-provide-effective-protection-from-chatbot-harms/
Geostrategies
Turning the AI Revolution into Dollar Dominance
(Navin Girishankar – Center for Strategic & International Studies) Last month, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Artificial Intelligence Partnership. On the heels of a May 2025 agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States has approved sale of leading-edge semiconductors to state-run companies in the UAE’s G42 and Saudi Arabia’s Humain. Access to American compute power will enable both Gulf countries to export AI-enabled goods and services in sectors such as autonomous logistics, precision agriculture, medical diagnostics, and finance. The Trump administration aims to ensure that “American AI technology continues to be the gold standard worldwide,” according to Vice President JD Vance. But these agreements miss an essential ingredient of American power: a guarantee that AI-enabled exports generated using American chips will be invoiced and settled in dollars. Giving other countries access to compute gives them the ability to export AI-enabled goods and services globally. That throws up a critical question: in which currency will they settle that trade—dollars, renminbi, or another currency? – https://www.csis.org/analysis/turning-ai-revolution-dollar-dominance
Canada-EU digital partnership expands cooperation on AI and security
(DigWatch) The European Union and Canada have strengthened their digital partnership during the first Digital Partnership Council in Montreal. Both sides outlined a joint plan to enhance competitiveness and innovation, while supporting smaller firms through targeted regulation. Senior representatives reconfirmed that cooperation with like-minded partners will be essential for economic resilience. – https://dig.watch/updates/canada-eu-digital-partnership-expands-cooperation-on-ai-and-security
Europe’s Tech Rules Are Driving a New US–China Divide
(Mark Scott – Tech Policy Press) When the European Commission announced its €120 million fine against Elon Musk’s X for breaches of the bloc’s online safety rules, the decision reignited a transatlantic spat between Washington and Brussels. US Vice President JD Vance scolded the European Union for “attacking American companies over garbage.” Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice president, said the bloc was “holding X responsible for undermining users’ rights.”. Yet on the same day that Brussels issued its first-ever penalty under its Digital Services Act against X, EU officials also reached a settlement with TikTok, the China-linked social media giant, related to similar breaches to the rules’ transparency obligations. – https://www.techpolicy.press/europes-tech-rules-are-driving-a-new-us-china-divide/
Security and Surveillance
Broadside botnet hits TBK DVRs, raising alarms for maritime logistics
(Pierluigi Paganini – Security Affairs) Cydome researchers have identified a new Mirai botnet variant dubbed Broadside that is targeting the maritime logistics sector by exploiting the command injection vulnerability CVE-2024-3721 in TBK DVR devices used on vessels. “Cydome’s Cybersecurity Research Team has identified an active campaign of a new variant of the Mirai botnet, designated as “Broadside”.” reads the report published by Cydome. “This campaign was found to target the maritime logistics sector, exploiting a vulnerability (CVE-2024-3721) in TBK DVR (Digital Video Recorders) devices in use by shipping companies on vessels (among others).”. The flaw was disclosed in April 2024 with PoC code available, and it has been widely exploited by multiple DDoS botnets by mid-2025. – https://securityaffairs.com/185491/malware/broadside-botnet-hits-tbk-dvrs-raising-alarms-for-maritime-logistics.html
React2Shell Exploit Campaigns Tied to North Korean Cyber Intrusion Tactics
(Kevin Poireault – Infosecurity Magazine) Security researchers at Sysdig have observed new campaigns exploiting React2Shell which appear to have the hallmarks of North Korean hackers. React2Shell is a remote code execution vulnerability in React Server Components (RSCs). Tracked as CVE-2025-55182, the flaw has a maximum severity rating with a CVSS score of 10.0. Publicly disclosed on December 3, the vulnerability impacts version 19 of the React open source library for creating application user interfaces as well as many other related frameworks, including Next.js, Waku, React Router and RedwoodSDK. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/react2shell-exploit-campaigns/
Malicious VS Code Extensions Deploy Advanced Infostealer
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine) A new pair of malicious Visual Studio Code extensions capable of harvesting screenshots, browser sessions and stored credentials has been discovered by cybersecurity researchers. The extensions, Bitcoin Black and Codo AI, were available on the VS Code marketplace and were observed delivering a stealthy DLL-based infostealer through an unusual combination of social engineering and technical disguise. The malicious tools were detailed in a report published by the Koi Security research team on Monday. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/malicious-vs-code-extensions/
DeadLock Ransomware Uses BYOVD to Evade Security Measures
(Alessandro Mascellino – Infosecurity Magazine) A new set of tactics linked to a financially motivated threat actor deploying DeadLock ransomware has been observed by cybersecurity researchers. Detailed in the latest analysis from Cisco Talos, published today, the campaign used a Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) technique to disable endpoint detection tools and pave the way for full system compromise. The actor combined privilege-escalation scripts, registry modifications, remote access tools (RATs) and a custom encryption routine to disrupt business operations while preserving system stability. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/deadlock-ransomware-uses-byovd/
Gartner Calls For Pause on AI Browser Use
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine) Gartner has recommended that enterprises block use of AI browsers until the associated risks can be adequately managed. The analyst firm made the suggestion in a new report, Cybersecurity Must Block AI Browsers for Now. The report authors warned that “default AI browser settings prioritize user experience over security,” pointing to several risky scenarios. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/gartner-calls-for-pause-ai-browsers/
Energy Operations: Managing Password Security and Continuity
(Marcus White – Infosecurity Magazine) Balancing password security with operational continuity has become one of the energy sector’s toughest challenges. The stakes are uniquely high: a single compromised credential can trigger widespread power outages, physical damage, or even environmental disasters. Strong authentication controls are essential, but they often come at the expense of uptime, safety, or access to mission-critical systems. This article explores the risks that energy firms face in today’s digital environments, and how they can bolster password security and strengthen credentials without disrupting 24/7 operations. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/blogs/energy-operations-managing/
UK NCSC Raises Alarms Over Prompt Injection Attacks
(Phil Muncaster – Infosecurity Magazine) Prompt injection vulnerabilities may never be fully mitigated as a category and network defenders should instead focus on ways to reduce their impact, government security experts have warned. Then National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) technical director for platforms research, David C, warned security professionals not to treat prompt injection like SQL injection. “SQL injection is … illustrative of a recurring problem in cybersecurity; that is, ‘data’ and ‘instructions’ being handled incorrectly,” he explained. – https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/ncsc-raises-alarms-prompt/
Frontiers and Markets
Australia seals $4.6 billion deal for new AI hub
(DigWatch) OpenAI has partnered with Australian data centre operator NextDC to build a major AI campus in western Sydney. The companies signed an agreement covering development, planning and long-term operation of the vast site. NextDC said the project will include a supercluster of graphics processors to support advanced AI workloads. Both firms intend to create infrastructure capable of meeting rapid global demand for high-performance computing. – https://dig.watch/updates/australia-seals-4-6-billion-deal-for-new-ai-hub
Japan turns to AI and robotics to tackle dementia crisis
(DigWatch) Japan is intensifying efforts to use technology to address a worsening dementia crisis, as more than 18,000 older people went missing last year and care-related costs continue to climb. With nearly 30% of its population now aged 65 or older, Japan is experimenting with GPS wearables and community alert systems that help authorities locate missing individuals within hours. AI tools are also entering clinical practice, including Fujitsu’s aiGait system, which analyses posture and movement to detect early cognitive decline. – https://dig.watch/updates/japan-turns-to-ai-and-robotics-to-tackle-dementia-crisis
Tether backs Italian humanoid robotics startup
(DigWatch) Tether Investments has backed Generative Bionics in a €70m round to accelerate the development of intelligent humanoid robots. The company develops platforms that combine robotics and AI to enhance industrial performance and foster human-centred interaction. Investment funds will support industrial validation, the creation of a production facility and the rollout of early deployment programmes across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. – https://dig.watch/updates/tether-backs-italian-humanoid-robotics-startup
Clipbook Secures $3.3M Seed Round to Build the Leading Vertical AI Platform for Communications
(AI Insider) Clipbook raised $3.3 million in seed funding to expand its AI platform for strategic communications and public affairs, with backing from prominent investors across tech, media, and government. The company provides AI-driven intelligence and insights across millions of information sources, helping over 200 global clients improve decision-making and operational efficiency. The funding will accelerate product development, engineering, and market expansion as Clipbook strengthens its position in the communications sector. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/09/clipbook-secures-3-3m-seed-round-to-build-the-leading-vertical-ai-platform-for-communications/
SionicAI Raises $17M to Scale Enterprise LLM Operations Platform Across Asia-Pacific
(AI Insider) SionicAI, a Seoul-based enterprise AI solutions provider, has closed a $17 million Series A round led by prominent financial and strategic investors including Naver Cloud and Industrial Bank of Korea, bringing total funding to more than $20.5 million. Founded by Seokhyun Ko, Woomyung Park, and Sihyung Han, the company has rapidly grown its presence in less than three years by delivering AI systems built for the rigorous security and compliance requirements of major financial institutions and large enterprises. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/09/sionicai-raises-17m-to-scale-enterprise-llm-operations-platform-across-asia-pacific/
IBM to Acquire Confluent for $11B to Create Smart Data Platform for Enterprise Generative AI
(AI Insider) IBM agreed to acquire Confluent for $31 per share in an all-cash deal valued at $11 billion, positioning the company to integrate real-time data streaming more deeply into its hybrid cloud and AI strategy. Confluent’s platform, built on Apache Kafka, will give IBM stronger capabilities for connecting, governing, and preparing data for generative and agentic AI across cloud and on-prem environments. IBM expects the acquisition to accelerate product synergies across its AI, automation, data, and consulting portfolios and to become accretive to adjusted EBITDA in the first full year after closing, with shareholder approval and regulatory clearance targeted for mid-2026.- https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/ibm-to-acquire-confluent-for-11b-to-create-smart-data-platform-for-enterprise-generative-ai/
Riyadh Air and IBM Partner to Launch World’s First AI-Native Airline
(AI Insider) IBM and Riyadh Air announced the airline as the world’s first “AI-native” carrier, built without legacy systems and designed to embed AI across operations from its inception. Riyadh Air is using IBM Consulting, watsonx Orchestrate, and a network of more than 60 partners to integrate AI into employee workflows, crew enablement, customer care, and enterprise performance management as it prepares for commercial service in 2026. The collaboration aims to create an airline operating on real-time data and AI-driven decision-making, with IBM positioning the model as a blueprint for future aviation digital strategies. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/riyadh-air-and-ibm-partner-to-launch-worlds-first-ai-native-airline/
Integral AI Unveils What it Calls World’s First AGI-Capable Model
(AI Insider) Integral AI says it has tested a model that can learn new tasks without labeled data or human guidance, which the company views as a step toward more general-purpose intelligence. Early trials showed robots using the layered architecture could pick up new behaviors in real-world settings, and the company is now focused on scaling the system for embodied applications. Founded in 2021, Integral AI aims to build autonomous learning models for robotics and positions the work as groundwork for more capable embodied intelligence systems. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/integral-ai-unveils-what-it-calls-worlds-first-agi-capable-model/
Meta Expands Real-Time News in Meta AI and Acquires Limitless to Accelerate AI Wearables Strategy
(AI Insider) Meta has announced new commercial data agreements with major global news organizations to enhance Meta AI, its real-time assistant available across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and a standalone app in more than 200 countries. Through partnerships with CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, Le Monde Group, People Inc., The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner, and USA Today, Meta AI will surface breaking news, global updates, and entertainment content directly within chatbot responses, including source links that drive readers to publishers’ websites. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/meta-expands-real-time-news-in-meta-ai-and-acquires-limitless-to-accelerate-ai-wearables-strategy/
Sensor Tower Data Shows Gemini Gaining Ground as ChatGPT Growth Slows
(AI Insider) New analysis from Sensor Tower indicates that ChatGPT remains the global leader in mobile AI chatbots, capturing 50% of global downloads and 55% of global monthly active users. However, growth metrics show that Google’s Gemini is rapidly accelerating and beginning to close the gap. While ChatGPT’s monthly active users increased 180% year-over-year, adoption has plateaued in recent months, rising only 6% from August to November 2025 to reach approximately 810 million users. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/sensor-tower-data-shows-gemini-gaining-ground-as-chatgpt-growth-slows/
Rencore Extends Series A to $15M to Accelerate AI Governance Growth and International Expansion
(AI Insider) Rencore extended its Series A to $15 million to accelerate international growth and strengthen its leadership in AI and Agent Governance for Microsoft 365 environments. Its platform enables enterprises to manage security, compliance, and automation across Microsoft 365 and AI services like Copilot, helping enforce policies and reduce risk. The funding will support expanded product capabilities, larger engineering and go-to-market teams, and increased presence in Europe and North America. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/rencore-extends-series-a-to-15m-to-accelerate-ai-governance-growth-and-international-expansion/
Clover Security Launches with $36M to Redefine Product Security for the AI Era
(AI Insider) Clover secured $36 million in funding to expand its AI-driven, design-led product security platform. The company embeds AI agents into developer tools to detect and prevent security flaws early in the product lifecycle. Clover is already deployed across major enterprises, helping security teams scale and reduce manual workload while supporting faster AI-native development. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/08/clover-security-launches-with-36m-to-redefine-product-security-for-the-ai-era/
IonQ Expands in EU With Slovakia’s First National Quantum Communication Network
(Quantum Insider) IonQ, through its subsidiary ID Quantique, has deployed Slovakia’s first national quantum communication network as part of the country’s contribution to the EU-wide EuroQCI secure communications initiative. The skQCI system uses a hybrid quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography architecture to securely link multiple strategic metropolitan and remote government and research sites. The project is led by the Slovak Academy of Sciences with national partners and builds on IonQ’s recent quantum network deployments in Switzerland, Italy, and South Korea. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/12/08/ionq-expands-in-eu-with-slovakias-first-national-quantum-communication-network/
New Zealand Partners With Korea on Quantum Communication Projects
(Quantum Insider) New Zealand and South Korea have launched three joint quantum communication research projects aimed at enabling secure long-distance networks, compact hardware and cross-signal connectivity. One project is developing quantum repeaters using rare-earth quantum memories in photonic circuits to extend ultra-secure communication across cities and countries. Two additional projects focus on a chip-based quantum light source for affordable quantum key distribution and a signal interface that links light and microwave quantum systems. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/12/08/new-zealand-partners-with-korea-on-quantum-communication-projects/
How Fujitsu Is Tackling a 10,000-Qubit Quantum Computer for Practical Applications
(Quantum Insider) Fujitsu plans to build a 10,000-qubit superconducting quantum computer by 2030 to achieve 250 logical qubits and enable early fault-tolerant computation for industrial applications. The project expands on Japan’s national quantum strategy and leverages partnerships with RIKEN, AIST, and universities to advance qubit manufacturing, interconnects, cryogenic packaging, and error-correction technologies. Fujitsu’s roadmap includes integrating superconducting and diamond spin-based systems after 2030, with a target of reaching 1,000 logical qubits by 2035 through modular, hybrid architectures. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/12/08/how-fujitsu-is-tackling-a-10000-qubit-quantum-computer-for-practical-applications/
MIT Team Builds a Speech-to-Reality System that Turns Spoken Prompts into Physical Objects Within Minutes
(AI Insider) MIT researchers created a speech-to-reality system that uses natural language, generative AI, and robotics to fabricate physical objects within minutes from spoken prompts. The system interprets a request, generates a 3D design, converts it into modular components, and directs a robotic arm to assemble items such as stools and shelves without requiring user expertise. The team is advancing sturdier connectors, scalable robotic pipelines, and gesture-based controls as they position the work as an early step toward accessible, on-demand manufacturing. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/12/07/mit-team-builds-a-speech-to-reality-system-that-turns-spoken-prompts-into-physical-objects-within-minutes/
Xanadu Expands Partnership with A*STAR to Advance Photonic Quantum Computing
(Quantum Insider) Xanadu signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore’s A*STAR to expand their collaboration across quantum hardware, software, and algorithms, with the potential to establish joint quantum laboratories and operations in Singapore. The partnership will focus on projects such as GKP error mitigation, integrated photonic quantum light sources, quantum connectivity, custom ASIC integration, and the possible hosting of photonic quantum computers, combining Xanadu’s platform with A*STAR’s strengths in photonics, semiconductors, and advanced packaging. The announcement comes as Xanadu moves toward a public listing through a SPAC merger with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp., a deal expected to provide roughly $500 million in gross proceeds to support its quantum technology roadmap. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/12/08/xanadu-expands-partnership-with-astar-to-advance-photonic-quantum-computing/
Autocrypt Announces Release of Post-Quantum PKI Product for Automotive OEMs
(Quantum Insider) Autocrypt launched AutoCrypt PKI-Vehicles, a post-quantum–ready PKI system supporting the ML-DSA digital signature standard, positioning the company as an early commercial provider of PQC-grade security for automotive environments. The rollout aligns with global industry preparation for NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards as automakers face rising cybersecurity risks from advances in quantum computing. Autocrypt plans to showcase the new solution at CES 2026, framing the product as a pathway for OEMs and suppliers to adopt quantum-safe security without overhauling existing infrastructure. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/12/08/autocrypt-announces-product-release-of-post-quantum-pki-product-pioneering-pqc-enabled-solutions-for-automotive-oems/
Quantum Source Report Outlines Engineering Pathways to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
(Quantum Insider) Quantum Source released a comprehensive technical report, developed with The Quantum Insider, that compares all major qubit modalities and outlines engineering pathways toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. The report highlights that the field has moved from theoretical exploration to practical engineering, with recent demonstrations from Google and Quantinuum showing logical qubits outperforming physical ones. It introduces a unified framework comparing qubit systems by qubit carrier and computational model, showing that while no modality currently dominates, hybrid approaches may have the potential to overcome key scalability limits. A case study on Quantum Source’s deterministic atom–photon platform shows how their design replaces probabilistic photonic entanglement with efficient, repeatable atom-mediated processes, reducing hardware overhead and enabling scalable, modular architectures for future fault-tolerant systems. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/12/08/quantum-source-report-outlines-engineering-pathways-to-fault-tolerant-quantum-computing/