Governance, Legislation, and Geostrategies
AI Agents Must Follow the Law
(Cullen O’Keefe, Ketan Ramakrishnan – Lawfare – 14 May 2025) Artificial intelligence (AI) agents are the next big frontier in general-purpose AI. By now, most people are familiar with generative AI systems: systems like OpenAI’s GPT-4o that specialize in outputting media (text, code, images, audio, video) that humans consume or use. But the goal of frontier AI companies has never been to simply automate content generation—it has been to automate most of the economically valuable work that humans currently do, at least in the digital realm. Thus, AI companies are trying to turn their generative AI systems into “computer-using agents”: AI systems that “can do anything a human can do in front of a computer.” – https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/ai-agents-must-follow-the-law
Curating Cyberspace: Rights, Responsibilities, and Opportunities
(Mary Anne Franks – Just Security – 14 May 2025) Free speech sells. In the United States, the view that tech platforms are outposts of free speech and democracy has been leveraged to grant the industry sweeping immunity from liability under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This interpretation of the law preemptively absolves tech platforms from responsibility for the choices they make about third-party content – both the choices about what not to allow and what to allow. But while the right of private entities to exclude the speech of others as they see fit is an essential and long-recognized aspect of the First Amendment freedom of speech and association, the decision to repeat, promote, or encourage other people’s speech has generally been understood as a responsibility. A newspaper is, of course, not liable for the op-eds it chooses not to publish, but it does face the potential for liability for those it does. The two choices that speech intermediaries can take – exclusion or inclusion – are not symmetrical. – https://www.justsecurity.org/110703/platform-curation-right-responsibility-opportunity/
EU and Japan Formalize Quantum Collaboration with Letter of Intent and Joint Research Initiative
(Quantum Insider – 14 May 2025) The EU and Japan signed a Letter of Intent on 13 May 2025 to strengthen cooperation in quantum science and technology, aligning with broader goals under the EU-Japan Digital Partnership. The agreement establishes joint funding mechanisms (Horizon Europe and Japan’s SIP) and supports reciprocal participation in quantum research initiatives. The Q-NEKO project, involving 16 institutions and €4 million (approximately $4.5 million) in EU funding, was selected to advance quantum-AI applications in areas like biomedicine and climate modeling. Both sides committed to expanding collaboration in related fields such as quantum communications, semiconductors, and cybersecurity, with a progress review scheduled for 2026 in Brussels. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/14/eu-and-japan-formalize-quantum-collaboration-with-letter-of-intent-and-joint-research-initiative/
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Launches AI Company ‘Humain’ to Accelerate National AI Ambitions
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has unveiled Humain, a new artificial intelligence venture aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure and advancing the kingdom’s technological capabilities. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees $940 billion in assets, Humain will focus on developing large-scale data centers and foundational AI systems to support the nation’s digital transformation goals. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/saudi-arabias-crown-prince-launches-ai-company-humain-to-accelerate-national-ai-ambitions/
White House: Quantinuum Lands Up to $1 Billion Quantum Deal in Historic U.S.-Qatar Investment Pact
(Quantum Insider – 14 May 2025) According to the White House, Quantinuum and Al Rabban Capital finalized up to a $1 billion joint venture that will be used to invest in quantum technologies and workforce development in the United States and Qatar, marking one of the largest quantum deals to date. The agreement is part of a broader $243.5 billion package of commercial deals between the U.S. and Qatar, including major aerospace, energy, and defense contracts. The White House said the quantum investment will support U.S. jobs and strengthen American leadership in emerging technologies. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/14/quantinuum-lands-1-billion-quantum-deal-in-historic-u-s-qatar-investment-pact/
Instagram calls for EU-wide teen protection rules
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) Instagram is calling on the European Union to introduce new regulations requiring app stores to implement age verification and parental approval systems. The platform argues that such protections, applied consistently across all apps, are essential to safeguarding teenagers from harmful content online. ‘The EU needs consistent standards for all apps, to help keep teens safe, empower parents and preserve privacy,’ Instagram said in a blog post. – https://dig.watch/updates/instagram-calls-for-eu-wide-teen-protection-rules
German watchdog demands Meta stop AI training with EU user data
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) The Verbraucherzentrale North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), a regional data protection authority in Germany, has issued a formal warning to Meta, urging the tech giant to stop training its AI models using data from European users. The regulator argues that Meta’s current approach violates EU privacy laws and may lead to legal action if not halted. Meta recently announced that it would use content from Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—including posts, comments, and public interactions—to train its AI systems in Europe. – https://dig.watch/updates/german-watchdog-demands-meta-stop-ai-training-with-eu-user-data
India increases scrutiny of crypto in border regions
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) India has ramped up surveillance of crypto transactions in Jammu and Kashmir and other border regions, following security concerns. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) advised crypto platforms to monitor transactions linked to ‘private wallets,’ enabling peer-to-peer transfers without oversight. – https://dig.watch/updates/india-increases-scrutiny-of-crypto-in-border-regions
Amazon to invest in Saudi AI Zone
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) Amazon has announced a new partnership with Humain, an AI company launched by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to invest over $5 billion in creating an ‘AI Zone’ in the kingdom. The project will feature Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, including servers, networks, and training programmes, while Humain will develop AI tools using AWS and support Saudi startups with access to resources. – https://dig.watch/updates/amazon-to-invest-in-saudi-ai-zone
Thailand embraces digital tokens for public investment
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) Thailand’s Finance Ministry is preparing to launch 5 billion baht ($150 million) in digital investment tokens known as the G-Token within the next two months. The initiative is designed to raise public funds through a new blockchain-based model. Unlike traditional bonds, the G-Token will not be classified as a debt instrument. Instead, it will form part of the country’s budget borrowing plan and allow direct public participation. – https://dig.watch/updates/thailand-embraces-digital-tokens-for-public-investment
Education
Cornell Researchers Look at Differing Views of ‘AI Harms’ Between Developers, Educators
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) A Cornell University study finds that education technology developers and teachers define risks from AI tools differently, with teachers more concerned about broader social and pedagogical harms. While developers prioritize reducing technical issues such as bias and misinformation, educators worry that overreliance on large language models may erode student critical thinking, increase teacher workload, and exacerbate educational inequality. The researchers recommend more educator involvement in product design, customizable tools, regulatory oversight, and protections for teachers who choose not to adopt AI systems, calling for a shift toward more nuanced, teacher-centered evaluation of educational technology. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/cornell-researchers-look-at-differing-views-of-ai-harms-between-developers-educators/
Security
Masked cybercrime groups rise as attacks escalate worldwide
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) Cybercrime is thriving like never before, with hackers launching attacks ranging from absurd ransomware demands of $1 trillion to large-scale theft of personal data. Despite efforts from Microsoft, Google and even the FBI, these threat actors continue to outpace defences. A new report by Group-IB has analysed over 1,500 cybercrime investigations to uncover the most active and dangerous hacker groups operating today. – https://dig.watch/updates/masked-cybercrime-groups-rise-as-attacks-escalate-worldwide
Quantum Computing’s Asymmetric Risk Means One Break Is All It Takes
(Quantum Insider – 14 May 2025) Experts on an a16z podcast warn that while the threat of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is real, the lack of commercial demand is dampening acceleration on the technology. Without strong business incentives, the development of large-scale quantum systems may take decades, despite the irreversible risks posed by even a single success. This asymmetry — where one breakthrough could break global encryption — has prompted governments to act preemptively, even as the private sector lags behind. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/14/quantum-computings-asymmetric-risk-means-one-break-is-all-it-takes/
Defense, Military, and Warfare
US could bolster war dominance with air-launched attack drone for war superiority
(Interesting Engineering – 14 May 2025) The United States is exploring the idea of air-launching Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones from other airplanes, according to reports. This can reduce the dependence on runways and bolster its position during any combat scenarios. However, there could still be some operational challenges. The CCA, also known as a “loyal wingman,” is a new type of uncrewed weapon system that could fly alongside new and existing crewed fighter jets. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-air-launched-attack-drone-bolsters-dominance
Chinese warships can now evade smart missiles 60% better with new magnetic tech
(Interesting Engineering – 14 May 2025) In a significant step toward enhancing naval stealth and operational agility, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has reported a 60% improvement in degaussing efficiency following the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its support operations. The development, conducted under the PLA Northern Theater Command, marks the first use of AI-assisted decision-making in a degaussing drill and signals a shift toward faster combat readiness in magnetic warfare environments. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/china-warships-evade-smart-missiles-magnetic-tech
New spy drone swarm can track stealthy submarines for 3 months at a stretch
(Interesting Engineering – 14 May 2025) A well-known European firm has unveiled a new system that can reportedly help detect underwater enemy vessels, including submarines, at sea. Helsing’s Lura and SG-1 Fathom aim to bolster defenses and redefine maritime surveillance. Lura is an advanced software platform and AI system for persistent underwater surveillance against the growing threats to ships and critical infrastructure. The system uses autonomous mass that is sovereign, scalable, and affordable to detect threats in the subsurface domain. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/western-tech-can-spot-stealth-submarines
Frontiers
FSU Researchers’ New Study Explores AI’s Ability to Improve Differential Diagnosis Accuracy
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) Researchers at Florida State University (FSU) have demonstrated that large language models (LLMs) can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy in healthcare when supplemented with lab test data. The study, published in npj Digital Medicine, found that GPT-4 achieved the highest performance among five models tested, with lab-enhanced inputs boosting top-1 diagnosis accuracy to 55% and lenient accuracy to 80%. The research supports using AI tools as clinical decision aids, potentially reducing diagnostic errors, improving patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs through more precise and efficient diagnoses. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/fsu-researchers-new-study-explores-ais-ability-to-improve-differential-diagnosis-accuracy/
Powerful supercomputer maps world’s largest magnetic turbulence in the galaxy
(Interesting Engineering – 14 May 2025) Turbulence is ubiquitous — from coffee cups to ocean waves and bumpy flights. And this powerful state isn’t limited to Earth; its influence extends throughout the galaxy and universe. Despite being a widespread phenomenon, turbulence remains a major unsolved puzzle in physics. For many years, experts have tried to understand how turbulent energy moves across various scales. Now, an international research team led by Princeton University and the University of Toronto has observed this process with exceptional clarity. – https://interestingengineering.com/space/world-largest-turbulence-simulations-supercomputer
Mayor Adams pushes for New York’s rise as a crypto hub
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reaffirmed ambition to turn the city into the world’s leading crypto capital. At a press conference ahead of the 20 May NYC Crypto Summit, Adams highlighted New York’s growing blockchain sector and its role in boosting financial inclusion. The mayor appeared alongside leading tech figures, including June Ou from Figure Firm and Richard Hecker from Traction and Scale. Adams pointed to his 2022 move to convert his first three payslips into Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of his early support for crypto. – https://dig.watch/updates/mayor-adams-pushes-for-new-yorks-rise-as-a-crypto-hub
Google tests AI tool to automate software development
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) Google is internally testing an advanced AI tool designed to support software engineers through the entire development cycle, according to The Information. The firm is also expected to demonstrate integration between its Gemini chatbot in voice mode and Android-powered XR headsets. – https://dig.watch/updates/google-tests-ai-tool-to-automate-software-development
China bets big on humanoid robots to transform factories
(Digital Watch Observatory – 14 May 2025) Chinese start-up AgiBot is leading the charge in humanoid robotics, using data-intensive training to develop machines capable of everyday tasks like folding clothes and making sandwiches. Backed by strong government support and over $20 billion in recent subsidies, China sees these AI-powered robots as a way to maintain its manufacturing edge amid demographic decline and global trade tensions. President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to AgiBot underlined the political significance of this push. – https://dig.watch/updates/china-bets-big-on-humanoid-robots-to-transform-factories
Thunder Paws: Students give robot dog playful personality using AI tricks to wow crowd
(Interesting Engineering – 14 May 2025) Students from St. John’s University in the US have unleashed a crowd-pleasing innovation: a robotic dog named Thunder Paws. Built on a Unitree Go2 quadruped robot, the mechanical pup performs playful tricks like sitting, running, and rolling over. Programmed and controlled by students using a simple joystick and smartphone app, Thunder Paws performed for the crowd during a special send-off event for the College’s Red Storm Men’s Basketball team. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/thunder-paws-student-built-robot-dog
Tiny human-brain-like tech gives humanoid robots real-time seeing and thinking power
(Interesting Engineering – 14 May 2025) Researchers have developed an advanced neuromorphic device mimicking how the human brain processes information, marking a major step forward in autonomous technology. The compact system, developed by a team at RMIT University in Australia, can detect hand movements, store memories, and process visual data in real time, without relying on an external computer. This innovation paves the way for advanced robotics, including humanoids, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation systems designed for seamless human interaction. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/device-mimics-brain-to-enhance-humanoid-robotics
Two Projects Powered by QuEra Computing Contributions Move to Phase Three of Wellcome Leap’s Quantum for Bio Challenge
(Quantum Insider – 14 May 2025) QuEra Computing is advancing two of the six final projects in Wellcome Leap’s Quantum for Bio Challenge, highlighting its growing role in applying quantum computing to healthcare and drug discovery. The projects—one led by the University of Nottingham with Phasecraft and another by Harvard and MIT—aim to accelerate drug discovery using quantum simulations for tasks like targeting myotonic dystrophy and enhancing ligand-protein binding predictions. The third and final phase of the program will involve implementing quantum algorithms on real quantum hardware, with up to $2 million in funding and a focus on demonstrating tangible health-related applications. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/14/two-projects-powered-by-quera-computing-contributions-move-to-phase-three-of-wellcome-leaps-quantum-for-bio-challenge/
SilQ Connect Raises Pre-Seed Round to Build Quantum Infrastructure
(Quantum Insider – 14 May 2025) SilQ Connect has raised pre-seed funding from Quantonation, Quantacet, and QV Studio to accelerate the development of modular, distributed quantum computing systems. The company is developing microwave-optical quantum interconnects to enable quantum computers to communicate at scale, solving a key infrastructure challenge in the field. The investment highlights growing momentum for enabling hardware solutions that support the transition of quantum computing from lab research to commercial deployment. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/14/silq-connect-raises-pre-seed-round-to-build-quantum-infrastructure/
Microsoft Research Examines New Way to Predict and Explain AI Model Performance
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) Microsoft researchers have developed a new AI evaluation method that aims to predict and explain model performance on unfamiliar tasks. ADeLe assesses 18 types of cognitive and knowledge-based abilities, creating detailed ability profiles that reveal strengths, weaknesses, and performance thresholds across large language models. The method achieved 88% accuracy in predicting task success for models like GPT-4o and LLaMA-3.1-405B and could serve as a tool for evaluating AI in policy, security, and multimodal systems. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/microsoft-research-examines-new-way-to-predict-and-explain-ai-model-performance/
Upscale AI Launches With $5.5M in Funding and Unveils ‘Upscale Studio’ — the First AI-Native Platform to Create and Run Performance TV Ads on Streaming Channels
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) Upscale AI launched with $5.5 million in seed and pre-seed funding to introduce Upscale Studio, an AI-native platform for creating, running, and optimizing performance TV ads across streaming services. The platform uses generative AI for video creation and machine learning for programmatic media buying, helping ecommerce brands turn traditional TV ads into scalable and measurable performance channels. Backed by investors like nvp capital, M12, and Eniac Ventures, Upscale AI is already being used by brands like Branch Furniture and Lalo to streamline ad production and improve ROI on streaming platforms. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/upscale-ai-launches-with-5-5m-in-funding-and-unveils-upscale-studio-the-first-ai-native-platform-to-create-and-run-performance-tv-ads-on-streaming-channels/
TensorStax Raises $5M to Build Deterministic AI Agents for Data Engineers
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) TensorStax raised $5 million in Seed funding led by Glasswing Ventures to accelerate product development and scale its AI agentic platform for automating complex data engineering tasks. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing data stacks, using proprietary deterministic AI agents and an LLM Compiler to ensure high accuracy and reliable orchestration of data pipelines. Early adopters are leveraging TensorStax for ETL/ELT pipeline building, data warehouse modeling, and pipeline monitoring, addressing the critical challenges of rigidity and precision in data engineering. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/tensorstax-raises-5m-to-build-deterministic-ai-agents-for-data-engineers/
Siemens Introduces Self-Operating AI Agents for Factory Automation at Automate 2025
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) At Automate 2025 in Detroit, Siemens announced a significant expansion of its industrial AI portfolio with the launch of autonomous AI agents designed to operate across its Industrial Copilot ecosystem. Unlike traditional AI assistants, these agents proactively execute entire industrial workflows, transforming automation by handling complex tasks independently while keeping users in control. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/siemens-introduces-self-operating-ai-agents-for-factory-automation-at-automate-2025/
AqlanX ottiene 10 milioni di dollari dalla sussidiaria di Lakeba DoxAI per guidare l’innovazione dell’intelligenza artificiale nelle aziende arabe
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) UAE-based AI company AqlanX has announced a $10 million investment from Lakeba Group through its venture DoxAI, accelerating its mission to develop Arabic-first enterprise automation solutions across the Middle East. Facilitated by the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, this investment supports AqlanX’s efforts to localize advanced AI technologies and enhance operational efficiency for regional enterprises. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/aqlanx-lands-10m-from-lakeba-subsidiary-doxai-to-lead-arabic-enterprise-ai-innovation/
Glass Imaging Announces $20M Funding Round To Expand AI Imaging Technologies
(AI Insider – 14 May 2025) Glass Imaging raised $20 million in Series A funding led by Insight Partners, with participation from GV, Future Ventures, and Abstract Ventures, to advance its AI-powered GlassAI imaging technology across devices like smartphones, drones, and wearables. GlassAI enhances digital image quality by correcting lens aberrations and sensor imperfections, delivering sharper, more detailed, and true-to-life images beyond traditional imaging pipelines. Founded by former Apple engineers, Glass Imaging aims to close the performance gap between compact cameras and professional systems, leveraging edge AI for high-fidelity image restoration. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/14/glass-imaging-announces-20m-funding-round-to-expand-ai-imaging-technologies/