Governance, Legislation, and Geostrategies
Trump’s Gulf AI gambit to reshape the Middle East tech landscape
(Nadeem Ahmed Moonakal, Megha Shrivastava – The Interpreter – 27 May 2025) While the world watched Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to the Middle East alongside Silicon Valley’s biggest names, only a few would have anticipated that one of the most consequential tech deals would emerge – positioning the Gulf states as a new epicenter for AI. The US President’s trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE culminated with two-way investments worth billions of dollars. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional AI leader by developing Arabic-language models to capture the underserved Middle Eastern market, while its National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) aims to transform the kingdom into a global AI powerhouse by 2030 through targeted investments, regulatory reforms, and large-scale talent development. – https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/trump-s-gulf-ai-gambit-reshape-middle-east-tech-landscape
Nordic Countries Align on Quantum Strategy, Signals Rise in Regional Tech Cooperation
(Quantum Computing – 27 May 2025) The Nordic countries have issued a joint declaration to coordinate quantum technology development, focusing on regional integration across education, funding, regulation, infrastructure, security, and commercialization. They plan to align national R&D programs and funding mechanisms, explore joint initiatives, and lean on EU resources to reduce fragmentation and accelerate innovation. The strategy emphasizes talent development and regulatory alignment, proposing cross-border training programs and ethical frameworks to guide secure and responsible quantum deployment. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/27/nordic-countries-align-on-quantum-strategy-signals-rise-in-regional-tech-cooperation/
EU workshop gathers support and scrutiny for the DSA
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) A packed conference centre in Brussels hosted over 200 stakeholders on 7 May 2025, as the European Commission held a workshop on the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA). The pioneering law aims to protect users online by obliging tech giants—labelled as Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines (VLOPSEs)—to assess and mitigate systemic risks their services might pose to society at least once a year, instead of waiting for harmful outcomes to trigger regulation. Rather than focusing on banning content, the DSA encourages platforms to improve internal safeguards and transparency. It was designed to protect democratic discourse from evolving online threats like disinformation without compromising freedom of expression. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-workshop-gathers-support-and-scrutiny-for-the-dsa
AI regulation fight heats up over US federal moratorium
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) The US House of Representatives has passed a budget bill containing a 10-year moratorium on the enforcement of state-level artificial intelligence laws. With broad bipartisan concern already surfacing, the Senate faces mounting pressure to revise or scrap the provision entirely. While the provision claims to exclude generally applicable legislation, experts warn its vague language could override a wide array of consumer protections and privacy rules in the US. The moratorium’s scope, targeting AI-specific regulations, has triggered alarm among concerned groups. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-regulation-fight-heats-up-over-us-federal-moratorium
Nordic shift to cash sparks crypto debate
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) Sweden and Norway are urging citizens to keep using cash amid rising fears of cyberattacks and geopolitical instability. Once global leaders in cashless transactions, both countries are now rethinking their heavy reliance on digital payments. The move comes as concerns grow over potential network failures and the need for resilient offline alternatives. – https://dig.watch/updates/nordic-shift-to-cash-sparks-crypto-debate
ACAI and Universal AI University partner to boost AI innovation in Qatar
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) The Arab Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ACAI) and India’s Universal AI University (UAI) have partnered through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the advancement of AI across Qatar and the broader region. That collaboration aims to enhance education, research, and innovation in AI and emerging technologies. – https://dig.watch/updates/acai-and-universal-ai-university-partner-to-boost-ai-innovation-in-qatar
German court allows Meta to use Facebook and Instagram data
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) A German court has ruled in favour of Meta, allowing the tech company to use data from Facebook and Instagram to train AI systems. A Cologne court ruled Meta had not breached the EU law and deemed its AI development a legitimate interest. According to the court, Meta is permitted to process public user data without explicit consent. Judges argued that training AI systems could not be achieved by other equally effective and less intrusive methods. – https://dig.watch/updates/german-court-allows-meta-to-use-facebook-and-instagram-data
Bangkok teams up with Google to tackle traffic with AI
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) City officials announced on Monday that Bangkok has joined forces with Google in a new effort to ease its chronic traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. The initiative will rely on Google’s AI and significant data capabilities to optimise traffic signals’ response to real-time driving patterns. – https://dig.watch/updates/bangkok-teams-up-with-google-to-tackle-traffic-with-ai
Malaysia and Singapore unite for digital trade connectivity
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG) of Malaysia and Singapore Trade Data Exchange Services (SGTraDex) have partnered to enhance digital trade connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. The strategic collaboration aims to develop interoperable digital platforms that enable seamless, secure, and paperless exchange of trade-related data across borders. – https://dig.watch/updates/malaysia-and-singapore-unite-for-digital-trade-connectivity
New Study Suggests Student AI Use More Ethical Than Public Perception
(AI Insider – 27 May 2025) A study from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus finds that undergraduate students are using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to support learning and save time, not primarily to bypass academic work. Surveying nearly 400 students across three courses that permitted GenAI use under a common policy, researchers found that only one-third used AI, and most cited motivations like increased efficiency, higher grades, and improved learning, with minimal use for full assignment completion. The findings challenge assumptions of widespread misuse, but also highlight equity concerns due to cost barriers for premium tools, suggesting institutions adopt inclusive policies that promote responsible AI integration in education. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/27/new-study-suggests-student-ai-use-more-ethical-than-public-perception/
Trump’s Historic Visit: The UAE Doubles Down on Technological Cooperation with the US
(Ebtesam AlKetbi – Emirates Policy Center – 26 May 2025) Trump’s Gulf tour marked a qualitative leap in UAE-US ties at both trade and strategic geopolitical levels. The visit highlighted growing mutual trust between the two countries in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and cybersecurity. The US-UAE agreement to build a massive five- gigawatt data center complex in Abu Dhabi to advance AI capabilities is a fundamental pillar for a historic partnership in the Middle East. This initiative represents the largest data center deployment outside the US. The evolution of UAE-US ties – driven by the outcomes of Trump’s historic visit – reflects a shift from traditional energy-based ties into a dynamic partnership that focuses on technology and innovation. – https://epc.ae/en/details/brief/trump-s-historic-visit-the-uae-doubles-down-on-technological-cooperation-with-the-us
Defense, Intelligence, and Warfare
Killing drones softly
(Lauren C. Williams – Defense One – 27 May 2025) As concerns about homeland drone attacks persist, the Pentagon is looking for ways to combat everything from nuisance hobbyists to adversarial drone activity—including options that don’t include shooting them down. To that end, the Army is funding a new research center at Virginia Tech to test the limits and develop training for non-kinetic counterdrone technologies. “Kinetic is the old way. It’s the right way for many applications and systems when you need to guarantee immediate death. It’s part of a layered defense system, but non-kinetic offers a ton of benefits,” said Austin Phoenix, the director of Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute’s Mission Systems Division. “The ability to hack or take over or basically trick a [unmanned aerial system] into landing safely is always going to be the preferred operation for both DOD and local law enforcement to ensure that no one is going no one is going to be put at undue risk from that event.” – https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/05/killing-drones-softly/405588/?oref=d1-homepage-river
French Navy tests unmanned beach assault, expands drone tactics
(Rudy Ruitenberg – Defense News – 27 May 2025) The French Navy is stepping up drone use in the air and in the water, relying almost entirely on unmanned systems to recapture a beach in southern France in an amphibious operation during an exercise in March, according to the commander of the force. In the exercise to retake a stretch of shore in the Bay of Hyères on France’s Mediterranean coast, the Navy used aerial drones and underwater gliders for maritime surveillance, drones to assault enemies targeting the beach, and to counterattack hostile drones, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Nicolas Vaujour told a parliamentary hearing last week. – https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/05/27/french-navy-tests-unmanned-beach-assault-expands-drone-tactics/
U.S. Defense Intelligence Flags Rivals’ Growing Military Use of Quantum Tech
(Quantum Insider – 27 May 2025) The 2025 DIA threat assessment warns that quantum technologies are nearing operational military use, with rival nations investing in sensing, secure communications, and computing to challenge U.S. strategic advantages. Quantum sensors and communications are progressing faster than computing, with China and Russia expanding city-scale quantum networks and developing detection tools that could bypass traditional stealth and GPS systems. These advances are part of a broader convergence with AI, electronic warfare, and microelectronics, raising the risk of technological surprise and prompting the DIA to recommend integrating quantum readiness into U.S. defense planning. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/27/u-s-defense-intelligence-flags-rivals-growing-military-use-of-quantum-tech/
20-foot flying ‘container’ robot drone could become future helicopter, cut costs by 90%
(Interesting Engineering – 27 May 2025) Lithuanian start-up Airvolve is working on a next-generation aircraft that could replace traditional helicopters in military missions. Aviation International News (AIN) recently reported that the company’s Airlift design is a hybrid-electric aircraft meant to carry cargo, evacuate casualties, and operate in hostile environments at a fraction of the cost of existing rotorcraft. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/20-foot-air-robot-slashes-helicopter
UK’s Royal Navy to use AI for ‘hostile’ threats, including Russian movements in Arctic
(Interesting Engineering – 27 May 2025) Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine show no signs of slowing down any time soon. The UK has now gone on alert regarding the Russians’ hostile activities in Arctic, posing a threat to the former and other European nations in the region. According to reports, the UK is now considering use of AI to detect Russia’s hostile activities in the Arctic. Furthermore, they are also focusing on strengthening ties with neighboring nations like Iceland so as to fight the Russians collectively. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/uk-russia-ai-arctic-water
Frontiers
AIST and Quantum Delta NL Sign MoU to Advance Social Implementation of Quantum Technology
(Quantum Insider – 27 May 2025) AIST and Quantum Delta NL signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration on the societal implementation of quantum technologies, focusing on joint research, talent exchange, and ecosystem development across Japan and the Netherlands. The partnership includes field lab development, researcher mobility, and co-hosted events to accelerate industrial applications and align institutional efforts around quantum deployment. This agreement reflects a broader move toward coordinated international capacity-building, as countries focus less on isolated research and more on infrastructure, standards, and scalable implementation. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/27/aist-and-quantum-delta-nl-sign-mou-to-advance-social-implementation-of-quantum-technology/
IonQ and KISTI Partner on Quantum-HPC Integration and Workforce Development in South Korea
(Quantum Insider – 27 May 2025) IonQ and KISTI signed an MoU to advance quantum computing in South Korea, focusing on infrastructure integration, education, talent development, and expanding market opportunities. The partnership includes plans to integrate IonQ’s quantum systems with KISTI’s HPC infrastructure, creating a hybrid computing environment to support research. IonQ and KISTI will collaborate on talent upskilling, launching internships and training programs to grow South Korea’s quantum workforce. This agreement aligns with the South Korea’s 2035 quantum strategy and building on existing partnerships with government, academia, and industry. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/27/ionq-and-kisti-partner-on-quantum-hpc-integration-and-workforce-development-in-south-korea/
Q1 2025 Quantum Technology Investment: What’s Driving the Surge in Quantum Investment?
(Quantum Insider – 27 May 2025) Investment in quantum computing surged in Q1 2025, with over $1.25 billion raised—more than double the previous year—signaling a shift from research to commercial readiness. Quantum computer companies received more than 70% of all quantum-related funding, with major rounds going to IonQ, QuEra, and Quantum Machines, reflecting investor confidence in scalable architectures and enterprise deployment. The surge is driven by improved technology maturity, rising enterprise interest, and geopolitical urgency, with implications for hiring, market consolidation, and stronger public-private partnerships across the ecosystem. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/27/q1-2025-quantum-technology-investment-whats-driving-the-surge-in-quantum-investment/
SeqOne Receives €20M to Expand AI-Driven Genomic Analysis for Oncology and Rare Diseases
(AI Insider – 27 May 2025) Montpellier-based SeqOne, a deeptech company specializing in AI-powered genomic analysis, has announced a €20 million oversubscribed growth funding round led by Supernova Invest, with continued backing from Elaia, Omnes, and Mérieux Equity Partners. The new capital will support SeqOne’s international expansion, U.S. market entry, and platform development as demand for automated, scalable NGS data interpretation accelerates. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/27/seqone-receives-e20m-to-expand-ai-driven-genomic-analysis-for-oncology-and-rare-diseases/
China allegedly making its own supercomputer chips to cut dependence on US tech
(Interesting Engineering – 27 May 2025) Supercomputers have been a powerful tool ever since their birth in the 1960s. Today, almost every nation has advanced supercomputing facilities and systems capable of solving the most complex of tasks. Chinese semiconductor manufacturer Hygon and supercomputer builder Sugon have announced the creation of a vertically integrated computing giant capable of building high-performance systems entirely with domestic technology. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-supercomputing-us-tech-cpu
Lufthansa Cargo speeds up bookings with AI
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) Lufthansa Cargo has introduced a new AI-driven system to speed up how it processes booking requests. By combining AI with robotic process automation, the airline can now automatically extract booking details from unstructured customer emails and input them directly into its system, removing the need for manual entry. Customers then receive immediate, fully automated booking confirmations instead of waiting for manual processing. – https://dig.watch/updates/lufthansa-cargo-speeds-up-bookings-with-ai
Quantum computers might break Bitcoin security faster than thought
(DigWatch – 27 May 2025) Google researchers have revealed that breaking RSA encryption—the technology securing crypto wallets—requires far fewer quantum resources than previously thought. The team found cracking 2048-bit RSA could take under a week using fewer than a million noisy qubits, 20 times less than previously estimated. Currently, quantum computers like IBM’s Condor and Google’s Sycamore operate with far fewer qubits, so crypto assets remain safe for now. The significance lies in the rapid pace of improvement in quantum computing capabilities, which calls for increased vigilance. – https://dig.watch/updates/quantum-computers-might-break-bitcoin-security-faster-than-thought
Deepfake Dangers & Google Veo: What Parents Need to Know
(Smart Social – 23 May 2025) In today’s fast-moving digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is not just shaping our future—it’s transforming our present. At the forefront of this change is Google’s latest innovation, Veo 3, a groundbreaking tool capable of generating hyper-realistic videos from simple text or image prompts. But with this leap forward comes a serious challenge: the rise of deepfakes. These AI-generated videos and audio clips can mimic real people with astonishing accuracy, raising critical concerns about truth, trust, and the safety of our children online. – https://www.smartsocial.com/post/deepfake-dangers-google-veo