Governance, Legislation, and Geostrategies
Cybersecurity Risk From Kaspersky to TikTok
(Daniel Sutherland, Jim Dempsey – Lawfare – 28 May 2025) In its final weeks, the Biden administration established a complex new regulatory structure that affects potentially every American company collecting personal information. The rule is aimed at limiting foreign access—particularly access by China—to Americans’ sensitive data. With the new administration placing almost all federal regulations under scrutiny, it seemed that this rule was a prime candidate for the shredder. Instead, on April 11, President Trump’s Justice Department declared the Biden-era rule a “critical national security program.”. Where did this rare respect for the prior administration’s work come from? What does it portend for future policy directions? Answers can be found in the now decade-long effort of the U.S. government to manage the cybersecurity and geopolitical risks posed by globalized supply chains for digital data, products, and services. This article examines three defining initiatives: the banning of products and services offered by the Russia-based cybersecurity company Kaspersky, the ongoing effort to rip and replace China-made switches from the U.S. telecommunications infrastructure, and the TikTok saga. This review of recent history shows, first, that the restrictions emerging in U.S. law are based on a broad consensus across both political parties. Second, the policies have found support in all three branches of government: the executive branch, Congress, and the courts. Third, there is a certain tension between approaches that would flatly prohibit a foreign company’s products or services in the U.S. versus those approaches that allow the product or service subject to conditions aimed at mitigating national security concerns. Fourth, while some actions with regard to particular high-profile companies seem to have been taken in isolation, frameworks and fora are beginning to emerge to address these questions in a systematic way. And fifth, as a result of these developments and their likely extension, companies have to develop sophisticated policies, programs, and tools to illuminate and risk-manage their supply chains. – https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/cybersecurity-risk-from-kaspersky-to-tiktok
ABCI-Q goes live as Japan ramps up quantum tech investment
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) Japan has officially launched the world’s most powerful supercomputer dedicated to quantum computing research. Known as ABCI-Q, the system is housed within the newly opened G-QuAT research centre in Tsukuba, operated by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). G-QuAT (Global Research and Development Centre for Business by Quantum-AI Technology) opened earlier this month with a mission to advance hybrid computing technologies that combine classical computing, such as AI, with quantum systems. Its work is structured around three main goals: developing use cases for hybrid computing, supporting the quantum technology supply chain, and enabling large-scale qubit integration. – https://dig.watch/updates/abci-q-goes-live-as-japan-ramps-up-quantum-tech-investment
Panama Installs First Quantum Computer to Advance Education and Regional Readiness
(Quantum Insider – 28 May 2025) Panama installed its first quantum computer, a SpinQ Gemini Mini Pro, through a collaboration between TR Consultores and SpinQ Technology. The two-qubit, NMR-based device is designed for education and training, enabling students and researchers to learn quantum programming and experiment with basic algorithms in a hands-on environment. TR Consultores hopes to integrate the system into leading educational institutions, promoting quantum literacy in fields such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and engineering. This initiative reflects a broader regional effort to build local expertise and infrastructure, positioning Panama to participate in the global quantum ecosystem through education, exposure, and future collaborations. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/28/panama-installs-first-quantum-computer-to-advance-education-and-regional-readiness/
UK leads crypto adoption growth in 2025
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) The United Kingdom has recorded the fastest growth in cryptocurrency adoption globally in 2025. The finding comes from a new report by Gemini, the crypto exchange based in the United States. The proportion of UK adults holding cryptocurrencies rose to 24% in April, up from 18% a year earlier, marking the sharpest year-on-year increase among the countries surveyed. – https://dig.watch/updates/uk-leads-crypto-adoption-growth-in-2025
The EU probes porn sites over DSA violations
(DigWatch – 28 May 2005) The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into four major pornographic websites—Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos—over concerns they may be violating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe centres on whether these platforms provide adequate protection for minors, notably regarding age verification. – https://dig.watch/updates/the-eu-probes-porn-sites-over-dsa-violations
Clegg says artist permission rule could harm UK AI sector
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has warned that requiring tech companies to seek artists’ permission before using their work to train AI could harm the country’s AI industry. Speaking at the Charleston Festival in East Sussex, he called the idea ‘implausible’ given the vast data requirements of AI systems and claimed such a rule could ‘kill the AI industry in this country overnight’ if applied only in the UK. – https://dig.watch/updates/clegg-says-artist-permission-rule-could-harm-uk-ai-sector
EU extends cybersecurity deadline for wireless devices
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) The European Commission has extended the deadline for mandatory cybersecurity requirements targeting wireless and connected devices sold within the EU. Under the Delegated Act (2022/30) of the Radio Equipment Directive, manufacturers must embed robust security features to guard against risks such as unauthorised access and data breaches. The rules will now take effect from 1 August 2025. A broad range of products will be affected, including mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and telecommunications devices using radio signals. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-extends-cybersecurity-deadline-for-wireless-devices
Bookshelf: Preserving the US technological republic
(John West – The Strategist – 28 May 2025) Alexander Karp and Nicholas Zamiska make a strong case for strengthening the United States’ standing in the tech world. In their recent book—The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West—they argue that: The United States since its founding has always been a technological republic, one whose place in the world has been made possible and advanced by its capacity for innovation. But our present advantage cannot be taken for granted. – https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/bookshelf-preserving-the-us-technological-republic/
AI in healthcare: balancing innovation with human rights
(Council of Europe – 21 May 2025) More than 400 representatives from ministries, health professionals, experts, patient associations and international organisations gathered in Helsinki to discuss the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector and its implications for human rights. Organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of Finland and the Council of Europe, the event aimed at exploring AI’s impact on the therapeutic relationship between patients and doctors. – https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/ai-in-healthcare-balancing-innovation-with-human-rights
Security
EMSA given broader powers for digital maritime threats
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is set to take on an expanded role in maritime security, following a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the Council. Instead of focusing solely on traditional safety tasks, EMSA will now help tackle modern challenges, including cyber attacks and hybrid threats that increasingly target critical maritime infrastructure across Europe. The updated mandate enables EMSA to support EU member states and the European Commission with technical, operational and scientific assistance in areas such as cybersecurity, pollution response, maritime surveillance and decarbonisation. – https://dig.watch/updates/emsa-given-broader-powers-for-digital-maritime-threats
Uncensored AI models pose an urgent risk to global security
(Tom Saxton – The Strategist – 28 May 2025) The global AI race is rapidly accelerating, with states and corporations investing billions into AI for commercial, strategic and defence purposes. But a byproduct of this race is the proliferation of uncensored AI models, which pose a potent security threat. These models, often derived from open-source large language models, lack the safety filters of mainstream tools such as ChatGPT. The result is a system that will respond to virtually any prompt without hesitation or ethical restraint. Need a tutorial on writing malware? Curious how to make explosives, weapons or drugs? An uncensored model will likely provide detailed instructions. – https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/uncensored-ai-models-pose-an-urgent-risk-to-global-security/
Vietnam orders ban on Telegram messaging app over security concerns
(Daryna Antoniuk – The Record – 27 May 2025) Vietnam has ordered local telecommunications providers to block access to the popular messaging platform Telegram, citing national security concerns and the company’s alleged failure to comply with local laws. The technology ministry reportedly said Telegram had not cooperated with Vietnamese authorities in addressing criminal activity on the app, including fraud and drug trafficking. Telecoms have been instructed to implement the ban and report back by June 2. – https://therecord.media/vietnam-orders-telegram-messaging-ban
Defense, Intelligence, and Warfare
U.S.-Allied Militaries Must Prepare for the Quantum Threat to Cryptography
(Edward Parker – Just Security – 28 May 2025) Quantum computers could eventually pose huge risks to the security of encrypted information, including national security information. There are two possible countermeasures to this threat. The U.S. government has clearly stated which one it plans to pursue, but not all U.S.-allied governments have articulated a clear position. Allied governments, especially militaries, should clarify their strategy for responding to this threat in order to ensure the future interoperability of communications that are secure against quantum attacks. – https://www.justsecurity.org/113733/quantum-computing-crytopography/
India Opens New Quantum Research Center to Boost Defense Capabilities
(Quantum Insider – 28 May 2025) India’s DRDO has officially opened a new Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in Delhi to advance indigenous quantum capabilities for defense and strategic applications. The facility features experimental setups for quantum key distribution, atomic clocks, magnetometers, and secure photonic systems, led by DRDO labs SSPL and SAG. QTRC supports the National Quantum Mission and aims to develop sovereign technologies for secure communication, sensing, and post-quantum cryptography. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/28/india-opens-new-quantum-research-center-to-boost-defense-capabilities/
Frontiers
Quandela and BTQ Partner to Test Quantum-Secure, Energy-Efficient Blockchain Protocol
(Quantum Insider – 28 May 2025) BTQ and Quandela have signed an MOU to explore the use of photonic quantum computing for BTQ’s Quantum Sampling Proof-of-Work (QSPoW), a quantum-secure, energy-efficient alternative to Bitcoin’s traditional mining model. The collaboration will test Quandela’s real and simulated boson-sampling data to evaluate QSPoW performance and its potential to reduce energy consumption and resist quantum attacks. If benchmarks are met, the companies will explore commercialization, including the integration of Quandela’s Belenos quantum processor into future quantum-secure blockchain systems. The initiative addresses growing quantum threats to digital assets and positions QSPoW as a next-generation solution for securing decentralized networks like Bitcoin. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/28/quandela-and-btq-partner-to-test-quantum-secure-energy-efficient-blockchain-protocol/
Study: Quantum Random Number Generator Almost 1000 Times Faster Than Other Approaches
(Quantum Insider – 28 May 2025) Researchers from KAUST and KACST have developed the fastest quantum random number generator (QRNG) to date, offering a significant advancement for data security applications. The device uses micro-LEDs and quantum principles to generate truly unpredictable numbers, passing international benchmarks set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The compact, energy-efficient QRNG has potential uses in critical sectors like finance, defense and healthcare, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for technological leadership. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/28/study-quantum-random-number-generator-almost-1000-times-faster-than-other-approaches/
Quantum magic turns noisy lasers into ultra-stable beams defying physics
(Interesting Engineering – 28 May 2025) Scientists have found a new method to convert fluctuating lasers into stable beams, defying classical laws of physics. This discovery has opened new opportunities to explore photonic technologies that rely on both high power and precision. Lasers are regarded essential tools in science, industry, and medicine, however, increasing their power often results into noise. This causes unexpected fluctuations that often disrupt applications that require stable and consistent light. Researchers from Cornell and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have identified how noisy lasers can be converted into stable beams by using optical and filters. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/noisy-lasers-into-pure-quantum-light
Opera unveils AI-first Neon browser
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) Opera has unveiled a new AI-powered web browser called Neon, describing it as an ‘agentic browser’ designed to carry out internet tasks on the user’s behalf. Unlike traditional browsers, Neon offers contextual awareness and cloud-based AI agents that can research, design, and build content automatically. Although Opera introduced a browser called Neon in 2017 that failed to gain traction, the company is giving the name a second chance, now with a more ambitious AI focus. According to Opera’s Henrik Lexow, the rise of AI marks a fundamental shift in how users interact with the web. – https://dig.watch/updates/opera-unveils-ai-first-neon-browser
AI Mode reshapes Google’s search results
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) One year after launching AI-generated search results via AI Overviews, Google has unveiled AI Mode—a new feature it claims will redefine online search. Functioning as an integrated chatbot, AI Mode allows users to ask complex questions, receive detailed responses, and continue with follow-up queries, eliminating the need to click through traditional links. Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai described it as a ‘total reimagining of search,’ noting significant changes in user behaviour during early trials. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-mode-reshapes-googles-search-results
Mistral AI unveils powerful API for autonomous agents
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) French AI startup Mistral AI has stepped into the agentic AI arena by launching a new Agents API. The move puts it in direct competition with leading players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, all of whom are racing to develop autonomous AI agents capable of handling multistep tasks with minimal oversight. The API provides developers with tools to build intelligent agents powered by Mistral’s language models. These agents can perform advanced tasks such as interpreting Python code, conducting web searches, generating images, and retrieving information from uploaded documents. – https://dig.watch/updates/mistral-ai-unveils-powerful-api-for-autonomous-agents
Decentralised AI could outgrow Bitcoin
(DigWatch – 28 May 2025) Early blockchain adopters are now focusing on decentralised AI, with ecosystems like Bittensor (TAO) leading the way. These platforms allow ideas to gain support and funding from the community without relying on traditional venture capital. Chris Miglino, CEO of DNA Fund, highlighted the firm’s AI compute fund, which has invested around $50 million in Bittensor’s ecosystem. The network’s unique subnets create specialised marketplaces for AI applications, attracting developers and miners alike. – https://dig.watch/updates/decentralised-ai-could-outgrow-bitcoin