Governance and Legislation

The U.K.-U.S. Data Access Agreement

(Robert Deedman, Kenneth Propp – Lawfare – 20 June 2025) After more than two years in operation, the initial results are in: The U.K.-U.S. Data Access Agreement (an “e-evidence agreement” enabled by the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data, or CLOUD, Act) has proved a game-changer. It is quietly serving its purpose, enabling evidence collection, easing conflicts of law over evidence-gathering methods, and offering a promising precedent for other U.S. agreements under negotiation, including with the European Union. As anticipated, however, the U.K. is utilizing the agreement much more than the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice has expressed muted disappointment—which some British observers consider unjustified—with aspects of U.K. implementation. Meanwhile, controversy erupted at a June 5 House Judiciary subcommittee hearing over an alleged U.K. technical capability notice (TCN) directed at Apple, which purportedly compels the company to be capable of producing data in the clear, that is, a “data decryption order.” This has raised fears that CLOUD Act agreements, which enable the production of data, don’t go far enough in protecting U.S. cybersecurity or privacy interests. The Justice Department may feel compelled, pursuant to the e-evidence agreement, to request that the U.K. government withdraw the alleged order to Apple and refrain from making similar requests to other U.S. providers. Such a step would underscore the U.S.’s determination to maintain influence in matters that might undermine the security of global technology. – https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-u.k.-u.s.-data-access-agreement

EU AI Act challenges 68% of European businesses, AWS report finds

(DigWatch – 20 June 2025) As AI becomes integral to digital transformation, European businesses struggle to adapt to new regulations like the EU AI Act. A report commissioned by AWS and Strand Partners revealed that 68% of surveyed companies find the EU AI Act difficult to interpret, with compliance absorbing around 40% of IT budgets. Businesses unsure of regulatory obligations are expected to invest nearly 30% less in AI over the coming year, risking a slowdown in innovation across the continent. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-ai-act-challenges-68-of-european-businesses-aws-report-finds

Pope Leo XIV Pledges Vatican Campaign on AI Risks, Urges Global Treaty

(AI Insider – 19 June 2025) Pope Leo XIV announced an initiative to confront threats posed by artificial intelligence, positioning the issue as the defining challenge of his pontificate. Addressing cardinals, he reportedly said the Church will draw on “two millennia of social teaching to respond to another industrial revolution and to innovations in AI that challenge human dignity, justice and labor.” – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/06/19/pope-leo-xiv-pledges-vatican-campaign-on-ai-risks-urges-global-treaty/

Can Copyright Survive AI?

(Laura González Salmerón – AI Frontiers – 19 June 2025) Since 2020, there have been nearly 40 copyright lawsuits filed against AI companies in the US. In this intensifying battle over AI-generated content, creators, AI companies, and policymakers are each pushing competing narratives. These arguments, however, tend to get so impassioned that they obscure three crucial questions that should be addressed separately — yet they rarely are. First, how does existing copyright law apply to AI? Most existing statutes do not explicitly mention AI. Some legal experts, however, argue that courts can adapt traditional frameworks through judicial interpretation. Others contend that copyright’s human-centered assumptions make such adaptation impossible. Second, where current law proves inadequate, how should the original purpose of copyright law guide new solutions? Copyright was conceived by the Founders to “promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts,” by providing creators with limited monopolies over their work. In the AI era, multiple stakeholders have legitimate claims: creators whose works train AI systems, developers building AI technology, and the general public, who benefit from progress (both AI- and human-driven). Third, how should broader societal concerns, like maintaining American technological competitiveness or mitigating labor-market disruption, influence our approach to copyright in the AI era, despite being tangential to copyright’s original purpose? – https://aifrontiersmedia.substack.com/p/can-copyright-survive-ai

G7 Leaders Issue Outline for AI with Emphasis on Energy, Small Businesses, and Government Services

(AI Insider – 18 June 2025) G7 leaders issued a joint statement at the 2025 Summit in Kananaskis pledging to accelerate AI adoption in government services and small businesses while addressing risks to energy systems and economic inequality. The plan includes a Canada-led GovAI Grand Challenge, a G7 AI Network for public-sector collaboration, and an AI Adoption Roadmap aimed at helping SMEs access tools, infrastructure, and talent. Recognizing global disparities, the G7 committed to sharing AI capabilities with developing countries and advancing responsible AI standards through voluntary partnerships and regulatory coordination under the Hiroshima AI Process. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/06/18/g7-leaders-issue-outline-for-ai-with-emphasis-on-energy-small-businesses-and-government-services/

Developing Countries’ Business Participation in the AI Economy

(Douglas Lippoldt – CIGI – 18 June 2025) How are start-up businesses in middle-income developing countries participating in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) economy? Are some developing country AI start-ups able to tap into the AI ecosystems of leading economies in Group of Seven (G7) countries? What is the domestic policy context, and how can conditions be improved? Are there signs of South-South AI ecosystem development? This case study takes stock of the development of AI start-ups engaged with G7 investors and investors from across 10 middle-income developing countries. It considers the emerging investment AI ecosystems in these countries, which are located across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. – https://www.cigionline.org/publications/developing-countries-business-participation-in-the-ai-economy/

Breaking down the OEWG’s legacy: Hits, misses, and unfinished business

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) As the OEWG 2019–2025 process nears its conclusion, we spoke with cybersecurity experts to reflect on its impact and look ahead. Their insights address four key questions: (1) the OEWG’s most substantive contributions and shortcomings in global ICT security; (2) priorities for future dialogues on responsible state behavior in cyberspace; (3) the feasibility of consensus on a permanent multilateral mechanism; and (4) the potential relevance of such a mechanism in today’s divisive geopolitical climate. Their perspectives shed light on what the OEWG has achieved—and the challenges still facing international cyber governance. – https://dig.watch/updates/breaking-down-the-oewgs-legacy-hits-misses-and-unfinished-business

Trust in digital identity is under attack — here’s how to protect it

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) In the digital age, trust has become the foundation of how people access services, verify identity and interact with society. Yet rising cyber threats are putting that trust at risk. France’s data watchdog recently reported a 20 percent rise in personal data breaches in 2024, affecting over a million citizens—evidence that cyber resilience must come first when shaping our digital identity systems. Rather than relying on reactive fixes, digital identity must be secure by design, from biometric authentication to data storage. Identity is now the key to everything from payments to healthcare, making it both a gateway and a target for cyberattacks. – https://dig.watch/updates/trust-in-digital-identity-is-under-attack-heres-how-to-protect-it

Plumbing still safe as AI replaces office jobs, says AI pioneer

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) Nobel Prize-winning scientist Geoffrey Hinton, often called the ‘Godfather of AI,’ has warned that many intellectual jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI—while manual trades like plumbing may remain safe for years to come. Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, Hinton predicted that AI will eventually surpass human capabilities across most fields, but said it will take far longer to master physical skills. ‘A good bet would be to be a plumber,’ he noted, citing the complexity of physical manipulation as a barrier for AI. – https://dig.watch/updates/plumbing-still-safe-as-ai-replaces-office-jobs-says-ai-pioneer

Deepfake technology fuels new harassment risks

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) A growing threat of AI-generated media is reshaping workplace harassment, with deepfakes used to impersonate colleagues and circulate fabricated explicit content in the US. Recent studies found that almost all deepfakes were sexually explicit by 2023, often targeting women. Organisations risk liability under existing laws if deepfake incidents create hostile work environments. New legislation like the TAKE IT DOWN Act and Florida’s Brooke’s Law now mandates rapid removal of non-consensual intimate imagery. – https://dig.watch/updates/deepfake-technology-fuels-new-harassment-risks

OpenAI considers antitrust action against Microsoft over AI hosting control

(DigWatch – 17 June 2025) OpenAI reportedly tries to reduce Microsoft’s exclusive control over hosting its AI models, signalling growing friction between the two companies. According to the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI leadership has considered filing an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, alleging anti-competitive behaviour in their ongoing collaboration. The move could trigger federal regulatory scrutiny. The tension comes amid ongoing talks over OpenAI’s corporate restructuring. A report by The Information suggests that OpenAI is negotiating to grant Microsoft a 33% stake in its reorganized for-profit unit. In exchange, Microsoft would give up rights to future profits. – https://dig.watch/updates/openai-considers-antitrust-action-against-microsoft-over-ai-hosting-control

EU strikes deal to streamline cross-border GDPR enforcement

(DigWatch – 17 June 2025) The EU Council and European Parliament have reached a political agreement to strengthen cross-border enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The new regulation, once adopted, will simplify and speed up how national data protection authorities cooperate on cases involving data processing across EU borders. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-strikes-deal-to-streamline-cross-border-gdpr-enforcement

ChatGPT and generative AI have polluted the internet — and may have broken themselves

(DigWatch – 17 June 2025) The explosion of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has flooded the internet with low-quality, AI-generated content, making it harder for future models to learn from authentic human knowledge. As AI continues to train on increasingly polluted data, a loop forms in which AI imitates already machine-made content, leading to a steady drop in originality and usefulness. The worrying trend is referred to as ‘model collapse’. – https://dig.watch/updates/chatgpt-and-generative-ai-have-polluted-the-internet-and-may-have-broken-themselves

Nvidia’s sovereign AI vision gains EU support

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s call for ‘sovereign AI’ is gaining traction among European leaders who want more control over their data and digital future. He argues that nations must develop AI rooted in their own language, culture and infrastructure. During a recent European tour, Huang unveiled major partnerships and investments European cities, citing the region’s over-reliance on US tech firms. European officials echoed his concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supporting national AI initiatives. – https://dig.watch/updates/nvidias-sovereign-ai-vision-gains-eu-support

Beijing Accelerates State-Led AI Mobilization Under Xi’s ‘New National System’

(Matthew Johnson – The Jamestown Foundation – 16 June 2025) Beijing is moving to systematically embed artificial intelligence into its national innovation system, according to a high-level leadership meeting of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in early June. This marks the beginning of a new phase in which AI development is treated as a system-wide strategic imperative. The Party now frames AI as a strategic national project, meaning quasi-private actors must align with state priorities to secure support. This is enhanced by new legislation, such as the Private Economy Promotion Law, and policy documents, such as the Intellectual Property Nation-Building Promotion Plan, which impose quasi-public obligations on firms and institutionalize state integration. MIIT outlined priorities including infrastructure upgrades, advancement of the AI technology stack, accelerated deployment of large models, establishment of technical standards and governance frameworks, and construction of integrated systems to drive AI development and innovation. These efforts blur boundaries across sectors and institutions, complicating the logic of targeted export controls as nearly any component may serve broader state-directed goals. – https://jamestown.org/program/beijing-accelerates-state-led-ai-mobilization-under-xis-new-national-system/

How Xi’s ‘New National System’ Centralizes Innovation to Counter Tech Containment

(Matthew Johnson – The Jamestown Foundation – 16 June 2025) Since 2019, the Party has promoted the construction of a “new national system”—a centrally directed, institutionalized framework for mobilizing state and market resources to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies vital to national power and security. Beijing sees this system as already delivering results by tightly integrating planning, technical expertise, and real-world application to overcome complex strategic challenges. Under this model, the central government coordinates top-level missions through Party-led ministries, directing state-owned enterprises, elite research universities, national laboratories, military-affiliated institutes, and emerging tech champions to execute targeted objectives. These efforts are reinforced by “social resources”—a category that includes private firms, local governments, policy banks, and even venture capital platforms—brought into alignment through political incentives and institutional design. The system’s performance will shape not only the PRC’s technological trajectory, but also the evolving global balance of innovation and industrial power. – https://theglobaleye.it/how-xis-new-national-system-centralizes-innovation-to-counter-tech-containment-matthew-johnson-the-jamestown-foundation/

Armenia plans major AI hub with NVIDIA and Firebird

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) Armenia has unveiled plans to develop a $500mn AI supercomputing hub in partnership with US tech leader NVIDIA, AI cloud firm Firebird, and local telecoms group Team. Announced at the Viva Technology conference in Paris, the initiative marks the largest tech investment ever seen in the South Caucasus. Due to open in 2026, the facility will house thousands of NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs and offer more than 100 megawatts of scalable computing power. Designed to advance AI research, training and entrepreneurship, the hub aims to position Armenia as a leading player in global AI development. – https://dig.watch/updates/armenia-plans-major-ai-hub-with-nvidia-and-firebird

Avoiding an AI Arms Race with Assurance Technologies

(AI Frontiers – 16 June 2025) As AI’s transformative potential and national security significance grow, so has the incentive for countries to develop AI capabilities that outcompete their adversaries. Leaders in both the US and Chinese governments have indicated that they see their countries in an arms race to harness the economic and strategic advantages of powerful AI. Yet as the benefits of AI come thick and fast, so might its risks. In a 2024 Science article, a broad coalition of experts from academia and industry raised the alarm about the serious threats that advanced AI may soon pose — such as AI misuse or loss of control events leading to large-scale cyber, nuclear, or biological calamities. Because these risks wouldn’t be constrained by geography, it is in everyone’s interests to mitigate them, hence calls by scientists from multiple countries for international efforts to regulate AI. However, an international AI development deal will only succeed if all parties — including rival nations — can ascertain that their counterparts are upholding their commitments. – https://aifrontiersmedia.substack.com/p/avoiding-an-ai-arms-race-with-assurance

Switzerland’s unique AI path: Blending innovation, governance, and local empowerment

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) In his recent blog post ‘Advancing Swiss AI Trinity: Zurich’s entrepreneurship, Geneva’s governance, and Communal subsidiarity,’ Jovan Kurbalija proposes a distinctive roadmap for Switzerland to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. Rather than mimicking the AI power plays of the United States or China, Kurbalija argues that Switzerland can lead by integrating three national strengths: Zurich’s thriving innovation ecosystem, Geneva’s global leadership in governance, and the country’s foundational principle of subsidiarity rooted in local decision-making. – https://dig.watch/updates/switzerlands-unique-ai-path-blending-innovation-governance-and-local-empowerment

Vietnam legalises crypto under new digital technology law

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) Vietnam has officially legalised crypto assets as part of a landmark digital technology law passed by the National Assembly on 14 June. Set to take effect on 1 January 2026, the law creates a regulatory framework classifying digital assets as virtual or crypto assets. – https://dig.watch/updates/vietnam-legalises-crypto-under-new-digital-technology-law

Indonesia’s cyber strategy balances power and capacity

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) Indonesia has taken a major step in decentralising its cybersecurity efforts by launching eight regional Cyber Crime Directorates across provinces, including Jakarta, West Java, East Java, and Papua. That marks a significant shift from a centralised system to one that recognises the localised nature of cyber threats, from financial fraud and data breaches to online disinformation. The move reflects a growing awareness that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a broader governance challenge involving law enforcement at multiple levels. The rationale behind the decentralisation is clear: bringing cyber governance closer to where threats emerge allows for quicker responses and better local engagement. – https://dig.watch/updates/indonesias-cyber-strategy-balances-power-and-capacity

Is Internet Content Too Engaging?

(Jane Bambauer – Lawfare – 16 June 2025) Social media companies are facing a new flavor of regulation. Across the country, lawmakers and litigators are attacking “addictive design” features like infinite scroll, autoplay videos, and algorithmic feeds. The theory is that these features are design defects under products liability laws. In the last two years alone, the momentum has been building. Utah passed legislation allowing minors to sue platforms when “excessive use” of curated feeds harms their mental health. California requires companies to identify and reduce “addictive” elements in their products. A coalition of 41 state attorneys general and several school districts have sued Meta over algorithms they claim hurt young users. Even the former Surgeon General wanted warning labels on social media—just like cigarettes and alcohol. What makes these approaches appealing to regulators is that they seem to dodge First Amendment concerns. By targeting design rather than content, they hope to regulate social media without constitutional roadblocks. These product defect theories have three major problems. First, state statutes and product liability lawsuits based on the selective display of content may be foreclosed by Section 230 immunity. Second, they probably run afoul of First Amendment protections. Home feed algorithms are a form of expression that should be protected for the users’ sake, if not the platform’s. And third, these laws and lawsuits clash with the policy goal of increasing competition in the digital marketplace. The Biden administration pushed to break up “Big Tech” monopolies to create more consumer choice, and the second Trump administration is continuing this mission. But the very features that regulators now condemn as “addictive” are the primary ways that platforms can compete with each other. These conflicting regulatory agendas reveal an incoherence in the popular legal treatments of media platforms, and a misunderstanding of what it means to compete in the digital media economy. – https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/is-internet-content-too-engaging

Geostrategies

Joint Statement from the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations (ICQIA) and UKQuantum on the G7 Leaders’ Statement on Quantum Technologies

(Quantum Insider – 20 June 2025) For the first time, quantum technologies have been formally recognized as a priority topic at the G7 Leaders’ level — a clear signal of how far this conversation has progressed, and of the growing strategic relevance of quantum across economies, industries, and national security. The inclusion of quantum at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis marks an important milestone for the global quantum community. It reflects broadening recognition at the highest level that quantum technologies are no longer solely a research frontier, but are emerging as practical and powerful capabilities with meaningful implications for economic growth, national security, societal benefits, and technological competitiveness. –  https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/06/20/joint-statement-from-the-international-council-of-quantum-industry-associations-icqia-and-ukquantum-on-the-g7-leaders-statement-on-quantum-technologies/

SoftBank plans $1 trillion AI and robotics park in Arizona

(DigWatch – 20 June 2025) SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is planning what could become his most audacious venture yet: a $1 trillion AI and robotics industrial park in Arizona. Dubbed ‘Project Crystal Land’, the initiative aims to recreate a high-tech manufacturing hub reminiscent of China’s Shenzhen, focused on AI-powered robots and next-gen automation. – https://dig.watch/updates/softbank-plans-1-trillion-ai-and-robotics-park-in-arizona

Orange, AFD, and Proparco unite for inclusive and sustainable digital growth

(DigWatch – 19 June 2025) Orange, AFD Group, and Proparco have signed a three-year agreement to accelerate digital inclusion and promote sustainable development across 20 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. The partnership will focus on deploying high-speed digital infrastructure, including network backbones and submarine cables, to address connectivity gaps in underserved and rural regions. That initiative responds to stark disparities in internet access, with only 37% of Sub-Saharan Africa connected compared to over 91% in Europe. Beyond infrastructure, the partnership focuses on improving access to essential digital services in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, while also promoting financial and energy inclusion to reduce inequalities and empower remote communities. – https://dig.watch/updates/orange-afd-and-proparco-unite-for-inclusive-and-sustainable-digital-growth

LACNIC launches regional internet skills program

(DigWatch – 19 June 2025) LACNIC has launched the Research and Development (R&D) Ambassadors Program to improve internet infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. That initiative is designed to identify and support emerging technical leaders who can help address persistent connectivity challenges in the region. The program focuses on enhancing expertise in areas such as internet measurement, routing, and IPv6, to build stronger local digital ecosystems. The first cohort of ambassadors, presented during LACNIC 43, showcased projects demonstrating strong local involvement, such as the expansion of the RIPE Atlas measurement network in Chile and increased active probes in Bolivia. – https://dig.watch/updates/lacnic-launches-regional-internet-skills-program

Security, Defense, Warfare, and Intelligences hitmen: Denmark and Sweden strike back at violence-as-a-service

North Korea’s BlueNoroff uses deepfakes in Zoom calls to hack crypto workers

(DigWatch – 20 June 2025) The North Korea-linked threat group BlueNoroff has been caught deploying deepfake Zoom meetings to target an employee at a cryptocurrency foundation, aiming to install malware on macOS systems. According to cybersecurity firm Huntress, the attack began through a Telegram message that redirected the victim to a fake Zoom site. Over several weeks, the employee was lured into a group video call featuring AI-generated replicas of company executives. When the employee encountered microphone issues during the meeting, the fake participants instructed them to download a Zoom extension, which instead executed a malicious AppleScript. – https://dig.watch/updates/north-koreas-bluenoroff-uses-deepfakes-in-zoom-calls-to-hack-crypto-workers

Massive data leak exposes 16 billion login credentials from Google, Facebook, and more

(DigWatch – 20 June 2025) One of the largest-ever leaks of stolen login data has come to light, exposing more than 16 billion records across widely used services, including Facebook, Google, Telegram, and GitHub. The breach, uncovered by researchers at Cybernews, highlights a growing threat to individuals and organisations. The exposed data reportedly originated from info stealer malware, previous leaks, and credential-stuffing tools. A total of 30 separate datasets were identified, some containing over 3.5 billion entries. – https://dig.watch/updates/massive-data-leak-exposes-16-billion-login-credentials-from-google-facebook-and-more

Teenagers recruited as hitmen: Denmark and Sweden strike back at violence-as-a-service

(Europol – 19 June 2025) A coordinated effort led by Denmark’s National Special Crime Unit (National enhed for Særlig Kriminalitet), with the support of the Swedish Police (Polisen) and Europol under the Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, has resulted in the arrest of several individuals suspected of recruiting others – including minors – to carry out contract killings in Denmark. The arrests follow multiple investigations into attempted murders ordered via encrypted platforms, including a recent attack on 7 May 2025 in Kokkedal. A total of seven individuals aged between 14 and 26 have now been arrested or surrendered to Danish authorities from abroad, notably Sweden and Morocco. – https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/teenagers-recruited-hitmen-denmark-and-sweden-strike-back-violence-service

AI helps Google curb scams and deepfakes in India

(DigWatch – 19 June 2025) Google has introduced its Safety Charter for India to combat rising online fraud, deepfakes and cybersecurity threats. The charter outlines a collaborative plan focused on user safety, responsible AI development and protection of digital infrastructure. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-helps-google-curb-scams-and-deepfakes-in-india

China builds nuclear neutron gun that shoots ‘atomic flashlight’ to detect bombs

(Interesting Engineering – 19 June 2025) Chinese researchers have reportedly achieved controlled nuclear fusion between hydrogen and lithium inside a portable device for the first time in development, with far-reaching implications for science, industry, and defense. The announcement was published June 11 in the peer-reviewed journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams by a team from the Xi’an Modern Control Technology Research Institute, located in China’s northwestern defense-industrial complex, South China Morning Post reported. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/china-nuclear-neutron-gun-detects-bombs

World’s first solar-powered drone with Boeing 747-sized wingspan can fly for a month

(Interesting Engineering – 19 June 2025) In a bid to redefine long-range maritime surveillance and strategic overwatch, French defense electronics major Thales has joined forces with US aerospace startup Skydweller Aero to deploy an autonomous, solar-powered aerial system capable of persistent flight measured in weeks to months. The unmanned platform, known as MAPS (Medium-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite), integrates advanced radar and AI technologies with extreme endurance to deliver uninterrupted maritime domain awareness. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/solar-drone-boeing-747-like-wingspan

Honchoing AI in the Air Force. If AI Is Important, the People Are Indispensable

(Nolan Sweeney – CSET – June 2025) The U.S. Air Force is attempting to adopt artificial intelligence, but efforts have struggled to gain institutional traction. This report draws on lessons from past military innovations and current AI challenges to offer practical, people-centric recommendations. By embedding engineers, empowering leaders, and retaining talent, the Air Force can take charge of (honcho) AI adoption to achieve a military advantage. – https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/honchoing-ai-in-the-air-force/

UK cyber agency warns AI will accelerate cyber threats by 2027  

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has warned that integrating AI into national infrastructure creates a broader attack surface, raising concerns about an increased risk of cyber threats. Its latest report outlines how AI may amplify the capabilities of threat actors, especially when it comes to exploiting known vulnerabilities more rapidly than ever before. By 2027, AI-enabled tools are expected to shorten the time between vulnerability disclosure and exploitation significantly. The evolution could pose a serious challenge for defenders, particularly within critical systems. – https://dig.watch/updates/uk-cyber-agency-warns-ai-will-accelerate-cyber-threats-by-2027

OpenAI secures first US military deal to deploy generative AI

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) The US Department of Defense has awarded OpenAI a $200 million contract to develop prototype generative AI tools for military use. According to a statement from the Pentagon, the goal is to create ‘frontier AI capabilities’ for both combat and enterprise applications. However, this marks OpenAI’s first government collaboration under a new initiative to deploy AI in the public sector. The company said its tools could improve internal processes like healthcare access for service members and enhance cybersecurity. – https://dig.watch/updates/openai-secures-first-us-military-deal-to-deploy-generative-ai

World’s first 6G electronic warfare weapon by China can jam F-35 radar in seconds

(Interesting Engineering – 17 June 2025) Scientists in China have developed a groundbreaking new electronic warfare weapon that utilizes 6G technology. The researchers behind the project claim that the advanced weapon, which utilizes a next-generation signal processing mechanism, is much more powerful than modern military radars. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/6g-electronic-warfare-weapon-revealed-by-china

CISOs warn AI-driven cyberattacks are rising, with DNS infrastructure at risk

(DigWatch – 17 June 2025) A new report warns that chief information security officers (CISOs) are bracing for a sharp increase in cyber-attacks as AI continues to reshape the global threat landscape. According to CSC’s report, 98% of CISOs expect rising attacks over the next three years, with domain infrastructure a key concern. AI-powered domain generation algorithms (DGAs) have been flagged as a key threat by 87% of security leaders. Cyber-squatting, DNS hijacking, and DDoS attacks remain top risks, with nearly all CISOs expressing concern over bad actors’ increasing use of AI. – https://dig.watch/updates/cisos-warn-ai-driven-cyberattacks-are-rising-with-dns-infrastructure-at-risk

European defense giant unveils 310-mile-range kamikaze drone for swarm attacks

(Interesting Engineering – 17 June 2025) European multinational corporation MBDA has unveiled a low-cost, one-way attack drone for long-range missions at the ongoing Paris Air Show 2025. The defense firm intends to produce a total of 1,000 units a month of this new drone, which was under development since the end of 2024. MBDA hopes that it will be adopted by the French military to meet its growing requirements. The test demonstration of the kamikaze drone, as per the defense firm’s plans, will take place later this year. MBDA has set a target of producing its first batch by 2027, as per an official. For enhancing the scale of production, MBDA plans to collaborate with other manufacturers. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/mbda-kamikaze-drone

UK Air Force adds 5,750-mile drone that can patrol entire continents without landing

(Interesting Engineering – 17 June 2025) In a historic operational milestone for British defense aviation, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has officially brought the Protector RG Mk1 drone into service. With the induction, the drone has become the United Kingdom’s first Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) certified to operate across all classes of domestic airspace. This entry marks the beginning of a new era in UK unmanned combat aviation, phasing out the decade-old MQ-9A Reaper platform in favor of the more capable MQ-9B derivative. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/uk-inducts-first-combat-drone

Smart machines, dark intentions: UN urges global action on AI threats

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) The United Nations has warned that terrorists could seize control of AI-powered vehicles to launch devastating attacks in public spaces. A new report outlines how extremists might exploit autonomous cars and drones to bypass traditional defences. AI is also feared to be a tool for facial recognition targeting and mass ‘swarm’ assaults using aerial devices. Experts suggest that key parts of modern infrastructure could be turned against the public if hacked. – https://dig.watch/updates/smart-machines-dark-intentions-un-urges-global-action-on-ai-threats

Europe-wide takedown hits longest-standing dark web drug market

(Europol – 16 June 2025) Law enforcement authorities across Europe have dismantled ‘Archetyp Market’, the most enduring dark web marketplace, following a large-scale operation involving six countries, supported by Europol and Eurojust. Between 11 and 13 June, a series of coordinated actions took place across Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors, and technical infrastructure. Around 300 officers were deployed to carry out enforcement actions and secure critical evidence. Archetyp Market operated as a drug marketplace for over five years, amassing more than 600 000 users worldwide with a total transaction volume of at least EUR 250 million. – https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/europe-wide-takedown-hits-longest-standing-dark-web-drug-market

Real-time, on-device security: The only way to stop modern mobile Trojans

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) Mobile banking faces a serious new threat: AI-powered Trojans operating silently within legitimate apps. These advanced forms of malware go beyond stealing login credentials—they use AI to intercept biometrics, manipulate app flows in real-time, and execute fraud without raising alarms. – https://dig.watch/updates/real-time-on-device-security-the-only-way-to-stop-modern-mobile-trojans

Protecting Civilians in Cyberspace: A UN Security Council Imperative

(Allison Pytlak – Stimson Center – 13 June 2025) Every year in May, the UN Security Council (UNSC) holds its annual debate on the Protection of Civilians (PoC). In a concept note for the 2025 iteration held under the presidency of Greece, civilian protection was reinforced as a cornerstone of the UNSC’s agenda and as a core obligation under international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). The note also highlights that the nature of armed conflict has undergone profound changes in recent years, including due to the emergence of new technologies of warfare and cyber threats. In a world of constant bloodshed and what feels like an increasingly inconsistent commitment to international law, it can be challenging to view cyber and digital security as being as dire of a threat to civilians in the way that bombs, drones, and blockades are. – https://www.stimson.org/2025/protecting-civilians-in-cyberspace-a-un-security-council-imperative/

Frontiers

MIT study links AI chatbot use to reduced brain activity and learning

(DigWatch – 20 June 2025) A new preprint study from MIT has revealed that using AI chatbots for writing tasks significantly reduces brain activity and impairs memory retention. The research, led by Dr Nataliya Kosmyna at the MIT Media Lab, involved Boston-area students writing essays under three conditions: unaided, using a search engine, or assisted by OpenAI’s GPT-4o. Participants wore EEG headsets to monitor brain activity throughout. Results indicated that those relying on AI exhibited the weakest neural connectivity, with up to 55% lower cognitive engagement than the unaided group. Those using search engines showed a moderate drop of up to 48%. – https://dig.watch/updates/mit-study-links-ai-chatbot-use-to-reduced-brain-activity-and-learning

How Tesla robotaxi’s advanced tech will ensure public safety during Austin trial

(Interesting Engineering – 20 June 2025) As Tesla is set to launch its robotaxi service in Austin next week, fears about its safety have raised concerns among the public. The carmaker has ensured that it will provide remote access and control of the vehicle to experts to deal with any sudden situations. Known as teleoperation, a process that’s used by multiple companies offers control of machines by humans in a different location, usually over a wireless network. The process is part of robot training in vehicle driving and gives them clear picture about driving. The method is also used to train robots to help them ride vehicles autonomously, monitor their autonomous activity, and take control when required. – https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/how-tesla-robotaxi-will-ensure-safety

Japan’s new quantum breakthrough cuts qubit needs and boosts speed by 30x

(Interesting Engineering – 20 June 2025) Quantum computers promise to revolutionize everything from drug discovery to climate modeling. By processing information in quantum bits, or qubits, these machines could one day outperform even the most powerful supercomputers. But building them remains a monumental challenge. The biggest hurdle: quantum systems are fragile. They are prone to errors from even the tiniest disturbances, making accurate, large-scale computing nearly impossible without error correction. – https://interestingengineering.com/science/osaka-quantum-computing-breakthrough

Harvard scientist’s new ‘peace tech’ tool uses AI to simulate leaders, avert wars

(Interesting Engineering – 19 June 2025) As global tensions rise in the Middle East owing to the Iran-Israel conflict, political analysts and experts are already predicting signs of what could be a looming third world war. Yet, the current era isn’t marked only by wars but also by rapid technological development, especially AI. Ex-Harvard professor and co-founder of Anadyr Horizon, Arvid Bell, has introduced a novel concept called ‘peace tech’, claiming he has built a tool that can prevent wars. –  https://interestingengineering.com/culture/ai-software-can-simulate-wars-save-lives

MIT Researchers Tackle Problem of LLM Bias

(AI Insider – 19 June 2025) Backed by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, National Science Foundation, and an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, MIT researchers have developed a theoretical framework explaining why large language models (LLMs) prioritize the beginning and end of input sequences over the middle. The team found that architectural choices—like causal attention masking and positional encodings—amplify this “position bias,” with additional attention layers compounding the issue, potentially impairing LLM performance in tasks like legal or medical data retrieval. Using graph-based analysis and controlled experiments, the researchers demonstrated how design and training adjustments could reduce bias, improve accuracy, and guide future LLM development in high-stakes applications. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/06/19/mit-researchers-tackle-problem-of-llm-bias/

AI in cardiology: 3D heart scan could cut waiting times

(DigWatch – 19 June 2025) A new AI-powered heart test could significantly improve early detection of cardiovascular disease, especially in high-risk patients without symptoms. Developed in Germany and evaluated in a UK study led by Dr Simon Rudland, the Cardisio test uses five electrodes—four on the chest, one on the back—to record 3D heart data. Unlike a traditional 2D ECG, this method captures electrical signals in more dimensions and uses AI to analyse rhythm, structure, and blood flow. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-in-cardiology-3d-heart-scan-could-cut-nhs-waiting-times

Match Chat: AI comes to Wimbledon to modernise the fan experience

(DigWatch – 19 June 2025) Wimbledon is embracing AI to engage a younger, tech-savvy audience by launching a live in-game AI assistant during this summer’s Championships. The new Match Chat feature will allow fans to interact with real-time match data while watching games. Viewers can ask questions about shot speed, player positioning, and in-game stats—effectively combining the experience of watching live tennis with the interactivity of a video game. – https://dig.watch/updates/match-chat-ai-comes-to-wimbledon-to-modernise-the-fan-experience

Researchers develop low-carbon cement recipes 1,000 times faster with AI

(Interesting Engineering – 19 June 2025) Cement is crucial for modern infrastructure, but its manufacturing process releases much carbon, contributing heavily to environmental concerns. So, how do we make cement greener? One promising answer lies in changing the recipe. An interdisciplinary team at Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), led by mathematician Romana Boiger, has found a new way to do just that – not through endless lab experiments, but with the power of machine learning. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/researchers-create-recipe-of-climate-friendly-cement

Robots with noses: Swiss firm’s ANYmal sniffs out gas leaks at hazardous sites

(Interesting Engineering – 19 June 2025) A Switzerland-based tech firm has launched a new tech solution that can help its ANYmal robot identify and manage costly and hazardous gas leaks. The new Gas Leak and Presence Detection solution by ANYbotics is set to transform gas leak detection at industrial sites. The new solution can help the robot pinpoint leak sources. Advanced, modular gas detectors with a 360° acoustic imaging payload are integrated into the solution to detect leaks and simultaneously measure ambient gas concentrations. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/robots-pinpoint-gas-leak-sources-anymal-solution

World’s first flying humanoid robot uses AI and jet thrust to hover in test flight

(Interesting Engineering – 18 June 2025) In a groundbreaking advance in robotics, researchers in Italy have successfully launched the world’s first jet-powered humanoid robot. The machine, called iRonCub3, lifted off the ground by around 50 centimeters and maintained balance during flight. Developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), the robot is designed to operate in real-world environments using aerial mobility and a human-like structure. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/flying-humanoid-robot-uses-jet-thrust

US surgeons perform first full robotic heart transplant without chest incision

(Interesting Engineering – 18 June 2025) In a first for the United States, surgeons have successfully performed a fully robotic heart transplant, swapping out a failing human heart without even cracking open the chest or breaking the breastbone. The historic procedure was carried out at Houston-based Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in early March on a 45-year-old man suffering from advanced heart failure. The patient had been hospitalized since November 2024 and required multiple mechanical devices to support his heart function. – https://interestingengineering.com/health/us-first-robotic-heart-transplant

NVIDIA-backed AI firm drops 5M drug maps to fast-track breakthrough therapies

(Interesting Engineering – 18 June 2025) SandboxAQ, an AI startup spun out of Google and backed by NVIDIA, has released a massive new dataset it hopes will revolutionize early-stage drug discovery. On Wednesday, the company unveiled the Structurally Augmented IC50 Repository (SAIR), a trove of over 5.2 million computationally generated protein-drug molecule co-structures, each tagged with real-world potency data. The aim is to make it easier and faster for researchers to determine whether a potential drug will bind effectively to its target protein. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/5-million-ai-drug-structures-sandboxaq

Next-gen robots get brain-like navigation to run for days using 90% less power

(Interesting Engineering – 18 June 2025) QUT Centre for Robotics researchers have developed a new robot navigation system. Locational Encoding with Neuromorphic Systems (LENS) is set to transform how autonomous robots operate. At its core, LENS is inspired by the most efficient navigation system we know: the human brain. Interestingly, this brain-inspired system operates on less than 10% of the energy of conventional systems. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/new-brain-inspired-robot-navigation-system

Hexagon unveils AEON humanoid robot powered by NVIDIA to build industrial digital twins

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) As industries struggle to fill 50 million job vacancies globally, Hexagon has unveiled AEON — a humanoid robot developed in collaboration with NVIDIA — to tackle labour shortages in manufacturing, logistics and beyond. AEON can perform complex tasks like reality capture, asset inspection and machine operation, thanks to its integration with NVIDIA’s full-stack robotics platform. – https://dig.watch/updates/hexagon-unveils-aeon-humanoid-robot-powered-by-nvidia-to-build-industrial-digital-twins

Is AI distorting our view of the Milky Way’s black hole?

(DigWatch – 19 June 2025) A new AI model has created a fresh image of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy, suggesting it is spinning close to its maximum speed. The model was trained on noisy data from the Event Horizon Telescope, a globe-spanning network of radio telescopes, using information once dismissed due to atmospheric interference. – https://dig.watch/updates/is-ai-distorting-our-view-of-the-milky-ways-black-hole

Fujitsu to design Japan’s zetta-class supercomputer that’s 1000 times more powerful

(Interesting Engineering – 18 June 2025) Japanese tech giant Fujitsu Limited announced that they have been selected by the Japanese research and development institute RIKEN to design FugakuNext, the country’s next-gen flagship supercomputer. As per the contract, Fujitsu will be responsible for designing the overall system, computer nodes, and CPU components; the basic design phase will be ongoing until February 27, 2026  – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/fujitsu-design-japan-zetta-class-supercomputer

China’s robotics industry set to double by 2028, led by drones and humanoid robots

(DigWatch – 18 June 2025) China’s robotics industry is on course to double in size by 2028, with Morgan Stanley projecting market growth from US$47 billion in 2024 to US$108 billion. With an annual expansion rate of 23 percent, the country is expected to strengthen its leadership in this fast-evolving field. Analysts credit China’s drive for innovation and cost efficiency as key to advancing next-generation robotics. – https://dig.watch/updates/chinas-robotics-industry-set-to-double-by-2028-led-by-drones-and-humanoid-robots

China claims to activate 1,000-qubit quantum system in direct competition with IBM

(Interesting Engineering – 17 June 2025) In a significant leap toward scalable quantum computing, China’s QuantumCTek Co has claimed to have developed a self-developed superconducting quantum measurement and control system, the ez-Q Engine 2.0, capable of supporting quantum computers with over 1,000 qubits. The development places China within striking distance of the global quantum elite, marking what may be the third-largest operational quantum system in the world, behind only IBM and Atom Computing. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-claims-to-activate-1000-qubit-quantum-system

5x faster than Starlink: Chinese satellite beams data with minimal laser power

(Interesting Engineering – 17 June 2025) Chinese scientists have reportedly achieved a 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) data transmission from a geostationary satellite to Earth using just a 2-watt laser.  The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that this speed is “five times faster than Starlink.”. Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, operates from 341 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth. Starlink’s top speeds typically reach only a few Mbps. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-satellite-laser-communication

Scientists convert brain signals into words using AI

(DigWatch – 17 June 2025) Australian scientists have developed an AI model that converts brainwaves into spoken words and sentences using a wearable EEG cap. The system, created at the University of Technology Sydney, marks a significant step in communication technology and cognitive care. – https://dig.watch/updates/scientists-convert-brain-signals-into-words-using-ai

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Predicts 2026 Insight-Generating AI in “Gentle Singularity” Essay

(AI Insider – 16 June 2025) Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, has published “The Gentle Singularity,” forecasting that artificial general intelligence will transform work, energy and research within 15 years. He wrote that 2026 will “likely” see AI systems capable of producing novel insights. Co-founder Greg Brockman said the new o3 and o4-mini reasoning models already kindle fresh ideas. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/06/16/openai-ceo-sam-altman-predicts-2026-insight-generating-ai-in-gentle-singularity-essay/

AI health tools need clinicians to prevent serious risks, Oxford study warns

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) The University of Oxford has warned that AI in healthcare, primarily through chatbots, should not operate without human oversight. Researchers found that relying solely on AI for medical self-assessment could worsen patient outcomes instead of improving access to care. The study highlights how these tools, while fast and data-driven, fall short in delivering the judgement and empathy that only trained professionals can offer. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-health-tools-need-clinicians-to-prevent-serious-risks-oxford-study-warns

OpenAI turns to Google Cloud in shift from solo AI race

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) OpenAI has entered into an unexpected partnership with Google, using Google Cloud to support its growing AI infrastructure needs. Despite being fierce competitors in AI, the two tech giants recognise that long-term success may require collaboration instead of isolation. – https://dig.watch/updates/openai-turns-to-google-cloud-in-shift-from-solo-ai-race

Quantum computing threatens Bitcoin: Experts debate timeline

(DigWatch – 16 June 2025) Recent breakthroughs in quantum computing have revived fears about the long-term security of Bitcoin (BTC). With IBM aiming to release the first fault-tolerant quantum computer, the IBM Quantum Starling, by 2029, experts are increasingly concerned that such advancements could undermine Bitcoin’s cryptographic backbone. Bitcoin currently relies on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) and the SHA-256 hashing algorithm to secure wallets and transactions. However, both are potentially vulnerable to Shor’s algorithm, which a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could exploit. – https://dig.watch/updates/quantum-computing-threatens-bitcoin-experts-debate-timeline