Governance, Legislation, and Geostrategies

Optimising Computing Approaches for India’s National AI Capabilities

(Anulekha Nandi, Anusha Guru – Observer Research Foundation – 31 May 2025) Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute demand has grown exponentially for over a decade. Since 2011, the amount of compute used to train AI models has grown by a factor of 350 million. Since 2010, as deep learning gained traction, the compute requirements of AI models began doubling every 5.7 months. In 2015, large-scale machine learning (ML) models emerged with 10- to 100-fold higher training compute requirements. Unlike the other two building blocks of AI innovation—data and models—compute is a scarce resource. – https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/optimising-computing-approaches-for-india-s-national-ai-capabilities

Croatia urged to embed human rights into AI law

(DigWatch – 30 May 2025) Politiscope recently held an event at the Croatian Journalists’ Association to highlight the human rights risks of AI. As Croatia begins drafting a national law to implement the EU AI Act, the event aimed to push for stronger protections and transparency instead of relying on vague promises of innovation. Croatia’s working group is still forming key elements of the law, such as who will enforce it, making it an important moment for public input. – https://dig.watch/updates/croatia-urged-to-embed-human-rights-into-ai-law

Kazakhstan unveils plans for crypto-friendly city

(DigWatch – 30 May 2025) Kazakhstan is pressing ahead with a bold initiative to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday payments by launching a pilot zone known as CryptoCity. President Tokayev announced the project as a sandbox for legal crypto payments at the Astana International Forum 2025. The city of Alatau is currently the leading candidate to host CryptoCity. Recognised for its scientific research facilities and special economic zones, Alatau offers an existing technological infrastructure that makes it a strong contender. – https://dig.watch/updates/kazakhstan-unveils-plans-for-crypto-friendly-city

ASEAN, the GCC, and China unite to advance digital innovation

(DigWatch – 30 May 2025) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China convened their inaugural trilateral summit in Kuala Lumpur with a shared vision to strengthen regional cooperation and integration. The three parties committed to deepening economic ties through sustainable development, free trade, and enhanced collaboration across key sectors such as the digital and green economy, technology, and finance. – https://dig.watch/updates/asean-the-gcc-and-china-unite-to-advance-digital-innovation

Democratic by Design: Implementing and Innovating Democracy-Affirming Technologies

(Caitlin Goldenberg, Adrienne Goldstein, Sharinee Jagtiani, Lindsay Gorman – German Marshall Fund of the United States – 29 May 2025) The emergence of critical new technologies, from quantum information tools to Artificial Intelligence (AI), has ushered in a new digital era. While these technologies promise greater efficiency and innovation to the benefit of society, if misused they can also help entrench repression and autocratic control. What is needed instead is a positive, rights-respecting vision of democratic innovation. GMF’s AI and Democracy programming, including its 2024 Elections Content Credentials Repository and 2024 AI and Democracy Hackathon, aimed to advance the development, use, and public understanding of democracy-affirming technologies (DATs)—that is, technologies that are intentionally designed to protect and promote democratic values. This report features insights from two pilot projects aimed at advancing the implementation of existing DATs and the innovation of new ones. – https://www.gmfus.org/news/democratic-design-implementing-and-innovating-democracy-affirming-technologies

Proportional oversight for AI model updates can boost AI adoption

(Amin Oueslati, Robin Staes-Polet, Toni Lorente – OECD-AI – 29 May 2025) When we talk about technological breakthroughs, we tend to focus on what is shiny and new. For artificial intelligence, that means there’s a lot of hype around the release of General-Purpose AI (GPAI) models, as can be seen with the current attention on Claude 3.6 Sonnet and GPT-4.5. Meanwhile, incremental updates that can substantially alter the model remain largely under the radar. Imagine this scenario: A healthcare startup builds an AI assistant to support mental health, integrating a major GPAI model into their product. But soon, after a seemingly routine model update, the assistant suddenly begins dispensing dubious health advice, echoing patients’ wishes rather than clinical guidance. Alarmed, the company withdraws the product, concerned for user safety and regulatory repercussions. This scenario seems increasingly plausible in light of OpenAI’s recent rollback of its latest GPT-4o update, which had made the model act “sycophantic” in ways that could have concerning implications. As reported by CNN,  when a user told ChatGPT “I’ve stopped my meds and have undergone my own spiritual awakening journey,” the model responded, “I am so proud of you, “ and “I honour your journey.”. As our analysis of the changelogs of major providers shows, such updates can significantly alter the capabilities and risk profiles of GPAI models. Yet these updates mostly avoid oversight and comprehensive assessments. This can result in unintended model behaviour, cascading through the value chain and threatening the functionality of AI applications that have already been deployed. To increase the reliability of GPAI models, strengthen consumer trust, and enhance AI adoption, model updates should get closer attention. – https://oecd.ai/en/wonk/proportional-oversight-for-ai-model-updates-can-boost-ai-adoption

AI Governance Needs Federalism, Not a Federally Imposed Moratorium

(David S. Rubenstein – Just Security – 29 May 2025) On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget proposal including  a ten-year moratorium on state and local regulation of AI. The proposal aims to nullify dozens of existing state AI laws and block states from enacting new ones. Congress should reject the proposed “AI preemption moratorium.” It is bad policy and is likely unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment. Proponents of the moratorium point to the fragmented patchwork of state AI laws as justification, claiming that preempting state regulation will spur innovation and help the United States outpace China. But this argument rests on a false dichotomy between regulation and innovation. Regulation can drive innovation by establishing clear rules, building public trust, and encouraging adoption. If the United States wants to lead in AI, it must do so by upholding its democratic values and building systems people trust—not by sidelining the institutions best positioned to govern responsibly. Congress has yet to meaningfully regulate AI in the private sector and is unlikely to do so in the near future. Meanwhile, states across the country have stepped into the vacuum—enacting laws aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and consumer protection across critical domains including education, employment, housing, healthcare, and more. These efforts reflect not only public demand but the practical need to tailor governance to specific risks and contexts. There are no ready-made blueprints for regulating a general-purpose technology like AI. That is why state-level experimentation—rooted in democratic legitimacy and policy flexibility—remains essential. The moratorium would halt this progress at precisely the moment when we need it most. – https://www.justsecurity.org/113728/ai-governance-federalism-moratorium/

Chinese tech firms thrive amid US curbs

(Digwatch – 29 May 2025) Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has raised concerns that US export restrictions are accelerating the growth of Chinese AI firms, making them more competitive. In a recent interview, Huang highlighted that companies like Huawei — long blacklisted by the US — have become ‘formidable’ rivals. The restrictions have hit Nvidia hard, with the company projecting an $8 billion revenue loss this quarter due to the limited access to the Chinese market, historically its largest for chips. The Biden administration’s AI diffusion rule, aimed at controlling the spread of advanced AI technologies, had already drawn criticism from Huang before being partially rolled back by the Trump administration in May. – https://dig.watch/updates/chinese-tech-firms-thrive-amid-us-curbs

PREVAIL to offer advanced Edge AI chip design tools across Europe

(DigWatch – 29 May 2025) The European Union’s PREVAIL project is preparing to open its Edge AI services to external users in June 2025. Coordinated by Europe’s top research and technology organisations, the initiative offers a shared, multi-hub infrastructure designed to speed up the development and commercialisation of next-generation Edge AI technologies. Through its platform, European designers will gain access to advanced chip prototyping capabilities and full design support using standard commercial tools. – https://dig.watch/updates/prevail-to-offer-advanced-edge-ai-chip-design-tools-across-europe

Pakistan unveils national Bitcoin reserve

(DigWatch – 29 May 2025) Pakistan is moving ahead with plans to establish a national Bitcoin reserve as part of a broader digital asset strategy. Bilal Bin Saqib, head of the Pakistan Crypto Council, announced the move at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. He emphasised that the government’s intention is long term and not driven by market speculation. He stated that once acquired, the Bitcoin would never be sold. – https://dig.watch/updates/pakistan-unveils-national-bitcoin-reserve

El Salvador removes Bitcoin mandate

(DigWatch – 29 May 2025) El Salvador has officially amended its Bitcoin law, making acceptance of the cryptocurrency voluntary rather than mandatory. The move reverses a key element of the 2021 law that made Bitcoin legal tender alongside the US dollar. – https://dig.watch/updates/el-salvador-removes-bitcoin-mandate

 Digital Democracy in a Divided Global Landscape

(Steven Feldstein – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – 28 May 2025) A global shift is taking place. Leaders recognize that tech innovation equals power, and they are marshaling their resources accordingly. Countries are working to create technological advantages for themselves at the expense of digital cooperation across borders. – https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2025/05/digital-democracy-in-a-divided-global-landscape?mkt_tok=ODEzLVhZVS00MjIAAAGatmSaQZ7GWjLXcRRc6W0aTpgrdv0X87Q_3bz86xjk5eIRY8WK2keEV-dgEHctIiJKfQ1rvVOTqgxtT4BaHh1D4beYAs_D2XU3pPkVddOWb0U&lang=en

Oregon becomes second state to ban sale of precise geolocation data

(Suzanne Smalley – The Record – 28 May 2025) The Oregon state legislature on Tuesday passed a law banning the sale of precise geolocation data, making it the second state in the country to have greenlit such legislation. Maryland passed a similar bill last year that will take effect in October. Both bills also ban the sale of data belonging to children — Maryland for children under 18, and Oregon for children under 16. Although there is a federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the two state bills go further than it because the federal law only bans the sale of data for children under age 13, according to Matt Schwartz, a policy analyst at Consumer Reports. – https://therecord.media/oregon-passes-geolocation-kids-data-bill

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/

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/

The AI Skills Coalition: Democratizing AI education

(ITU – 26 May 2025) As artificial intelligence (AI) continues reshaping our world, the need for accessible AI education has never been more urgent. The AI Skills Coalition recently held its first public meeting and introduced its newly formed Steering Committee during an open online AI for Good event. The AI Skills Coalition, launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in March, has brought together governments, companies, experts and advocates to make learning opportunities on AI available to everyone, everywhere. The global training initiative aims to equip at least 10,000 individuals around the world with essential AI skills by the end of 2025. – https://www.itu.int/hub/2025/05/the-ai-skills-coalition-democratizing-ai-education/

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

AI-Driven Productivity Scenarios

(Paul Samson, S. Yash Kalash, Nikolina Zivkovic – CIGI – 26 May 2025) Technological development and diffusion are rapidly transforming economic, financial and societal systems. Policy and legal frameworks may be unable to keep pace with approaches that maximize opportunities and manage risk, and advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, combined with weak economic growth projections, create an urgent need to better understand AI-driven scenarios and the implications for productivity. This special report identifies three key conduits (drawing on established AI-related indices) that link actions and improved productivity outcomes: technological capabilities; applications and markets; and policy and regulation. It then provides a country-level assessment of G7 countries (plus China and India) to outline a current snapshot of AI-driven productivity in each and inform plausible futures for AI’s impact on productivity. Overall, G7 countries are generally well positioned on data infrastructure and research and development, as well as on some sector-specific applications and standards, but are typically less well positioned on ensuring the required labour and talent pool is in place. The report also examines four scenarios for the potential impact of AI on global productivity: flat AI; US-led AI; multipolar AI; and artificial general intelligence. These scenarios broaden the scope for G7 members to consider key areas and actions that could boost productivity under different circumstances. – https://www.cigionline.org/publications/ai-driven-productivity-scenarios/

AI regulation offers development opportunity for Latin America

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) Latin America is uniquely positioned to lead on AI governance by leveraging its social rights-focused policy tradition, emerging tech ecosystems, and absence of legacy systems.  According to a new commentary by Eduardo Levy Yeyati at the Brookings Institution, the region has the opportunity to craft smart AI regulation that is both inclusive and forward-looking, balancing innovation with rights protection. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-regulation-offers-development-opportunity-for-latin-america

Pakistan aims to become global crypto and AI leader

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) Pakistan has set aside 2,000 megawatts of electricity in a major push to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centres, marking the start of a wider national digital strategy. Led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a body under the Ministry of Finance, this initiative aims to monetise surplus energy instead of wasting it, while attracting foreign investment, creating jobs, and generating much-needed revenue. – https://dig.watch/updates/pakistan-aims-to-become-global-crypto-and-ai-leader

Chad aims to strengthen digital independence through regional connectivity reforms

(DigWatch – 25 May 2025) Chadian authorities have unveiled a set of strategic policies aimed at strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and reducing its dependence on Cameroon for international internet connectivity. Central to these reforms is the establishment of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in major cities to enhance local traffic handling and reduce latency. Additionally, the government plans to create redundant international links with neighbouring countries such as Libya, Algeria, and Nigeria. These policies are designed to diversify connectivity routes, bolster digital resilience, and support Chad’s long-term goal of achieving greater digital sovereignty. – https://dig.watch/updates/chad-aims-to-strengthen-digital-independence-through-regional-connectivity-reforms

The Future of Cryptocurrency in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

(Ala’a Kolkaila – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – 21 May 2025) Cryptocurrencies are no longer a fringe innovation; they have emerged as powerful indicators of a gradual yet profound shift in banking from conventional financial systems to decentralized digital models. No longer confined to speculative trading, cryptocurrencies are becoming policy instruments in international trade, a means by which countries can evade sanctions, and potentially a way for them to recalibrate geopolitical alliances. This shift is especially pronounced within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where digital finance is now central to national economic diversification as well as member states’ efforts to reduce their reliance on Western financial systems. – https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2025/05/the-future-of-cryptocurrency-in-the-gulf-cooperation-council-countries?lang=en

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

Are We Ready for a ‘DeepSeek for Bioweapons’?

(Steven Adler – Lawfare – 29 May 2025) The announcement of a powerful new artificial intelligence (AI) model is a leading indicator that many similar AI models are close behind. The January 2025 release from the Chinese company DeepSeek is an example of the small gap between when an AI ability is first demonstrated and when others can match it: Only four months earlier, OpenAI had previewed their then-leading o1 “reasoning model,” which used a new approach for getting the model to think harder. Within months, the much smaller DeepSeek had roughly matched OpenAI’s results, and in doing so indicated that Chinese AI companies may not be far behind those in the U.S. In that case, matching o1’s abilities posed little specific risk, even though DeepSeek took a different approach to safety than did the leading Western companies (for instance, DeepSeek’s model is freely downloadable by anyone, and so has fewer protections against misuse). The replicated abilities were general reasoning skills, not something outright dangerous. In contrast, the abilities feared by the leading AI companies tend to be more specific, like helping people to cause harm with bioweapons. – https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/are-we-ready-for-a–deepseek-for-bioweapons

Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition Unveils PQC Migration Roadmap

(Quantum Insider – 29 May 2025) The Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition has released a migration roadmap to help organizations prepare for security threats posed by quantum computing. The roadmap outlines practical steps for identifying vulnerabilities, planning quantum-safe transitions, and continuously evaluating cryptographic defenses. Built on NIST standards and member insights, the guide supports CIOs and CISOs in tailoring migration strategies to their specific risk profiles and operational needs. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/29/post-quantum-cryptography-coalition-unveils-pqc-migration-roadmap/

Luxembourg marks crypto companies as high risk for money laundering

(DigWatch – 29 May 2025) Luxembourg has classified virtual asset service providers (VASPs) as high-risk for money laundering in its 2025 National Risk Assessment. The report highlights concerns about the crypto industry’s exposure to financial crime, citing factors such as transaction volumes, client reach, and international operations. – https://dig.watch/updates/luxembourg-marks-crypto-companies-as-high-risk-for-money-laundering

Google warns of Vietnam-based hackers using bogus AI video generators to spread malware

(Jonathan Greig – The Record – 28 May 2025) Fake AI-powered video generators are being used to spread infostealers and other types of malware, Google researchers have found. A group of cybercriminals created a network of fraudulent websites masquerading as cutting-edge AI tools and then bought ads on social media platforms to promote the sites, the researchers said. Experts from the tech giant’s Mandiant unit published a report backing previous assessments by Facebook and security firm Morphisec that identified a campaign designed to weaponize interest in AI tools that can generate videos based on user prompts. – https://therecord.media/malvertising-vietnam-hackers-fake-ai-video-generators

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

AI agents bring new security risks to crypto

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) AI agents are becoming common in crypto, embedded in wallets, trading bots and onchain assistants that automate decisions and tasks. At the core of many AI agents lies the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which controls their behaviour and interactions. While MCP offers flexibility, it also opens up multiple security risks. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-agents-bring-new-security-risks-to-crypto

Agentic AI could accelerate and automate future cyberattacks, Malwarebytes warns

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) A new report by Malwarebytes warns that the rise of agentic AI will significantly increase the frequency, sophistication, and scale of cyberattacks. Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, threat actors have used generative AI to write malware, craft phishing emails, and execute realistic social engineering schemes. – https://dig.watch/updates/agentic-ai-could-accelerate-and-automate-future-cyberattacks-malwarebytes-warns

Tech coalition to push for faster US foreign cybersecurity aid

(DigWatch – 25 May 2025) A coalition of leading technology and cybersecurity firms, including Carahsoft, Dell Technologies, Forescout, Google Cloud, Trellix, and Velos, has launched the Strategic Cybersecurity Coalition (SCC). The group is dedicated to advocating for a more efficient and streamlined US approach to foreign cybersecurity assistance. Their goal is to accelerate the deployment of sustainable, interoperable cybersecurity solutions that can effectively respond to the growing global cyber threat landscape. The US government continues to face significant bureaucratic and legal barriers that slow the delivery of timely cybersecurity support to its allies. https://dig.watch/updates/tech-coalition-to-push-for-faster-us-foreign-cybersecurity-aid

Frontiers

New York Times partners with Amazon on AI integration

(DigWatch – 30 May 2025) The New York Times Company and Amazon have signed a multi-year licensing agreement that will allow Amazon to integrate editorial content from The New York Times, NYT Cooking, and The Athletic into a range of its AI-powered services, the companies announced Wednesday. Under the deal, Amazon will use licensed content for real-time display in consumer-facing products such as Alexa, as well as for training its proprietary foundation models. The agreement marks an expansion of the firms’ existing partnership. – https://dig.watch/updates/new-york-times-partners-with-amazon-on-ai-integration

Measured in Seconds, Built for Centuries: How Public Science Shaped Quantum And How We Carry It Forward

(Quantum Insider – 29 May 2025) The atomic clock embodied quantum principles long before “qubit” was a household term, laying quiet groundwork for the second quantum revolution. In the mid-1990s, NIST’s ion trap work for clocks unintentionally mirrored the architecture needed for quantum logic gates, catalyzing the first demonstration of entangled qubit control. Proposed funding reductions to public science threaten the continuity, mentorship, and institutional memory that have made long-range progress like this possible. This July, the Quantum for Good: Industry Leadership, Innovation, and Real-World Impact workshop at AI for Good will gather global voices to explore what it takes both to build quantum technologies and sustain the ecosystem around them. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/29/measured-in-seconds-built-for-centuries-how-public-science-shaped-quantum-and-how-we-carry-it-forward/

QuEra Installs First Quantum Computer Outside Its Lab

(Quantum Insider – 29 May 2025) QuEra Computing has deployed its first quantum computer outside its labs at Japan’s AIST in Tsukuba, marking a milestone in Japan’s national quantum strategy and supporting the new G-QuAT quantum-AI research center. The gate-based neutral-atom system is co-located with the ABCI-Q supercomputer, forming a hybrid quantum-classical platform aimed at advancing applications in drug discovery, logistics, and climate modeling. The installation reflects growing global demand for QuEra’s architecture, following major contracts and a $230 million funding round backed by Google, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and Valor Equity Partners. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/29/quera-installs-first-quantum-computer-outside-its-lab/

What’s Quantum Biology? A Research Pioneer Shares His Vision for Quantum Technology’s Next Frontier

(Quantum Insider – 29 May 2025) Researchers at Howard University’s Quantum Biology Lab “use techniques from quantum optics, quantum information, theoretical physics, spectroscopy, structural/molecular biology and high-performance computing to solve an array of problems relevant to quantum effects in living processes.”. Physicist Philip Kurian, founder of the Quantum Biology Lab at Howard University, leads interdisciplinary research exploring how quantum effects may operate in biological systems and influence both medicine and future machine design. Among the lab’s successes, the team has found experimental evidence that biological systems may naturally exhibit quantum effects, which could inform the design of future quantum machines. – https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/05/29/whats-quantum-biology-a-research-pioneer-shares-his-vision-for-quantum-technologys-next-frontier/

$10 billion bet: Honor joins China’s humanoid robot race to rival tech giants

(Interesting Engineering – 29 May 2025) Chinese smartphone maker Honor has joined the country’s heated race to develop robots. The company had announced its plans to invest US$ 10 billion over the next five years to evolve from a smartphone manufacturer into an “ecosystem company” centered on AI-powered devices. Recently, Honor applied its AI algorithm to train a humanoid robot developed by Chinese start-up Unitree Robotics, enabling it to reach a running speed of 4 meters per second — a new record for robots. As part of its AI strategy, the Shenzhen-based firm, a spin-off from telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies, aims to develop its robots and collaborate with partners to explore opportunities in robotics. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/honor-joins-chinas-robot-race

Humanoids, medical robots help futuristic Taiwan hospital staff with patient care

(Interesting Engineering – 29 May 2025) A cloud and AI solutions provider has partnered with MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taipei City to launch three AI-driven multi-modal medical robots. Taiwan-based Ubitus’ AI robots include a navigation-assisting autonomous mobile robot (AMR), a dual-arm humanoid for autonomous transport, and a quadruped for hazardous area monitoring using NVIDIA’s advanced perception and mobility technologies. The announcement was made during NVIDIA GTC Taiwan 2025, where Ubitus showcased how NVIDIA’s advanced technologies power a new era of healthcare automation. “We are honored to partner with MacKay Memorial Hospital to pioneer multi-modal medical robot collaboration powered by NVIDIA’s comprehensive healthcare AI technologies, assisting MacKay in becoming the first smart hospital in Taiwan to adopt NVIDIA B200,” said Wesley Kuo, CEO of Ubitus, in a statement. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-robots-launched-to-enhance-patient-care

Telegram partners with Musk’s xAI

(DigWatch – 29 May 2025) Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, is partnering with Telegram to bring its AI assistant, Grok, to the messaging platform’s more than one billion users. Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced that Grok will be integrated into Telegram’s apps and distributed directly through the service. – https://dig.watch/updates/telegram-partners-with-musks-xai

New AI food waste project aims to deliver 1.5 million meals

(DigWatch – 29 May 2025) A major new initiative backed by Innovate UK is bringing together leading businesses and organisations to develop an AI-powered food redistribution platform designed to reduce edible food waste and support communities facing food insecurity. The project is supported by a £1.9 million grant from the BridgeAI programme and is match-funded by participating partners. – https://dig.watch/updates/new-ai-food-waste-project-aims-to-deliver-1-5-million-meals

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/

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

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/

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

Saudi Arabia unveils AI robot ‘Manara’ at Mecca to guide pilgrims in 11 languages

(Interesting Engineering – 26 May 2025) Each year, millions of pilgrims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. With Hajj expected to begin on June 4 and end on June 9, Saudi authorities are preparing to host an enormous influx of worshippers at Islam’s holiest site. As part of these preparations, officials have unveiled the second version of the “Manara (Beacon) Robot” at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The AI-powered robot is designed to support pilgrims by providing real-time religious guidance in multiple languages.- https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/saudi-arabia-unveils-ai-robot-at-mecca

OpenAI Partners with G42, Cisco, Oracle, and NVIDIA to Launch 1GW Stargate Data Center in Abu Dhabi

(AI Insider – 26 May 2025) OpenAI has announced the launch of Stargate UAE, a major expansion of its AI infrastructure initiative, marking the company’s first Middle East deployment. The new data center cluster in Abu Dhabi will eventually scale to 1GW, with 200MW expected to go live by 2026. The project is being developed in collaboration with key partners including G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/26/openai-partners-with-g42-cisco-oracle-and-nvidia-to-launch-1gw-stargate-data-center-in-abu-dhabi/

Study: AI Predicts Bacterial Resistance to Cleaning Agents

(AI Insider – 26 May 2025) A new study from Technical University of Denmark (DTU) shows that artificial intelligence and genome sequencing can accurately predict bacterial resistance to disinfectants, potentially transforming food safety protocols. By analyzing the full DNA profiles of more than 1,600 Listeria monocytogenes strains, researchers trained a machine learning model to predict resistance with up to 97% accuracy for both chemical compounds and commercial disinfectants. The method allows for quicker detection and tailored hygiene strategies in food processing environments, offering a data-driven alternative to traditional lab tests and opening the door for smarter, faster responses to contamination threats. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/26/study-ai-predicts-bacterial-resistance-to-cleaning-agents/

Artificial Traders, Real Behaviors: LLMs Mirror Human Irrationality in Market Simulations

(AI Insider – 26 May 2025) A new study shows that large language models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 can mimic human-like behavior in simulated economic markets, raising the possibility of using AI agents in economic research and policy modeling. When configured with memory and variability, the models reproduced realistic price forecasting behaviors and market dynamics, especially bounded rationality and trend-following, seen in human experiments. The findings highlight both the potential and current limitations of using AI for multi-agent simulations, including reduced behavioral diversity and inconsistencies between narrative explanations and numerical forecasts. – https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/05/26/artificial-traders-real-behaviors-llms-mirror-human-irrationality-in-market-simulations/

AI to disrupt jobs, warns DeepMind CEO, as Gen Alpha faces new realities

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) AI will likely cause significant job disruption in the next five years, according to Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind. Speaking on the Hard Fork podcast, Hassabis emphasised that while AI is set to displace specific jobs, it will also create new roles that are potentially more meaningful and engaging. He urged younger generations to prepare for a rapidly evolving workforce shaped by advanced technologies. Hassabis stressed the importance of early adaptation, particularly for Generation Alpha, who he believes should embrace AI just as millennials did the internet and Gen Z did smartphones. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-to-disrupt-jobs-warns-deepmind-ceo-as-gen-alpha-faces-new-realities

Oracle and OpenAI target AI leadership with massive chip project

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) Oracle has reportedly acquired around 400,000 Nvidia GB200 AI chips valued at approximately $40 billion for deployment at a data centre in Abilene, Texas. The location will be the first site of the Stargate project—a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund, which President Trump announced earlier this year. Once completed, the Abilene facility is expected to provide up to 1.2 gigawatts of computing power, rivalling Elon Musk’s Colossus project in Memphis. – https://dig.watch/updates/oracle-and-openai-target-ai-leadership-with-massive-chip-project

Nvidia unveils cheaper AI chip for China

(DigWatch – 26 May 2025) Nvidia is preparing to launch a lower-cost AI chip for China that complies with US export restrictions, with mass production expected to begin as early as June. The upcoming GPU will be based on the latest Blackwell architecture but will carry reduced specifications compared to the recently restricted H20 model. It is expected to sell for $6,500 to $8,000, significantly cheaper than the $10,000–$12,000 H20, reflecting its simpler design and less advanced components. – https://dig.watch/updates/nvidia-unveils-cheaper-ai-chip-for-china

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

Defense, Intelligence, and Warfare

INDOPACOM brings AI to wargaming exercise

(Lauren C. Williams – Defense One – 30 May 2025) The Pentagon has long sought to realize the potential of artificial intelligence to help commanders; now U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is about to use AI-powered decision aids in a signature tabletop exercise. INDOPACOM will put its work on the Thunderforge project to use during the second half of its annual Pacific Sentry exercise, in which headquarters staff and command components square off against a simulated enemy, the command’s director of requirements and resources said Thursday. – https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2025/05/indopacom-brings-ai-wargaming-exercise/405708/?oref=d1-featured-river-top

US warfighters could get robot-like brains and eyes with new Meta, Anduril helmet

(Interesting Engineering – 30 May 2025) In a significant move to reshape battlefield technology, defense contractor Anduril and tech giant Meta have formed a strategic partnership to develop and deploy integrated Extended Reality (XR) systems designed specifically for the US military. The collaboration aims to deliver next-generation capabilities that enhance warfighter perception, decision-making, and control of autonomous platforms using AI-enabled augmented and virtual reality tools. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-warfighters-meta-anduril-helmet

UK military to establish new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command

(Alexander Martin – The Record – 29 May 2025) The United Kingdom announced on Thursday its intention to create a new military formation focused specifically on digital and electronic warfare, as a result of the country’s strategic defense review. Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will sit under Strategic Command — already responsible for the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, alongside the country’s special forces — and is intended to “lead defensive cyber operations and coordinate offensive cyber capabilities with the National Cyber Force,” according to the MoD. – https://therecord.media/uk-military-new-cyber-electromagnetic-command

China to build robot thruster to shield space station from Elon Musk’s satellite swarm

(Interesting Engineering – 29 May 2025) The militarization of space continues to gain momentum. One of the world’s leading space powers, China, is developing a new robotic defense system for its Tiangong space station. The space system will utilize autonomous vehicles capable of intercepting and latching onto suspicious spacecraft. Once in their grasp, these bots would thrust away from the orbital station, removing the danger. The new development was announced by Sun Zhibin of the National Space Science Centre in Beijing during a talk at Nanjing University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, a report from the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reveals. – https://interestingengineering.com/space/china-to-deploy-space-defense-bots

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/

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