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South Korea’s new Science Minister pledges AI-led national transformation

South Korea’s new Science and ICT Minister, Bae Kyung-hoon, has pledged to turn the nation into one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses.

Instead of following outdated methods, Bae outlined a bold national strategy centred on AI, science and technology, aiming to raise Korea’s potential growth rate to 3 per cent and secure a global economic leadership position.

Bae, a leading AI expert and former president of LG AI Research, officially assumed office on Thursday.

Drawing from experience developing hyperscale AI models like LG’s Exaone, he emphasised the need to build a unique competitive advantage rooted in AI transformation, talent development and technological innovation.

Rather than focusing only on industrial growth, Bae’s policy agenda targets a broad AI ecosystem, revitalised research and development, world-class talent nurturing, and addressing issues affecting daily life.

His plans include establishing AI-centred universities, enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting AI semiconductors, restoring grassroots research funding, and expanding consumer rights in telecommunications.

With these strategies, Bae aims to make AI accessible to all citizens instead of limiting it to large corporations or research institutes. His vision is for South Korea to lead in AI development while supporting social equity, cybersecurity, and nationwide innovation.

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EU confirms AI Act rollout and releases GPAI Code of Practice

The European Commission has confirmed it will move forward with the EU AI Act exactly as scheduled, instead of granting delays requested by tech giants and businesses.

On 10 July 2025, it published the final General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice alongside FAQs to guide organisations aiming to comply with the new law.

Rather than opting for a more flexible timetable, the Commission is standing firm on its regulatory goals. The GPAI Code of Practice, now in its final form, sets out voluntary but strongly recommended steps for companies that want reduced administrative burdens and clearer legal certainty under the AI Act.

The document covers transparency, copyright, and safety standards for advanced AI models, including a model documentation form for providers.

Key dates have already been set. From 2 August 2025, rules covering notifications, governance, and penalties will come into force. By February 2026, official guidelines on classifying high-risk AI systems are expected.

The remaining parts of the legislation will take effect by August 2026, instead of being postponed further.

With the publication of the GPAI Code of Practice, the EU takes another step towards building a unified ethical framework for AI development and deployment across Europe, focusing on transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights.

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US moves to block Chinese tech in undersea Internet cables

The United States is moving to strengthen the security of its digital infrastructure by proposing new regulations on undersea internet cables.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to ban the connection of submarine cables to the US if they involve Chinese technology or equipment. It also aims to prohibit companies that are flagged as national security threats, including Huawei and ZTE.

Additionally, the FCC will seek public comments on further measures to protect undersea cable infrastructure, as part of an ongoing review of regulations overseeing the global network of submarine cables that carry 99% of international internet traffic.

These policy moves reflect US concerns over China’s role in internet infrastructure and potential espionage. Since 2020, regulators have blocked multiple cable projects linking the US to Hong Kong due to security risks.

Recent incidents, such as suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea, Taiwan’s accusations of cable cutting by Chinese vessels, and Houthi-linked damage to cables in the Red Sea, highlight the growing vulnerability of global communications networks.

These steps guard against foreign adversary ownership, cyber threats, and physical sabotage.

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Thailand to advance policies to boost space industry and satellite services

Thailand’s Digital Economy Ministry is advancing several key policies to boost the country’s space industry and satellite services. The draft Landing Rights policy, approved by the National Space Policy Committee and pending Cabinet approval, will allow foreign satellite operators to provide services within Thailand while ensuring fair competition with domestic providers.

Alongside this, the committee approved the updated National Space Master Plan, reflecting recommendations from national development councils. These policies form part of the broader National Satellite Policy Framework, which addresses policy, legal and regulatory development, international collaboration, and space infrastructure to support the growing space sector.

The government is focused on using space technology and satellite data to improve areas like disaster management, agriculture, and resource governance. Thailand is also enhancing international cooperation by planning to sign the Artemis Accords, working with China on lunar research, and developing space traffic management policies to strengthen its global role.

To support these goals, Thailand is investing in digital infrastructure to expand space activities, ensure inclusive access, reduce inequality, and boost economic and social security.

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Netherlands urges EU to reduce reliance on US cloud providers

The Dutch government has released a policy paper urging the European Union to take coordinated action to reduce its heavy dependence on non-EU cloud providers, especially from the United States.

The document recommends that the European Commission introduce a clearer and harmonized approach at the EU level.

Key proposals include creating a consistent definition of ‘cloud sovereignty,’ adjusting public procurement rules to allow prioritizing sovereignty, promoting open-source technologies and standards, setting up a common European decision-making framework for cloud choices, and ensuring sufficient funding to support the development and deployment of sovereign cloud technologies.

These measures aim to strengthen the EU’s digital independence and protect public administrations from external political or economic pressures.

A recent investigation found that over 20,000 Dutch institutions rely heavily on US cloud services, with Microsoft holding about 60% of the market.

The Dutch government warned this dependence risks national security and fundamental rights. Concerns escalated after Microsoft blocked the ICC prosecutor’s email following US sanctions, sparking political outrage.

In response, the Dutch parliament called for reducing reliance on American providers and urged the government to develop a roadmap to protect digital infrastructure and regain control.

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Broadcom challenges Nvidia with Tomahawk Ultra AI networking chip

Broadcom has introduced a new networking chip designed to boost AI data centre performance, positioning itself against Nvidia in the AI hardware race.

Called Tomahawk Ultra, the chip helps link hundreds of processors within close range, ensuring fast communication vital for large AI models.

Instead of using Nvidia’s proprietary NVLink system, Broadcom’s Tomahawk Ultra operates on an accelerated version of Ethernet and connects up to four times more chips within a server rack.

The chip acts as a traffic controller, enabling what the industry refers to as ‘scale-up’ computing — where AI models tap into combined computing power from tightly grouped chips.

According to Broadcom senior vice president Ram Velaga, it took engineers around three years to design the Tomahawk Ultra, which was originally aimed at high-performance computing but adapted for AI workloads as demand surged.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is producing the processors using its five-nanometre process, and the chips are already shipping to customers.

Rather than requiring major hardware overhauls, the Tomahawk Ultra offers a scalable, Ethernet-based alternative for AI firms looking to build faster, more flexible data centres.

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South Korean firm unveils faster AI data centre architecture with CXL-over-Xlink

South Korean company Panmnesia has introduced a new architecture for AI data centres aimed at improving speed and efficiency.

Instead of using only PCIe or RDMA-based systems, its CXL-over-Xlink approach combines Compute Express Link (CXL) with fast accelerator links such as UALink and NVLink.

The company claims this design can deliver up to 5.3 times faster AI training and reduce inference latency sixfold. By allowing CPUs and GPUs to access large shared memory pools via the CXL fabric, AI workloads are no longer restricted by the fixed memory limits inside each GPU.

It will enable data centres to scale compute and memory independently, adapting to changing workload demands without hardware overprovisioning.

Panmnesia’s system also reduces communication overhead using accelerator-optimised links for CXL traffic, helping maintain high throughput with sub-100ns latency.

The architecture incorporates a hierarchical memory model blending local high-bandwidth memory with pooled CXL memory, alongside scalable CXL 3.1 switches that connect hundreds of devices efficiently without bottlenecks.

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China deploys new malware tool for border phone searches

Chinese authorities reportedly use a powerful new malware tool called Massistant to extract data from seized Android phones. Developed by Xiamen Meiya Pico, the tool enables police to access messages, photos, locations, and app data once they have physical access to a device.

Cybersecurity firm Lookout revealed that Massistant operates via a desktop-connected tower, requiring unlocked devices but no advanced hacking techniques. Researchers said affected users include Chinese citizens and international travellers whose phones may be searched at borders.

The malware leaves traces on compromised phones, allowing for post-infection removal, but authorities already have the data by then. Forums in China have shown increasing user complaints about malware following police interactions.

Massistant is seen as the successor to an older tool, MSSocket, with Meiya Pico now controlling 40% of China’s digital forensics market. They previously sanctioned the firm for its surveillance tech links to the Chinese government’s use.

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ADB urges urgent reforms to bridge Pakistan’s digital divide

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has urged Pakistan to act quickly to close its widening digital gap by adopting urgent reforms.

Its recommendations include accelerating delayed spectrum auctions and launching 5G services, significantly expanding fibre-optic infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, and reforming the telecom tax regime to attract private investment and lower consumer costs.

The ADB also calls for gender-responsive and income-sensitive digital inclusion programs, greater investment in digital literacy, and targeted subsidies to help low-income and marginalised communities afford internet-enabled devices and connectivity.

Despite these clear policy paths, Pakistan’s digital progress remains hampered by chronic underinvestment, delayed 5G rollout, and inconsistent policies.

Fixed broadband penetration is just 1.3%, and although mobile internet covers around 80% of the population, real adoption stays low due to high costs and limited digital literacy. Heavy telecom taxes discourage investment and keep services expensive, especially for rural and low-income communities.

Meanwhile, the digital economy contributes only 1.5% to GDP, and deep gender gaps persist: 86% of men own mobile phones compared to just 53% of women, and only 33% of women use the internet.

The ADB warns that without urgent reforms, Pakistan risks widening its digital divide and missing out on economic and social benefits.

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AI Appreciation Day highlights progress and growing concerns

AI is marking another milestone as experts worldwide reflect on its rapid rise during AI Appreciation Day. From reshaping business workflows to transforming customer experiences, AI’s presence is expanding — but so are concerns over its long-term implications.

Industry leaders point to AI’s growing role across sectors. Patrick Harrington from MetaRouter highlights how control over first-party data is now seen as key instead of just processing large datasets.

Vall Herard of Saifr adds that successful AI implementations depend on combining curated data with human oversight rather than relying purely on machine-driven systems.

Meanwhile, Paula Felstead from HBX Group believes AI could significantly enhance travel experiences, though scaling it across entire organisations remains a challenge.

Voice AI is changing industries that depend on customer interaction, according to Natalie Rutgers from Deepgram. Instead of complex interfaces, voice technology is improving communication in restaurants, hospitals, and banks.

At the same time, experts like Ivan Novikov from Wallarm stress the importance of securing AI systems and the APIs connecting them, as these form the backbone of modern AI services.

While some celebrate AI’s advances, others raise caution. SentinelOne’s Ezzeldin Hussein envisions AI becoming a trusted partner through responsible development rather than unchecked growth.

Naomi Buckwalter from Contrast Security warns that AI-generated code could open security gaps instead of fully replacing human engineering, while Geoff Burke from Object First notes that AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming inevitable for businesses unable to keep pace with evolving threats.

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