Access

Sanas raises millions to transform call centre communication

AI start-up Sanas has raised $65 million in a new funding round, valuing the company at over $500 million. The firm, founded in 2020, uses artificial intelligence to modify call centre workers’ accents in real time, aiming to reduce discrimination and improve communication. Its software preserves the speaker’s emotions and identity while adjusting phonetic patterns instantly.

The company was inspired by a call centre worker’s struggle with accent bias, leading its founders to develop a solution that enhances clarity without replacing human connection. Despite concerns that such technology may homogenise voices rather than promote acceptance of diverse accents, Sanas insists its mission is to break barriers and reduce discrimination.

With an annual revenue of $21 million and a growing client base across healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, Sanas is rapidly expanding. The company plans to develop new AI-driven speech technologies, increase its global presence, and open an office in the Philippines, a major hub for call centres.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Gemini AI now requires separate app on iOS

Google has removed its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main Google app on iOS, encouraging users to download the standalone Gemini app instead. The change, announced via an email to customers, is seen as a strategic move to position Gemini as a direct competitor to AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude.

The dedicated Gemini app allows users to interact with the AI assistant through voice and text, integrate it with Google services like Search and YouTube, and access advanced features such as AI-generated summaries and image creation. Those who attempt to use Gemini in the main Google app will now see a message directing them to the App Store.

While the shift may enable Google to roll out new AI features more efficiently, it also risks reducing Gemini’s reach, as some users may not be inclined to download a separate app. The company is also promoting its Google One AI Premium plan through the Gemini app, offering access to its more advanced capabilities.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Apple rejects UK plans for mobile browser controls

Apple has pushed back against proposed remedies from the UK’s competition watchdog, arguing they could hinder innovation in the mobile browser market. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Apple and Google’s dominance in browser engines and cloud gaming distribution through app stores, with potential regulatory measures under consideration.

In its response, Apple stated that mandating free access to future WebKit updates or iOS features used by Safari would be unfair, given the significant resources required to develop them. The company warned this could lead to ‘free-riding’ by third parties and discourage further investment in browser technologies.

The UK CMA’s investigation aims to increase competition in the mobile browser space, where Apple’s WebKit engine is a key player. However, Apple insists that the proposed changes would harm its ability to innovate and could ultimately reduce the quality of browser experiences for users. The regulator is expected to continue assessing industry feedback before making a final decision.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Australian kids overlook social media age checks

A recent report by Australia’s eSafety regulator reveals that children in the country are finding it easy to bypass age restrictions on social media platforms. The findings come ahead of a government ban, set to take effect at the end of 2025, that will prevent children under the age of 16 from using these platforms. The report highlights data from a national survey on social media use among 8 to 15-year-olds and feedback from eight major services, including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

The report shows that 80% of Australian children aged 8 to 12 were using social media in 2024, with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat being the most popular platforms. While most platforms, except Reddit, require users to enter their date of birth during sign-up, the report indicates that these systems rely on self-declaration, which can be easily manipulated. Despite these weaknesses, 95% of teens under 16 were found to be active on at least one of the platforms surveyed.

While some platforms, such as TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube, have introduced tools to proactively detect underage users, others have not fully implemented age verification technologies. YouTube remains exempt from the upcoming ban, allowing children under 13 to use the platform with parental supervision. However, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stressed that there is still significant work needed to enforce the government’s minimum age legislation effectively.

The report also noted that most of the services surveyed had conducted research to improve their age verification processes. However, as the law approaches, there are increasing calls for app stores to take greater responsibility for enforcing age restrictions.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

New Google tool helps users rethink their career paths

Google has introduced Career Dreamer, a new AI-powered tool designed to help users discover career possibilities based on their skills, education, and interests. Announced in a blog post, the experiment aims to offer personalised job exploration without the need for multiple searches across different platforms.

The tool creates a ‘career identity statement’ by analysing users’ past and present roles, education, and experiences, which can be used to refine CVs or guide interview discussions. Career Dreamer also provides a visual representation of potential career paths and allows users to collaborate with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, to draft cover letters or explore further job ideas.

Unlike traditional job search platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed, Career Dreamer does not link users to actual job postings. Instead, it serves as an exploratory tool to help individuals, whether students, career changers, or military veterans, identify roles that align with their backgrounds. Currently, the experiment is available only in the United States, with no confirmation on future expansion.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Trump discusses TikTok sale with China

President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he was in active discussions with China over the future of TikTok, as the US seeks to broker a sale of the popular app. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that talks were ongoing, underscoring the US government’s desire to address national security concerns tied to the app’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. The move comes amid growing scrutiny over TikTok’s data security practices and potential links to the Chinese government.

The Trump administration has expressed concerns that TikTok could be used to collect sensitive data on US users, raising fears about national security risks. As a result, the US has been pushing for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company. This would be part of an effort to reduce any potential influence from the Chinese government over the app’s data and operations. However, the process has faced complexities, with discussions involving multiple stakeholders, including potential buyers.

While the negotiations continue, the future of TikTok remains uncertain. If a sale is not agreed upon, the US has indicated that it could pursue further actions, including a potential ban of the app. As these talks unfold, the outcome could have significant implications for TikTok’s millions of American users and its business operations in the US, with both sides working to find a solution that addresses the security concerns while allowing the app to continue its success.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Hong Kong explores new virtual asset regulations

Hong Kong is considering approving derivatives and margin lending for virtual assets, aiming to strengthen its position as a global hub for digital assets, according to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). This move is part of the city’s broader strategy, initiated in 2022, to become a leading virtual asset trading centre, particularly after China’s cryptocurrency ban in 2021. The SFC’s CEO, Julia Leung, announced the potential inclusion of derivative products and margin lending for professional investors, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the sector.

As part of its regulatory push, the city has already issued nine virtual asset trading platform licences, with more applications under review. One such licence was granted to Bullish Group, the parent company of CoinDesk. Additionally, financial secretary Paul Chan noted that the government is working on advancing regulations for stablecoins, further solidifying Hong Kong’s ambitions in the digital asset space.

The city will soon release a detailed roadmap for virtual asset growth, which will outline future plans. Meanwhile, Hong Kong competes with cities like Singapore and Dubai, also striving to become leading centres for digital finance. The latest developments come amid a broader global shift in the cryptocurrency market, which has seen significant interest from institutional investors following regulatory changes in the US under President Trump.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

New app replaces paper hospital passports for better accessibility

A new app designed by patients is replacing paper hospital passports to make hospital visits more convenient. Currently in use at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, UK, the app stores key medical details, including allergies, medications, phobias, and emergency contacts, allowing staff to access critical information quickly.

Jessica, who helped develop the app, highlighted its ease of use, saying it eliminates the need to carry a booklet and makes sharing information with medical staff much simpler.

With nearly 700 users already, there are plans to expand the app to other hospitals in south-west England, and NHS England has expressed interest in its wider rollout.

Consultant Saoirse Read noted that digitalisation ensures staff can still access patient details even if their phone is left at home. The app has been particularly beneficial for neurodivergent patients, helping staff tailor care to individual needs.

By understanding factors such as pain responses and phobias, hospital teams can create personalised care plans, making the experience less stressful for patients.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

AI sizing tools aim to reduce fashion returns

Online fashion retailers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to tackle the costly issue of clothing returns, with up to 30% of purchases being sent back due to sizing problems. A study by McKinsey estimates that each return costs between $21 and $46, significantly affecting profit margins. Many customers order multiple sizes and return those that don’t fit, creating logistical headaches for retailers.

To address this, companies are adopting AI-driven sizing tools. French start-up Fringuant, for instance, uses an algorithm that analyses a shopper’s height, weight, and a quick selfie to predict the best size. Zalando, a German e-commerce giant, has also implemented its own AI-powered tool that guides customers by comparing their body shape with garment dimensions. These technologies are already helping some brands reduce return rates significantly.

Beyond sizing, AI is also improving warehouse operations to prevent shipping mistakes. Smart cameras on order pickers’ trolleys at logistics firms help ensure the right product is selected, while AI-equipped robots track stock levels, reducing errors that lead to returns. As online shopping continues to grow, retailers hope these innovations will streamline processes and boost efficiency.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Judge allows Musk’s DOGE to keep accessing government data

A US federal judge has denied a request to temporarily block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing data from seven federal agencies or making further workforce cuts. The lawsuit, brought by 14 Democratic attorneys general, argued that DOGE was overstepping its authority by reshaping agencies and obtaining vast amounts of government information. However, Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove immediate harm, allowing DOGE to continue operations.

Despite this decision, the judge acknowledged serious constitutional concerns regarding Musk’s authority. She noted that Musk had not been nominated by the US President Trump or confirmed by the Senate, raising potential violations of the Appointments Clause. In her ruling, Chutkan also criticised the Trump administration’s legal arguments, suggesting inconsistencies in its justification for DOGE’s powers.

While the restraining order was denied, the states can still pursue their case, potentially seeking a preliminary injunction to halt DOGE’s access to federal data. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez vowed to continue the legal fight, accusing Musk of destabilising government functions and acting without proper oversight. The battle over DOGE’s legitimacy is expected to intensify in the coming months.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.