Democratic lawmakers are calling for an explanation from the Pentagon after reports surfaced about an order to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia during sensitive negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The decision to halt such operations, which disrupt rival computer networks, is not unusual in the context of diplomatic efforts but has raised concerns among lawmakers. The order was first reported by The Record and later confirmed by two anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the move, calling it a ‘critical strategic mistake’ and arguing that ‘the best defence is always a strong offence’, especially in cybersecurity.
Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, also demanded that the Pentagon provide Congress with details regarding the scope of the pause and its potential impact on US allies. He further questioned whether a risk assessment was made before the decision.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the matter, citing operational security concerns. The pause in cyber operations comes amid rising tensions surrounding President Donald Trump’s recent dealings with Russia, including a public clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Trump has shifted US policy by engaging in talks with Moscow and openly criticising Zelenskiy, suggesting that America could pull its support for Ukraine if the war does not end soon.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The University of Cambridge is set to open a new department, The Bennett School of Public Policy, later this year, dedicated to exploring how AI can improve both business and public sector operations.
However, this marks the university’s first major new academic department in the 21st century, with research priorities focused on harnessing AI to address pressing policy challenges.
Professors from a wide range of disciplines, including economics, social sciences, and medical fields, will collaborate to investigate the potential benefits and risks of AI adoption across sectors.
The school’s leadership aims to foster a generation of ‘tech-savvy’ policymakers who can effectively manage AI’s role in society while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
In addition to investigating AI’s economic impact, researchers will work closely with the Civil Service to develop AI workflows and help local government leaders address geographical inequality.
With a focus on cross-disciplinary expertise, the Bennett School plans to train policymakers who can tackle the complex issues of today’s world.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Lenovo has won an appeal in a UK court that will allow it to secure a temporary licence for Ericsson’s patents, marking a significant development in the ongoing patent dispute between the two companies.
The case, which revolves around fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing terms for 4G and 5G wireless technology, has seen both companies take legal action in various countries, including the UK, Brazil, and the US.
In his ruling, Judge Richard Arnold determined that Ericsson had failed to act in good faith by pursuing legal claims in foreign courts despite Lenovo’s willingness to accept the FRAND terms set by the English courts.
He stated that, as a willing licensor, Ericsson should have agreed to an interim licence, with Lenovo being required to pay a substantial sum to Ericsson. Lenovo’s Chief Legal Officer hailed the decision as a victory for transparency and fairness in global patent licensing.
The ruling follows Lenovo’s 2023 lawsuit against Ericsson in the UK, a part of the broader dispute between the two over the terms for the use of each other’s patents. Ericsson has yet to comment on the decision.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The notice relates to the acquisition of two companies, Little Internet Private Limited and Nearbuy India Private Limited, covering the period from 2015 to 2019.
Paytm has stated that the alleged violations occurred before these companies became its subsidiaries. The company maintains that the notice has no impact on its services for consumers and merchants. No further details about the specific allegations have been disclosed.
The notice comes at a time of increased regulatory scrutiny of digital payment firms in India.
Paytm has previously faced challenges related to compliance and operations, making the latest development a significant issue for the company as it continues to navigate the country’s evolving financial regulations.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
United States officials are reviewing whether the UK breached a bilateral agreement by reportedly pressuring Apple to create a ‘backdoor’ for government access to encrypted iCloud backups.
Apple recently withdrew an encrypted storage feature for UK users following reports that it had refused to comply with such demands, which could have affected users worldwide. The Washington Post reported that Apple rejected the UK government’s request.
The US director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, confirmed in a letter to lawmakers that a legal review is underway to determine if the UK violated the CLOUD Act.
Under the agreement, neither the US nor the United Kingdom can demand data access for citizens or residents of the other country. Initial legal assessments suggest the UK’s reported demands may have overstepped its authority under the agreement.
Apple has long defended its encryption policies, arguing that creating a backdoor for government access would weaken security and leave user data vulnerable to hackers. Cybersecurity experts warn that any such backdoor, once created, would inevitably be exploited.
The tech giant has clashed with regulators over encryption before, notably in 2016 when it resisted US government efforts to unlock a terrorism suspect’s iPhone.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Vodafone UK has teamed up with IBM to explore quantum-safe cryptography as part of a new Proof of Concept (PoC) test for its mobile and broadband services, particularly for users of its ‘Secure Net’ anti-malware service. While quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, they could eventually break current internet encryption methods. In anticipation of this, Vodafone and IBM are testing how to integrate new post-quantum cryptographic standards into Vodafone’s existing Secure Net service, which already protects millions of users from threats like phishing and malware.
IBM’s cryptography experts have co-developed two algorithms now recognised in the US National Institute of Standards and Technology’s first post-quantum cryptography standards. This collaboration, supported by Akamai Technologies, aims to make Vodafone’s services more resilient against future quantum computing risks. Vodafone’s Head of R&D, Luke Ibbetson, stressed the importance of future-proofing digital security to ensure customers can continue enjoying safe internet experiences.
Although the PoC is still in its feasibility phase, Vodafone hopes to implement quantum-safe cryptography across its networks and products soon, ensuring stronger protection for both business and consumer users.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Singapore‘s government is investigating a fraud case involving servers supplied by US companies, potentially containing Nvidia’s advanced chips. Three men, including a Chinese national, were charged last week in connection with the alleged illegal transfer of these AI chips from Singapore to Chinese firm DeepSeek. Singapore’s Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam confirmed that the servers were provided by Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer to local firms before being sent to Malaysia.
Authorities are still unsure whether Malaysia was the final destination, but they are working with US officials to determine if the servers contained restricted US export-controlled items. The US is already investigating whether DeepSeek has used banned Nvidia chips, which could lead to violations of export laws. The case forms part of a broader probe into suspected smuggling activities linked to AI chips being moved from countries like Singapore to China.
Singapore, a key market for Nvidia, is also examining allegations that DeepSeek may have acquired thousands of advanced Nvidia chips illegally. However, DeepSeek has denied these claims, stating that it only used legally purchased chips, including the Nvidia H800 model. The investigation is ongoing, with Singapore continuing to cooperate with US authorities.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause on all cyber operations against Russia, including offensive actions, as part of a broader reassessment of US operations related to Russia. The duration and specifics of the pause remain unclear, according to multiple US media reports. The Pentagon declined to comment on the matter, citing operational security concerns.
This move comes amid US President Donald Trump’s push for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, as well as his recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has positioned himself as a mediator between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky, calling for less focus on Putin.
Despite media reports suggesting a shift in cyber strategy, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz denied any policy change regarding cyber operations against Russia. He emphasised that efforts to end the war would continue with a range of diplomatic and strategic tools.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Chinese smartphone maker Honor plans to invest $10 billion over the next five years to develop AI for its devices as it prepares for a public listing. CEO James Li revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that the company aims to expand beyond smartphones into AI-powered PCs, tablets, and wearables.
Honor’s push into AI comes after completing a shareholder restructuring in December, bringing it closer to an initial public offering, though no timeline has been set. The announcement also aligns with a surge in AI investment in China, driven by the popularity of DeepSeek’s affordable language models.
While Honor’s market share in China slipped from second to fourth place last year, it has gained significant support from the Shenzhen government, including R&D funding and tax breaks. The company is also focusing on expanding internationally as it strengthens its AI capabilities.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Britain’s privacy regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has launched an investigation into the child privacy practices of TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur. The ICO is scrutinising how these platforms manage personal data and age verification for users, particularly teenagers, to ensure they comply with UK data protection laws.
The investigation focuses on TikTok’s use of data from 13-17-year-olds to recommend content via its algorithm. The ICO is also examining how Reddit and Imgur assess and protect the privacy of child users. If evidence of legal breaches is found, the ICO will take action, as it did in 2023 when TikTok was fined £12.7 million for mishandling data from children under 13.
Both Reddit and Imgur have expressed a commitment to adhering to UK regulations. Reddit, for example, stated that it plans to roll out updates to meet new age-assurance requirements. Meanwhile, TikTok and Imgur have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The investigation comes amid stricter UK legislation aimed at safeguarding children online, including measures requiring social media platforms to limit harmful content and enforce age checks to prevent underage access to inappropriate material.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
