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EU turns to AI tools to strengthen defences against disinformation

Institutions, researchers, and media organisations in the EU are intensifying efforts to use AI to counter disinformation, even as concerns grow about the wider impact on media freedom and public trust.

Confidence in journalism has fallen sharply across the EU, a trend made more severe by the rapid deployment of AI systems that reshape how information circulates online.

Brussels is attempting to respond with a mix of regulation and strategic investment. The EU’s AI Act is entering its implementation phase, supported by the AI Continent Action Plan and the Apply AI Strategy, both introduced in 2025 to improve competitiveness while protecting rights.

Yet manipulation campaigns continue to spread false narratives across platforms in multiple languages, placing pressure on journalists, fact-checkers and regulators to act with greater speed and precision.

Within such an environment, AI4TRUST has emerged as a prominent Horizon Europe initiative. The consortium is developing an integrated platform that detects disinformation signals, verifies content, and maps information flows for professionals who need real-time insight.

Partners stress the need for tools that strengthen human judgment instead of replacing it, particularly as synthetic media accelerates and shared realities become more fragile.

Experts speaking in Brussels warned that traditional fact-checking cannot absorb the scale of modern manipulation. They highlighted the geopolitical risks created by automated messaging and deepfakes, and argued for transparent, accountable systems tailored to user needs.

European officials emphasised that multiple tools will be required, supported by collaboration across institutions and sustained regulatory frameworks that defend democratic resilience.

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Digital procurement strengthens compliance and prepares governments for AI oversight

AI is reshaping the expectations placed on organisations, yet many local governments in the US continue to rely on procurement systems designed for a paper-first era.

Sealed envelopes, manual logging and physical storage remain standard practice, even though these steps slow essential services and increase operational pressure on staff and vendors.

The persistence of paper is linked to long-standing compliance requirements, which are vital for public accountability. Over time, however, processes intended to safeguard fairness have created significant inefficiencies.

Smaller businesses frequently struggle with printing, delivery, and rigid submission windows, and the administrative burden on procurement teams expands as records accumulate.

The author’s experience leading a modernisation effort in Somerville, Massachusetts showed how deeply embedded such practices had become.

Gradual adoption of digital submission reduced logistical barriers while strengthening compliance. Electronic bids could be time-stamped, access monitored, and records centrally managed, allowing staff to focus on evaluation rather than handling binders and storage boxes.

Vendor participation increased once geographical and physical constraints were removed. The shift also improved resilience, as municipalities that had already embraced digital procurement were better equipped to maintain continuity during pandemic disruptions.

Electronic records now provide a basis for responsible use of AI. Digital documents can be analysed for anomalies, metadata inconsistencies, or signs of manipulation that are difficult to detect in paper files.

Rather than replacing human judgment, such tools support stronger oversight and more transparent public administration. Modernising procurement aligns government operations with present-day realities and prepares them for future accountability and technological change.

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India unveils MANAV Vision as new global pathway for ethical AI

Narendra Modi presented the new MANAV Vision during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, setting out a human-centred direction for AI.

He described the framework as rooted in moral guidance, transparent oversight, national control of data, inclusive access and lawful verification. He argued that the approach is intended to guide global AI governance for the benefit of humanity.

The Prime Minister of India warned that rapid technological change requires stronger safeguards and drew attention to the need to protect children. He also said societies are entering a period where people and intelligent systems co-create and evolve together instead of functioning in separate spheres.

He pointed to India’s confidence in its talent and policy clarity as evidence of a growing AI future.

Modi announced that three domestic companies introduced new AI models and applications during the summit, saying the launches reflect the energy and capability of India’s young innovators.

He invited technology leaders from around the world to collaborate by designing and developing in India instead of limiting innovation to established hubs elsewhere.

The summit brought together policymakers, academics, technologists and civil society representatives to encourage cooperation on the societal impact of artificial intelligence.

As the first global AI summit held in the Global South, the gathering aligned with India’s national commitment to welfare for all and the wider aspiration to advance AI for humanity.

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Social media ban for children gains momentum in Germany

Germany’s coalition government is weighing new restrictions on children’s access to social media as both governing parties draft proposals to tighten online safeguards. The debate comes amid broader economic pressures, with industry reporting significant job losses last year.

The conservative bloc and the centre-left Social Democrats are examining measures that could curb or block social media access for minors. Proposals under discussion include age-based restrictions and stronger platform accountability.

The Social Democrats in Germany have proposed banning access for children under 14 and introducing dedicated youth versions of platforms for users aged 14 to 16. Supporters argue that clearer age thresholds could reduce exposure to harmful content and addictive design features.

The discussions align with a growing European trend toward stricter digital child protection rules. Several governments are exploring tougher age verification and content moderation standards, reflecting mounting concerns over online safety and mental health.

The policy debate unfolded as German industry reported cutting 124,100 jobs in 2025 amid ongoing economic headwinds. Lawmakers face the dual challenge of safeguarding younger users while navigating wider structural pressures affecting Europe’s largest economy.

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Windows 11 gains enterprise 5G management through Ericsson partnership

Ericsson and Microsoft have integrated advanced 5G into Windows 11 to simplify secure enterprise laptop connectivity. The update embeds AI-driven 5G management, enabling IT teams to automate connections and enforce policy-based controls at scale.

The solution combines Microsoft Intune with Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, a cloud-based platform that monitors network quality and optimises performance. Enterprises can switch service providers and automatically apply internal connectivity policies.

IT departments can remotely provision eSIMs, prioritise 5G networks, and enforce secure profiles across laptop fleets. Automation reduces manual configuration and ensures consistent compliance across locations and service providers.

The companies say the integration addresses long-standing barriers to adopting cellular-connected PCs, including complexity and fragmented management. Multi-market pilots have preceded commercial availability in the United States, Sweden, Singapore, and Japan.

Additional launches are planned in 2026 across Spain, Germany, and Finland. Executives from both firms describe the collaboration as a step toward AI-ready enterprise devices with secure, always-on connectivity.

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Shein faces formal proceedings under EU Digital Services Act

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Shein under the Digital Services Act over addictive design and illegal product risks. The move follows preliminary reviews of company reports and responses to information requests. Officials said the decision does not prejudge the outcome.

Investigators will review safeguards to prevent illegal products being sold in the European Union, including items that could amount to child sexual abuse material, such as child-like sex dolls. Authorities will also assess how the platform detects and removes unlawful goods offered by third-party sellers.

The Commission will examine risks linked to platform design, including engagement-based rewards that may encourage excessive use. Officials will assess whether adequate measures are in place to limit potential harm to users’ well-being and ensure effective consumer protection online.

Transparency obligations under the DSA are another focal point. Platforms must clearly disclose the main parameters of their recommender systems and provide at least one easily accessible option that is not based on profiling. The Commission will assess whether Shein meets these requirements.

Coimisiún na Meán, the Digital Services Coordinator of Ireland, will assist the investigation as Ireland is Shein’s EU base. The Commission may seek more information or adopt interim measures if needed. Proceedings run alongside consumer protection action and product safety enforcement.

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New Mastercard Move integration powers Ericsson fintech platform

Ericsson and Mastercard will integrate Mastercard Move into the Ericsson Fintech Platform to expand digital wallets and cross-border transfers. The partnership targets telecom operators, banks, and fintechs seeking to launch new payment services and reach underserved communities.

By combining Ericsson’s cloud-native fintech infrastructure with Mastercard Move’s money transfer network, the companies aim to simplify integration, deployment, and compliance. The integration is designed to reduce operational complexity and accelerate time-to-market for digital payment services.

Mastercard Move supports transfers in over 200 countries and territories and enables transactions in 150 currencies. Ericsson’s fintech platform operates in 22 countries, serving more than 120 million users and processing over 4 billion transactions per month.

The companies said the collaboration is intended to create new revenue streams and strengthen digital ecosystems in both emerging and developed markets. A global rollout will begin in the Middle East and Africa, where demand for mobile money and interoperable payment systems continues to grow.

Executives said the partnership will support faster, more secure cross-border transfers and promote financial inclusion. The integration aims to help telecom providers and financial institutions scale digital payment services and expand access to the digital economy.

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AI to transform India’s $400 billion IT ambition by 2030

India’s IT sector could reach $400 billion by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview with ANI, highlighting AI as a key growth driver. Services exports remain central to India’s economic expansion, with AI expected to reshape outsourcing and domain-specific automation.

Modi argued that AI is not replacing the IT industry but transforming it. General-purpose AI tools are becoming widespread, while enterprise-grade adoption remains concentrated in specific sectors where established IT firms continue solving complex business challenges.

Government policy is anchored in the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to expand access to computing infrastructure and strengthen domestic innovation. Modi said GPU targets have already been exceeded, with further investment planned to ensure affordable access for startups and enterprises.

Four Centres of Excellence have been established in healthcare, agriculture, education and sustainable cities, alongside five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling. Authorities aim to equip the workforce with industry-relevant AI expertise to support long-term competitiveness.

Strategic ambition extends beyond service delivery toward building AI products and platforms for domestic and global markets. Policymakers in India position AI as a catalyst for higher productivity, stronger digital infrastructure, and broader economic resilience.

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EDPS urges stronger safeguards in EU temporary chat-scanning rules

Concerns over privacy safeguards have resurfaced as the European Data Protection Supervisor urges legislators to limit indiscriminate chat-scanning in the upcoming extension of temporary EU rules.

The supervisor warns that the current framework risks enabling broad surveillance instead of focusing on targeted action against criminal content.

The EU institutions are considering a short-term renewal of the interim regime governing the detection of online material linked to child protection.

Privacy officials argue that such measures need clearer boundaries and stronger oversight to ensure that automated scanning tools do not intrude on the communications of ordinary users.

EDPS is also pressing lawmakers to introduce explicit safeguards before any renewal is approved. These include tighter definitions of scanning methods, independent verification, and mechanisms that prevent the processing of unrelated personal data.

According to the supervisor, temporary legislation must not create long-term precedents that weaken confidentiality across messaging services.

The debate comes as the EU continues discussions on a wider regulatory package covering child-protection technologies, encryption and platform responsibilities.

Privacy authorities maintain that targeted tools can be more practical than blanket scanning, which they consider a disproportionate response.

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Mistral AI expands European footprint with acquisition of Koyeb

Mistral AI has strengthened its position in Europe’s AI sector through the acquisition of Koyeb. The deal forms part of its strategy to build end-to-end capacity for deploying advanced AI systems across European infrastructure.

The company has been expanding beyond model development into large-scale computing. It is currently building new data centre facilities, including a primary site in France and a €1.2 billion facility in Sweden, both aimed at supporting high-performance AI workloads.

The acquisition follows a period of rapid growth for Mistral AI, which reached a valuation of €11.7 billion after investment from ASML. French public support has also played a role in accelerating its commercial and research progress.

Mistral AI now positions itself as a potential European technology champion, seeking to combine model development, compute infrastructure and deployment tools into a fully integrated AI ecosystem.

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