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EU investigates Google over potential Digital Markets Act breach

The European Commission has opened an investigation into whether Google may be breaching the Digital Markets Act by unfairly demoting news publishers in search results.

An inquiry that centres on Google’s ‘site reputation abuse policy’, which appears to lower rankings for publishers that host content from commercial partners, even when those partnerships support legitimate ways of monetising online journalism.

The Commission is examining whether Alphabet’s approach restricts publishers from conducting business, innovating, and cooperating with third-party content providers. Officials highlighted concerns that such demotions may undermine revenue at a difficult moment for the media sector.

These proceedings do not imply a final decision; instead, they allow the EU to gather evidence and assess Google’s practices in detail.

If the Commission finds evidence of non-compliance, it will present preliminary findings and request corrective measures. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months.

Under the DMA, infringements can lead to fines of up to ten percent of a company’s worldwide turnover, rising to twenty percent for repeated violations, alongside possible structural remedies.

Senior Commissioners stressed that gatekeepers must offer fair and non-discriminatory access to their platforms. They argued that protecting publishers’ ability to reach audiences supports media pluralism, innovation, and democratic resilience.

Google Search, designated as a core platform service under the DMA, has been required to comply fully with the regulation since March 2024.

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New York Times lawsuit prompts OpenAI to strengthen privacy protections

OpenAI says a New York Times demand to hand over 20 million private ChatGPT conversations threatens user privacy and breaks with established security norms. The request forms part of the Times’ lawsuit over alleged misuse of its content.

The company argues the demand would expose highly personal chats from people with no link to the case. It previously resisted broader requests, including one seeking more than a billion conversations, and says the latest move raises similar concerns about proportionality.

OpenAI says it offered privacy-preserving alternatives, such as targeted searches and high-level usage data, but these were rejected. It adds that chats covered by the order are being de-identified and stored in a secure, legally restricted environment.

The dispute arises as OpenAI accelerates its security roadmap, which includes plans for client-side encryption and automated systems that detect serious safety risks without requiring broad human access. These measures aim to ensure private conversations remain inaccessible to external parties.

OpenAI maintains that strong privacy protections are essential as AI tools handle increasingly sensitive tasks. It says it will challenge any attempt to make private conversations public and will continue to update users as the legal process unfolds.

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New AI platforms approved for Surrey Schools classrooms

Surrey Schools has approved MagicSchool, SchoolAI, and TeachAid for classroom use, giving teachers access through the ONE portal with parental consent. The district says the tools are intended to support instruction while maintaining strong privacy and safety safeguards.

Officials say each platform passes rigorous reviews covering educational value, data protection, and technical security before approval. Teachers receive structured guidance on appropriate use, supported by professional development aligned with wider standards for responsible AI in education.

A two-year digital literacy programme helps staff explore online identity, digital habits, and safe technology use as AI becomes more common in lessons. Students use AI to generate ideas, check code, and analyse scientific or mathematical problems, reinforcing critical reasoning.

Educators stress that pupils are taught to question AI outputs rather than accept them at face value. Leaders argue this approach builds judgment and confidence, preparing young people to navigate automated systems with greater agency beyond school settings.

Families and teachers can access AI safety resources through the ONE platform, including videos, podcasts and the ‘Navigating an AI Future’ series. Materials include recordings from earlier workshops and parent sessions, supporting shared understanding of AI’s benefits and risks across the community.

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AI credentials grow as AWS launches practical training pathway

AWS is launching four solutions to help close the AI skills gap as demand rises and job requirements shift. The company positions the new tools as a comprehensive learning journey, offering structured pathways that progress from foundational knowledge to hands-on practice and formal validation.

AWS Skill Builder now hosts over 220 free AI courses, ranging from beginner introductions to advanced topics in generative and agentic AI. The platform enables learners to build skills at their own pace, with flexible study options that accommodate work schedules.

Practical experience anchors the new suite. The Meeting Simulator helps learners explain AI concepts to realistic personas and refine communication with instant feedback. Cohorts Studio offers team-based training through study groups, boot camps, and game-based challenges.

AWS is expanding its credential portfolio with the AWS Certified Generative AI Developer – Professional certification. The exam helps cloud practitioners demonstrate proficiency in foundation models, RAG architectures, and responsible deployment, supported by practice tasks and simulated environments.

Learners can validate hands-on capability through new microcredentials that require troubleshooting and implementation in real AWS settings. Combined credentials signal both conceptual understanding and task-ready skills, with Skill Builder’s more expansive library offering a clear starting point for career progression.

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Coding meets creativity in Minecraft Education’s AI tutorial

Minecraft Education is introducing an AI-powered twist on the classic first night challenge with a new Hour of AI world. Players explore a puzzle-driven environment that turns early survival stress into a guided coding and learning experience.

The activity drops players into a familiar biome and tasks them with building shelter before sunset. Instead of panicking at distant rustles or looming shadows, learners work with an AI agent designed to support planning and problem-solving.

Using MakeCode programming, players teach their agent to recognise patterns, classify resources, and coordinate helper bots. The agent mimics real AI behaviour by learning from examples and occasionally making mistakes that require human correction to improve its decisions.

As the agent becomes more capable, it shifts from a simple tool to a partner that automates key tasks and reduces first-night pressure. The aim is to let players develop creative strategies rather than resort to frantic survival instincts.

Designed for ages seven and up, the experience is free to access through Minecraft Education. It introduces core AI literacy concepts, blending gameplay with lessons on how AI systems learn, adapt, and occasionally fail, all wrapped in a familiar, family-friendly setting.

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Hidden freeze controls uncovered across major blockchains

Bybit’s Lazarus Security Lab says 16 major blockchains embed fund-freezing mechanisms. An additional 19 could adopt them with modest protocol changes, according to the study. The review covered 166 networks using an AI-assisted scan plus manual validation.

Whilst using AI, researchers describe three models: hardcoded blacklists, configuration-based freezes, and on-chain system contracts. Examples cited include BNB Chain, Aptos, Sui, VeChain and HECO in different roles. Analysts argue that emergency tools can curb exploits yet concentrate control.

Case studies show freezes after high-profile attacks and losses. Sui validators moved to restore about 162 million dollars post-Cetus hack, while BNB Chain halted movement after a 570 million bridge exploit. VeChain blocked 6.6 million in 2019.

New blockchain debates centre on transparency, governance and user rights when freezes occur. Critics warn about centralisation risks and opaque validator decisions, while exchanges urge disclosure of intervention powers.

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Qwen relaunch aims to unify Alibaba’s mobile AI ecosystem

Alibaba is preparing a major overhaul of its mobile AI apps, renaming Tongyi as Qwen and adding early agentic features. The update aims to make Qwen resemble leading chatbots while linking AI tools to Taobao and other services. Alibaba also plans a global version once the new design stabilises.

Over one hundred developers are working on the project as part of wider AI investments. Alibaba hopes Qwen can anchor its consumer AI strategy and regain momentum in a crowded market. It still trails Doubao and Yuanbao in user popularity and needs a clearer consumer path.

Monetisation remains difficult in China because consumers rarely pay for digital services. Alibaba thinks shopping features will boost adoption by linking AI directly to e-commerce use. Qwen will stay free for now, allowing the company to scale its user base before adding paid options.

Alibaba wants to streamline its overlapping apps by directing users to one unified Qwen interface. Consolidation is meant to strengthen brand visibility and remove confusion around different versions. A single app could help Alibaba stand out as Chinese firms race to deploy agentic AI.

Chinese and US companies continue to expand spending on frontier AI models, cloud infrastructure, and agent tools. Alibaba reported strong cloud growth and rising demand for AI products in its latest quarter. The Qwen relaunch is its largest attempt to turn technical progress into a viable consumer business.

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European Commission launches Culture Compass to strengthen the EU identity

The European Commission unveiled the Culture Compass for Europe, a framework designed to place culture at the heart of the EU policies.

An initiative that aims to foster the identity ot the EU, celebrate diversity, and support excellence across the continent’s cultural and creative sectors.

The Compass addresses the challenges facing cultural industries, including restrictions on artistic expression, precarious working conditions for artists, unequal access to culture, and the transformative impact of AI.

It provides guidance along four key directions: upholding European values and cultural rights, empowering artists and professionals, enhancing competitiveness and social cohesion, and strengthening international cultural partnerships.

Several initiatives will support the Compass, including the EU Artists Charter for fair working conditions, a European Prize for Performing Arts, a Youth Cultural Ambassadors Network, a cultural data hub, and an AI strategy for the cultural sector.

The Commission will track progress through a new report on the State of Culture in the EU and seeks a Joint Declaration with the European Parliament and Council to reinforce political commitment.

Commission officials emphasised that the Culture Compass connects culture to Europe’s future, placing artists and creativity at the centre of policy and ensuring the sector contributes to social, economic, and international engagement.

Culture is portrayed not as a side story, but as the story of the EU itself.

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AI tools deployed to set tailored attendance goals for English schools

England will introduce AI-generated attendance targets for each school, setting tailored improvement baselines based on the context and needs of each school. Schools with higher absence rates will be paired with strong performers for support. Thirty-six new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will help drive the rollout.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said raising attendance is essential for opportunity. She highlighted the progress made since the pandemic, but noted that variation remains too high. The AI targets aim to disseminate effective practices across all schools.

A new toolkit will guide schools through key transition points, such as the transition from Year 7 to Year 8. CHS South in Manchester is highlighted for using summer family activities to ease anxiety. Officials say early engagement can stabilise attendance.

CHS South Deputy Head Sue Burke said the goal is to ensure no pupil feels left out. She credited the attendance team for combining support with firm expectations. The model is presented as a template for broader adoption.

The policy blends AI analysis with pastoral strategies to address entrenched absence. Ministers argue that consistent attendance drives long-term outcomes. The UK government expects personalised targets and shared practice to embed lasting improvement.

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EU regulators, UK and eSafety lead the global push to protect children in the digital world

Children today spend a significant amount of their time online, from learning and playing to communicating.

To protect them in an increasingly digital world, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, the European Commission’s DG CNECT, and the UK’s Ofcom have joined forces to strengthen global cooperation on child online safety.

The partnership aims to ensure that online platforms take greater responsibility for protecting and empowering children, recognising their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The three regulators will continue to enforce their online safety laws to ensure platforms properly assess and mitigate risks to children. They will promote privacy-preserving age verification technologies and collaborate with civil society and academics to ensure that regulations reflect real-world challenges.

By supporting digital literacy and critical thinking, they aim to provide children and families with safer and more confident online experiences.

To advance the work, a new trilateral technical group will be established to deepen collaboration on age assurance. It will study the interoperability and reliability of such systems, explore the latest technologies, and strengthen the evidence base for regulatory action.

Through closer cooperation, the regulators hope to create a more secure and empowering digital environment for young people worldwide.

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