Artificial intelligence

IBM combines watsonx and Guardium to tackle AI compliance

IBM has unveiled new software capabilities that integrate AI security and governance, claiming the industry’s first unified solution to manage the risks of agentic AI.

The enhancements merge IBM’s watsonx.governance platform—which supports oversight, transparency, and lifecycle management of AI systems—with Guardium AI Security, a tool built to protect AI models, data, and operational usage.

By unifying these tools, IBM’s solution offers enterprises the ability to oversee both governance and security across AI deployments from a single interface. It also supports compliance with 12 major frameworks, including the EU AI Act and ISO 42001.

The launch aims to address growing concerns around AI safety, regulation, and accountability as businesses scale AI-driven operations.

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MIT study links AI chatbot use to reduced brain activity and learning

A new preprint study from MIT has revealed that using AI chatbots for writing tasks significantly reduces brain activity and impairs memory retention.

The research, led by Dr Nataliya Kosmyna at the MIT Media Lab, involved Boston-area students writing essays under three conditions: unaided, using a search engine, or assisted by OpenAI’s GPT-4o. Participants wore EEG headsets to monitor brain activity throughout.

Results indicated that those relying on AI exhibited the weakest neural connectivity, with up to 55% lower cognitive engagement than the unaided group. Those using search engines showed a moderate drop of up to 48%.

The researchers used Dynamic Directed Transfer Function (dDTF) to assess cognitive load and information flow across brain regions. They found that while the unaided group activated broad neural networks, AI users primarily engaged in procedural tasks with shallow encoding of information.

Participants using GPT-4o also performed worst in recall and perceived ownership of their written work. In follow-up sessions, students previously reliant on AI struggled more when the tool was removed, suggesting diminished internal processing skills.

Meanwhile, those who used their own cognitive skills earlier showed improved performance when later given AI support.

The findings suggest that early AI use in education may hinder deeper learning and critical thinking. Researchers recommend that students first engage in self-driven learning before incorporating AI tools to enhance understanding.

Dr Kosmyna emphasised that while the results are preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed, the study highlights the need for careful consideration of AI’s cognitive impact.

MIT’s team now plans to explore similar effects in coding tasks, studying how AI tools like code generators influence brain function and learning outcomes.

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AI diplomacy enters the spotlight with Gulf region partnerships

In a groundbreaking shift in global diplomacy, recent US-brokered AI partnerships in the Gulf region have propelled AI to the centre of international strategy. As highlighted by Slobodan Kovrlija, this development transforms the Gulf into a key AI hub, alongside the US and China.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are investing heavily in AI infrastructure—from quantum computing to sprawling data centres—as part of a calculated effort to integrate more deeply into a US-led technological sphere and counter China’s Digital Silk Road ambitions. That movement is already reshaping global dynamics.

China is racing to deepen its AI alliances with developing nations, while Russia is leveraging the expanded BRICS bloc to build alternative AI systems and promote its AI Code of Ethics. On the other hand, Europe is stepping up efforts to internationalise its ‘human-centric AI’ regulatory approach under the EU AI Act.

These divergent paths underscore how AI capabilities are now as essential to diplomacy as traditional military or economic tools, forming emerging ‘AI blocs’ that may redefine geopolitics for decades. Kovrlija emphasises that AI diplomacy is no longer a theoretical concept but a practical necessity.

Being a technological front-runner now means possessing enhanced diplomatic influence, with partnerships based on AI potentially replacing older alliance models. However, this new terrain also presents serious challenges, such as ensuring ethical standards, data privacy, and equitable access. The Gulf deals, while strategic, also open a space for joint efforts in responsible AI governance.

Why does it matter?

As the era of AI diplomacy dawns, institutions like Diplo are stepping in to prepare diplomats for this rapidly evolving landscape. Kovrlija concludes that understanding and engaging with AI diplomacy is now essential for any nation wishing to maintain its relevance and influence in global affairs.

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MSU launches first robotics and AI degree programs in Minnesota

Minnesota State University is set to break new ground this fall by launching two pioneering academic programs in robotics and AI. The university will introduce the state’s only undergraduate robotics engineering degree and the first graduate-level AI program within the Minnesota State system.

With these offerings, MSU aims to meet the fast-growing industry demand for skilled professionals in these cutting-edge fields. The programs have already drawn significant interest, with 13 students applying for the AI master’s and more expected in both tracks.

MSU officials say the curriculum combines strong theoretical foundations with hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, finance, construction, and manufacturing. Students will engage in real-world projects, building and deploying AI and robotics solutions while exploring ethical and societal implications.

University leaders emphasise that these programs are tailored to Minnesota’s economy’s needs, including a high concentration of Fortune 500 companies and a growing base of smaller firms eager to adopt AI technologies. Robotics also enjoys strong interest at the high school level, and MSU hopes to offer local students an in-state option for further study, competing with institutions in neighbouring states.

Why does it matter?

According to faculty, graduates of these programs will be well-positioned in the job market. The university sees the initiative as part of its broader mission to deliver education aligned with emerging technological trends and societal needs, ensuring Minnesota’s workforce remains competitive in an increasingly automated and AI-driven world.

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Google launches AI voice chat in Search app for Android and iOS

Google has started rolling out its new ‘Search Live in AI Mode’ for the Google app on Android and iOS, offering users the ability to have seamless voice-based conversations with Search.

Currently available only in the US for those signed up to the AI Mode experiment in Labs, the feature was previewed at last month’s Google I/O conference.

The tool uses a specially adapted version of Google’s Gemini AI model, fine-tuned to deliver smarter voice interactions. It combines the model’s capabilities with Google Search’s information infrastructure to provide real-time spoken responses.

Using a technique called ‘query fan-out’, the system retrieves a wide range of web content, helping users discover more varied and relevant information.

The new mode is particularly useful when multitasking or on the go. Users can tap a ‘Live’ icon in the Google app and ask spoken queries like how to keep clothes from wrinkling in a suitcase.

Follow-up questions are handled just as naturally, and related links are displayed on-screen, letting users read more without breaking their flow.

To use the feature, users can tap a sparkle-shaped waveform icon under the Search bar or next to the search field. Once activated, a full-screen interface appears with voice control options and a scrolling list of relevant links.

Even with the phone locked or other apps open, the feature keeps running. A mute button, transcript view, and voice style settings—named Cassini, Cosmo, Neso, and Terra—offer additional control over the experience.

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Microsoft to cut thousands more jobs in July amid AI focus

Microsoft is preparing to lay off thousands more employees next month, primarily in sales teams, as it continues to shift focus toward AI.

The move follows May’s workforce reduction of 6,000 employees, about 3% of its staff, and reflects broader restructuring efforts rather than individual performance issues.

Sources cited by Bloomberg revealed that the next wave of job cuts is likely to begin in early July, following the end of Microsoft’s fiscal year. Although details may still change, internal teams across departments are expected to be impacted, with sales employees taking the largest hit.

The cuts come as Microsoft seeks to streamline operations while investing heavily in data centres and AI infrastructure.

CEO Satya Nadella previously explained that the recent layoffs were not due to poor performance but part of an organisational realignment.

During a company town hall, he stressed the emotional weight of the decision but reiterated that the cuts were necessary to reflect evolving business priorities, especially around AI.

Earlier in April, Microsoft announced that it would rely more on third-party partners to manage software sales for smaller customers.

With tens of billions of dollars allocated to AI development, executives have promised to control spending in other areas, which includes reducing staff in traditional roles like sales and marketing.

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UBS employee data leaked after Chain IQ ransomware attack

UBS Group AG has confirmed a serious data breach affecting around 130,000 of its employees, following a cyberattack on its third-party supplier, Chain IQ Group AG.

The exposed information included employee names, emails, phone numbers, roles, office locations, and preferred languages. No client data has been impacted, according to UBS.

Chain IQ, a procurement services firm spun off from UBS in 2013, was reportedly targeted by the cybercrime group World Leaks, previously known as Hunters International.

Unlike traditional ransomware operators, World Leaks avoids encryption and instead steals data, threatening public release if ransoms are not paid.

While Chain IQ has acknowledged the breach, it has not disclosed the extent of the stolen data or named all affected clients. Notably, companies such as Swiss Life, AXA, FedEx, IBM, KPMG, Swisscom, and Pictet are among its clients—only Pictet has confirmed it was impacted.

Cybersecurity experts warn that the breach may have long-term implications for the Swiss banking sector. Leaked employee data could be exploited for impersonation, fraud, phishing scams, or even blackmail.

The increasing availability of generative AI may further amplify the risks through voice and video impersonation, potentially aiding in money laundering and social engineering attacks.

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AI pioneer warns of mass job losses

Geoffrey Hinton, often called the godfather of AI, has warned that the technology could soon trigger mass unemployment, particularly in white-collar roles. In a recent podcast interview, he said AI will eventually replace most forms of intellectual labour.

According to Hinton, jobs requiring basic reasoning or clerical tasks will be the first to go, with AI performing the work of multiple people. He expressed concern that call centre workers may already be vulnerable, while roles requiring physical skills, like plumbing, remain safer for now.

Hinton challenged the common belief that AI will create more jobs than it eliminates. He argued that unless someone has highly specialised expertise, they may find themselves outpaced by machines capable of learning and performing cognitive tasks.

He also criticised OpenAI’s recent corporate restructuring, saying the shift towards a profit-driven model risks sidelining the public interest. Hinton, alongside other critics including Elon Musk, warned that the changes could divert AI development from its original mission of serving humanity.

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Amazon restructures around AI, cuts expected

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has signalled that more job cuts are likely as the company embraces AI to streamline its operations. In a letter to staff, he said the adoption of generative AI is driving major shifts in roles, especially within corporate functions.

Jassy described generative AI as a once-in-a-lifetime technology and highlighted its growing role across Amazon services, including Alexa+, shopping tools and logistics. He pointed to smarter assistants and improved fulfilment systems as early benefits of AI investments.

While praising the efficiency gains AI delivers, Jassy admitted some roles will no longer be needed, and others will be redefined. The long-term outcome remains uncertain, but fewer corporate roles are expected as AI adoption continues.

He encouraged staff to embrace the technology by learning, experimenting and contributing to AI-related innovations. Workshops and team brainstorming were recommended as Amazon looks to reinvent itself with leaner, more agile teams.

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New Meta smart glasses target sports enthusiasts

Meta is set to launch a new pair of AI-powered smart glasses under the Oakley brand, targeting sports users. Scheduled for release on 20 June, the glasses mark an expansion of Meta’s partnership with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica.

Oakley’s sporty design and outdoor functionality make it ideal for active users, a market Meta aims to capture with this launch. The glasses will feature a central camera and likely retail for around $360.

This follows the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which include AI assistant integration and hands-free visual capture. Over two million pairs have been sold since 2023, according to EssilorLuxottica’s CEO.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to push smart eyewear as a long-term replacement for smartphones. With high-fashion Prada smart glasses also in development, Meta is betting on wearable tech becoming the next frontier in computing.

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