Artificial intelligence Archives | Page 19 of 683

Malaysian PM urges ethical AI development

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for AI development to be guided by humanity, ethics and moral values, arguing that technological progress should serve society and uphold human dignity.

Speaking during a special lecture at the University of Tokyo, Anwar said AI and other emerging technologies could transform economies, improve public services and enhance quality of life. However, he stressed that innovation should be shaped by strong ethical principles rather than technological capability alone.

According to Anadolu Agency, Anwar said AI development should be guided by justice, accountability and compassion. He added that governments, researchers and businesses share responsibility for ensuring that technology strengthens social cohesion and supports the common good.

The Malaysian prime minister also called for stronger international cooperation to manage the opportunities and risks linked to rapid technological change. He said countries should work together to promote inclusive and sustainable development while safeguarding ethical standards.

Why does it matter?

AI governance debates are increasingly moving beyond technical safety and economic competitiveness towards questions of values, accountability and public interest. Anwar’s remarks are not a new regulatory measure, but they reflect how governments in Asia are framing AI as a societal and diplomatic issue, with ethics, inclusion and international cooperation becoming recurring policy themes.

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Philippine House passes anti-disinformation bill on final reading

The House of Representatives of the Philippines has approved the proposed Digital Media Anti-False Information Act on its third and final reading.

According to the House’s Press and Public Affairs Bureau, the measure passed with 286 votes in favour, three against, and seven abstentions.

The bill seeks to address organised disinformation campaigns, troll farms, bot networks, fake account syndicates, and foreign-backed influence operations. It also covers AI-generated or manipulated content that is released without disclosure and intended to mislead the public.

Individuals found guilty of knowingly spreading false information that causes verifiable public harm or threatens national security could face six to 12 years in prison and fines ranging from PHP 500,000 to PHP 2 million.

The measure would require digital platforms operating in the country to maintain a legal presence and meet transparency standards.

The House said the bill includes protections for freedom of expression, including political opinions, criticism of government, journalism, satire, academic discourse, artistic expression, and whistleblowing.

It also calls for stronger media and digital literacy programmes through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

Why does it matter?

The bill shows how governments are trying to address organised disinformation, bot networks, fake accounts, and AI-generated manipulation through platform rules and criminal penalties. The Philippines case is especially important because it combines anti-disinformation enforcement with explicit free-expression safeguards, but the severity of the penalties means implementation and interpretation will be closely watched

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NHS England expands AI assistant rollout to more than 500,000 staff

NHS England will provide more than 500,000 clinicians and support staff with access to AI tools under an agreement to expand the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot across healthcare services. The rollout is expected to reach more than 500,000 staff by October 2026.

NHS England said the AI assistant can help staff draft documents, analyse data and reduce administrative workloads, enabling clinicians to spend more time on patient care. According to NHS England, the tools could save staff an average of around two working days per month.

The agreement follows a large healthcare trial involving more than 30,000 NHS workers across 90 NHS organisations. NHS England said the trial found that AI-powered administrative support could save an average of 43 minutes per employee per day, equivalent to approximately five working weeks annually.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is expected to support a range of functions, including clinical administration, ward management, medical secretarial work and broader operational and management tasks. Use cases include drafting patient letters, supporting discharge processes, analysing service data, building rotas, creating meeting minutes, drafting board papers, and assisting human resources, finance, and procurement teams.

Each NHS trust will receive a central allocation of licences based on organisational headcount, typically starting at around 2,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences. NHS England said the rollout forms part of broader efforts to improve productivity, reduce waiting times and support the government’s 10-Year Health Plan.

Why does it matter?

Healthcare systems worldwide are exploring how generative AI can reduce administrative burdens and allow medical professionals to focus more on patient care. Administrative tasks account for a significant share of healthcare workloads, making productivity gains particularly valuable in resource-constrained environments.

The NHS rollout represents one of the largest deployments of generative AI tools in a public healthcare system. Its outcomes could influence how other health services approach AI adoption, workforce productivity and the integration of AI into everyday clinical and administrative operations.

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New York passes child protection law targeting AI companion chatbots

New York State has approved legislation aimed at strengthening protections for minors interacting with AI chatbots, marking one of the first targeted regulatory efforts focused on AI companion technologies. The bill, known as S9051B, introduces restrictions on chatbot features that may encourage harmful emotional dependence or unsafe behaviour among young users.

The law prohibits AI systems from presenting themselves as real or fictional human beings in ways that could mislead minors and restricts outputs that encourage self-harm, disordered eating or other harmful behaviour. The legislation specifically targets design features that may foster emotional dependency between children and AI systems, reflecting growing concerns over their potential psychological effects.

Sponsored by Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymember Alex Bores, the legislation was developed in consultation with New York Attorney General Letitia James and child safety organisations, including Common Sense Media. Supporters of the bill argue that rapid advances in AI have outpaced existing safeguards, leaving young users vulnerable to emerging risks.

Supporters say the measure is part of a wider push for responsible AI governance in New York, focusing on transparency, accountability, and consumer protection. Advocacy groups involved in developing the legislation have pointed to real-world cases as evidence of the need for stronger oversight of emotionally interactive AI systems.

Why does it matter?

AI companion applications are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of sustaining long-term, emotionally engaging interactions with users. While these systems may provide entertainment, companionship or support, concerns have emerged about their potential influence on children and other vulnerable users.

By focusing on chatbot design features rather than solely on content moderation, New York’s legislation introduces a new approach to AI governance that could influence future regulatory efforts in the United States and beyond. The law also reflects growing attention to the psychological and social impacts of generative AI systems.

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UK launches AI skills and jobs initiative for young people

The UK government has announced a new package for young people entering the labour market as AI continues to reshape entry-level roles and career pathways. The package includes an Early Careers Jobs Alliance, AI bootcamps, and expanded technology training for students from disadvantaged schools, with AI bootcamps serving as a central route into paid apprenticeships for young people at risk of unemployment.

The Early Careers Jobs Alliance will bring together government, employers, trade unions and young people to examine how AI is changing entry-level employment and career development. Backed by £20 million in funding, the initiative will initially focus on the Digital and Technologies sector before expanding across all eight Industrial Strategy sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, financial services, and life sciences.

The alliance will analyse how entry-level work is evolving, develop guidance for businesses on redesigning roles while preserving career pathways, and identify examples of good practice. An initial report is expected in autumn.

Through the TechFirst programme, at least 400,000 students from some of the UK’s most disadvantaged schools will receive support in AI and digital skills through training sessions, competitions, extracurricular activities and engagement with industry. The AI bootcamps are intended to provide a more direct route into work for young people at risk of leaving education or training.

The UK government will also pilot free AI bootcamps in Lancashire and Greater Manchester this summer for young people at risk of leaving school after GCSEs and entering unemployment. Participants who successfully complete the bootcamp will be guaranteed a paid AI apprenticeship with local employers, with a broader rollout across England planned if the pilot proves successful.

A separate pilot linked to the North East AI Growth Zone will launch in early 2027 for young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in education or employment. Participants will receive at least 6 months of hands-on AI training with companies including Accenture, Microsoft, and Sage.

Why does it matter?

AI is beginning to transform many entry-level and administrative roles, raising concerns about how young people will gain work experience and build careers in an increasingly automated economy.

The UK’s approach combines workforce planning, skills development and employer engagement to help ensure that AI adoption creates new opportunities rather than limiting access to employment. The initiative also reflects growing efforts by governments to align education and training systems with the changing demands of the labour market.

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EDPS debate to examine EU Omnibus data protection proposals

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), Germany’s Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, and the Bavarian Data Protection Commissioner will host a high-level debate on the European Commission’s Omnibus proposals. The event, titled ‘From Omnibus to Opportunity: Driving Data Protection and Innovation’, will take place in Brussels on 8 June.

The debate will examine the Omnibus proposals and their potential implications for the GDPR and the wider EU digital regulatory framework. The event is hosted by the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union.

According to the EDPS, the proposals introduce targeted adjustments affecting elements of the EU digital acquis, including aspects of the GDPR and the AI Act. Their stated objective is to simplify compliance requirements and reduce administrative burdens while maintaining a high level of protection for fundamental rights.

Discussions will focus on legal certainty, regulatory coherence, preserving the GDPR’s level of protection, and identifying ways to strengthen fundamental rights, innovation and competitiveness across the EU.

Participants are expected to include representatives from the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, data protection authorities, academia, civil society and the private sector.

Why does it matter?

The Omnibus proposals have become a focal point in wider debates about how the European Union can strengthen competitiveness and innovation while preserving high standards of data protection and fundamental rights.

The discussion highlights growing efforts to balance regulatory simplification with legal certainty and effective safeguards, particularly as the EU seeks to implement complex frameworks such as the GDPR and AI Act while supporting digital innovation and economic growth.

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US unveils new strategy to accelerate AI adoption in national security

The Trump administration has issued a new National Security Presidential Memorandum aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI across the US national security apparatus.

According to the White House, the framework is intended to ensure that military personnel, intelligence professionals and national security agencies have access to advanced AI systems while maintaining accountability and operational control.

The memorandum directs federal agencies to expand the use of commercial and open-source AI technologies in support of national security missions. It also calls for investment in next-generation secure computing infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly advanced AI models and computational workloads.

The memorandum also proposes the creation of an AI National Security Strategic Reserve, bringing together leading non-governmental experts to support national security priorities.

The new framework places emphasis on accountability, reliability and command authority. The White House emphasised that agency leaders and military commanders will remain accountable for decisions and operations supported by AI systems.

Why does it matter?

AI is increasingly viewed as a strategic capability across defence, intelligence, cybersecurity and military planning. Governments are investing heavily in AI systems that can enhance analysis, decision support, operational planning and threat detection.

The memorandum signals Washington’s intention to accelerate the integration of AI into national security operations while maintaining human oversight and accountability. It also reflects broader geopolitical competition over advanced technologies, as major powers seek to secure advantages in AI-driven security capabilities.

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Spain calls for United Nations Action on children’s digital rights

Spain has proposed the creation of a permanent multilateral working group within the UN to strengthen the regulation of digital environments and improve protections for children online.

The proposal was presented by Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, during a ministerial roundtable at the Global Alliance of Pioneer Countries to End Violence Against Children in Turin.

According to Rego, stronger international cooperation is needed to regulate digital environments and protect children’s rights in response to abuses by major technology platforms. She said protecting children online requires regulations, rules, and control mechanisms that safeguard their rights and freedoms.

The proposal builds on earlier Ibero-American ministerial discussions on youth and childhood, during which countries agreed to establish an Ibero-American Observatory for the Well-being of Children, with a focus on protecting minors in digital environments. Spain is now proposing a similar approach within the UN framework.

A central element of Spain’s position is algorithmic transparency. Rego said algorithms are not neutral systems and can affect children’s ability to exercise their rights. She argued that such systems should be auditable and subject to democratic oversight by public authorities.

Alongside regulatory measures, Spain is advancing a National Strategy for Digital Environments to improve digital literacy among children, adolescents, and families. The strategy will combine education, pedagogical tools, and content creation to help protect children’s rights in digital spaces.

Why does it matter?

Spain’s proposal reflects growing pressure for international coordination on children’s digital rights. National rules alone often struggle to address platforms that operate across borders and use algorithmic systems that shape what children see, how they interact, and how their data is used. A UN-level working group could provide child online safety with a more permanent multilateral forum, especially on platform accountability and algorithmic transparency.

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China launches a major 6G pilot programme to accelerate future connectivity

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a ministry-provincial collaborative pilot programme to advance 6G innovation and development.

The initiative is designed to support future commercial deployment of next-generation communications technologies and strengthen the country’s 6G industrial ecosystem.

The programme focuses on advancing frontier 6G technologies and deepening the integration of communications networks with AI, satellite internet, and wireless sensing. It will also accelerate research and development of 6G base stations, core network equipment, terminals, chips, and operating systems.

Pilot regions will test practical applications tailored to local economic priorities. Planned use cases include immersive communications, industrial manufacturing, embodied intelligence, low-altitude economic activities, and smart maritime operations.

The initiative follows China’s recent approval of trial spectrum in the 6 GHz band for 6G technology testing in selected regions. That approval was granted to the IMT-2030 (6G) promotion group to support 6G technology trials and validation.

China currently operates the world’s largest 5G network and is seeking to build on that infrastructure base as global competition shifts towards 6G. Authorities say future 6G networks could deliver major improvements in speed, reliability, latency, and connectivity across terrestrial, aerial, maritime, and space-based networks.

Why does it matter?

The pilot programme shows how China is moving from 6G research towards coordinated industrial testing and local application scenarios. By linking 6G with AI, satellite internet, wireless sensing, chips, operating systems, embodied intelligence, and the low-altitude economy, China is treating next-generation connectivity as part of a wider industrial and strategic technology agenda.

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UK project tests how legal data can support AI use in government

The UK Government Digital Service has highlighted data maturity as a key requirement for preparing public sector data for AI use.

The findings come from a project conducted with The National Archives, part of GDS’s wider work to ensure public sector data is managed as a strategic national asset.

During a discovery phase completed in April 2026, the organisations assessed whether legal data, including legislation and case law, could be prepared for AI applications. The work focused on governance, data quality, organisational readiness, and the risks of exposing government data to AI systems, rather than building a specific AI tool.

GDS found that The National Archives’ legal data is already close to AI-ready, thanks to high data quality, strong leadership, relevant skills, and mature governance practices. It said that good data alone is not enough; public sector organisations also need the right people, processes, and culture to use data safely, ethically, and responsibly.

The project also identified the evaluation and validation of AI-generated outputs as a significant future opportunity for the government. GDS said public bodies could add value by developing tools and standards to assess whether AI outputs are trustworthy, rather than replicating services already developed by major technology companies.

The next phase will explore how data maturity can reduce the risks of using AI with public sector data. It will also examine technologies such as the Model Context Protocol, an open-source standard for connecting AI applications to external systems, including databases, tools, and documents.

Why does it matter?

The project shows that AI readiness in government depends on more than deploying new tools. Public bodies need high-quality data, strong governance, clear accountability, and the ability to evaluate AI-generated outputs before relying on them in services that affect citizens and businesses. The work also points to a useful role for government: setting standards for trustworthy AI outputs, rather than simply building public-sector versions of commercial AI products.

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