Artificial intelligence Archives | Page 8 of 658

World Bank highlights ‘Small AI’ for farmers and rural communities

According to Hindustan Times, World Bank President Ajay Banga highlighted the potential of ‘Small AI’ systems to support farmers and rural communities through locally deployed and lower-cost technologies.

Examples discussed included farmers in India using mobile phones to share images of diseased crops and receive agricultural advice remotely. Banga also referred to healthcare workers in Indonesia using basic internet connections to access local diagnostic support systems in remote areas.

At the summit, entrepreneur Saurav Mukherjee said AI adoption was expanding into sectors including agriculture and food production. Mukherjee said AI tools may support agricultural decision-making through analysis of seed quality and environmental conditions such as soil, weather, and water availability.

He also noted that wider internet connectivity and 5G access could support wider AI adoption in underserved regions. However, he cautioned that shortages of skilled workers could limit implementation capacity in some regions.

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Ofcom says major platforms will introduce new child safety measures in the UK

Ofcom said Snap, Meta, and Roblox plan to introduce additional child safety measures in the UK following regulatory pressure to strengthen protections against online grooming.

The commitments were outlined in an Ofcom report reviewing how major platforms responded to requests for stronger child safety protections. The measures include changes to contact settings, age assurance systems, AI-assisted detection tools, and controls for direct messaging.

According to Ofcom, Snap committed to implementing all recommended grooming prevention measures under the regulator’s Illegal Harms Codes. The changes will prevent adult strangers from contacting children by default, prevent children from being encouraged to expand their friendship groups to people they do not know, and introduce stronger age checks for UK users over the summer.

Roblox said it would expand existing protections, including parental controls for direct chat functions involving younger users. Meta said it plans to introduce additional privacy settings for teen accounts and AI-assisted detection tools for potentially inappropriate interactions.

Ofcom said it remains concerned about measures related to recommendation systems and harmful content exposure on some platforms. The regulator said evidence shows children’s exposure to harmful content has changed little since online safety duties came into force in July 2025.

The regulator also said platforms have not yet demonstrated effective enforcement of minimum age requirements. Its research found that 84% of children aged 8 to 12 were still using one of the top five online services, despite minimum age rules.

Ofcom has written to the UK Secretary of State advising that online safety legislation would need a clearer basis if Parliament wants the regulator to force platforms to enforce minimum age policies effectively.

Ofcom’s action plan includes monitoring implementation, reviewing recommender system risks, considering enforcement action, and continuing research into children’s online experiences.

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Canada and Spain sign AI cooperation agreement

Canada and Spain have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on AI development, adoption, and digital innovation.

The agreement was signed in Toronto by Canada’s Minister of AI and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon and Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Carlos Cuerpo during a visit by King Felipe VI of Spain.

The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation on AI technologies, computing capacity, and collaboration between governments, industry, and other stakeholders. According to both governments, the partnership aims to support innovation, investment, and economic growth linked to AI technologies.

Discussions during the visit focused on innovation ecosystems, AI adoption by businesses, and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Participants also discussed the role of public policy and private-sector cooperation in supporting trustworthy AI and technology deployment.

Solomon said: ‘Today’s engagement with Spain reflects the importance of trusted international partnerships in shaping how artificial intelligence develops in a safe and responsible way. By working together, we can better align innovation with shared values, strengthen research ties and ensure AI delivers long-term economic opportunity and tangible benefits for both countries.’

Cuerpo said: ‘This agreement opens a new chapter in the relationship between Spain and Canada. Artificial intelligence is one of the forces that will shape competitiveness and economic sovereignty in the decades ahead, and two democracies such as ours have a responsibility to lead together, building a model of technological cooperation grounded in trust, security and shared benefit.’

The agreement reflects broader international efforts to strengthen cooperation on AI governance, research, and economic development.

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Singapore launches new AI, cybersecurity and quantum-readiness programmes

Singapore has announced new initiatives aimed at supporting enterprise AI adoption, strengthening cybersecurity, and preparing digital infrastructure for future quantum-related risks.

The measures were announced at ATxEnterprise 2026 by Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How. They include new partnerships under the Digital Enterprise Blueprint, an AI adoption playbook for enterprises, SME awards recognising AI impact, and a pilot on quantum-safe technologies.

According to IMDA’s Singapore Digital Economy Report 2025, AI adoption among SMEs increased significantly during 2024.

IMDA and the Singapore Business Federation will introduce SME AI Impact Awards recognising enterprises using AI technologies in business operations. Up to 30 winners will be recognised across categories for proprietary AI tools and adoption of ready-to-use AI solutions.

The Digital Enterprise Blueprint is being expanded through partnerships involving AI training, digital skills development, and cybersecurity support for SMEs. One programme led by Grab will provide AI-related training and courses for SMEs in sectors including retail, e-commerce, and food services.

RSM Stone Forest IT will also launch cybersecurity initiatives involving phishing simulations, awareness webinars, and tabletop exercises for SMEs. With the two partnerships, IMDA aims to reach 12,000 more SMEs, contributing to its target of supporting 50,000 SMEs by 2029.

IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore, and Workforce Singapore have also developed an AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook to help digitally progressive enterprises assess readiness, identify support, and plan next steps for AI adoption.

Singapore additionally announced a pilot initiative focused on quantum-safe technologies for telecommunications infrastructure. IMDA signed a Memorandum of Intent with Singtel, Ericsson, and NCS Singapore to test and validate quantum-safe migration approaches.

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Ofcom report highlights growing AI use among UK children online

The UK’s Ofcom has released new research indicating that children in the UK are using digital devices and online services at increasingly younger ages.

According to Ofcom’s Children’s Online Experiences report, screen use begins early in childhood, and smartphone ownership increases significantly during secondary school years. The report found that teenagers aged 15 to 17 spend a substantial amount of time online each week.

The report also noted declining use of traditional media formats such as live television, radio, and print among younger audiences. Live television, radio, and print media were described as increasingly absent from children’s routines, with social media, messaging platforms, and gaming dominating digital engagement.

Ofcom also warned that exposure to harmful content remains a significant issue despite the introduction of new online safety rules. Ofcom said many children reported exposure to harmful online content, including material surfaced through recommendation systems and personalised feeds.

The report also highlighted growing use of AI tools among children and teenagers. More than half of UK children aged 8 to 17 said they use AI tools, with some teenagers increasingly relying on AI systems for learning, creativity, communication, and companionship. Researchers said some children found it difficult to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created content.

The report suggested that passive content consumption plays an increasingly significant role in children’s online activity. Most younger users primarily scroll, watch, follow, or like content instead of actively creating or sharing material themselves.

Gaming remained one of the most important online social environments for children, with many users interacting regularly with people they had only met online through multiplayer gaming communities and communication platforms.

Why does it matter?

Ofcom’s findings highlight growing concerns surrounding children’s digital well-being, algorithmic exposure, AI literacy, and online safety regulation. Policymakers and regulators increasingly face pressure to address how recommendation systems, generative AI, and social platforms shape behaviour, attention, and trust among younger audiences.

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International Labour Organization warns AI could reshape labour markets across the Arab region

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) have examined how AI may reshape labour markets and employment patterns across the Arab region.

The organisations released a report exploring how AI adoption may transform jobs, productivity, and workforce dynamics by 2035. According to the report, outcomes will depend on policy choices related to skills development, labour protections, and social support systems.

The report outlines three possible scenarios ranging from inclusive AI-driven growth to increased inequality linked to insufficient labour protections and workforce adaptation measures.

One projected strong AI-driven economic growth, combined with large-scale investment in workforce transition and retraining programmes.

Another warned that rapid technological adoption without sufficient social safeguards could deepen inequality and displace large numbers of lower- and middle-skilled workers.

A third scenario envisaged a more gradual AI integration, supported by coordinated policy reforms and inclusive labour-market strategies.

The report identifies sectors such as healthcare, education, logistics, tourism, and digital services as areas where AI-related employment opportunities may emerge. At the same time, the organisations noted that automation could reduce demand for some routine and clerical occupations.

ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat said AI technologies are already affecting workplaces across public administration and service sectors in the region. She added that nearly one-quarter of occupations may experience either displacement or technological augmentation linked to generative AI systems.

The analysis also highlighted widening skills mismatches between education systems and labour market demands, with some countries facing gaps ranging from 40% to 70%. The report also highlights the importance of investment in lifelong learning, labour market institutions, social protection, and AI governance frameworks.

The discussions took place during a preparatory session linked to the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, where policymakers, labour organisations, and international experts examined how AI may affect youth employment, women workers, and lower-skilled populations across the region.

Why does it matter?

ILO highlights how developing and emerging economies may experience AI transitions differently depending on infrastructure, education systems, governance capacity, and investment levels. Policymakers across the Arab region are now under increasing pressure to modernise labour systems while ensuring that AI adoption supports inclusive growth instead of deepening social inequality.

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EU and Africa deepen cooperation on AI investment and digital infrastructure

European Commission has expanded cooperation discussions with African partners on AI through a new EU-Africa AI Tech Business Offer Event held in Brussels.

The event brought together policymakers, technology companies, development finance institutions, and digital cooperation organisations from Europe and Africa.

Government representatives from Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania participated in discussions alongside European digital companies and private sector organisations.

According to the European Commission, discussions focused on investment opportunities, AI infrastructure, and long-term cooperation between European and African digital ecosystems.

The initiative was organised under the Team Europe approach in cooperation with Smart Africa, the German development agency GIZ, and the Digital for Development Hub.

Why does it matter?

The event highlights increasing geopolitical and economic competition around ΑΙ partnerships, infrastructure, and digital influence across emerging markets. For Europe, cooperation with African countries supports broader goals linked to digital development, technological sovereignty, and global AI governance. For African governments, the partnerships may accelerate access to AI infrastructure, investment capital, skills development, and digital innovation ecosystems.

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Australia introduces a national framework for digital health standards

Australia has introduced a National Framework for Digital Health Standards aimed at improving interoperability and consistency across healthcare systems. The framework is intended to support integration of digital tools and health records across healthcare settings.

According to the initiative, the framework addresses fragmentation caused by independently developed digital health standards. The framework provides guidance intended to support coordination between government agencies, healthcare providers, and industry participants.

Speaking at the Digital Health Festival, Digital Health Agency Chief Officer Peter O’Halloran referred to increasing use of digital health services and shared medical records. Officials said growing levels of data sharing are increasing demand for interoperable and reliable digital infrastructure.

The framework also supports use of internationally recognised clinical terminology standards and related training initiatives.

Standards including SNOMED CT, GS1, and FHIR were identified as important components of interoperability and future digital health applications.

Why does it matter?

Unified digital health standards are critical for ensuring that patient information can be shared accurately and securely across different healthcare providers, reducing fragmentation that can lead to delays or clinical errors. Standardisation also strengthens the foundation for advanced technologies such as AI, enabling safer, more scalable innovation in healthcare delivery.

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UK Pensions Regulator publishes AI governance plan for pension schemes

The UK Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published an AI plan outlining expectations for governance and oversight of AI use in pension schemes.

TPR said AI may support pension administration, decision-making, and member engagement, while also creating operational and cybersecurity risks. According to the regulator, accountability remains with trustees and scheme managers even when AI systems or third-party providers are involved.

TPR Chief Executive Nausicaa Delfas said:

‘AI has the potential to transform pensions for the better: improving how schemes are run, how members are supported, and how the system as a whole delivers value.’

She added: ‘But trust is the most valuable asset in our system, and that trust depends on the safe and responsible adoption of AI in members’ interests.’

The plan recommends governance measures, including system testing, risk monitoring, fraud prevention, data management, and compliance with data protection requirements.

TPR’s plan sets out four areas of focus:

Ensuring schemes are well run and governed
Strengthening data foundations
Supporting responsible innovation
Using AI to become a more effective regulator.

TPR said it will continue coordinating with the Financial Conduct Authority on regulatory alignment across the pensions sector.

The regulator also said it has used AI-supported processes to identify pension scam websites and support enforcement actions. Further guidance and industry engagement activities are planned later this year.

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EU lawmakers challenge confidentiality rules on data centre emissions data

A group of 35 Members of the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to review confidentiality rules affecting public access to environmental data from data centres. The request focused on the disclosure of information related to emissions, energy use, and water consumption.

According to reporting by Investigate Europe, the disputed wording was linked to proposals submitted during consultations by Microsoft and DIGITALEUROPE. The clause was later incorporated into the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and limits disclosure of certain information related to individual data centres.

Critics argue that the measure may reduce transparency regarding the environmental impact of expanding digital infrastructure. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have also raised questions about compatibility with transparency principles under the Aarhus Convention. Reports said critics believe the rules reduce scrutiny of the environmental impact linked to expanding AI and cloud infrastructure.

The lawmakers called on the European Commission to reconsider the provision and publish more detailed environmental reporting data. The issue has contributed to broader discussions in the EU regarding environmental accountability and oversight of digital infrastructure.

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