Artificial intelligence Archives | Page 8 of 654

Interpol warns AI is increasing scale and accessibility of cybercrime

Interpol said AI tools are changing cybercrime operations by lowering technical barriers and enabling broader use of online fraud techniques. Interpol Cybercrime Director Neal Jetton said AI tools, including chatbots and automated phishing services, can enable individuals with limited technical expertise to conduct online scams.

According to Interpol, phishing-as-a-service models and AI-generated content are contributing to more scalable fraud campaigns.

Interpol said organised criminal groups are increasingly using outsourced technical services and AI-supported tools in cyber-enabled fraud operations. Law enforcement officials said AI-enabled fraud may increase the scale and profitability of some cybercrime activities.

Interpol said international law enforcement cooperation is expanding in response to cross-border fraud networks and evolving cyber threats. Authorities are focusing on disrupting cross-border fraud infrastructure and strengthening national cyber capabilities as AI-driven threats continue to evolve.

Why does it matter?

AI is effectively industrialising cybercrime by reducing the skill threshold required to execute sophisticated fraud at scale. That shift expands the pool of potential attackers and increases the speed, volume, and personalisation of scams, placing sustained pressure on digital trust in financial, governmental, and communication systems.

At the same time, it forces law enforcement and cybersecurity frameworks to adapt from reactive investigation models to more proactive, intelligence-led, and cross-border coordination mechanisms to keep pace with rapidly evolving threat capabilities.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our chatbot!

New Zealand outlines public service reforms focused on digital systems and AI

New Zealand has announced public service reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing duplication and expanding digital systems across government operations.

Public Service Minister Paul Goldsmith outlined plans to streamline departments and expand the use of digital systems and AI in public administration. The government said the reforms respond to public sector growth that has increased in recent years.

The programme sets a target of returning the core public service to around 55,000 employees by 2029, reversing growth that saw staffing rise from approximately 47,000 in 2017 to more than 65,000 in 2023. According to officials, projected savings are intended to support areas including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

Critics, including the Public Service Association, have raised concerns that the reforms could weaken service delivery and that AI and restructuring may not adequately replace experienced workers, warning of potential disruption across essential public services.

Why does it matter?

The reform reflects a shift towards ‘digital-first state capacity’, where governments attempt to maintain or improve service delivery while constraining headcount growth through automation, AI integration and organisational consolidation.

The approach signals an increasing reliance on data-driven and AI-enabled systems to offset labour intensity in back-office functions, while reallocating fiscal resources towards frontline services and infrastructure.

At the same time, it raises structural questions about institutional resilience, transition costs of large-scale digitisation, and whether productivity gains from AI can realistically substitute for experienced human capacity in complex public service environments.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our chatbot!

Jury rules in favour of OpenAI and Sam Altman in Elon Musk lawsuit

A federal jury in Oakland, California, ruled in favour of Sam Altman, OpenAI and its president, Greg Brockman, in a lawsuit brought by Elon Musk. Musk alleged that OpenAI’s leadership departed from the organisation’s original non-profit mission.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers dismissed Musk’s claims after the jury delivered its advisory verdict. The court concluded that the claims were filed outside the applicable legal time limit, accepting OpenAI’s argument that Musk had been aware of discussions about a for-profit structure several years earlier.

Musk argued that OpenAI had shifted away from its original non-profit structure after establishing a for-profit entity. OpenAI denied the allegations throughout the case, arguing that Musk understood and supported discussions about restructuring before leaving the company in 2018.

Musk alleged that Sam Altman and the other defendants violated the organisation’s charitable purpose and financially benefited from it unfairly, arguing that OpenAI had originally been established in 2015 as a non-profit focused on benefiting humanity before later shifting towards private profit.

OpenAI rejected all of Musk’s claims and stated that he was always aware of plans to create a for-profit entity.

Musk later announced plans to appeal, claiming the ruling was based on procedural timing rather than the substance of the allegations. The ruling may reduce legal uncertainty for OpenAI as the company continues expanding its commercial operations.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

HaDEA highlights EU digital projects for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

The European Health and Digital Executive Agency has highlighted EU-funded projects supporting connectivity, AI skills, digital governance and data network innovation to mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Observed annually on 17 May, the day marks the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865 and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union. This year’s edition focuses on connectivity, AI and digital innovation as tools for building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.

HaDEA pointed to Nuanua, a CEF Digital-funded project improving connectivity and resilience in Wallis and Futuna, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific. The project will deploy ground infrastructure for Medium Earth Orbit satellites using O3b mPOWER technology to provide an alternative route to the territory’s single submarine cable connection.

The agency also highlighted EURIDICE, funded under the Digital Europe Programme, which supports advanced digital skills through interdisciplinary education combining AI, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, law, humanities and social sciences.

Another Digital Europe project, AI4GOV-X, focuses on helping public administrations use AI and digital technologies in a trustworthy way. It provides training and capacity-building for civil servants, policymakers and digital governance professionals working on AI-driven public services.

HaDEA also cited PUNCH, funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 4, which is developing optical switching technologies to improve the performance and efficiency of data networks. The project aims to reduce congestion, power consumption and transmission costs while supporting reliable, low-latency communications in industrial 5G and data centre testbeds.

Why does it matter?

The projects show how EU digital funding is being spread across different layers of digital transformation: connectivity infrastructure, advanced skills, public-sector AI capacity and more efficient data networks. Together, they reflect the EU’s effort to link digital innovation with inclusion, resilience and sustainability rather than treating connectivity and AI as separate policy areas.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

European Commission launches copyright consultation focused on AI

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather views on whether EU copyright rules should be modernised in response to changes in the digital economy, including challenges linked to generative AI.

The consultation will assess the practical impact and effectiveness of the 2019 Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, which updated EU rules on the use of copyright-protected content across digital platforms and online services. The Commission will examine whether the directive has facilitated the use of protected content in digital environments, improved licensing practices and supported a fairer copyright marketplace.

Rapid technological and market developments are reshaping the creative economy, with the Commission seeking views on how generative AI affects licensing, enforcement and the use of protected works. The review also covers online piracy, particularly of live events, remuneration for performers and producers of recorded music played in the EU, and access to and re-use of works for research purposes.

The call for evidence is open until 25 June and invites contributions from relevant stakeholders on both the review of the 2019 directive and a possible targeted legislative initiative on copyright. The process will be supported by an external study and a stakeholder survey.

Why does it matter?

Generative AI has intensified long-running copyright tensions between technology developers, creators, publishers and platforms. The consultation could influence how the EU approaches licensing, enforcement and the use of protected works in AI systems, while also shaping wider debates on creator remuneration and digital rights in Europe’s creative economy.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Australia’s WGEA outlines AI transparency rules for internal use

Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency has published an AI transparency statement outlining how it uses AI internally, in line with the Digital Transformation Agency’s Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government.

The agency uses AI to enhance workplace productivity and support internal service delivery processes, including case management, in a controlled and human-centred manner. It does not use AI for statutory decision-making, compliance determinations, auditing outcomes or enforcement actions.

Internally, AI helps staff manage and respond to enquiries using approved information sources. All outputs are reviewed and approved by WGEA staff before use, and AI-generated material remains advisory only.

The agency does not use AI systems to interact directly with the public or make decisions affecting individuals without human involvement. External communications are reviewed and issued by WGEA staff.

The statement notes that AI does not change WGEA’s accountability for the accuracy, quality or appropriateness of information provided. The agency also monitors usage levels, outcomes and reporting mechanisms to ensure systems operate as intended and align with responsible AI principles.

WGEA designated its Chief Operating Officer as the accountable official on 19 December 2024. The role is responsible for ensuring AI use complies with relevant legislation, whole-of-government policy and internal governance arrangements.

Why does it matter?

The statement shows how public bodies are beginning to formalise transparency around internal AI use, even when systems are not used for direct public interaction or decision-making. By limiting AI to advisory functions, requiring human review and naming an accountable official, WGEA is setting out a practical governance model for low-risk public-sector AI use.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

UNESCO highlights role of media literacy in the age of AI

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning will host a webinar on media and information literacy in the age of AI, focusing on how youth, adults, and adult educators can respond to misinformation and changing digital environments.

The webinar, titled ‘From misinformation to empowerment – Media literacy for youth and adults in the age of AI’, will take place as part of UIL’s global webinar series, ‘Unlocking the power of lifelong learning’.

Organised with UNESCO’s Media and Information Unit within the Communication and Information Sector, the event will mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. It will bring together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from countries of the Global Alliance for Literacy.

According to UIL, social media, algorithmic filtering, and generative AI are affecting how people access and evaluate information online. UIL said these technologies create new opportunities while also contributing to challenges related to misinformation and disinformation.

The UNESCO webinar will examine the role of media and information literacy in adult learning and education, with particular attention to adult educators. According to UIL, adult educators play a role in supporting critical thinking, media engagement, and digital competencies.

The event will also include the launch of a new multilingual self-learning course on media and information literacy for adult educators. The course will provide practical tools, examples, and strategies related to media and information literacy in digital environments.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

UK regulator updates online safety guidance on AI-generated intimate imagery

Ofcom has announced proposed measures intended to strengthen protections against illegal intimate image abuse online, including AI-generated explicit deepfakes and non-consensual image sharing.

The UK regulator said it is updating its Illegal Content Codes to recommend that certain online platforms use automated detection technologies to identify illegal intimate images.

According to Ofcom, hash matching systems convert images into digital identifiers that can help platforms detect repeated uploads of harmful content. Ofcom specifically referenced the StopNCII database as a recommended tool for platforms implementing the technology.

Ofcom said the measures are intended to improve protections against AI-generated intimate imagery and digitally manipulated sexual content.

The recommendations complement recent UK legislation addressing non-consensual intimate imagery and AI-enabled nudification tools.

Ofcom said the updated Illegal Content Codes are expected to enter into force in autumn 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The regulator also said additional online safety measures under consultation may be announced later in the year.

The measures form part of the UK’s implementation of the Online Safety Act and related online safety obligations for digital platforms.

Why does it matter?

AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic sexual imagery are rapidly becoming major online safety and digital rights concerns globally. Regulators increasingly fear that existing moderation systems cannot keep pace with the scale and speed of AI-generated abuse. Ofcom’s decision illustrates how governments are beginning to shift towards mandatory or strongly encouraged proactive detection systems, particularly for highly harmful content involving intimate imagery, harassment, and exploitation.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

South Korea expands industrial policy support for AI manufacturing technologies

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced plans to establish an industrial growth fund to support manufacturing AI transformation and other industrial policy initiatives over the next three years.

According to the ministry, private banks managing government research and development funds pledged combined anchor investments of 1.1 trillion won for the initiative, including 620 billion won from Hana Bank. The ministry said additional private-sector investment is expected to support the fund.

A M.AX innovation fund established under the initiative will support projects related to manufacturing AI transformation, including robotics, AI factories, mobility technologies, and autonomous vessels. According to the ministry, the government aims to raise 500 billion won for the sub-fund based on an initial 100 billion won anchor investment.

The ministry also signed a cooperation agreement with banks and related agencies to provide 700 billion won in financial support programmes, including technology guarantees and trade insurance, for companies participating in research and development projects.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

China pushes deeper AI integration with advanced manufacturing

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper integration between AI and advanced manufacturing as China seeks to accelerate the intelligent upgrading of its industrial economy.

Li made the remarks during an inspection tour of technology companies in Beijing, where he was briefed on innovation and industrial development in intelligent robotics. He described intelligent robots as a key vehicle for integrating AI with advanced manufacturing.

The premier called for stronger basic research, breakthroughs in core technologies and further exploration at the frontier of intelligent robotics. He also urged faster innovation in complete machines, key components, and intelligent decision-making and control systems to support high-quality industrial development.

Li said China should make use of its large domestic market, complete industrial chains and wide range of application scenarios to expand the intelligent robotics sector. He also said enterprises should play a leading role in industrial transformation.

Companies were encouraged to advance intelligent upgrades across the full production process, including research and development, design, manufacturing, operations management and after-sales services.

Why does it matter?

The remarks show how China is positioning AI as part of industrial modernisation, not only as a digital services technology. By linking AI with robotics, manufacturing processes and enterprise-led upgrading, Beijing is reinforcing the role of intelligent systems in productivity, competitiveness and high-quality industrial growth.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!