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Norway restricts generative AI use in primary schools

Norway is introducing new national guidance that significantly restricts the use of generative AI in primary education as part of a broader effort to strengthen foundational learning outcomes. From the upcoming school year, pupils in grades 1–7 will generally not be permitted to use generative AI tools in their schoolwork.

The approach reflects concerns over declining foundational skills, with international assessments indicating a drop in reading and numeracy levels among Norwegian students. Policymakers have linked the decision to evidence suggesting that early and uncritical reliance on generative AI could interfere with the development of essential literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills.

In secondary education, AI will be introduced gradually, with schools expected to ensure that teachers have the necessary skills and training before students begin using the technology. Full integration is expected at the upper secondary level, where AI is seen as part of preparation for further education and the labour market.

Authorities emphasised that AI may still be used in specific circumstances, particularly to support students with individual learning needs or those requiring tailored educational assistance. The policy will be reviewed and adjusted over time, with a focus on strengthening teacher training and ensuring responsible use of the technology across the education system.

Why does it matter?

The decision reflects a growing international debate over the role of generative AI in education. While AI tools can support learning, creativity and personalised instruction, educators and policymakers are increasingly concerned that early dependence on such technologies could weaken the development of core skills that students need before they can use AI critically and effectively.

Norway’s approach also highlights a broader shift towards phased AI adoption in schools. Rather than focusing solely on access to technology, the policy places teacher competence, pedagogical goals and student development at the centre of implementation. The outcome may influence similar discussions in other countries seeking to balance digital innovation with educational quality and learning outcomes.

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Indonesia plans AI integration across major government programmes

Indonesia plans to integrate AI into major government programmes, including its flagship free meals initiative valued at approximately $15 billion, under a draft presidential regulation awaiting approval from President Prabowo Subianto.

The draft establishes a roadmap for AI adoption across ministries and regional governments between 2026 and 2029. It aims to improve economic growth and strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in AI at both regional and global levels.

Under the proposals, AI would support the free meals programme by helping design local menus, monitor food safety and kitchen hygiene, forecast demand, detect irregularities and integrate health data for early-warning systems. AI would also support free health screenings and tuberculosis testing.

The draft also proposes the creation of a sovereign AI fund, fiscal incentives for researchers and safeguards to address risks such as biometric misuse, intellectual property violations and deepfakes. Experts cautioned that significant infrastructure gaps, limited digital skills and uneven technological capacity could pose challenges to implementation, which remains at an early stage.

Why does it matter?

The proposal illustrates how governments are increasingly seeking to integrate AI into core public-service delivery rather than limiting its use to pilot projects or administrative functions. Applying AI to areas such as nutrition programmes, healthcare screening and public-sector operations could improve efficiency, resource allocation and service delivery for millions of citizens.

The initiative also highlights the challenges facing emerging economies as they pursue AI-driven development. While Indonesia is seeking to build domestic AI capacity through funding mechanisms and incentives, successful implementation will depend on investments in digital infrastructure, technical expertise and governance frameworks capable of addressing risks such as deepfakes, privacy concerns and misuse of biometric data.

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Los Angeles AI arts museum Dataland opens with Google Cloud support

Dataland, a Los Angeles museum dedicated to AI-based art, has opened to the public with Google serving as a technology and creative collaborator.

The museum was co-founded by media artist Refik Anadol and Efsun Erkılıç and is located at The Grand LA in downtown Los Angeles. Google says the 25,000-square-foot space is designed as an interactive environment where data, machine learning and sensory experiences form part of the artwork.

Its inaugural exhibition, ‘Machine Dreams: Rainforest’, uses Anadol’s Large Nature Model, an AI system trained on environmental datasets, to transform natural-world data into large-scale generative visuals.

Google Cloud provides infrastructure for the museum’s real-time image generation, soundscapes, scent augmentation and interactive visitor experiences. Google says the system uses tools including Gemini, diffusion models and generative adversarial networks.

The project builds on a decade of collaboration between Google and Anadol, including work using LA Philharmonic archives, Google Quantum AI data, planetary datasets and the ‘Machine Dreams: Biophilia’ installation at Google’s Mountain View campus.

Google Arts & Culture is also supporting the Dataland AI Artist Residency, a six-month programme for four artists. The residency will provide grants, mentorship from Refik Anadol Studio and access to Google Cloud tools and machine learning models.

Why does it matter?

Dataland shows how AI art is moving from experimental installations into permanent cultural infrastructure. It also highlights the role of cloud providers and large AI platforms in shaping creative production, exhibition design and access to machine-learning tools. For cultural institutions, the project raises broader questions about authorship, data provenance, sustainability, audience interaction and the dependence of new creative formats on private technology infrastructure.

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UNESCO assessment supports ethical AI roadmap in El Salvador

El Salvador has advanced its national AI agenda following the presentation of a Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report developed by UNESCO in cooperation with the National Artificial Intelligence Agency (ANIA). The initiative brings together government institutions, international organisations, academia and the private sector to assess the country’s preparedness for ethical, inclusive and sustainable AI development.

The assessment is grounded in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which establishes principles for safe and responsible AI deployment. According to the assessment, El Salvador’s legal and institutional framework, including measures related to data protection, cybersecurity and AI governance, has strengthened its position in regional AI readiness indicators.

The report highlights AI deployments already being used in public services, including digital health diagnostics, automated legal processes and large-scale digitisation of government records. Education systems are also integrating AI tools to expand access to learning, while projected economic gains suggest significant growth potential if ethical adoption continues to scale.

Alongside the findings, authorities outlined priorities aimed at reducing inequalities in access to technology, expanding participation in STEM education and ensuring that AI-related benefits reach both urban and rural communities.

The new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026 sets out these priorities as part of a broader human-centred development model.

Why does it matter?

The initiative positions El Salvador as a test case for how emerging economies can align rapid AI adoption with structured governance and ethical safeguards. By embedding human-centred principles into national strategy and law, the country aims to prevent AI-driven gains from widening social or geographic inequalities while strengthening long-term digital readiness.

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Greece and the European Commission strengthen AI cooperation for public services

Greece and the European Commission have reinforced cooperation on AI through a conference held during the BEYOND 2026 exhibition, bringing together policymakers, academics, technology experts and citizens to discuss the future of AI in Europe.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou emphasised the importance of responsible and innovative AI adoption to improve public services, drive digital transformation and strengthen Greece’s competitiveness.

European Commission Director-General for Translation Christos Ellinides outlined the EU’s approach to AI, highlighting initiatives that support innovation, multilingualism and digital transformation across member states.

Commission experts presented AI-powered multilingual services and digital tools designed to improve communication, accessibility and collaboration across the European Union. Discussions also explored the opportunities and challenges associated with AI deployment, while emphasising the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach to technological development.

The conference concluded with calls for closer cooperation between European institutions and national authorities to develop reliable, secure and human-centric AI systems. Organisers said the initiative reflects Greece’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and strengthening its role within the emerging European AI ecosystem.

Why does it matter?

The conference highlights how AI policy in Europe is increasingly being shaped through cooperation between EU institutions and national governments. As countries seek to deploy AI across public services, education and digital infrastructure, coordination will be important for ensuring interoperability, trust and compliance with European regulatory frameworks.

The event also reflects Europe’s broader approach to AI governance, which aims to balance innovation with safeguards related to transparency, security and fundamental rights. By promoting multilingual AI tools, citizen-centred services and cross-border collaboration, initiatives such as this support the EU’s wider objectives of digital sovereignty, competitiveness and inclusive digital transformation.

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Asian Development Bank launches digital transformation strategy focused on AI and inclusion

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new digital transformation strategy aimed at helping countries across Asia and the Pacific harness AI and digital technologies while protecting vulnerable groups from associated risks.

According to ADB, the strategy will run from 2026 to 2030 and focus on expanding digital connectivity, strengthening digital skills, enhancing cybersecurity and privacy protections, improving data governance and promoting the responsible use of AI.

The bank said it will support the development of digital infrastructure, secure and interoperable systems, and measures to ensure that underserved communities can benefit from digital technologies.

ADB said it will also convene governments, private-sector actors and development partners to mobilise financing, share expertise and accelerate digital technologies initiatives across the regions.

Why does it matter?

The strategy reflects the growing recognition that digital transformation is becoming a key driver of economic development, public-sector modernisation and social inclusion. As AI, digital platforms and data-driven services become more important to competitiveness, countries with stronger digital infrastructure, skills and governance frameworks are likely to be better positioned to capture their benefits.

The initiative also highlights the need to balance innovation with safeguards. Expanding access to AI and digital technologies can create opportunities for growth and service delivery, but it also raises challenges related to cybersecurity, privacy, digital inequality and responsible AI governance. By combining investment in infrastructure with support for digital skills and governance, ADB is positioning digital transformation as both a development priority and a policy challenge for the region.

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OECD publishes AI literacy framework for schools

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a new report, ‘Empowering Learners for the Age of AI‘, outlining an AI literacy framework for primary and secondary education.

According to the OECD, AI is becoming increasingly embedded in everyday digital life and is influencing civic, professional and social outcomes. The organisation argues that education systems must equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, evaluate and use AI responsibly.

The report defines AI literacy as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable learners to understand how AI systems function, critically evaluate their outputs and use them ethically, responsibly and creatively.

The OECD said the framework outlines learning outcomes for primary and secondary students and is intended to support policymakers, educators, schools and families in fostering AI literacy both inside and outside the classroom. The report was published on 18 June 2026.

Why does it matter?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, work, public services and everyday life, AI literacy is emerging as a foundational skill alongside traditional digital literacy. Understanding how AI systems operate, where their limitations lie and how their outputs should be evaluated will be important for informed participation in society and the economy.

The OECD framework also reflects a broader policy shift from focusing solely on access to technology toward developing the skills needed to use AI responsibly and critically. By providing a common reference point for educators and policymakers, the framework could help shape future curricula, teacher training programmes and national education strategies aimed at preparing students for an AI-enabled world.

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UNESCO backs new initiative against online hate speech

Organisations and experts in Kyrgyzstan have launched the country’s first multistakeholder coalition focused on online harmful content and content moderation, with support from UNESCO and the European Union.

The Aikyn Sanarip coalition was launched in Bishkek on 17 June, ahead of the UN International Day for Countering Hate Speech. It brings together civil society, media representatives, government bodies, academics, international organisations and bloggers.

UNESCO said the coalition will provide a platform for dialogue on freedom of expression, digital rights, online safety and greater accountability from digital platforms.

The launch also featured the first national study on freedom of expression and content moderation in Kyrgyzstan. The research examines how hate speech spreads across digital platforms, how content is moderated in Kyrgyz-language digital spaces, and where legal and institutional gaps remain.

UNESCO said users in Kyrgyzstan increasingly encounter hate speech, disinformation and online harassment. At the same time, the country lacks a clear legal definition of hate speech, and mechanisms for addressing harmful content remain fragmented.

The European Union supported the forum under UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace project, which promotes multistakeholder responses to harmful online content while protecting freedom of expression.

Why does it matter?

The launch shows how online hate speech and harmful content are becoming governance issues beyond major platform markets. Kyrgyzstan’s new coalition links digital rights, online safety and platform accountability, while also highlighting a difficult balance: tackling hate speech and disinformation without undermining freedom of expression. The initiative may offer a model for multistakeholder responses in countries where legal frameworks and platform moderation practices remain underdeveloped.

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Ottawa strengthens role in quantum computing and cybersecurity research

Researchers and technology experts in Ottawa are contributing to advances in quantum computing, a technology that could transform fields such as drug discovery, clean energy and space exploration by solving highly complex problems beyond the reach of many conventional computers.

Researchers said quantum computing could accelerate scientific discovery and enable breakthroughs that may eventually translate into practical applications across a range of industries. However, the technology also presents significant cybersecurity challenges, as sufficiently advanced quantum computers could eventually undermine widely used encryption methods that protect digital communications and online services.

The University of Ottawa is conducting research into quantum communications and cryptography aimed at developing security technologies capable of withstanding future quantum-enabled threats. Researchers are working to better understand the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and future security systems.

Industry representatives said Ottawa’s concentration of cryptographic expertise has helped establish this city in Canada as an important centre for quantum cybersecurity research and innovation.

Why does it matter?

Quantum computing has the potential to become one of the most transformative technologies of the coming decades. Its ability to process certain types of complex calculations far more efficiently than conventional computers could accelerate advances in areas such as materials science, pharmaceuticals, energy systems and scientific research.

At the same time, quantum technologies present a major cybersecurity challenge. Many of today’s encryption systems were designed for classical computers and could become vulnerable to future quantum attacks. As a result, governments, universities and technology companies are investing in quantum-safe cryptography and secure communications. Ottawa’s growing role in quantum research reflects a broader international effort to prepare for both the opportunities and security implications of the quantum era.

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Anthropic and South Korea partner on AI safety and cybersecurity

Anthropic has opened an office in Seoul and announced a series of partnerships across South Korea’s AI ecosystem, alongside a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Science and ICT on AI safety.

The company said the Seoul office will serve as a long-term hub for collaboration with South Korean enterprises, startups, researchers and developers using Claude. Senior Anthropic leaders travelled to Seoul this week to open the office and meet partners, customers, and developers.

Anthropic said the MOU with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT will support the safe and responsible adoption of AI across the public sector. The cooperation will focus on AI safety and cybersecurity, including Korean-language model safety evaluations with the Korea AI Safety Institute and information sharing on AI-enabled cyber threats.

KiYoung Choi, Representative Director of South Korea at Anthropic, said South Korean organisations understand that innovation and safety are linked. He said the Seoul office provides a long-term base for collaboration with organisations helping shape South Korea’s AI leadership.

Anthropic also highlighted broader adoption of Claude among South Korean companies. NAVER has deployed Claude Code across its engineering organisation, while Nexon engineering teams are using Claude Code to write, review, and ship code for live-service games.

Large South Korean business groups are also using Claude. LG CNS plans to deploy it across LG Group, Hanwha Solutions is using Claude through AWS Bedrock to meet in-region data residency and security requirements, and Samsung SDS is deploying Claude across Samsung Electronics for knowledge work, agentic workflows, and software development.

South Korean startups are also integrating Claude into products. Channel Corp uses Claude to power Channel Talk, a customer AI platform used by more than 230,000 companies across South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Anthropic said it will also work with the National AI Research Lab, a consortium spanning KAIST, South Korea University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH. Anthropic will provide Claude access to up to 60 affiliated researchers to support work on AI safety, model evaluation, alignment, robustness and frontier AI research.

In the nonprofit sector, Good Neighbors Korea is deploying Claude to help staff analyse programme outcomes, navigate social welfare law and internal guidelines, and reduce administrative work for frontline social workers.

Anthropic said South Korea ranks among the top dozen countries globally for Claude.ai usage, with activity concentrated in technical and creative work. The company has launched Claude for Startups in South Korea and has held Claude Meetups for South Korean developers since September 2025.

The company also co-hosted Claude Build Day with BASS Ventures, bringing together more than 100 South Korean founders and developers. Anthropic will also co-host a Push to Prod hackathon with Replit, Korea Investment Partners, and Korea Investment Accelerator.

Why does it matter?

The announcement highlights South Korea’s growing importance in the global AI landscape. Beyond being a major market for AI products, the country is increasingly positioning itself as a centre for AI research, safety evaluation, enterprise adoption and public-sector deployment.

The expansion also illustrates how frontier AI companies are combining commercial growth with governance initiatives. Anthropic’s cooperation with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea AI Safety Institute suggests that AI safety, cybersecurity and model evaluation are becoming integrated into broader ecosystem-building efforts. As competition among leading AI companies intensifies, partnerships that combine research, regulation, enterprise adoption and developer engagement are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping national AI ecosystems.

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