Consumer protection

AI use rises among Portuguese youth

A recent survey reveals that 38.7% of Portuguese individuals aged 16 to 74 used AI tools in the three months preceding the interview, primarily for personal purposes. Usage is particularly high among 16 to 24-year-olds (76.5%) and students (81.5%).

Internet access remains widespread, with 89.5% of residents going online recently. Nearly half (49.6%) placed orders online, primarily for clothing, footwear, and fashion accessories, while 74.2% accessed public service websites, often using a Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key for authentication.

Digital skills are growing, with 59.2% of the population reaching basic or above basic levels. Young adults and tertiary-educated individuals show the highest digital proficiency, at 83.4% and 88.4% respectively.

Household internet penetration stands at 90.9%, predominantly via fixed connections.

Concerns about online safety are on the rise, as 45.2% of internet users reported encountering aggressive or discriminatory content, up from 35.5% in 2023. Reported issues include discrimination based on nationality, politics, and sexual identity.

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VPN credential theft emerges as top ransomware entry point

Cyber Express reports that compromised VPN credentials are now the most common method for ransomware attackers to gain entry. In Q3 2025, nearly half of all ransomware incidents began with valid, stolen VPN logins.

The analysis, based on data from Beazley Security (the insurance arm of Beazley), reveals that threat actors are increasingly exploiting remote access tools, rather than relying solely on software exploits or phishing.

Notably, VPN misuse accounted for more initial access than social engineering, supply chain attacks or remote desktop credential compromises.

One contributing factor is that many organisations do not enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) or maintain strict access controls for VPN accounts. Cyber Express highlights that this situation underscores the ‘critical need’ for MFA and for firms to monitor for credential leaks on the dark web.

The report also mentions specific ransomware groups such as Akira, Qilin and INC, which are known to exploit compromised VPN credentials, often via brute-force attacks or credential stuffing.

From a digital-security policy standpoint, the trend has worrying implications. It shows how traditional perimeter security (like VPNs) is under pressure, and reinforces calls for zero-trust architectures, tighter access governance and proactive credentials-monitoring.

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Popular Python AI library compromised to deliver malware

Security researchers have confirmed that the Ultralytics YOLO library was hijacked in a supply-chain attack, where attackers injected malicious code into the PyPI-published versions 8.3.41 and 8.3.42. When installed, these versions deployed the XMRig cryptominer.

The compromise stemmed from Ultralytics’ continuous-integration workflow: by exploiting GitHub Actions, the attackers manipulated the automated build process, bypassing review and injecting cryptocurrency mining malware.

The maintainers quickly removed the malicious versions and released a clean build (8.3.43); however, newer reports suggest that further suspicious versions may have appeared.

This incident illustrates the growing risk in AI library supply chains. As open-source AI frameworks become more widely used, attackers increasingly target their build systems to deliver malware, particularly cryptominers.

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Italy closes Google probe after consent changes

Italy has closed its investigation into Google after the company agreed to adjust how it requests user consent for personal data use. Regulators had accused Google of presenting unclear and potentially misleading choices when connecting users to its services.

The authority said Google will now offer clearer explanations about how consent affects data processing. Updates will outline where personal information may be combined or used across the company’s wider service ecosystem.

Officials launched the probe in July 2024, arguing Google’s approach could amount to aggressive commercial practice. Revised consent flows were accepted as sufficient remedies, leading to the closure of the case without financial penalties.

The Italian competition regulator indicated that transparency improvements were central to compliance. Similar scrutiny continues across Europe as regulators assess how large technology firms obtain permission for extensive data handling.

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Bangladesh unveils national roadmap for ethical AI development

Bangladesh has launched its first national AI Readiness Assessment Report to guide ethical, inclusive and rights-centred development of AI across public services.

The report was unveiled in Dhaka with representatives from government, international organisations, academia, civil society and the private sector. Officials described the assessment as a pivotal step as the country prepares for an increasingly AI-driven era.

The report outlines Bangladesh’s current strengths, including solid progress in e-government and high public trust in digital services, while also identifying areas requiring urgent attention.

Connectivity gaps, digital divides, limited computing capacity and the need for stronger data protection and cybersecurity remain key challenges. Policymakers noted that evidence-based decisions are essential as Bangladesh completes its National AI Policy.

International partners highlighted that the direction of AI development will depend heavily on choices made today. Strengthening digital infrastructure, improving skills, and building rights-driven governance structures were cited as central to ensuring AI benefits all communities.

Stakeholders also stressed the importance of using AI to improve services across health, education, justice and social protection without deepening existing inequalities.

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New study shows AI improves mental health diagnoses

A Lund University study shows an AI assistant can assess psychiatric conditions more accurately than standard mental health rating scales. In a study of 303 participants, the AI assistant Alba gave DSM-based diagnoses, outperforming standard tools in eight of nine disorders.

The study included conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, substance use disorder and bipolar disorder.

Alba proved particularly effective at distinguishing overlapping conditions where traditional rating scales often yield similar results. Participants also reported positive experiences with the AI interview, describing it as empathic, supportive and engaging.

Researchers highlighted that AI-assisted interviews could serve as a scalable, person-centred tool to complement clinical assessments while preserving the clinician’s essential role.

The study advances digital mental health tools, with Alba analysing the full DSM-5 manual instead of individual disorders. Talk To Alba offers AI-powered clinical interviews, CBT support, DSM-5-based diagnosis, and consultation transcription.

Experts emphasise that such AI solutions can ease healthcare workloads, provide preliminary assessments, and maintain high diagnostic reliability without replacing mental health professionals.

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AI shows promise in supporting emergency medical decisions

Drexel University researchers studied how AI can aid emergency decisions in pediatric trauma at Children’s National Medical Center. Clinicians used the AI display DecAide to view key patient data, AI-synthesised information, or AI data with treatment recommendations.

The study tested 35 emergency care providers across 12 scripted scenarios, comparing their decisions to established ground truth outcomes.

The results showed participants achieved the highest accuracy, 64.4%, when both AI information and recommendations were provided, compared to 56.3% with information alone and 55.8% with no AI support.

Decision times were consistent across all conditions, suggesting AI did not slow clinicians, though providers varied in how they used the recommendations. Some consulted the guidance after deciding, while others ignored it due to trust or transparency concerns.

Researchers highlight the potential for AI to augment emergency care without replacing human judgement, particularly in time-critical settings. Researchers stress the need for larger studies and clear policies to ensure clinicians can trust and use AI tools effectively.

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EU unveils vision for a modern justice system

The European Commission has introduced a new Digital Justice Package designed to guide the EU justice systems into a fully digital era.

A plan that sets out a long-term strategy to support citizens, businesses and legal professionals with modern tools instead of outdated administrative processes. Central objectives include improved access to information, stronger cross-border cooperation and a faster shift toward AI-supported services.

The DigitalJustice@2030 Strategy contains fourteen steps that encourage member states to adopt advanced digital tools and share successful practices.

A key part of the roadmap focuses on expanding the European Legal Data Space, enabling legislation and case law to be accessed more efficiently.

The Commission intends to deepen cooperation by developing a shared toolbox for AI and IT systems and by seeking a unified European solution to cross-border videoconferencing challenges.

Additionally, the Commission has presented a Judicial Training Strategy designed to equip judges, prosecutors and legal staff with the digital and AI skills required to apply the EU digital law effectively.

Training will include digital case management, secure communication methods and awareness of AI’s influence on legal practice. The goal is to align national and EU programmes to increase long-term impact, rather than fragmenting efforts.

European officials argue that digital justice strengthens competitiveness by reducing delays, encouraging transparency and improving access for citizens and businesses.

The package supports the EU’s Digital Decade ambition to make all key public services available online by 2030. It stands as a further step toward resilient and modern judicial systems across the Union.

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UK unveils major push to drive national AI growth

A significant wave of public and private investment is set to place AI at the centre of the UK’s growth strategy. AI Growth Zones backed by substantial investment will drive job creation, high-tech infrastructure and local industry development across regions such as South Wales, London and Bristol.

Government officials stated that the measures aim to provide British firms with the tools necessary to scale and compete globally.

South Wales will host a significant £10 billion development expected to create over 5,000 jobs in the next decade. The zone will focus on data centres, advanced computing and AI research, supported by government funding for skills development and business adoption.

International tech companies expanding in the UK include Microsoft, Vantage Data Centres, Groq and Perplexity AI, each committing to new sites and enlarged workforces.

Further support will expand access to computing for researchers and start-ups nationwide. A government-backed advance market commitment worth up to £100 million will help hardware-focused AI firms secure their first key customers.

Officials confirmed nearly £500 million for the Sovereign AI Unit, which will scale domestic capabilities and back high-potential firms. Up to £137 million will also support the UK’s new AI-for-science strategy, which focuses on accelerating drug discovery and other breakthroughs.

Government representatives and industry leaders described the announcements as a turning point for the UK’s innovation capacity. Supporters say the measures will strengthen Britain’s tech leadership while creating jobs, boosting regional economies and advancing scientific progress.

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OpenAI unveils new global group chat experience

Since yesterday, OpenAI has launched group chats worldwide for all ChatGPT users on Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans instead of limiting access to small trial regions.

The upgrade follows a pilot in Japan and New Zealand and marks a turning point in how the company wants people to use AI in everyday communication.

Group chats enable up to twenty participants to collaborate in a shared space, where they can plan trips, co-write documents, or settle disagreements through collective decision-making.

ChatGPT remains available as a partner that contributes when tagged, reacts with emojis and references profile photos instead of taking over the conversation. Each participant keeps private settings and memory, which prevents personal information from being shared across the group.

Users start a session by tapping the people icon and inviting others directly or through a link. Adding someone later creates a new chat, rather than altering the original, which preserves previous discussions intact.

OpenAI presents the feature as a way to turn the assistant into a social environment rather than a solitary tool.

The announcement arrives shortly after the release of GPT-5.1 and follows the introduction of Sora, a social app that encourages users to create videos with friends.

OpenAI views group chats as the first step toward a more active role for AI in real human exchanges where people plan, create and make decisions together.

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