Yesterday, Canada announced that it has moved forward with a significant partnership that places Nokia at the centre of national ambitions for advanced 5G research.
A groundbreaking event in Ottawa marked the beginning of an expanded programme of work focused on AI, machine learning and next-generation network development. Government ministers emphasised that the investment enhances digital infrastructure, rather than relying on outdated foundations that limit growth.
Nokia plans to revitalise and enlarge its Ottawa facility by adding new lab space and new streams of research activity. The project is expected to create more than 300 jobs and widen opportunities for post-secondary students, strengthening the region’s technology base.
Canada has contributed $40 million through the Strategic Response Fund to support these developments and reinforce the country’s role in the global telecommunications sector.
Government officials argued that the collaboration will fuel economic prosperity and broaden Canada’s capacity to innovate. Advanced 5G networks are expected to bring benefits extending from defence and telecommunications to clean energy, precision agriculture and modern telemedicine.
Ministers presented the partnership as a means to a highly skilled workforce, rather than one that relies on imported expertise.
Nokia’s leadership described the project as a long-term commitment to Canada’s innovation ecosystem. The company highlighted the importance of local talent, secure digital infrastructure and future-oriented research in AI, quantum technology and advanced connectivity.
The expansion strengthens Canada’s position as a leader in next-generation networks and supports an innovation-driven economy.
Would you like to learn more aboutAI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Japan will inject more than one trillion yen (approximately 5.5 billion €) into chipmaker Rapidus between 2026 and 2027. The plan aims to fortify national economic security by rebuilding domestic semiconductor capacity after decades of reliance on overseas suppliers.
Rapidus intends to begin producing 2-nanometre chips in late 2027 as global demand for faster, AI-ready components surges. The firm expects overall investment to reach seven trillion yen and hopes to list publicly around 2031.
Japanese government support includes large subsidies and direct investment that add to earlier multi-year commitments. Private contributors, including Toyota and Sony, previously backed the venture, which was founded in 2022 to revive Japan’s cutting-edge chip ambitions.
Officials argue that advanced production is vital for technological competitiveness and future resilience. Critics to this investment note that there are steep costs and high risks, yet policymakers view the Rapidus investment as crucial to keeping pace with technological advancements.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Ireland faces mounting pressure over soaring electricity use from data centres clustered around Dublin. Facilities powering global tech giants have grown into a major energy consumer, accounting for over a fifth of national demand.
The load could reach 30 percent by 2030 as expanding cloud and AI services drive further growth. Analysts warn that rising consumption threatens climate commitments and places significant strain on grid stability.
Campaigners argue that data centres monopolise renewable capacity while pushing Ireland towards potential EU emissions penalties. Some local authorities have already blocked developments due to insufficient grid capacity and limited on-site green generation.
Sector leaders fear stalled projects and uncertain policy may undermine Ireland’s role as a digital hub. Investment risks remain high unless upgrades, clearer rules and balanced planning reduce the pressure on national infrastructure.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The UAE has unveiled a US$1 billion AI for Development initiative to finance AI projects across African nations. The programme aims to enhance digital infrastructure, government services, and productivity, supporting long-term economic and social development.
Implementation will be led by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency. AI technologies will be applied in key sectors, including education, agriculture, and infrastructure, to create innovative solutions and promote sustainable growth.
Officials highlighted the initiative as part of the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for AI while reinforcing its humanitarian and developmental legacy. The programme aims to boost international partnerships and deliver impactful support to developing countries.
The initiative reinforces the UAE’s long-term commitment to Africa and its role in technological and digital advancement. Leaders emphasised that AI-driven projects can improve living standards and foster inclusive, sustainable development.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
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.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Nokia has announced a $4 billion expansion of its US research, development, and manufacturing operations to accelerate AI-ready networking technologies. The move builds on Nokia’s earlier $2.3 billion US investment via Infinera and semiconductor manufacturing plans.
The expanded investment will support mobile, fixed access, IP, optical, data centre networking, and defence solutions. Approximately $3.5 billion will be allocated for R&D, with $500 million dedicated to manufacturing and capital expenditures in Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Nokia aims to advance AI-optimised networks with enhanced security, productivity, and energy efficiency. The company will also focus on automation, quantum-safe networks, semiconductor testing, and advanced material sciences to drive innovation.
Officials highlight the strategic impact of Nokia’s US investment. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick praised the plan for boosting US tech capacity, while CEO Justin Hotard said it would secure the future of AI-driven networks.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
India is forecast to surpass one billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2031. Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report highlights the rapid uptake in a market that is already leading global data consumption.
The study estimates that there will be approximately 394 million Indian 5G subscriptions by the end of 2025, roughly one-third of all connections. The average monthly mobile data usage per smartphone is expected to increase from 36GB today to 65GB by 2031.
Ericsson expects global 5G subscriptions to reach 6.4 billion by 2031, accounting for around two-thirds of all mobile lines. Affordable 5G phones, expanding networks and fixed wireless access services are credited with driving worldwide adoption.
Industry leaders say 5G already underpins key digital services, from streaming platforms to industrial automation and remote education. Analysts predict rising data use will spur further investment in Indian telecom infrastructure and cloud-based services.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
India has activated new Digital Personal Data Protection rules that sharply restrict how technology firms collect and use personal information. The framework limits data gathering to what is necessary for a declared purpose and requires clear explanations, opt-outs, and breach notifications for Indian users.
The rules apply across digital platforms, from social media and e-commerce to banks and public services. Companies must obtain parental consent for individuals under 18 and are prohibited from using children’s data for targeted advertising. Firms have 18 months to comply with the new safeguards.
Users can request access to their data, ask why it was collected, and demand corrections or updates. They may withdraw consent at any time and, in some cases, request deletion. Companies must respond within 90 days, and individuals can appoint someone to exercise these rights.
Civil society groups welcomed stronger user rights but warned that the rules may also expand state access to personal data. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticised limited oversight and said the provisions risk entrenching government control, reducing transparency for citizens.
India is preparing further digital regulations, including new requirements for AI and social media firms. With nearly a billion online users, the government has urged platforms to label AI-generated content amid rising concerns about deepfakes, online misinformation, and election integrity.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
A growing debate over AI dominated COP30 in Brazil, as delegates weighed its capacity to support climate solutions against its rapidly rising environmental costs.
Technology leaders argued that AI can strengthen energy management, refine climate research and enhance conservation programmes.
Participants highlighted an expanding number of AI-driven tools showcased at the summit, reflecting both enthusiasm and caution about their long-term influence.
Several countries noted that AI systems could help smaller delegations review complex negotiation documents and take part more effectively.
Environmental advocates warned that ballooning electricity use and water demand from data centres risk undermining climate targets.
Campaigners pressed for tighter rules, including mandatory public-interest testing for new facilities and reliance on on-site renewable energy.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The Dutch government has paused its intervention in chipmaker Nexperia after officials described promising diplomatic progress with China, easing a months-long standoff that had disrupted global supply chains. The suspension follows talks in which Beijing began relaxing export limits it had imposed on Nexperia’s finished chips, restrictions that had deepened shortages for major carmakers including BMW, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Bosch.
The dispute began in September when the Netherlands seized control of Nexperia from its Chinese owner Wingtech, invoking the Goods Availability Act, a Cold War-era law that had never been used before. Dutch authorities stated that the takeover was necessary to safeguard national security and prevent Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng from relocating production to China, citing allegations of mismanagement and attempts to undermine European operations.
Beijing retaliated by restricting chip exports, while management on both sides blocked shipments and orders amid a worsening internal corporate conflict.
Economy Minister Vincent Karremans stated that the government was encouraged by China’s efforts to restore chip supplies and would continue negotiations alongside European and international partners. The EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič and several major automakers welcomed the announcement, though industry leaders cautioned that it remains too early to predict how quickly supply chains will stabilise.
With the Chinese side now selling stockpiled chips to ease shortages and the European side planning its response, the easing of tensions marks a temporary reprieve in a dispute that highlighted the fragility of Europe’s semiconductor dependencies and the geopolitical risks tied to them.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
