Critical infrastructure

Data centre power demand set to triple by 2035

Data centre electricity use is forecast to surge almost threefold by 2035. BloombergNEF reported that global facilities are expected to consume around 106 gigawatts by then.

Analysts linked the growth to larger sites and rising AI workloads, pushing utilisation rates higher. New projects are expanding rapidly, with many planned facilities exceeding 500 megawatts.

Major capacity is heading to states within the PJM grid, alongside significant additions in Texas. Regulators warned that grid operators must restrict connections when capacity risks emerge.

Industry monitors argued that soaring demand contributes to higher regional electricity prices. They urged clearer rules to ensure reliability as early stage project numbers continue accelerating.

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Singapore and the EU advance their digital partnership

The European Union met Singapore in Brussels for the second Digital Partnership Council, reinforcing a joint ambition to strengthen cooperation across a broad set of digital priorities.

Both sides expressed a shared interest in improving competitiveness, expanding innovation and shaping common approaches to digital rules instead of relying on fragmented national frameworks.

Discussions covered AI, cybersecurity, online safety, data flows, digital identities, semiconductors and quantum technologies.

Officials highlighted the importance of administrative arrangements in AI safety. They explored potential future cooperation on language models, including the EU’s work on the Alliance for Language Technologies and Singapore’s Sea-Lion initiative.

Efforts to protect consumers and support minors online were highlighted, alongside the potential role of age verification tools.

Further exchanges focused on trust services and the interoperability of digital identity systems, as well as collaborative research on semiconductors and quantum technologies.

Both sides emphasised the importance of robust cyber resilience and ongoing evaluation of cybersecurity risks, rather than relying on reactive measures. The recently signed Digital Trade Agreement was welcomed for improving legal certainty, building consumer trust and reducing barriers to digital commerce.

The meeting between the EU and Singapore confirmed the importance of the partnership in supporting economic security, strengthening research capacity and increasing resilience in critical technologies.

It also reflected the wider priorities outlined in the European Commission’s International Digital Strategy, which placed particular emphasis on cooperation with Asian partners across emerging technologies and digital governance.

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Italy secures new EU support for growth and reform

The European Commission has endorsed Italy’s latest request for funding under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, marking an important step in the country’s economic modernisation.

An approval that covers 12.8 billion euros, combining grants and loans, and supports efforts to strengthen competitiveness and long-term growth across key sectors of national life.

Italy completed 32 milestones and targets connected to the eighth instalment, enabling progress in public administration, procurement, employment, education, research, tourism, renewable energy and the circular economy.

Thousands of schools have gained new resources to improve multilingual learning and build stronger skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Many primary and secondary schools have also secured modern digital tools to enhance teaching quality instead of relying on outdated systems.

Health research forms another major part of the package. Projects focused on rare diseases, cancer and other high-impact conditions have gained fresh funding to support scientific work and improve treatment pathways.

These measures contribute to a broader transformation programme financed through 194.4 billion euros, representing one of the largest recovery plans in the EU.

A four-week review by the Economic and Financial Committee will follow before the payment can be released. Once completed, Italy’s total receipts will exceed 153 billion euros, covering more than 70 percent of its full Recovery and Resilience Facility allocation.

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Australia launches national AI plan to drive innovation

The Australian Government has unveiled its National AI Plan, aiming to harness AI to build a fairer, stronger nation. The plan helps government, industry, research and communities collaborate to ensure everyone benefits as technology transforms the economy and society.

AI is reshaping work, learning and service delivery across Australia, boosting productivity, competitiveness and resilience. The plan outlines a path for developing trusted AI solutions while promoting investment, innovation and national capability.

Key initiatives focus on spreading benefits widely, supporting small businesses, regional communities and groups at risk of digital exclusion.

Programs such as the AI Adopt Program and the National AI Centre provide guidance and resources. At the same time, digital skills initiatives aim to increase AI literacy across schools, TAFEs and community organisations.

Safety and trust remain central, with the government establishing the AI Safety Institute to monitor risks and ensure the ethical adoption of AI. Legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks will be reviewed to protect Australians and establish the country as a leader in global AI standards.

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Europol backs major takedown of Cryptomixer in Switzerland

Europol has supported a coordinated action week in Zurich, where Swiss and German authorities dismantled the illegal cryptocurrency mixing service Cryptomixer.

Three servers were seized in Switzerland, together with the cryptomixer.io domain, leading to the confiscation of more than €25 million in Bitcoin and over 12 terabytes of operational data.

Cryptomixer operated on both the clear web and the dark web, enabling cybercriminals to conceal the origins of illicit funds. The platform has mixed over €1.3 billion in Bitcoin since 2016, aiding ransomware groups, dark web markets, and criminals involved in drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and credit card fraud.

Its randomised pooling system effectively blocked the traceability of funds across the blockchain.

Mixing services, such as Cryptomixer, are used to anonymise illegal funds before moving them to exchanges or converting them into other cryptocurrencies or fiat. The takedown halts further laundering and disrupts a key tool used by organised cybercrime networks.

Europol facilitated information exchange through the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce and coordinated operational meetings throughout the investigation. The agency deployed cybercrime specialists on the final day to provide on-site support and forensics.

Earlier efforts included support for the 2023 takedown of Chipmixer, then the largest mixer of its kind.

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Fake AI product photos spark concerns for online retailers

Chinese shoppers are increasingly using AI to create fake product photos to claim refunds, raising moral and legal concerns. The practice was highlighted during the Double 11 festival, with sellers receiving images of allegedly damaged goods.

Some buyers manipulated photos of fruit to appear mouldy or altered images of electric toothbrushes to look rusty. Clothing and ceramic product sellers also detected AI-generated inconsistencies, such as unnatural lighting, distorted edges, or visible signs of manipulation.

In some cases, requests were withdrawn after sellers asked for video evidence.

E-commerce platforms have historically favoured buyers, granting refunds even when claims seem unreasonable. In response, major platforms such as Taobao and Tmall removed the ‘refund only’ option and introduced buyer credit ratings based on purchase and refund histories.

Sellers are also increasingly turning to AI tools to verify images.

China’s AI content rules, effective from 1 September, require AI-generated material to be labelled, but detection remains difficult. Legal experts warn that using AI to claim refunds could constitute fraud, with calls for stricter enforcement to prevent abuse.

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NVIDIA and Synopsys shape a new era in engineering

The US tech giant, NVIDIA, has deepened its long-standing partnership with Synopsys through a multi-year strategy designed to redefine digital engineering across global industries.

An agreement that includes a significant investment of two billion dollars in Synopsys shares and a coordinated effort to bring accelerated computing into every stage of research and development.

The aim is to replace slow, fragmented workflows with highly efficient engineering supported by GPU power, agentic AI and advanced physics simulation.

Research teams across semiconductor design, aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturing continue to face rising complexity and escalating development costs. NVIDIA and Synopsys plan to respond by unifying their strengths, rather than relying on traditional CPU-bound methods.

NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms will connect with Synopsys tools to enable faster design, broader simulation capability and more precise verification. The collaboration extends to autonomous engineering through AI agents built on Synopsys AgentEngineer and NVIDIA’s agentic AI stack.

Digital twins stand at the centre of the new strategy. Accurate virtual models, powered through Omniverse and Synopsys simulation environments, will allow engineers to test and validate products in virtual space before physical production.

Cloud-ready access will support companies of all sizes, rather than restricting advanced engineering to large enterprises with specialised infrastructure. Both firms intend to promote adoption through a shared go-to-market programme.

The partnership remains open and non-exclusive, ensuring continued cooperation with the broader semiconductor and electronic design ecosystem.

NVIDIA and Synopsys expect accelerated engineering to reshape innovation cycles, offering a route to faster product development and more reliable outcomes across every primary technical sector.

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Europe boosts defence with Leonardo’s Michelangelo Dome

Italian defence company Leonardo has revealed plans for the ‘Michelangelo Dome’, an AI-powered shield designed to protect cities and critical infrastructure from missile attacks and drone swarms. The system will integrate multiple defence platforms and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the decade.

The project follows a surge in European defence spending amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over US support.

Leonardo’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani, highlighted the system’s open architecture, allowing compatibility with other nations’ defence networks and emphasising the need for innovation and international cooperation.

European defence companies are increasingly investing in integrated command systems rather than standalone hardware.

Private investors are also backing startups developing autonomous and AI-driven defence technologies, creating competition for traditional primes such as Leonardo, BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, and Thales.

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Meta criticised for AI-generated adverts scams

Meta has faced criticism after numerous consumers reported being misled by companies using AI-generated adverts on Facebook and Instagram. The firms posed as UK businesses while shipping cheap goods from Asia, prompting claims that scams were ‘running rampant’ on the platforms.

Victims were persuaded by realistic adverts and AI-generated images but received poorly made clothing and jewellery. Several companies, including C’est La Vie, Mabel & Daisy, Harrison & Hayes, and Chester & Clare, were removed after investigations revealed fabricated backstories and fake shopfronts.

Consumer guides recommend vigilance, advising shoppers to check company websites, reviews, and use Trustpilot to verify legitimacy. Experts warn that overly perfect images, including AI-generated shopfronts or models, may signal fraudulent adverts.

Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are urged to enforce stricter measures to prevent scams.

Meta stated it works with Stop Scams UK and encourages users to report suspicious adverts, while the Advertising Standards Authority continues to crack down on misleading online promotions.

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Coupang breach prompts scrutiny from South Korean regulators

South Korea is examining a significant data breach at Coupang after the retailer confirmed exposure of personal details linked to millions of users. Officials say the incident involves only domestic accounts. Regulators have opened a formal investigation.

Coupang first reported a small number of affected users, then revised its estimate to 33.7 million. The firm states that the leaked data includes names and contact details. It maintains that passwords and payment information remain secure.

Authorities believe the breach may date back several months and may involve an overseas server. Local media reports suspicion of a former employee in China. Investigators are assessing whether safety rules were breached.

The incident adds to a series of cyberattacks on major firms in South Korea this year. Commentators say repeated lapses point to structural weaknesses. Previous breaches at SK Telecom and Lotte Card remain fresh in public memory.

Coupang has apologised and warned customers to watch for scams using stolen information. Regulators pledge to enforce swiftly if violations are confirmed. The case has reignited debate over corporate safeguards and national cyber resilience.

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