Alibaba has announced plans to invest at least 380 billion yuan ($52.44 billion) in cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next three years. This significant investment, revealed on Monday, follows the company’s earnings announcement on Friday, where it reported revenue of 280.15 billion yuan for the quarter ending December 31, slightly surpassing analysts’ expectations. The investment in AI and cloud computing will exceed the company’s total spending in these areas over the past decade.
The announcement marks a strategic push for Alibaba in the rapidly growing AI sector, positioning the company as a key player in China’s AI race. This has already paid off in the stock market, with Alibaba’s shares climbing over 68% so far this year, reflecting strong investor confidence. The move also comes as other Chinese tech giants, such as ByteDance, are making similar investments, with ByteDance reportedly allocating over 150 billion yuan this year to enhance its AI capabilities.
This wave of investment underscores the growing importance of AI and cloud computing to China’s tech landscape. It also highlights the competitive race between Chinese firms to dominate these sectors and secure their positions in the global technology arena.
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Russia’s Central Bank has launched an anti-fraud protection system for banks ahead of the planned rollout of its digital ruble (CBDC). The new measures, which came into effect on 23 February, aim to protect transactions involving the digital currency. Under the system, if a bank detects potential fraud, it can suspend a transaction for up to two days, allowing time for verification. Customers will be notified and asked to confirm the transaction before it proceeds.
The measures are primarily targeted at commercial and B2B users and are designed to reduce the risk of fraudulent activities. This builds on similar protections introduced last year for peer-to-peer transactions. The system includes a ‘cooling-off period’ to help users avoid hasty decisions that could lead to financial losses due to fraud.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the digital ruble’s impact on the banking sector. Some fear the CBDC could reduce liquidity for commercial banks, while others worry about its mandatory use for certain groups, such as pensioners. The Central Bank has denied these claims, asserting that the digital ruble will be voluntary for citizens.
As Russia prepares for a full digital ruble launch later this year, experts continue to question the technical and organisational challenges of mass adoption, especially for businesses and banks.
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OpenAI has removed accounts linked to users in China and North Korea over concerns they were using ChatGPT for malicious activities.
The company cited cases of AI-generated content being used for surveillance, influence campaigns, and fraudulent schemes. AI tools were employed to detect the operations.
Some accounts produced news articles in Spanish that criticised the US and were later published under a Chinese company’s byline. Others, potentially connected to North Korea, created fake resumes and online profiles in an attempt to secure jobs at Western firms.
A separate operation, believed to be tied to financial fraud in Cambodia, used ChatGPT to generate and translate comments on social media.
The US government has raised concerns over China’s use of AI to spread misinformation and suppress its population. Security risks associated with AI-driven disinformation and fraudulent activities have led to increased scrutiny of how such tools are being used globally.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT remains the most widely used AI chatbot, with over 400 million weekly active users. The company is also in discussions to secure up to $40 billion in funding, which could set a record for a private firm.
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US drugmaker Amgen has announced a $200 million investment in a new technology centre in southern India, which will focus on using AI and data science to support the development of new medicines. The centre, located in Hyderabad, is expected to have a workforce of around 2,000 by the end of the year, with 300 employees already on-site. Amgen plans to make additional investments in the coming years as part of its ongoing expansion in India.
Amgen’s decision to invest in India reflects the growing importance of the country in the global pharmaceutical industry, often referred to as the ‘pharmacy of the world.’ The company’s new centre aligns with broader efforts by global pharmaceutical companies to increase their presence in India. The BioAsia conference in Hyderabad will feature executives from major drugmakers, including Amgen, Eli Lilly, and Novartis.
Amgen’s move comes amid heightened cooperation between India and the US, which recently launched discussions for an early trade deal. A key focus of these talks is to promote collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, which includes areas like pharmaceuticals. US officials have praised Amgen’s expansion as a model for how both countries can work together to harness innovation and technology.
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Australia’s eSafety Commission has fined messaging platform Telegram A$1 million ($640,000) for failing to respond promptly to questions regarding measures it took to prevent child abuse and extremist content. The Commission had asked social media platforms, including Telegram, to provide details on their efforts to combat harmful content. Telegram missed the May 2024 deadline, submitting its response in October, which led to the fine.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasised the importance of timely transparency and adherence to Australian law. Telegram, however, disagreed with the penalty, stating that it had fully responded to the questions, and plans to appeal the fine, which it claims was solely due to the delay in response time.
The fine comes amid increasing global scrutiny of Telegram, with growing concerns over its use by extremists. Australia’s spy agency recently noted that a significant portion of counter-terrorism cases involved youth, highlighting the increasing risk posed by online extremist content. If Telegram does not comply with the penalty, the eSafety Commission could pursue further legal action.
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Huawei’s founder Ren Zhengfei told President Xi Jinping that China’s concerns about a lack of domestically developed chips and operating systems have eased, following a meeting with key entrepreneurs. According to Chinese state media, Ren expressed confidence that China would rise faster, thanks to its advancements in technology, particularly in semiconductors and software. The phrase ‘lack of core and soul,’ which refers to the absence of critical technology like chips and operating systems, was first used in 1999 to highlight challenges in China’s information industry.
The meeting, which included prominent founders such as BYD’s Wang Chuanfu and Xiaomi’s Lei Jun, discussed the achievements and growth in sectors like electric vehicles and electronics. Ren’s comments reflected the progress made despite challenges like US sanctions, with Huawei playing a key role in pushing for China’s self-sufficiency. Wang shared how China’s EV industry had grown significantly, while Lei praised Xi’s leadership, stating that under his guidance, any challenges could be overcome.
Other entrepreneurs, including representatives from Will Semiconductor, Unitree Robotics, and New Hope Group, also spoke at the meeting, although details about their comments were not widely disclosed. The meeting was part of a broader push for China to strengthen its technological independence.
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The rise of quantum computing poses a serious threat to modern encryption systems, with experts warning that critical digital infrastructure could become vulnerable once quantum devices reach sufficient power.
Unlike classical computers that process binary bits, quantum computers use qubits, allowing them to perform vast numbers of calculations simultaneously.
This capability could make breaking widely used encryption methods, like RSA, possible in minutes—something that would take today’s computers thousands of years.
Although quantum systems powerful enough to crack encryption may still be years away, there is growing concern that hackers could already be collecting encrypted data to decode it once the technology catches up.
Sensitive information—such as national security data, intellectual property, and personal records—could be at risk. In response, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology has introduced new post-quantum encryption standards and is encouraging organisations to transition swiftly, though the scale of the upgrade needed across global infrastructure remains immense.
Updating web browsers and modern devices may be straightforward, but older systems, critical infrastructure, and the growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices pose significant challenges.
Satellites, for instance, vary in how easily they can be upgraded, with remote sensing satellites often requiring full replacements. Cybersecurity experts stress the need for ‘crypto agility’ to make the transition manageable, aiming to avoid a chaotic scramble once quantum threats materialise.
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For many creators, TikTok has become more than just a platform for viral trends—it’s their livelihood. Beauty content creator Leila Nikea left her job as a make-up artist three years ago to focus solely on TikTok, tripling her income and even buying her first home.
Yet, uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future has left her anxious, especially after the recent threat of a US ban over national security concerns. Although the ban was briefly implemented and then postponed, ongoing scrutiny has made creators like Leila fear for their financial stability.
Musicians Howard and George, known as The Whiskey Brothers, share similar concerns. After nearly two decades performing as a wedding band, TikTok finally gave them a platform to reach new audiences with their original music.
Their growing following led to their first official gig under their new name. However, the prospect of future bans has cast a shadow over their plans, making them question the long-term sustainability of their careers on TikTok.
Veteran tech influencer Safwan Ahmedmia, better known as SuperSaf, has already faced the consequences of a TikTok ban when India blocked the app in 2020, costing him thousands of followers. Now, he spreads his content across multiple platforms, advising fellow creators to do the same.
As debates over TikTok’s data privacy and security continue worldwide, creators are increasingly aware of the fragility of their digital careers. While many remain committed to their passions, the platform’s instability serves as a stark reminder of the risks tied to relying on a single app for income.
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Estonia, a small Baltic nation with a population of 1.4 million, has emerged as a leader in the rush to fund defence projects in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. With heightened security concerns in the region, particularly among the Baltic states that share a border with Russia, Estonia has leveraged its thriving tech sector to fuel investment in defence technologies. The war has created an urgent need for innovation, prompting tech entrepreneurs such as Sten Tamkivi, a former Skype executive, to direct investment towards defence, European sovereignty, and security solutions.
Estonia’s role in supporting emerging defence companies is made possible by the country’s strong network of tech unicorns and wealthy entrepreneurs. With companies like Skype, TransferWise, and Bolt originating from Estonia, local tech executives have the financial resources to invest in critical military technologies. Moreover, Estonia’s proximity to Ukraine allows for rapid collaboration on the frontlines, testing new technologies such as AI-driven defence tools and drones. This has positioned the country as a central player in Europe’s defence tech landscape, with the number of defence-focused funding rounds in Eastern Europe growing sharply since the war began.
Across Central and Eastern Europe, the growing interest in defence tech is evident, with funds like Presto Ventures in Prague also tapping into the sector. The Czech Republic has launched initiatives to support small enterprises in defence, while Estonia has introduced a 100 million euro fund to support the development of its own defence tech ecosystem. Estonia’s longer-term goal is to reach 2 billion euros in defence tech revenue by 2030, focusing on disruptive, offensive technologies.
The region’s defence tech startups are benefiting from a shift in investor sentiment, with venture capital pouring into areas like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. Despite initial doubts about the sector’s growth, the continuing conflict in Ukraine has ensured that defence technology remains a critical priority.
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According to Bitcoin exchange River, Microsoft’s latest quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, could accelerate the timeline for making Bitcoin resistant to quantum threats. While the risk of a quantum attack remains distant, experts warn that preparations must begin now. The chip, launched on 19 February, is part of a growing race in quantum technology, with Google’s Willow chip also making headlines in December.
River suggests that if quantum computers reach one million qubits by 2027-2029, they could crack Bitcoin addresses in long-range attacks. Though some argue such a scenario is still decades away, River insists early action is key. The potential threat has reignited discussions on BIP-360, a proposed upgrade to strengthen Bitcoin’s defences against future quantum advancements.
Critics remain sceptical, arguing that quantum computing is still in its infancy, with major technical challenges to overcome. Some believe traditional banking systems, which hold far greater assets than Bitcoin, would be targeted first. Others see quantum developments as an opportunity, suggesting they could help fortify Bitcoin’s security rather than weaken it.
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