Development Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

Google launches AI Economy ATLAS research initiative

Google has launched the first version of AI & Economy ATLAS (Activity, Task, Landscape and Adoption Study), a large-scale research initiative designed to provide empirical evidence on how people use AI at work and in everyday life.

The study draws on 15 million aggregated and de-identified interactions across the Gemini app, AI Mode and the Gemini API, which together serve more than one billion monthly users. The initial dataset spans more than 150 countries, 140 languages, 800 occupations and 4,000 tasks.

According to Google, AI adoption is already widespread across workplaces but remains concentrated on a relatively small share of individual job tasks.

The company estimates that AI currently supports around 21% of tasks within a typical occupation, primarily through collaboration, brainstorming, information retrieval, learning and strategic thinking rather than replacing work entirely. Fewer than 10% of workplace AI interactions analysed involved complete task automation.

The research suggests that AI use extends well beyond traditional knowledge work. Technical and manual workers, including automotive technicians and industrial mechanics, increasingly use AI for diagnostics, troubleshooting and technical guidance.

Outside the workplace, more than 86% of interactions occur in personal settings, supporting activities such as shopping research, household tasks and navigating government services. Google also found that AI adoption broadly correlates with GDP per capita, although several middle-income countries recorded comparatively high levels of use.

Google said ATLAS was developed using privacy-preserving methods, including the removal of personally identifiable information, additional filtering of sensitive content and aggregation techniques designed to prevent individual users from being identified.

The company plans to expand ATLAS to include additional AI products, enterprise services and emerging AI capabilities, with the aim of providing researchers and policymakers with a broader evidence base on AI adoption and its economic impact.

Why does it matter?

Despite rapid AI adoption, policymakers and researchers still have relatively limited empirical evidence about how AI is used in practice. Large-scale behavioural datasets such as ATLAS can complement surveys and economic forecasts by revealing which tasks people actually perform with AI and where adoption remains limited.

Although the findings reflect Google’s own AI ecosystem rather than the entire market, they contribute to a broader understanding of how AI is reshaping work, everyday activities and digital economies. Such evidence could help inform future debates on productivity, workforce skills and AI governance.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU report urges structured AI adoption across public administrations

Generative AI is becoming increasingly common across European public administrations, but a new report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) argues that governments must now move from informal experimentation towards structured, secure and strategically governed adoption.

Based on interviews across eight public administrations, the report identifies a widening gap between employees’ growing interest in generative AI and organisational readiness. While civil servants recognise productivity gains, the informal use of external AI tools raises concerns about data protection, oversight and the need for clearer governance frameworks.

To help bridge that gap, the report introduces a four-stage maturity model for public administrations, ranging from early experimentation to fully integrated and governed AI adoption. It recommends secure infrastructure, workforce training, stronger oversight mechanisms and closer cooperation across public institutions.

The findings contribute to broader EU efforts to build trustworthy and strategically governed AI capabilities in the public sector. According to the report, successful adoption will depend not only on access to AI technologies but also on organisational change, institutional capacity and responsible implementation.

Why does it matter?

Generative AI has the potential to improve how governments deliver public services and manage administrative work, but widespread adoption also creates new governance challenges. Clear policies, secure infrastructure and workforce skills will be essential to ensure that AI improves efficiency without undermining transparency, accountability or public trust.

The report also highlights that public sector AI maturity is increasingly an organisational issue rather than a purely technological one. Governments that develop coherent governance frameworks today are likely to be better positioned to deploy increasingly capable AI systems safely and at scale.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our chatbot!

EIB backs digital upgrade of Spain’s electricity grid with €870 million

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business have announced €870 million in financing to modernise, reinforce and digitalise Spain’s electricity distribution network, supporting the country’s energy transition and digital infrastructure.

The package combines a €520 million loan from Spain’s Regional Resilience Fund, backed by NextGenerationEU, with a €350 million EIB loan, €200 million of which has already been signed. The investment will support electricity infrastructure across Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castile and León, Galicia and Madrid.

The financing will support the construction and reinforcement of approximately 2,300 kilometres of electricity networks, improving grid resilience, strengthening security of supply and enabling greater integration of renewable energy.

Planned investments include grid automation, remote-control technologies, digitalisation, enhanced cybersecurity, underground power lines, reduced network losses and increased capacity to connect new users as electricity demand grows.

According to the EIB, the project will strengthen Naturgy’s distribution network of more than 116,000 kilometres of power lines while addressing the challenges of electrification, expanding renewable generation and more frequent extreme weather events.

More than 80% of the investment will be directed to EU cohesion regions, supporting both territorial development and the clean energy transition.

The operation supports Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, the EIB’s Climate Bank Roadmap and the REPowerEU initiative.

The EIB also noted that it provided a record €11.6 billion for electricity grids and energy storage projects globally in 2025, including €1.9 billion for electricity grid investments in Spain.

Why does it matter?

Electricity grids are increasingly becoming critical digital infrastructure as countries expand renewable energy, electrify transport and industry, and deploy more connected technologies. Modernising distribution networks with automation, digital controls and cybersecurity measures improves reliability while creating the foundation for smarter and more resilient energy systems.

The investment also reflects a broader European policy trend in which electricity infrastructure is viewed not only as an energy asset but as a strategic enabler of digital transformation, economic resilience and future AI-driven energy management.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

India expands rural telecom networks and 6G research

India has reported further expansion of its telecommunications infrastructure, including wider 5G availability, rural mobile coverage and investment in domestic network technologies.

According to government figures, 5G services are now available in all states and union territories and in 99.9% of the country’s districts.

The number of 5G base transceiver stations increased from 140,623 in March 2023 to 562,971 by the end of June 2026.

Rural connectivity is being supported through BharatNet, which provides broadband infrastructure to village-level local government bodies and rural communities, and the 4G Saturation scheme for previously uncovered villages.

Around 24,000 mobile towers had been commissioned by June 2026 through projects funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi and other mobile connectivity programmes.

India is also continuing longer-term work on next-generation networks under its Bharat 6G Vision, which aims to support the domestic design and development of secure and intelligent 6G technologies.

By June 2026, the government had approved 136 research and development projects under the Telecom Technology Development Fund, with nearly ₹543 crore in sanctioned funding.

The projects cover areas including 6G, quantum communications, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, optical systems, an indigenous 5G core and telecom security.

A separate production-linked incentive scheme, introduced in 2021 with an outlay of ₹12,195 crore, supports domestic manufacturing of telecom and networking equipment.

Why does it matter?

India’s update links immediate connectivity goals with longer-term industrial and research policy. Rural broadband and wider mobile coverage can reduce access gaps. At the same time, investment in 6G, satellite networks, telecom security and domestic manufacturing could strengthen technological capacity and reduce dependence on imported equipment. However, district-level availability alone does not show whether users receive affordable, reliable and consistently high-quality services.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Canada launches consultation on AI transparency framework

The Canadian government has launched a public consultation on new AI transparency measures, seeking views on how people should be informed about AI systems, AI-generated content and increasingly autonomous AI technologies.

The consultation examines ways to help people identify synthetic content, notify users when they are interacting with AI and improve access to clear information about how AI systems are developed, what they can do and where their limitations lie.

Officials are also considering mechanisms for reporting serious AI incidents and documenting the activities of AI agents that can act on a user’s behalf. These systems are becoming increasingly common in consumer products, extending AI beyond generating content towards performing autonomous tasks.

The consultation forms part of Canada’s national AI strategy, AI for All, which seeks to promote responsible AI adoption, public trust and greater digital sovereignty.

Although the government has not proposed specific legal obligations, it suggests that businesses could face stronger expectations to explain how their AI systems operate and help users distinguish authentic content from AI-generated material. Public feedback will help shape the next phase of policy development.

Canadian residents, businesses, researchers, civil society organisations and Indigenous groups are invited to participate in the consultation, which runs from 23 July to 23 September 2026.

The initiative comes as AI adoption accelerates across Canada’s economy alongside broader legislative efforts covering privacy, consumer data, online harms and protections for children using social media and some AI-powered services.

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon said public trust depends on people understanding when AI is being used, what systems are capable of and whether online content has been artificially generated.

The government said consultation responses will inform practical transparency measures that support innovation while making AI safer and more accountable.

Why does it matter?

As AI systems become more capable and autonomous, transparency is evolving beyond simply labelling AI-generated content. Policymakers are increasingly exploring how to disclose AI use, monitor serious incidents and improve accountability for systems that make decisions or take actions on behalf of users.

Canada’s consultation reflects a wider international shift towards practical AI governance based on transparency, trust and user awareness. The eventual framework could help shape expectations for businesses while giving people greater confidence when interacting with AI-powered products and services.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Portugal expands cloud adoption across public administration

Portugal’s public administration has significantly expanded its use of cloud computing, with new research showing rising investment as government organisations prepare for greater AI adoption and future sovereign cloud initiatives.

The findings, published by the Agency for State Technological Reform (ARTE) in its Cloud Governance Impact Assessment Report for Public Administration, are based on responses from 262 public sector organisations, including ministries, municipalities, public institutes and schools.

According to the report, 77% of surveyed organisations already use cloud services, while others are preparing future deployments. Adoption is highest among larger public bodies such as regulatory authorities, higher education institutions and public institutes, although smaller organisations are also expanding their cloud capabilities.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) has grown particularly rapidly, rising from 11% adoption in 2020 to 38% in 2025, supporting the deployment of emerging technologies, including AI.

Despite increased cloud adoption, AI adoption remains at an early stage across Portugal’s public administration. Most organisations reported no AI projects during the previous year, citing limited internal expertise, implementation costs and security and data protection concerns as the main obstacles.

Cloud services are provided through a mix of Portuguese, European and international providers, reflecting operational requirements while supporting broader digital sovereignty objectives.

ARTE concludes that the public sector has reached an intermediate level of cloud maturity and recommends strengthening governance practices such as FinOps, DevOps and multi-cloud strategies, investing in digital skills and preparing for the National Sovereign Cloud Plan and the National Digital Strategy.

Why does it matter?

The report suggests that cloud adoption is no longer the primary challenge for digital government. Instead, attention is shifting towards governance, workforce skills and organisational readiness needed to make effective use of cloud infrastructure and AI.

The findings also illustrate how cloud policy is increasingly linked to digital sovereignty. By combining domestic, European and international cloud providers while preparing a National Sovereign Cloud Plan, Portugal reflects a broader European effort to balance technological innovation with strategic control over critical digital infrastructure.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

APEC adopts regional AI agenda for connectivity, skills and trust

Asia-Pacific ministers have adopted a regional agenda on AI, digital connectivity, workforce skills and online safety, positioning AI as part of a broader strategy for economic development and digital resilience across APEC economies.

Outlined in the 2026 Digital and AI Ministerial Statement, the APEC AI plan promotes the responsible adoption of AI across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture and public services.

Ministers also called for secure, affordable and reliable internet access, with greater attention to rural, remote and underserved communities. Cooperation will cover next-generation networks, satellite resources, cross-border data flows and resilient digital infrastructure, while encouraging member economies to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt affordable, locally relevant AI tools tailored to regional languages and economic conditions.

Skills development forms another pillar of the plan. Ministers supported expanding digital education, vocational training, public awareness programmes and AI literacy, including for policymakers. Voluntary knowledge-sharing and technical assistance are intended to help economies with fewer resources build AI capabilities.

The statement also highlights growing risks from data breaches, online scams and the misuse of emerging technologies. Member economies were encouraged to strengthen cooperation with industry, civil society and technical organisations on cybersecurity, privacy, supply-chain resilience and child protection.

It also calls on technology companies to improve accountability, supports trusted open-source AI projects with appropriate security safeguards, and emphasises respect for data protection and intellectual property rights.

Investment in connectivity, energy infrastructure and start-ups is expected to support implementation of the plan, particularly by improving smaller businesses’ access to finance and digital technologies.

The Chengdu Statement also advances the wider APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative 2026–2030, with ministers scheduled to meet again in Vietnam in 2027.

Why does it matter?

The Chengdu Statement reflects a growing recognition that successful AI adoption depends on more than developing advanced technologies. By linking AI with connectivity, digital skills, cybersecurity and support for smaller businesses, APEC presents AI as part of a wider economic and development agenda rather than a standalone technology policy.

Although the commitments are voluntary, the framework provides a common regional reference point for AI governance across economies with different levels of digital development. Its longer-term significance will depend on whether cooperation translates into practical improvements in infrastructure, skills, responsible AI deployment and digital inclusion.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Associated Press expands AI newsroom guidelines with human oversight

The Associated Press (AP) has updated its AI newsroom guidelines, expanding the ways journalists may use generative AI while reaffirming that human oversight, verification and editorial accountability remain central to its reporting standards.

Approved uses include early-stage research, document summarisation, transcription, translation and assistance with headlines, story summaries and shot lists. AI may also support grammar, spelling and search optimisation.

However, all AI-generated outputs must be reviewed and edited by an AP journalist before publication. The technology cannot replace original reporting, source verification, fact-checking or editorial judgement.

The updated guidelines continue to prohibit the use of generative AI to create, alter or enhance news photography, maintaining that visual journalism must preserve the authenticity and evidentiary value expected of news images.

The guidance also establishes new standards for reporting on manipulated AI-generated content, requiring journalists to verify such material, identify it clearly and explain its context.

Disclosure will also be required whenever generative AI plays a material role in published content. In addition, the policy introduces standards governing the use of AI coding assistants by software developers working on newsroom systems.

AP said accuracy, fairness and speed remain the guiding principles of its journalism and that the newsroom’s AI policies will continue to evolve as the technology and associated risks develop.

Why does it matter?

As news organisations increasingly adopt generative AI, clear editorial governance is becoming as important as the technology itself. Policies that require human verification, transparency and editorial responsibility help ensure that AI supports journalism without undermining public trust in news reporting.

The AP’s updated guidelines also reflect a broader industry shift towards defining practical rules for AI use rather than treating the technology as either entirely acceptable or entirely prohibited. Such frameworks are likely to influence how other media organisations balance innovation with accuracy, accountability and transparency.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Kazakhstan strengthens workforce skills through digital learning

Kazakhstan’s employers’ organisation is expanding workplace training through greater use of digital learning, certified trainers and occupational safety programmes as part of efforts to strengthen workforce skills.

The initiative follows the completion of an advanced digital learning programme that enables certified trainers to develop online courses, webinars and professional training tailored to employers’ needs. Occupational safety and health will remain at the core of the programme as additional training areas are introduced.

A digital learning platform launched earlier this year supports course delivery, while cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) aims to strengthen training capacity and expand professional certification.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to help employers improve workforce skills, strengthen occupational safety and expand access to professional training through digital learning technologies.

Why does it matter?

Digital learning is becoming an increasingly important tool for workforce development, allowing employers to expand access to professional training while reducing the time and cost associated with traditional classroom programmes. For countries seeking to modernise labour markets, online training can help address skills gaps more efficiently.

The initiative also highlights the growing integration of digital technologies into occupational safety and health programmes. By combining digital learning with internationally recognised certification and cooperation with the ILO, Kazakhstan is seeking to strengthen both workforce resilience and workplace standards.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

US expands Genesis Mission with $5 billion for AI research

The White House has announced more than US$5 billion in new federal commitments to expand the Genesis Mission, positioning AI as shared national infrastructure for scientific research across the US government.

Originally launched through an executive order in November 2025, the Genesis Mission has evolved from a Department of Energy initiative into a whole-of-government programme involving more than 15 federal agencies.

Participating agencies will contribute funding, research awards, scientific datasets and research infrastructure through the Department of Energy’s American Science and Security Platform, which provides shared access to data, computing resources and AI tools.

Alongside the funding announcement, the administration unveiled a series of National Science and Technology Challenges covering healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, semiconductors, quantum technologies, biology, agriculture, space and national security.

Planned projects include AI-enabled biomedical research, digital twins for infrastructure, electricity grid optimisation, autonomous laboratories, materials science and semiconductor innovation.

The initiative also supports industrial competitiveness and national security through projects in AI-assisted microelectronics design, biological manufacturing, advanced materials, nuclear forensics, biological threat detection and the AI-supported design of conventional and nuclear weapon components.

Additional programmes will apply AI to NASA’s scientific datasets, environmental research, natural resource management and agricultural innovation.

According to the White House, the Genesis Mission is intended to establish a shared research model that enables federal agencies to collaborate on multidisciplinary scientific challenges using common AI infrastructure.

The administration said future phases will expand the initiative through partnerships with industry, philanthropic organisations and international collaborators.

Why does it matter?

The Genesis Mission reflects a growing shift in AI policy from supporting individual research projects to building shared national research infrastructure. By combining computing resources, scientific datasets and coordinated federal investment, the programme aims to make AI a foundational capability across multiple scientific disciplines.

Its breadth, spanning healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, space and national security, also illustrates how AI is becoming a strategic asset for scientific competitiveness. Similar approaches are increasingly emerging in other major economies, where AI infrastructure is viewed as essential to long-term research capacity and economic resilience.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!