Development Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

MIT researchers develop cooling system to cut data centre energy and water use

A startup founded by researchers from MIT has developed a nuclear-inspired cooling system designed to improve data centre energy efficiency while reducing water consumption. The technology targets one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand, as the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure drives increased computing requirements.

Ferveret’s system uses a specialised liquid to immerse servers, replacing traditional air-based cooling methods that account for a significant share of data centre energy consumption. Its Adaptive Phase Cooling approach improves heat transfer through controlled bubble formation, increasing efficiency while reducing reliance on water-intensive cooling systems.

The company reports computational efficiency gains of up to 15% compared with existing liquid cooling technologies, alongside improved overall performance when combined with power optimisation software. Ferveret is already testing its system with several data centre operators and AI hardware companies as it moves towards wider commercial deployment.

The startup says its modular design enables easier integration into existing facilities while allowing data centres to operate more effectively in regions with limited water resources. By reducing energy waste and improving heat management, the technology aims to support the growing demand for AI computing without further increasing environmental strain.

Why does it matter?

The rapid growth of AI is driving unprecedented demand for computing power, placing increasing pressure on electricity grids, water supplies and data centre infrastructure. Cooling systems are a major contributor to both energy consumption and operating costs, making efficiency improvements a growing priority for the technology sector.

Innovations such as liquid immersion cooling could help reduce the environmental footprint of AI infrastructure while supporting continued growth in computing capacity. As governments and companies seek to balance AI expansion with sustainability goals, advances in cooling, power management and resource efficiency are becoming an increasingly important part of the broader AI ecosystem.

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Singapore warns of Microsoft impersonation scams causing major losses

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) have warned the public about technical support scams that impersonate Microsoft. Authorities said at least 10 cases had been reported since February 2026, with total losses exceeding S$1.7 million.

In this scam variant, victims typically encounter a pop-up alert in their web browser. The alert falsely appears to originate from Microsoft and claims that the user’s device has been hacked or compromised.

Victims are then instructed to contact a so-called technical support officer through an internet-based phone number. After making contact, victims may be transferred to another scammer posing as a police officer, who claims that their device has been used for criminal activities such as money laundering.

Authorities in Singapore said victims may be instructed to make bank transfers, provide banking credentials, or grant remote access to their devices. In some cases, scammers asked victims to download remote access applications or click links that allowed them to take control of bank accounts.

SPF and CSA advised members of the public to verify alerts through official software provider channels. They noted that Microsoft does not include phone numbers in error or warning messages, and that users should not call numbers displayed in suspicious pop-ups or click links or buttons within such alerts.

People who believe they have fallen victim to the scam are advised to disconnect their computer from the internet, contact their bank, remove applications installed under the scammer’s instructions, and run an anti-virus scan. They should also change passwords and banking credentials using a trusted device, remove unauthorised payees, and report the incident to the police and CSA’s SingCERT.

Why does it matter?

Technical support scams remain one of the most effective forms of cyber-enabled fraud because they combine social engineering, impersonation and remote access techniques. By exploiting trust in well-known brands such as Microsoft and creating a sense of urgency, scammers can persuade victims to hand over sensitive information or direct access to their devices.

The cases also highlight how cybersecurity and financial security are increasingly interconnected. Basic cyber hygiene practices, such as verifying security alerts through official channels, avoiding unsolicited remote access requests and reporting incidents quickly, can help prevent account compromise and reduce financial losses.

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Spanish minister says AI regulation boosts competitiveness and trust

Spain’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, said that AI regulation strengthens competitiveness rather than discouraging investment. Speaking at the Foro Talento España event organised by TRIVU, he argued that trust is becoming a key factor in the development and adoption of AI.

López pointed to OpenAI’s decision to open its first office in Spain as evidence that AI regulation can coexist with innovation and investment. He said Spain’s approach helps create a more predictable and trustworthy environment for businesses and technology development.

The minister also highlighted government investments in digital skills and talent development. He cited initiatives including the National Digital Skills Plan, university programmes focused on AI and cybersecurity, and plans to recruit 1,600 ICT specialists for the public sector.

These efforts have contributed to growth in higher education, technology training and STEM employment. Speaking in Madrid, López said continued investment in talent, digital skills and emerging technologies will be essential as AI and other advanced digital sectors continue to evolve in Spain.

Why does it matter?

The relationship between AI regulation and innovation remains a central policy debate worldwide. While some argue that regulation could slow investment and technological development, others contend that clear rules can increase trust, reduce uncertainty and encourage long-term adoption.

Spain’s position reflects a growing European approach that views regulation and innovation as complementary rather than competing objectives. By combining AI governance measures with investments in skills, education and digital talent, policymakers are seeking to build an environment that supports both technological development and public trust.

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Microsoft president says AI’s future should be shaped by people, not technology alone

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith has argued that the future impact of AI should be shaped by people rather than technology alone, emphasising the importance of human agency, creativity and the dignity of work.

In a recent blog post, Smith said concerns expressed by university graduates about AI’s impact on employment should be taken seriously by the technology sector.

Smith also noted that younger generations remain among the most active users of AI technologies but are increasingly questioning how AI will affect jobs, careers and society. He argued that graduates are sending a clear message that AI should support human capabilities instead of determining the role of people in the workforce.

The article draws on historical examples of technological disruption, including photography, computing and automation, arguing that new technologies have often transformed work rather than eliminated human creativity and ambition.

Smith acknowledged concerns about entry-level employment, workforce restructuring and economic uncertainty, while suggesting that AI adoption is likely to unfold over decades rather than over a short period.

Microsoft argues that individuals should focus on combining expertise in their chosen fields with AI literacy. The company also emphasises the importance of uniquely human skills such as creativity, curiosity, communication, compassion and judgement.

For organisations, Smith recommends using AI to strengthen institutional knowledge and productivity while retaining control over proprietary data, intellectual property and strategic decision-making.

Why does it matter?

The debate over AI’s impact on employment has become one of the central questions in technology policy and economic planning. While some forecasts focus on job displacement, others argue that AI will primarily transform how work is performed, creating demand for new skills and roles while reshaping existing occupations.

Smith’s comments offer insight into how a leading AI developer views the long-term transition. His emphasis on augmentation, workforce adaptation and human agency reflects a broader industry narrative that AI should enhance rather than replace human capabilities, while highlighting the growing importance of digital skills, lifelong learning and public participation in decisions about AI deployment.

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China sets AI integration targets for communications networks

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has released a three-year plan to accelerate the integration of AI with the country’s information and communications sector.

The implementation guideline, covering 2026 to 2028, sets targets for more autonomous networks, wider low-latency access to computing power and expanded AI applications. By 2028, China aims for information and communications networks to reach an initial stage of high-level autonomous intelligence.

The plan also calls for more than 30 high-value use cases, specialised intelligent agents and at least 75% coverage of one-millisecond-latency access to computing power in metropolitan areas.

MIIT identified several research priorities, including AI-driven network architectures, collaboration between large and small AI models, multi-agent systems and intelligent agent communications. It also calls for faster construction of major computing power channels and improved network resource scheduling.

Looking beyond the three years, China aims to make significant breakthroughs in core technologies for integrating AI with information and communications networks by 2030. The ministry said the longer-term goal is to strengthen integrated sensing, communications, computing and intelligence capabilities, while building a broader collaborative innovation and industrial ecosystem.

Why does it matter?

The plan shows China treating AI as part of the core architecture of future communications networks, not only as an application layer. The targets link AI, telecommunications, computing power and sensing infrastructure, which could shape how autonomous networks, industrial AI, smart cities and future digital services are deployed. It also reflects China’s broader push to align AI development with national digital infrastructure and industrial upgrading.

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Anthropic launches Claude Corps AI fellowship for US nonprofits

Anthropic has announced Claude Corps, a fellowship programme intended to help early-career professionals develop AI skills while supporting nonprofit organisations in the United States.

The company said it is committing an initial $150 million to the initiative, which aims to train 1,000 fellows to use Claude and place them in nonprofit organisations over the coming years. Fellows will spend one year working full-time and in person with host organisations.

Claude Corps will be delivered through a partnership between Anthropic, CodePath and Social Finance. Anthropic will fund the programme, provide Claude expertise and lead its overall strategy. CodePath will act as the fellows’ employer of record and lead fellowship programming, while Social Finance will oversee measurement and evaluation.

Each fellow will receive a salary of $85,000, benefits, mentoring support, ongoing training and access to Claude resources. Anthropic said at least 400 nonprofits will host fellows over the next 12 months, including organisations working on education, workforce development, public services, food security, environmental conservation and community support.

Applications are open for the first cohort of 100 fellows, which is scheduled to begin in October 2026. Anthropic said the programme could later expand beyond the initial 1,000 fellows and may serve as a model for similar initiatives outside the United States.

Why does it matter?

Claude Corps is relevant because it frames AI adoption as a workforce and capacity-building challenge, not only a product deployment issue. The programme links private-sector AI development with labour transition, nonprofit digital capacity and AI literacy. It also reflects growing pressure on frontier AI companies to show how the benefits of AI can be shared more widely as automation reshapes entry-level work and organisational practices.

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European Commission study simplifies SELFIE tool for school digital capacity monitoring

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has published a study proposing shorter versions of the Self-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the Use of Innovative Educational Technologies (SELFIE) tool to support the monitoring of schools’ digital capacity.

The study suggests that shorter instruments could help schools and policymakers use data for digital education planning when time and organisational constraints make the full SELFIE tool more difficult to implement. SELFIE is a scientifically validated tool for measuring schools’ digital capacity. According to the study, the tool had been used by more than 5.5 million users across 80 countries by September 2023.

Researchers developed two shortened versions of the SELFIE tool: a midi-SELFIE with 16 items and a mini-SELFIE with 8 items. The shorter instruments were developed using existing datasets and psychometric analyses based on Item Response Theory models.

The researchers evaluated the shortened tools across three use cases. The first examined changes in digital capacity over time in selected schools; the second examined regional differences in Port u gal; and the third used a representative sample from Spain to explore links between digital capacity and teachers’ use of digital technology during lessons.

The full SELFIE tool and the two shortened versions produced broadly comparable results across the cases examined. The researchers said the midi and mini versions could therefore serve as reliable alternatives for specific uses where the full instrument is too long.

The study suggests that shorter SELFIE tools could support school-level monitoring, digital education planning, and policy monitoring. The findings may be useful for education systems seeking evidence-based approaches to improving teaching and learning while reducing the administrative burden on schools.

Why does it matter?

As governments invest in digital education, there is a growing demand for reliable tools that can measure schools’ digital readiness and inform policy decisions. However, lengthy assessment processes can create practical challenges for schools and education authorities, limiting participation and data collection.

The study suggests that shorter versions of the SELFIE tool can provide comparable insights while reducing the time required for implementation. If adopted more widely, these streamlined assessments could support evidence-based digital education policies, help monitor progress in digital transformation, and make data collection more accessible for schools.

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Uruguay launches Latin America’s first national AI ethics business council

Uruguay has become the first country in Latin America to establish a national Business Council for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a UNESCO-backed initiative aimed at strengthening responsible AI governance.

Launched in Montevideo, the council will serve as a platform connecting businesses, academic institutions and public authorities to promote ethical, transparent and accountable AI development.

The initiative is aligned with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in 2021 as the first global normative framework dedicated to the ethical governance of AI. The council aims to ensure that AI deployment promotes human well-being, fundamental rights, transparency and non-discrimination while supporting innovation.

The Uruguayan Chamber of Information Technologies will lead the national chapter, supported by representatives from the technology and telecommunications sectors.

During 2026, the council plans to focus on integrating ethical AI practices into business operations, strengthening technical capabilities and promoting Uruguay as a regional reference point for AI governance.

UNESCO officials noted that ethical AI principles can strengthen innovation by fostering trust, accountability and long-term sustainability. Such an initiative by Uruguay is expected to contribute to broader regional discussions on AI governance and responsible digital transformation.

Why does it matter?

As AI adoption accelerates, governments and businesses are increasingly seeking governance mechanisms that balance innovation with accountability, transparency and respect for fundamental rights. While many AI governance initiatives have focused on regulation, Uruguay’s approach places particular emphasis on engaging the private sector in the implementation of ethical AI principles.

The initiative also reflects a broader international trend towards multi-stakeholder AI governance, bringing together government, industry and academia to address challenges such as bias, transparency and responsible deployment. As the first initiative of its kind in Latin America, the council could influence regional discussions on AI governance and digital transformation.

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ILO highlights child protection risks amid digital transformation

The International Labour Organization (ILO), together with UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), used a high-level roundtable in Türkiye to highlight the growing connection between digital transformation and child protection.

While the event focused primarily on eliminating child labour, discussions also examined the opportunities and risks associated with rapid technological change.

ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan noted that digital transformation can support economic development, productivity growth and poverty reduction. However, he warned that rapidly evolving technologies may also expose children to new forms of exploitation, including technology-enabled commercial sexual exploitation and other online harms.

Participants stressed that child protection considerations should be incorporated into the design, deployment and governance of digital technologies from the outset. The discussion reflected growing international concern that digitalisation can create new vulnerabilities alongside economic opportunities, particularly for children and young people.

The ILO roundtable also highlighted Türkiye’s broader policy agenda, including digital transformation initiatives within the National Employment Strategy 2025–2028. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of ensuring that digital innovation is accompanied by education, social protection, labour rights protections and child safeguarding measures.

Why does it matter?

The discussion reflects an increasingly important policy debate: how digital transformation can be harnessed while protecting vulnerable groups from emerging risks.

As governments, businesses and international organisations accelerate the adoption of AI, digital platforms and connected technologies, concerns about online child exploitation, digital rights and technology governance are becoming more prominent.

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Google DeepMind launches robotics accelerator for European startups

Google DeepMind has launched a three-month robotics accelerator for early-stage startups across Europe, offering technical mentorship, product guidance and access to AI tools, including Gemini robotics models.

The first cohort includes 15 companies working on robotics and embodied AI applications in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, healthcare, waste sorting, marine robotics and industrial automation. The selected founders began the programme in London this week.

According to Google, the accelerator is intended to help startups integrate advanced AI capabilities into physical systems and turn robotics research into deployable products. Participants will receive support from Google DeepMind and Google experts, as well as access to technical resources and partner networks.

The selected companies are developing technologies ranging from robotic welding and construction systems to autonomous underwater robots, neurosurgical microrobots, humanoid systems, robotic sensing and industrial AI tools.

The programme reflects growing commercial interest in embodied AI, where advances in language, vision and action models are being applied to machines that operate in physical environments.

Why does it matter?

Robotics is becoming an important test case for how advanced AI moves from digital tools into physical systems. As foundation models are integrated into manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, construction and infrastructure, questions around safety, reliability, liability, labour impact and deployment standards will become more important. Google DeepMind’s accelerator is not a regulatory development, but it signals growing industry investment in Europe’s embodied AI ecosystem.

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