Concerns are growing over the risks posed by AI chatbots, particularly for minors, as evidence suggests these systems can facilitate harmful behaviour. A recent case in Finland, where a teenager planned a violent attack after interacting with an AI chatbot, has intensified calls for stronger oversight.
A report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that most leading AI chatbots assisted when prompted about violent acts. Researchers reported that eight out of ten systems tested generated harmful information or encouraged violence, highlighting gaps in existing safeguards.
The findings have renewed focus on how the Digital Services Act (DSA) could be applied to AI chatbots. Currently, the regulation primarily covers generative AI when integrated into large online platforms, leaving standalone chatbots in a regulatory grey area. Meanwhile, the AI Act focuses on model-level risks rather than user-facing systems.
Experts argue that this split leaves accountability unclear, as chatbot providers can avoid full responsibility by operating between regulatory frameworks. Proposals to delay elements of the AI Act or allow companies to self-assess risk levels have raised concerns about weakening safeguards at a critical moment for AI deployment.
Applying the DSA to chatbots could introduce obligations such as risk assessments, transparency requirements, and protections for minors. In the short term, chatbots could be treated as hosting services, requiring them to remove illegal content and respond to regulatory orders.
However, analysts warn that such measures would not fully address the risks. In the long term, they argue that the EU should create a dedicated regulatory category for AI chatbots, enabling stronger oversight similar to that applied to online platforms.
Stronger enforcement could also address harmful design features, such as systems that encourage prolonged engagement or escalate user prompts. Measures targeting manipulative interfaces and improving safeguards for minors could reduce the likelihood of harmful interactions.
As AI chatbots become more widely used for information, communication, and decision-making, policymakers face increasing pressure to act. Calls are growing for the EU to enforce existing rules while adapting its legal framework to ensure accountability keeps pace with technological change.
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Digital technologies and AI are increasingly shaping economic development, governance and international cooperation. As these technologies expand rapidly, international organisations are working to ensure that innovation is accompanied by responsible governance, inclusive access and coordinated global policies.
Within the United Nations system, a range of initiatives aim to strengthen cooperation on digital transformation and the development of AI. These efforts address issues such as digital infrastructure, data governance, technological innovation and equitable participation in emerging digital ecosystems. International collaboration plays an essential role in ensuring that the benefits of digital technologies support sustainable development while reducing global inequalities in access to digital resources.
Several programmes across the United Nations system reflect these priorities, combining global governance initiatives with practical AI applications in areas such as development, humanitarian response and digital inclusion. The following sections examine selected initiatives that illustrate how AI and digital cooperation are being advanced across different areas of the UN system.
Global Digital Compact
The Global Digital Compact is a comprehensive international framework adopted by United Nations member states to guide global digital cooperation and enhance the governance of AI. Negotiated by the 193 member states and reflects broad consultations aimed at shaping a shared vision for a digital future that is open, inclusive, safe, and secure for all. The Compact is part of the Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future in New York.
At its core, the Compact seeks to address persistent digital divides by promoting universal connectivity, affordable access and inclusive participation in the digital economy. Governments and stakeholders have committed to connecting all individuals, schools, and hospitals to the internet, increasing investment in digital public infrastructure, and ensuring that technologies are accessible in diverse languages and formats.
The Compact also emphasises human rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms in the digital space, calling for the strengthened legal and policy frameworks that uphold international law and protect users from harms such as misinformation and discrimination. It promotes an open, global, stable, and secure internet while supporting access to independent, fact-based information.
The key objective of the Compact is to enhance international cooperation on data governance and AI for the benefit of humanity. It includes commitments to develop interoperable national data governance frameworks, advance responsible and equitable approaches to AI governance, and establish mechanisms for global dialogue and scientific guidance on AI. These elements reflect the need for collaborative, multistakeholder governance that balances innovation with transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI is a mechanism called for within the Global Digital Compact to support evidence‑based policymaking in AI governance. Member states requested the establishment of a multi‑disciplinary panel under the United Nations to assess the opportunities, risks and societal impacts of AI, and to promote scientific understanding across geographic and sectoral divides.
The panel is intended to contribute robust, independent scientific analysis to global AI discussions, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in research rather than short‑term market pressures or fragmented national approaches. Its mandate includes conducting comprehensive risk and impact assessments, developing common methodologies for evaluating AI systems, and advising on interoperable governance frameworks that respect human rights and international law.
By bringing together experts from diverse disciplines and regions, the panel aims to bridge the gap between scientific developments and policymaking. It is a key institutional mechanism for fostering inclusive AI governance, with balanced geographic representation to ensure that insights reflect global needs rather than narrow technological interests.
The panel also complements the broader Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which seeks to engage governments, international organisations, civil society and technical communities in ongoing discussions about normative approaches, standards, and principles for global AI governance.
The UN Digital Cooperation Portal
The UN Digital Cooperation Portal is a central platform designed to support the implementation of the Global Digital Compact by mapping global digital cooperation activities and facilitating coordination among diverse stakeholders. The portal invites governments, UN entities, civil society organisations, researchers, and private sector actors to voluntarily submit information on initiatives related to the Compact’s objectives.
Launched in December 2025, the portal aggregates initiatives across thematic areas, including digital inclusion, AI governance, data governance, digital infrastructure, and the protection of human rights online. By visualising how activities align with agreed international frameworks, the platform supports strategic collaboration, strengthens transparency and highlights opportunities for joint action across regions and sectors.
The portal generates interactive data visualisations that illustrate how digital cooperation initiatives are evolving at the national, regional and global levels. These tools help identify gaps and overlaps in current efforts, enabling stakeholders to coordinate more effectively in pursuit of shared objectives such as closing digital divides and advancing equitable digital development.
As a resource for governments, UN agencies and external partners, the portal also contributes to the preparatory process for the high‑level review of the Global Digital Compact scheduled for 2027, providing an evidence‑based foundation assessing progress and emerging policy priorities.
Closing the language gap in AI through local language accelerators
Language diversity remains one of the major challenges in global AI development. More than half of the world’s population speaks one of over seven thousand languages, yet most AI systems currently support only a small number of widely used global languages.
Around 1.2 billion people rely on low-resource languages that remain poorly represented in digital technologies. Limited language representation can restrict access to AI-powered services in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and civic participation.
The initiative combines technological development with partnerships involving universities, research institutions and local language communities. The technologies involved include optical character recognition systems that digitise written texts, automatic speech recognition tools capable of processing spoken language and text-to-speech technologies that generate digital audio.
Using satellite imagery and AI to improve disaster response
Rapid damage assessment plays a critical role in humanitarian response following natural disasters. Traditional assessment methods often require manual analysis of satellite images and field inspections conducted by experts, a process that can take weeks.
Emergency response operations, however, require reliable information within the first seventy-two hours after a disaster to prioritise rescue operations and humanitarian assistance.
The SKAI platform, developed by the World Food ProgrammeInnovation Accelerator, uses AI-based computer vision to analyse satellite imagery and identify damaged buildings automatically. The system enables humanitarian organisations to assess destruction at the level of individual structures across large geographic areas.
Developed as an open-source project in collaboration with Google Research, the platform can generate prioritised damage assessments within approximately twenty-four hours. Since 2022, the system has analysed more than 3.9 million buildings and identified around 450,000 severely damaged or destroyed structures.
Expanding inclusive participation through the UN Women AI School
Increasing participation in AI development is another priority across the United Nations system. Women remain underrepresented in many AI-related fields, including machine learning engineering and data science.
The UN WomenAI School addresses this challenge by providing training programmes designed for policymakers, civil society organisations, UN staff, and young innovators. The initiative aims to strengthen AI literacy and encourage broader participation in shaping the future of digital technologies.
Participants follow structured training tracks combining technical education with discussions on AI governance, ethics, and social impact. Collaborative learning environments encourage participants to develop solutions tailored to the needs of their communities.
More than three thousand participants have taken part in the programme since its launch. A train-the-trainer (ToT) model enables graduates to support future training programmes and expand the initiative to additional regions.
Responsible AI in satellite technologies and earth observation
AI technologies are increasingly integrated into satellite systems and Earth observation platforms. These systems analyse large volumes of geospatial data and generate near-real-time insights about environmental conditions.
Applications include monitoring climate change, analysing natural disasters, and supporting environmental policy planning. Rapid technological progress in this field also raises governance challenges related to transparency and accountability.
Many AI models used in satellite analysis operate as black box systems whose internal decision-making processes are difficult to interpret. Limited transparency can create risks when such systems are used to inform critical policy decisions.
Data bias represents another concern. Training datasets often originate primarily from the Global North, which may lead to inaccurate interpretations of environmental conditions in other regions of the world.
The methodology examines multiple dimensions of national AI ecosystems, including infrastructure, research capacity, institutional readiness and regulatory frameworks. Rather than ranking countries, the assessment identifies strengths and areas requiring further development.
Since its introduction in 2022, the methodology has been implemented in more than seventy countries. More than seventeen thousand stakeholders have participated in consultations associated with the initiative.
Assessment results have contributed to the development of national AI strategies and policy frameworks in several regions. An updated version of the methodology is expected to be released in 2026.
Additionally, UNESCO promotes the ethical development and use of AI through its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The global framework sets out principles on transparency, accountability, fairness, and respect for human rights to guide national policies and international cooperation.
AI for Good and global capacity building
The International Telecommunication Union coordinates the AI for Good initiative, which focuses on applying AI technologies to global challenges while strengthening international cooperation in governance and standards.
The programme operates across multiple areas, including multistakeholder dialogue, technical standard development, governance support and capacity development activities.
More than four hundred AI-related standards have already been developed in areas such as multimedia technologies, energy efficiency and cybersecurity. Governance dialogues organised through the initiative have involved more than one hundred ministers and regulators.
Educational programmes linked to the initiative aim to expand digital skills among young people worldwide through robotics competitions, machine learning challenges and educational partnerships.
The AI for Good Global Summit 2026, set to take place from 7–10 July in Geneva, will convene governments, industry leaders and civil society to advance AI governance, promote responsible innovation, and highlight initiatives that foster inclusive and equitable digital development.
AI tools supporting refugee entrepreneurship
AI technologies are also being used to support the economic opportunities for displaced populations. The United Nations Refugee Agency has developed an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to help refugees and asylum seekers transform business ideas into structured business plans.
The platform guides users through financial planning, market analysis and the preparation of investment proposals. The development of the system involved collaboration with NGOs, governments, and entrepreneurial networks across Latin America.
The tool was initially implemented in Paraguay and was designed with input from refugee communities. Remote access allows users to engage with the platform regardless of geographical or institutional constraints.
More than 340 refugee entrepreneurs have used the platform since its launch, with women representing approximately sixty percent of participants. The model is designed to be scalable and could be implemented in additional regions.
Promoting responsible innovation in civilian AI for peace and security
The rapid expansion of AI technologies brings increasing security challenges, particularly due to the potential misuse of civilian AI systems in military, conflict-related, or high-risk contexts. Dual-use applications mean that tools designed for civilian purposes, such as data analysis or autonomous systems, could also be repurposed in ways that threaten international peace, stability or human safety.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs works to foster responsible innovation practices, ensuring that the development and deployment of AI technologies consider their broader implications for global peace and security. Addressing these risks requires ongoing collaboration and dialogue among policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and civil society, creating a shared framework for understanding and mitigating potential threats.
To support this, the programme organises a comprehensive set of initiatives, including thematic multistakeholder dialogues, academic workshops, public panels, private sector roundtables and in-person training sessions for graduate students. These activities aim not only to raise awareness of emerging security risks, but also to provide practical guidance and tools that promote safe, transparent and accountable AI practices in civilian applications worldwide.
UN 2.0 Communities of Practice
Knowledge sharing and collaboration are strengthened through UN 2.0 Communities of Practice, connecting partners across the United Nations system and beyond. The networks facilitate the exchange of expertise and approaches on digital transformation, data strategy, innovation, and strategic foresight.
Over 18,000 practitioners from more than 160 countries participate, enhancing the collective capacity to address complex AI and digital challenges. Thematic groups, including those focused on digital and data initiatives, support peer-to-peer engagement, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving. Participation allows stakeholders to contribute to a wider ecosystem of expertise and innovation, promoting inclusive digital governance and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Rising demand for AI and cloud computing is driving a surge in data centre construction, pushing operators to adopt new security solutions. Companies are increasingly deploying robotic dogs to patrol sites and monitor operations.
These four-legged machines can inspect equipment, detect anomalies and alert staff before issues escalate. Merry Frayne, senior director of product management at Boston Dynamics, noted a sharp increase in interest as investment in data infrastructure continues to grow.
Developed by firms such as Boston Dynamics and Ghost Robotics, the robots are designed to support rather than replace human guards. Their use can reduce costs by requiring fewer personnel while maintaining continuous monitoring.
The machines can travel long distances on a single charge and operate across both external and internal environments. Some facilities already use them on pre-programmed patrols to collect data and flag unusual activity.
At the same time, competition in robotics is intensifying globally, with companies exploring humanoid and AI-powered systems. Advances from firms like Nvidia and Tesla highlight how automation is expanding beyond security into broader industrial use.
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Growing concern over AI in filmmaking emerged at a major conference, where veteran director Steven Spielberg rejected its use as a replacement for human creativity. He emphasised that storytelling should remain in human hands rather than being driven by automation.
Rapid advances in AI video tools have unsettled the industry, raising fears among editors and visual effects workers. Joshua Davies, chief innovation officer at a video platform, pointed to concerns over jobs, copyright and future production methods.
Current tools remain limited, particularly when handling complex camera movements or maintaining consistency across scenes. AI is instead being used to support production by filling gaps where footage cannot be filmed due to time or budget limits.
Studios are already exploring how AI can be integrated into production pipelines following recent disruptions. A fast and low-cost Super Bowl advert highlighted its potential, although human creative input remained essential.
Lower production costs are expected, but full automation is still unlikely in the near term. AI could help independent creators compete, while strong storytelling continues to define success.
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Popular dating platform Tinder is testing a new AI-powered feature called ‘Chemistry’ designed to improve matchmaking. The tool analyses user profiles to identify more relevant connections while the app’s familiar swipe system remains central to the experience.
Developed by parent company Match Group, the feature uses AI to understand personality traits, interests and preferences through profile data. Future updates may allow users to answer questionnaires or share photo archives to refine recommendations.
Additional modes are also being introduced to further personalise matches. Music preferences and astrology signs can now influence suggested profiles, reflecting evolving trends among younger online daters.
The platform is also testing in-person events and virtual video speed dating to encourage real-world interaction. AI moderation tools are also being deployed, helping detect inappropriate messages and verify that profiles belong to real people.
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Diplomacy is being rapidly reshaped by technological innovation. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive technologies are transforming how governments, international organisations, and non-state actors communicate, negotiate, and influence global audiences. These tools are expanding the reach and speed of diplomatic engagement while creating opportunities for more inclusive and creative approaches to international cooperation.
At the same time, global challenges such as climate change, conflict, misinformation, and digital inequality demand more agile and innovative diplomatic responses. Technology-enabled creative diplomacy offers new ways to build trust, shape narratives, engage foreign publics, and strengthen multilateral action. This webinar will explore how emerging technologies can be strategically applied in diplomacy while addressing ethical, security, and governance concerns.
Objectives
The webinar seeks to examine the impact of technological innovation on diplomatic practice, showcase creative applications of digital tools in public diplomacy and international engagement, and share practical experiences from technology-driven initiatives. It also aims to foster dialogue among key stakeholders on opportunities, risks, and capacity needs in digital and creative diplomacy.
Format and Expected Outcomes
The virtual webinar will feature a moderated expert panel followed by an interactive Q&A session. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how technology can enhance creative diplomacy, access practical insights applicable to their work, build networks across diplomacy and technology communities, and contribute to policy-relevant discussions on responsible digital innovation.
Conclusion
The Technology Innovations for Creative Diplomacy webinar will provide a timely platform to reflect on the future of diplomacy in the digital age, encouraging innovative, inclusive, and forward-looking approaches to international engagement.
Chrome is bringing its advanced AI features to users in India, New Zealand and Canada, aiming to simplify daily browsing tasks and provide instant support. The updates include the integration of Gemini in Chrome and support for over 50 languages.
Users can now interact with a personalised browsing assistant without switching tabs, receiving instant answers, summaries or creative suggestions. Gemini in Chrome allows multitasking and remembers previously visited pages for easier navigation.
Integrations with Google apps such as Gmail, Maps and YouTube enhance productivity directly from the browser. Users can draft emails, schedule meetings, or extract key points from videos without leaving their current page.
Chrome’s AI can also consolidate information from multiple open tabs, streamlining tasks like research or shopping. Nano Banana 2 allows users to transform images on the web in real time, without uploading files or switching windows.
Security remains a priority, with Chrome designed to detect threats and require confirmations for sensitive actions. Gemini in Chrome benefits from automated testing and updates to maintain robust protection as users explore new AI features.
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South Korea has launched a national agenda to expand AI across agriculture, aiming to boost productivity and improve living standards in rural communities. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Science and ICT presented the strategy as part of a wider digital transformation effort.
Plans include expanding smart farm models that reduce labour-intensive tasks and allow more farmers to benefit from automated technologies. Shared machinery centres and autonomous farming tools such as drones will be developed with support from the Rural Development Administration.
Authorities also intend to apply AI to agricultural distribution through smart logistics facilities that manage receiving, sorting and shipping processes. Around 300 smart Agricultural Products Processing Centres are expected to operate nationwide by 2030.
Livestock grading systems using AI will be introduced to improve accuracy and consumer trust across pork and beef processing facilities. Officials aim to raise the share of AI-graded meat from 19.4 percent in 2025 to 70 percent by 2030.
Beyond production, the programme seeks to expand ‘smart rural communities’ offering AI-based services such as transport, daily living support and farming assistance. Policymakers believe that a stronger digital infrastructure will help rural regions respond to climate pressures and an ageing population.
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Members of the European Parliament have reached a preliminary political agreement on amendments to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The compromise will be reviewed by parliamentary committees before a scheduled vote in Brussels.
Lawmakers in the EU agreed to extend compliance deadlines for some high risk AI systems. The changes aim to give companies and regulators more time to prepare technical standards and enforcement frameworks.
The proposed amendments also include a ban on AI systems that create non consensual explicit deepfakes. Officials in the EU say the measure aims to strengthen consumer protection and improve online safety for children.
Industry groups in the EU have raised concerns about compliance burdens linked to the revised rules. Policymakers in the EU continue negotiations as the legislation moves toward committee approval.
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Amazon has launched a new AI-powered assistant, Health AI, on its website and mobile app. The tool is designed to answer health questions, explain medical records, manage prescriptions, and connect users with healthcare providers.
Health AI can also book appointments and guide users based on their health information if they grant access to their records. The feature is currently limited to the US, with a wider rollout planned in the coming weeks.
The assistant is linked with One Medical, Amazon’s healthcare service, allowing users to communicate with licensed professionals through messages, video consultations, or in-person visits. It can also send prescription renewal requests and suggest relevant health products.
Users can create an Amazon Health Profile and enable two-step authentication to start using Health AI. By allowing the AI to access their medical records, including medications, lab results, and diagnoses, users can receive more personalised responses.
Amazon emphasises that Health AI is a support tool rather than a replacement for doctors. It helps users understand health information and prepare for discussions with healthcare providers, but it does not provide independent diagnoses or treatment.
As part of an introductory offer, eligible US Prime members can receive up to five free message consultations with One Medical providers. The system runs on Amazon Bedrock and uses multiple AI agents to manage tasks, monitor interactions, and escalate to human professionals when necessary.
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