Digital divide Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

Pakistan approves AI education authority and virtual schools

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi approved the establishment of an AI Education Authority during a meeting on education reforms. The meeting reviewed progress on virtual schools and AI-based teaching systems across the province.

The initiative includes plans to launch Pakistan’s first public sector virtual school and an AI Teacher programme. Authorities were directed to complete preparations to operationalise the new body.

Officials said online learning systems have been introduced in 46 government schools on a pilot basis. Plans are in place to convert 175 additional schools into virtual schools as part of a new development programme.

The AI Teacher system currently supports subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. A central digital teaching studio has been established to deliver live interactive classes and recorded lectures.

The chief minister said AI-based technologies would support personalised learning and reduce teachers’ workload. He added that virtual education systems would expand access for students in remote and underdeveloped areas.

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

CNN develops agent infrastructure for AI media trading

CNN is developing an internal agent infrastructure as part of a plan to begin AI-driven media trading by early 2027. The company aims to complete protocol scoping by the end of the second quarter before moving into testing phases later in the year.

Testing will focus on how properties are interpreted by large language models and how buyers allocate budgets to agent-based systems. Executives say the timeline may change as the technology and market conditions continue to evolve.

The initiative combines in-house development with external technology partners, while aligning with industry frameworks to ensure compatibility. CNN is also working with standards bodies to ensure agent communication produces accurate outcomes for buyers.

Agentic protocols enable systems to exchange information, negotiate pricing, and manage tasks autonomously between buyers and sellers. The company is prioritising consistent communication to support efficient and reliable transactions.

Early efforts are centred on learning and experimentation, even without immediate revenue generation. Initial use cases are expected to focus on performance-driven campaigns before expanding into broader advertising activities.

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

Digital services trade reshapes global economy

Global services trade is expanding rapidly, increasingly driven by digital delivery, but policymakers warn that uneven access could deepen global inequality rather than narrow it. The issue was highlighted during the 14th session of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference held in Yaoundé.

Services now account for more than a quarter of global trade and have grown at more than twice the rate of goods over the past decade. Yet developing economies remain significantly underrepresented in higher-value digitally delivered services exports.

The gap is pronounced. More than 60% of services exports in advanced economies are digitally delivered, compared with just 16% in the poorest countries. Limited data availability and weaker statistical systems further reduce the ability of many states to design effective trade, digital economy, and development policies.

Efforts led by the UN Trade and Development, in cooperation with the World Trade Organisation and the World Bank, are focused on improving data collection, strengthening policy frameworks, and supporting competitiveness in services exports.

The disparity is shaping how the gains from the fastest-growing segment of global trade are distributed. Without greater inclusive access, the expansion of services risks reinforcing existing economic imbalances rather than supporting broader development.

That makes current international efforts more than a technical exercise in data and trade measurement. They are also a test of whether digital trade growth can be translated into more inclusive economic participation for countries that remain at the margins of high-value services exports.

Why does it matter?

Because digitally delivered services are becoming one of the most dynamic parts of the global economy, and the countries that cannot participate fully risk falling even further behind. The issue is no longer only about trade volumes, but about who has the infrastructure, data capacity, skills, and policy tools to benefit from the digital economy. If those gaps persist, the fastest-growing part of global trade could end up concentrating gains in already advanced markets while leaving poorer economies with limited access to the most valuable segments of cross-border services.

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

Experts warn YouTube AI slop harms children and demand action

Fairplay and more than 200 experts have urged YouTube to address the spread of ‘AI slop’ targeting children. The letter was sent to Sundar Pichai and Neal Mohan, along with a petition.

The signatories state that AI-generated videos harm children’s development by distorting reality and overwhelming learning processes. They also warn that such content captures attention and is being recommended to young users, including infants and toddlers.

The letter cites findings that 40% of videos following shows like Cocomelon contained AI-generated content. It also states that 21% of Shorts recommendations included similar material, and misleading science videos were shown to older children.

Fairplay and its partners propose measures, including labelling AI content and banning it from YouTube Kids. They also call for restrictions on recommendations to under-18s and for tools that allow parents to turn off such content.

The initiative was organised by Fairplay and supported by organisations and experts, including Jonathan Haidt. The group says platforms must ensure content is safe and appropriate for children.

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

Microsoft announces $5.5 billion Singapore plan with free Copilot for students

Microsoft will invest $5.5 billion in Singapore from 2025 to 2029 to expand cloud and AI infrastructure and operations. The announcement was made by Vice Chair and President Brad Smith at the Asia Tech x Inspire event.

Every tertiary student in Singapore will receive free access to Microsoft 365 Copilot for 12 months. More than 200,000 students will use AI tools integrated into applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Educators will receive free AI training through Microsoft Elevate for Educators across schools and higher education institutions. Nonprofit leaders will also be supported through Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers to build practical AI skills.

Officials said the initiatives aim to strengthen workforce readiness and support responsible AI adoption. The programmes align with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 and broader efforts to expand AI literacy.

LinkedIn data shows demand for AI literacy skills in Singapore has increased by more than 70% year on year. Microsoft said the investment reflects long term confidence in Singapore as a global digital leader.

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

Australia reviews compliance with under-16 social media age ban

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has released an update on rules requiring platforms to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts. Early results show significant action by companies, but also ongoing challenges in fully enforcing the restrictions.

By mid-December 2025, around 4.7 million accounts were removed or restricted, with more than 300,000 additional accounts blocked by March 2026. Despite these reductions, many children continue to retain accounts, create new ones, or pass age assurance checks.

Regulators identified several compliance concerns, including platforms that allow repeated attempts at age verification and encourage some users to update their ages. Reporting systems for underage accounts were often difficult to access, particularly for parents.

Investigations into five major platforms are ongoing to determine whether they have taken reasonable steps to meet their legal obligations. Authorities are assessing systems and processes rather than individual accounts, with enforcement decisions expected by mid-2026.

A new legislative rule introduced in March 2026 targets platform features linked to potential harm, such as recommender systems and continuous content feeds. Regulators will continue working with industry while gathering evidence and maintaining transparency during the enforcement process.

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

Software development dominates AI agent tool usage

Researchers analysed 177,436 AI agent tools created between November 2024 and February 2026 using Model Context Protocol repositories. The study examines how AI agents use external tools to access and modify digital environments.

The tools are grouped into perception, reasoning and action categories based on their function. Perception tools access data, reasoning tools analyse information, and action tools modify systems such as files, emails or external platforms.

Software development accounts for 67% of all tools and 90% of downloads. The findings show that AI agents are primarily used to support coding tasks and related workflows.

The share of action tools increased from 27% to 65% over the 16 months analysed. Most action tools focus on medium-stakes tasks, though some are used for financial transactions and other higher-stakes activities.

The study also outlines a method to monitor AI agent usage through tool-level analysis. This approach can support oversight of risks linked to AI deployment in practical applications.

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

World Data Organisation launches in Beijing to advance global data governance

The World Data Organisation was formally established in Beijing on 30 March 2026, as the first professional international body focused on global data development and governance. The organisation aims to operate as a non-governmental, non-profit platform for dialogue, rule-making, and international collaboration.

The WDO has three stated goals: bridging the data divide, unlocking data’s value, and powering the digital economy. These priorities are intended to reduce disparities in digital capacity between developed and developing countries.

Global data use has become central to addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, public health, climate change, and AI development. Disparities persist, with digitally deliverable services accounting for over 60% of service exports in advanced economies but only 15% in least developed countries.

China’s digital infrastructure has advanced rapidly, with 4.8 million 5G base stations built by the end of 2025, and computing power ranked second globally. Officials said platforms like the WDO and UN will help shape international data governance, promote cooperation, and support secure cross-border data flows.

The WDO seeks to safeguard countries’ rights to develop data while respecting privacy, security, and enterprise interests. By 2030, it is expected to become a globally influential platform and a trusted hub in international data governance.

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

Malta launches SMART Food project with AI and blockchain

Malta is advancing the SMART Food project to strengthen the agri-food sector. The initiative is a Malta-Italy partnership funded under the Interreg programme.

Minister Anton Refalo said the project aims to create a reliable and technologically advanced food system. A digital platform using AI and blockchain will provide real-time information on products from production to consumption.

The project seeks to meet consumer demand for clarity on food origin, safety, and sustainability. It will also support farmers and industry operators in adopting more efficient practices.

Minister Refalo added that the initiative strengthens trust across the food chain and empowers consumers. Malta’s scale allows it to adopt innovative solutions and take a leading role in modernising the sector.

The Malta Food Agency manages the project, including development, management, and training. Chief Executive Brian Vella said it safeguards product quality, improves traceability, and reinforces confidence in local produce.

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

VivaCity partners with Nottingham to enhance urban transport using AI

Nottingham City Council has partnered with VivaCity to install over 200 AI-enabled transport sensors across the city. The sensors include ANPR, traffic monitoring, and Smart Signal Control capabilities.

Sensors will collect real-time, anonymous data on vehicle types, pedestrians, and cyclists to inform traffic management decisions. The first Smart Junction at the Ring Road-Aspley Lane will adjust traffic lights according to current conditions.

Funding comes from the Future Transport Zones Fund, for which the Department awarded £16.7 million for Transport. Installation began in February 2023 and will finish by November 2023, with coverage across main routes.

Data from the sensors will feed into a public Data Hub alongside car park and EV charging datasets. Air quality monitors will be added near sensors to help assess correlations between road use and pollution levels.

Sensors will not function as speed cameras and will not record personal information. The technology will be upgraded over time to identify additional vehicle types such as taxis, minibuses, and mobility scooters.

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