Digital divide

Global AI adoption reaches record levels in 2025

Global adoption of generative AI continued to rise in the second half of 2025, reaching 16.3 percent of the world’s population. Around one in six people now use AI tools for work, learning, and problem-solving, marking rapid progress for a technology still in its early years.

Adoption remains uneven, with the Global North growing nearly twice as fast as the Global South. Countries with early investments in digital infrastructure and AI policies, including the UAE, Singapore, and South Korea, lead the way.

South Korea saw the most significant gain, rising seven spots globally due to government initiatives, improved Korean-language models, and viral consumer trends.

The UAE maintains its lead, benefiting from years of foresight, including early AI strategy, dedicated ministries, and regulatory frameworks that foster trust and widespread usage.

Meanwhile, open-source platforms such as DeepSeek are expanding access in underserved markets, including Africa, China, and Iran, lowering financial and technical barriers for millions of new users.

While AI adoption grows globally, disparities persist. Policymakers and developers face the challenge of ensuring that the next wave of AI users benefits broader communities, narrowing divides rather than deepening them.

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

Portugal government backs AI with €400 million plan

Portugal has announced a €400 million investment in AI over the period 2026-2030, primarily funded by European programmes. The National Artificial Intelligence Agenda (ANIA) and its Action Plan (PAANIA) aim to strengthen Portugal’s position in AI research, industry, and innovation.

The government predicts AI could boost the country’s GDP by €18-22 billion in the next decade. Officials highlight Portugal’s growing technical talent pool, strong universities and research centres, renewable energy infrastructure, and a dynamic start-up ecosystem as key advantages.

Key projects include establishing AI gigafactories and supercomputing facilities to support research, SMEs, and start-ups, alongside a National Data Centre Plan aimed to simplifying licensing and accelerating the sector.

Early investments of €10 million target AI applications in public administration, with a total of €25 million planned.

Sectoral AI Centres will focus on healthcare and industrial robotics, leveraging AI to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and support productivity, competitiveness, and the creation of skilled jobs.

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

AI predicts heart failure risk in cattle

Researchers at the University of Wyoming in the US have developed an AI model that predicts the risk of congestive heart failure in cattle using heart images. The technology focuses on structural changes linked to pulmonary hypertension.

Developed by PhD researcher Chase Markel, the computer vision system was trained on nearly 7,000 manually scored images. The model correctly classifies heart risk levels in 92 percent of cases.

The images were collected in commercial cattle processing plants, allowing assessment at scale after slaughter. The findings support the need for improved traceability throughout the production cycle.

Industry use could enhance traceability and mitigate economic losses resulting from undetected disease. Patent protection is being pursued as further models are developed for other cattle conditions.

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

AI earbuds go beyond music

Startups are transforming everyday earbuds into AI assistants that can record meetings, translate languages, or offer cross-platform support, expanding the devices’ role beyond music. Major tech firms, such as Apple and Samsung, laid the groundwork with noise-cancelling and voice features.

At CES, companies such as OSO, Viaim and Timekettle demonstrated professional and educational use cases. Schools utilise translation earbuds to assist non-English-speaking students in following lessons, while professionals can retrieve meeting highlights on demand.

Experts note that earbuds are more accessible than smart glasses, but remain limited by voice-only interaction and reliance on smartphones. Neural earbuds with sensitive sensors could enable hands-free control or internet access for individuals with disabilities.

Although most headphones today still focus on listening, AI earbuds hint at a shift in personal technology, blending convenience, intelligence and accessibility into devices people already wear every day.

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

AI receptionist begins work at UK GP surgery

A GP practice in North Lincolnshire, UK, has introduced an AI receptionist named Emma to reduce long wait times on calls. Emma collects patient details and prioritises appointments for doctors to review.

Doctors say the system has improved efficiency, with most patients contacted within hours. Dr Satpal Shekhawat explained that the information from Emma helps identify clinical priorities effectively.

Some patients reported issues, including mistakes with dates of birth and difficulties explaining health problems. The practice reassured patients that human receptionists remain available and that the AI supports staff rather than replacing them.

The technology has drawn attention from other practices in the region. NHS officials are monitoring feedback to refine the system and improve patient experience.

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

Social Security move to digital payments

The US Social Security Administration has ended the routine issuance of paper benefit cheques in favour of electronic payments after a 30 September federal deadline. Electronic methods such as direct deposit or prepaid cards are now standard for most beneficiaries.

US officials say the shift speeds up payment delivery and strengthens security since electronic payments are less likely to be lost or stolen than mailed cheques. The move also aims to help reduce federal costs and fraud risks.

A small number of recipients can still receive paper cheques if they qualify for an exemption by showing they lack access to banking services or digital payment systems. People must contact Treasury to request a waiver.

SSA urges beneficiaries to set up or confirm direct deposit details through their online account or use a prepaid card to avoid delays. Recipients without bank accounts are encouraged to enrol for secure electronic options.

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

Semiconductors move closer to space manufacturing

Space Forge, a UK company, has successfully activated a compact factory in orbit, proving its onboard furnace can operate at temperatures of around 1,000C. The breakthrough represents a major advance for space-based manufacturing.

The microwave-sized satellite was launched earlier this year and is operated remotely from mission control in Cardiff. Engineers have been monitoring its systems to validate manufacturing processes in space conditions.

Microgravity and vacuum environments allow semiconductor atoms to align more precisely than on Earth. These conditions produce significantly purer materials for electronics used in networks, electric vehicles and aerospace systems.

The company plans to build a larger orbital factory capable of producing materials for thousands of chips. Future missions will also test a heat shield designed to return manufactured products safely to Earth.

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

Visually impaired gamers call for more accessible games

Many visually impaired gamers find mainstream video games difficult due to limited accessibility features. Support groups enable players to share tips, recommend titles, and connect with others who face similar challenges.

Audio and text‑based mobile games are popular, yet console and PC titles often lack voiceovers or screen reader support. Adjustable visual presets could make mainstream games more accessible for partially sighted players.

UK industry bodies acknowledge progress, but barriers remain for millions of visually impaired players. Communities offer social support and provide feedback to developers to improve games and make them inclusive.

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

Lawsuit against Roskomnadzor over WhatsApp and Telegram calls dismissed

A Moscow court has dismissed a class action lawsuit filed against Russia’s state media regulator Roskomnadzor and the Ministry of Digital Development by users of WhatsApp and Telegram. The ruling was issued by a judge at the Tagansky District Court.

The court said activist Konstantin Larionov failed to demonstrate he was authorised to represent messaging app users. The lawsuit claimed call restrictions violated constitutional rights, including freedom of information and communication secrecy.

The case followed Roskomnadzor’s decision in August to block calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, a move officials described as part of anti-fraud efforts. Both companies criticised the restrictions at the time.

Larionov and several dozen co-plaintiffs said the measures were ineffective, citing central bank data showing fraud mainly occurs through traditional calls and text messages. The plaintiffs also argued the restrictions disproportionately affected ordinary users.

Larionov said the group plans to appeal the decision and continue legal action. He has described the lawsuit as an attempt to challenge what he views as politically motivated restrictions on communication services in Russia.

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

China plans stricter consent rules for AI chat platforms

China is proposing new rules requiring users to consent before AI companies can use chat logs for training. The draft measures aim to balance innovation with safety and public interest.

Platforms would need to inform users when interacting with AI and provide options to access or delete their chat history. For minors, guardian consent is required before sharing or storing any data.

Analysts say the rules may slow AI chatbot improvements but provide guidance on responsible development. The measures signal that some user conversations are too sensitive for free training data.

The draft rules are open for public consultation with feedback due in late January. China encourages expanding human-like AI applications once safety and reliability are demonstrated.

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