Development

Trilateral sanctions target Media Land for supporting ransomware groups

The United States has imposed coordinated sanctions on Media Land, a Russian bulletproof hosting provider accused of aiding ransomware groups and broader cybercrime. The measures target senior operators and sister companies linked to attacks on businesses and critical infrastructure.

Authorities in the UK and Australia say Media Land infrastructure aided ransomware groups, including LockBit, BlackSuit, and Play, and was linked to denial-of-service attacks on US organisations. OFAC also named operators and firms that maintained systems designed to evade law enforcement.

The action also expands earlier sanctions against Aeza Group, with entities accused of rebranding and shifting infrastructure through front companies such as Hypercore to avoid restrictions introduced this year. Officials say these efforts were designed to obscure operational continuity.

According to investigators, the network relied on overseas firms in Serbia and Uzbekistan to conceal its activity and establish technical infrastructure that was detached from the Aeza brand. These entities, along with the new Aeza leadership, were designated for supporting sanctions evasion and cyber operations.

The sanctions block assets under US jurisdiction and bar US persons from dealing with listed individuals or companies. Regulators warn that financial institutions interacting with sanctioned entities may face penalties, stating that the aim is to disrupt ransomware infrastructure and encourage operators to comply.

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DPDP law takes effect as India tightens AI-era data protections

India has activated new Digital Personal Data Protection rules that sharply restrict how technology firms collect and use personal information. The framework limits data gathering to what is necessary for a declared purpose and requires clear explanations, opt-outs, and breach notifications for Indian users.

The rules apply across digital platforms, from social media and e-commerce to banks and public services. Companies must obtain parental consent for individuals under 18 and are prohibited from using children’s data for targeted advertising. Firms have 18 months to comply with the new safeguards.

Users can request access to their data, ask why it was collected, and demand corrections or updates. They may withdraw consent at any time and, in some cases, request deletion. Companies must respond within 90 days, and individuals can appoint someone to exercise these rights.

Civil society groups welcomed stronger user rights but warned that the rules may also expand state access to personal data. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticised limited oversight and said the provisions risk entrenching government control, reducing transparency for citizens.

India is preparing further digital regulations, including new requirements for AI and social media firms. With nearly a billion online users, the government has urged platforms to label AI-generated content amid rising concerns about deepfakes, online misinformation, and election integrity.

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Ucom completes nationwide 5G rollout in Armenia

Ucom has completed nationwide 5G deployment across Armenia, reaching 48 cities and hundreds of communities. The operator states that more than 94% of the population now has access to high-speed mobile internet.

The rollout began in November 2024 and was completed within one year, covering all major settlements. Coverage also includes Myler Mountain Resort, the Yerevan-Dilijan highway and border crossings at Bagratashen, Bavra and Agarak.

General director Ralph Yirikian says expanding 5G is central to delivering modern, stable connectivity nationwide. Earlier work with Nokia to modernise the mobile network laid the foundations for the nationwide upgrade.

Armenian subscribers can now benefit from faster speeds, low latency and more reliable, internationally compliant connections. 5G enables higher quality video calls, real-time data transfers and innovative services, although Dastakert still lacks coverage.

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Target expands OpenAI partnership with new ChatGPT shopping app

Target is expanding its partnership with OpenAI by launching a new shopping app directly inside ChatGPT. The app offers customers personalised recommendations, multi-item baskets and streamlined checkout across Drive Up, Order Pickup and shipping.

The retailer will continue using OpenAI’s models and ChatGPT Enterprise to enhance employee productivity and strengthen digital experiences across its business.

AI is central to Target’s operations, supporting supply-chain forecasts, store processes, and personalised digital tools. Over 18,000 employees utilise ChatGPT Enterprise to streamline routine tasks, enhance creativity, and receive faster support for guest requests and returns through internal AI assistants.

Customer-facing tools such as Shopping Assistant, Gift Finder, Guest Assist and JOY reinforce this strategy by offering curated suggestions and instant answers.

The new Target app inside ChatGPT extends this AI-driven approach to customers. Shoppers will be able to ask for ideas, browse curated suggestions, build baskets and check out through their Target accounts.

The beta version launches next week, and upcoming features include Target Circle linking and same-day delivery. Target views the partnership as part of a retail shift, embedding AI across products, operations and guest interactions to drive the next wave of innovation.

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AI revives Molière play for modern stage

Centuries after Molière’s sudden death on stage, a France-based team of researchers, artists and AI specialists has revived the playwright’s creative spirit through a newly generated comedy. The project asked what he might have written had he lived beyond the age of 51.

Experts trained an AI model to study his themes, language and narrative patterns, before combining its output with scholarly review. The resulting play, titled ‘L’Astrologue ou les Faux Presages’, will premiere at the Palace of Versailles next year.

Researchers identified astrology as a theme Molière frequently hinted at, shaping a plot in which a naive bourgeois falls victim to a deceptive astrologer. Academics refined the AI text to ensure historical accuracy, offering fresh insight into Molière’s methods and reaffirming his lasting influence on French theatre.

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Most Canadian businesses adopt AI but few see clear returns

Most Canadian businesses are using generative AI, yet few have fully integrated it into core operations. Only a small fraction are seeing measurable returns, according to new research from KPMG Canada.

Among 753 surveyed business leaders, 93 percent reported some AI adoption. Still, only 31 percent have deployed it across all workflows, while 32 percent have partially integrated AI, and 20 percent remain in early experimentation phases.

Despite widespread adoption, only 2 percent of companies reported a clear return on investment, mostly among firms with annual revenues over $1 billion. Nearly two-thirds said ROI was between five and 20 percent, while almost a third could not quantify it.

Most leaders expect returns within one to five years, highlighting the gap between AI adoption and measurable business impact. Experts emphasise that clear strategies and robust metrics are crucial to translate AI implementation into quantifiable growth.

KPMG Canada notes that successful AI integration requires investment not only in technology, but also in people and processes. Organisations are prioritising talent acquisition, skills training and change management to enhance AI literacy and scale adoption.

Strong governance and strategic frameworks that track both financial and operational benefits are crucial for companies to fully leverage the potential of AI and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

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UAE and China deepen ties with mBridge launch

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has overseen a digital currency payment between the UAE and China. The transfer used the ‘mBridge’ central bank digital currency platform to settle funds directly. Officials say the move marks the formal launch of ‘mBridge’ for cross-border payments.

Ceremonies in Abu Dhabi also launched the first ‘Jaywan-UnionPay’ multi-scheme prepaid card. The product links Jaywan’s domestic network with UnionPay’s global acceptance in more than 180 countries.

Transactions inside the UAE are processed locally, while overseas spending routes through UnionPay’s international infrastructure. Officials say the projects highlight partnerships between the UAE and China and strengthen the Emirates’ role in digital finance.

Sheikh Mansour and Pan Gongsheng also signed a memorandum on future cross-border payment cooperation. Further expansion of the ‘mBridge‘ network and domestic Digital Dirham pilots is planned from 2026.

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Kremlin launches new push for domestic AI development

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the creation of a national task force to accelerate the development of domestic generative AI systems, arguing that homegrown models are essential to safeguarding the country’s technological and strategic sovereignty. Speaking at AI Journey, Russia’s flagship AI forum, he warned that foreign large-language models shape global information flows and can influence entire populations, making reliance on external technologies unacceptable.

Putin said the new task force will prioritise expanding data-centre infrastructure and securing reliable energy supplies, including through small-scale nuclear power stations. Russia still trails global leaders like the United States and China, but local companies have produced notable systems such as Sberbank’s Gigachat and Yandex’s GPT.

Sberbank unveiled a new version of Gigachat and showcased AI-powered tools, ranging from humanoid robots to medical-scanning ATMs. However, recent public demonstrations have drawn unwanted attention, including an incident in which a Russian AI robot toppled over on stage.

The Kremlin aims for AI technologies to contribute more than 11 trillion roubles ($136 billion) to Russia’s economy by 2030. Putin urged state bodies and major companies to adopt AI more aggressively while cautioning against overly strict regulation.

However, he stressed that only Russian-made AI systems should be used for national security to prevent sensitive data from flowing abroad. Western sanctions, which restrict access to advanced hardware, particularly microchips, continue to hinder Russia’s ambitions.

The push for domestic AI comes as Ukraine warns that Russia is developing a new generation of autonomous, AI-driven drones capable of operating in coordinated swarms and striking targets up to 62 miles away, underscoring the growing military stakes of the AI race.

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EU simplifies digital rules to save billions for companies

The European Commission has unveiled a digital package designed to simplify rules and reduce administrative burdens, allowing businesses to focus on innovation rather than compliance.

An initiative that combines the Digital Omnibus, Data Union Strategy, and European Business Wallet to strengthen competitiveness across the EU while maintaining high standards of fundamental rights, data protection, and safety.

The Digital Omnibus streamlines rules on AI, cybersecurity, and data. Amendments will create innovation-friendly AI regulations, simplify reporting for cybersecurity incidents, harmonise aspects of the GDPR, and modernise cookie rules.

Improved access to data and regulatory guidance will support businesses, particularly SMEs, allowing them to develop AI solutions and scale operations across member states more efficiently.

The Data Union Strategy aims to unlock high-quality data for AI, strengthen Europe’s data sovereignty, and support businesses with legal guidance and strategic measures to ensure fair treatment of the EU data abroad.

Meanwhile, the European Business Wallet will provide a unified digital identity for companies, enabling secure signing, storage, and exchange of documents and communication with public authorities across 27 member states.

By easing administrative procedures, the package could save up to €5 billion by 2029, with the Business Wallet alone offering up to €150 billion in annual savings.

The Commission has launched a public consultation, the Digital Fitness Check, to assess the impact of these rules and guide future steps, ensuring that businesses can grow and innovate instead of being held back by complex regulations.

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EU introduces plan to strengthen consumer protection

The European Commission has unveiled the 2030 Consumer Agenda, a strategic plan to reinforce protection, trust, and competitiveness across the EU.

With 450 million consumers contributing over half of the Union’s GDP, the agenda aims to simplify administrative processes for businesses, rather than adding new burdens, while ensuring fair treatment for shoppers.

The agenda sets four priorities to adapt to rising living costs, evolving online markets, and the surge in e-commerce. Completing the Single Market will remove cross-border barriers, enhance travel and financial services, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Geo-Blocking Regulation.

A planned Digital Fairness Act will address harmful online practices, focusing on protecting children and strengthening consumer rights.

Sustainable consumption takes a central focus, with efforts to combat greenwashing, expand access to sustainable goods, and support circular initiatives such as second-hand markets and repairable products.

The Commission will also enhance enforcement to tackle unsafe or non-compliant products, particularly from third countries, ensuring that compliant businesses are shielded from unfair competition.

Implementation will be overseen through the Annual Consumer Summit and regular Ministerial Forums, which will provide political guidance and monitor progress.

The 2030 Consumer Agenda builds on prior achievements and EU consultations, aiming to modernise consumer protection instead of leaving gaps in a rapidly changing market.

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