Sustainable development

Greece plans satellite launch to boost digital strategy

Greece is poised to launch its first satellites by the end of the year, marking a significant advancement in the country’s digital strategy. Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, speaking at the Innovent Forum in Larissa, outlined the ambitious plans to deploy microsatellites by late 2025. These satellites will provide critical data across various sectors, significantly enhancing the country’s digital capabilities and supporting its broader technological goals.

The new satellite program is designed to offer more precise and narrowly focused information on key areas such as natural disasters, crops, water quality, land use, and urban planning. By using advanced satellite technology, Greece aims to improve its ability to respond to environmental challenges, optimise resource management, and make more informed decisions in urban and rural planning. Papastergiou emphasised that these upgrades are essential for the country to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Alongside the satellite initiative, Papastergiou also discussed ongoing efforts to digitalise state services, tackling long-standing issues of bureaucratic red tape. He pointed to the digitisation of the national cadaster as a key example of these reforms, which are intended to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of government operations. The minister’s remarks signal a continued push for modernising Greece’s public sector to meet the demands of the digital age.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Polish cybersecurity to gain from Microsoft funding

Microsoft has announced plans to invest an additional $700 million in Poland, aiming to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.

The investment will be carried out in collaboration with Poland’s armed forces, marking a significant boost in security infrastructure.

The funding forms part of the second phase of Microsoft’s earlier commitment to the region, following a $1 billion data centre project announced in 2020.

That project saw the opening of a data centre in 2023, which provides cloud services to businesses and government institutions.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined Microsoft President Brad Smith at a press conference to discuss the plans. The investment highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the partnership between Microsoft and Poland.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Meta plans the world’s longest undersea cable

Meta has announced plans for Project Waterworth, an ambitious 50,000km subsea cable system set to be the longest in the world. The infrastructure project aims to enhance global connectivity by linking the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other regions. Designed with 24 fiber pairs, the system will offer significantly higher data capacity, supporting Meta’s growing AI-driven services and contributing to digital inclusion and economic growth in key markets.

The tech giant has been at the forefront of undersea cable development for over a decade, collaborating on more than 20 similar projects. With most of the world’s internet traffic reliant on such cables, concerns over security have intensified, particularly as geopolitical tensions rise. In response to recent incidents, NATO has increased surveillance of critical maritime infrastructure, while the UK is reassessing its ability to safeguard its undersea network against potential threats.

Meta plans to lay sections of the cable at depths of up to 7,000 meters and employ advanced burial techniques in high-risk areas to minimise risks. This move follows recent disruptions, such as the damage to Tonga’s undersea cable, which left much of the island in a digital blackout. Meanwhile, Meta’s decision to scale back fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram has drawn criticism, highlighting the broader implications of its expanding digital footprint.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Tiger Brokers embraces AI with DeepSeek integration

Tiger Brokers has integrated DeepSeek’s AI model into its TigerGPT chatbot, marking a significant step in the race to adopt AI in the financial industry. The DeepSeek-R1 model is already being used by over 20 Chinese brokers and fund managers, transforming areas such as market analysis, risk management, and client interaction. The technology, developed at a fraction of the cost of Western AI models, is expected to revolutionise how financial firms operate, with DeepSeek tapping into valuable data to enhance decision-making and trading strategies.

Tiger Brokers, supported by investors like Xiaomi and Jim Rogers, views this AI breakthrough as a game changer. The upgraded TigerGPT, which will initially be available for free in China and Singapore, now offers enhanced logical reasoning capabilities, allowing for more accurate market predictions and investment opportunities. CEO Wu Tianhua described the impact as transformative, helping users understand market shifts and boosting the overall investment experience.

As AI adoption accelerates, financial IT spending in China is forecasted to rise by 24% in the next five years, a trend expected to benefit tech companies like Hundsun Technologies. The integration of DeepSeek’s models is reshaping the financial industry, with firms such as Sinolink Securities and CICC Wealth Management already exploring AI’s potential to improve efficiency, from risk management to investment advisory services.

Despite the promise, the financial industry faces challenges in standardising data for AI models. However, companies are moving quickly to implement AI solutions, eager to unlock the full potential of their data and enhance their internal operations, marketing, and investing strategies.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

EU’s Ribera criticises Trump’s disruption of transatlantic relations

The EU’s competition chief, Teresa Ribera, has criticised US President Donald Trump for disrupting the ‘trustful relationship’ between Europe and the United States, highlighting the unpredictability and instability of Washington’s actions. In an interview with Reuters, Ribera stated that while Europe must engage in negotiations with the White House on trade issues, it should not be pressured into changing laws that have already been passed. She emphasised that Europe must remain firm on its principles, including human rights, democracy, and the unity of the continent, despite Trump’s transactional political approach.

Ribera also responded to criticism from Trump and his government, who have labelled EU regulations on US tech companies as a form of taxation. She dismissed these claims, stressing that Europe’s legal framework aims to ensure stability and predictability for businesses. In contrast, she expressed concern over the uncertainty created by the White House’s frequent policy shifts, particularly with regard to tariffs on steel, aluminium, and other sectors. The EU has vowed to respond firmly to any tariff increases imposed by Trump.

In addition, Ribera revealed that the European Commission would soon decide whether tech giants Apple and Meta Platforms have complied with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Both companies face potential fines if found in breach of the regulations, which are designed to curb their market dominance. Ribera also confirmed that investigations into Elon Musk’s social media platform X would continue, disregarding Musk’s ties to the US administration.

As tensions between Washington and Brussels continue to rise, Ribera reiterated that businesses seek a stable and predictable legal environment, something she feels is increasingly lacking in the US under Trump’s leadership. The EU remains committed to enforcing its regulations and protecting its values despite external pressures.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Vietnam opens door for Starlink to launch satellite service

Vietnam is set to adopt new regulations allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink to offer satellite internet services in the country, granting it full control over its local subsidiary. This decision follows prolonged negotiations between Vietnam and SpaceX and marks a shift in Vietnam’s policy towards foreign investment in satellite internet services. The move is seen as a diplomatic gesture towards SpaceX, which could help alleviate tensions amid concerns over potential tariffs from US President Donald Trump.

The new rules, set to be approved by Vietnam’s parliament, will allow foreign companies with low-orbit satellite networks to operate under a pilot scheme until 2030. SpaceX’s efforts to enter Vietnam had previously been stalled in late 2023 due to a ban on foreign control, a requirement for Musk’s involvement. The new regulations are part of broader efforts by the Vietnamese government to remove obstacles in technological and scientific activities.

With plans for a $1.5 billion investment in Vietnam, SpaceX has been expanding its supplier network in the country. If Starlink attracts significant local subscribers, it could help reduce the growing trade surplus Vietnam has with the US, which reached a record $123.5 billion last year. As US tariffs continue to threaten Vietnam’s export-driven economy, the government is also seeking ways to balance trade by increasing imports from the US, including agricultural products.

The shift in Vietnam’s stance reflects a desire to play a more flexible role in international trade relations, especially as tensions between the US and its trade partners escalate under Trump’s administration. The outcome of this policy change could have significant implications for both Starlink’s expansion and Vietnam’s relationship with the US.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

OpenAI weighs governance changes to block takeover

OpenAI is considering granting special voting rights to its non-profit board as part of new governance measures aimed at protecting the power of its directors amid a potential takeover bid from Elon Musk. The company’s CEO Sam Altman and board members are reportedly evaluating the move as OpenAI transitions to a for-profit structure. This would allow the non-profit board to retain control over key decisions, potentially blocking hostile takeovers, including Musk’s recent $97.4 billion acquisition offer.

The proposal comes after Musk’s consortium attempted to acquire OpenAI, with the company rejecting the offer, stating that it is not for sale and dismissing future bids. Musk’s bid appears to be driven by concerns over OpenAI’s shift toward profitability, as the company seeks to secure more funding to remain competitive in the AI sector. The special voting rights would give the non-profit board the ability to overrule major investors such as Microsoft and SoftBank, ensuring that OpenAI’s leadership retains influence over key decisions.

This move reflects OpenAI’s efforts to maintain control over its future direction while fending off external pressures from investors and potential acquirers. No final decision has been made yet, but the proposal is seen as a key strategy to safeguard the company’s independence as it navigates the evolving AI landscape.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Taiwanese companies eye expansion in Texas

Taiwanese electronics companies are preparing to increase investments in Texas, with major announcements expected in May, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Richard Lee, head of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, revealed that several large Taiwanese companies, particularly those in the AI server industry, are looking to expand their operations in Texas. This follows proactive efforts by Texas’ Republican-led government to attract Taiwanese investment.

The move comes as Trump has criticised Taiwan for its semiconductor business and threatened tariffs on trade partners with significant trade deficits, potentially targeting Taiwan. Last week, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged to invest more in the US, adding to the momentum. Companies like Foxconn, Compal, and Inventec, which already have operations in Texas, are expected to announce further expansions, particularly to accommodate the growing demand for AI-related technologies.

Foxconn, which manufactures products for major tech companies like Apple and Nvidia, has already made a $33 million investment in land and factory buildings in Texas. With the demand for AI servers rising, Taiwanese manufacturers are eyeing Texas as a strategic location to meet the growing market needs. However, neither Foxconn nor Compal has yet provided specific details on their plans.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Indian music industry joins lawsuit against OpenAI

Several of India’s leading Bollywood music labels, including T-Series, Saregama, and Sony, seek to join a lawsuit against OpenAI in New Delhi. They are concerned that the company’s AI models may have used their sound recordings without permission, potentially violating copyright laws. The legal action follows a previous lawsuit filed by Indian news agency ANI, which accused OpenAI’s ChatGPT of using content without authorisation to train its models. The music labels argue that this issue has significant implications for the global music industry.

The music companies, which represent major Indian and international music acts, claim that OpenAI’s AI systems could extract lyrics, compositions, and sound recordings from the internet without consent. T-Series, known for releasing thousands of songs annually, and Saregama, which holds a vast catalogue of iconic Indian music, are leading the charge. The Indian Music Industry (IMI), which also represents global labels like Sony Music and Warner Music, is pushing for the case to be heard in court, as the outcome could impact the future use of copyrighted content in AI training.

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, argues that it adheres to fair-use principles by using publicly available data to build its AI models. However, the company is facing increasing legal pressure from multiple sectors worldwide, including recent lawsuits in Germany, where GEMA accused OpenAI of unlicensed use of song lyrics. OpenAI has opposed the Indian lawsuit, claiming that Indian courts do not have jurisdiction over the matter, given the company’s US base.

The next court hearing, which could shape the future of AI and copyright law in India, is scheduled for 21 February. This legal battle is gaining attention, particularly as OpenAI’s chief, Sam Altman, recently visited India to discuss the country’s plans for developing low-cost AI technology.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Study warns of AI’s role in fueling bank runs

A new study from the UK has raised concerns about the risks of bank runs fueled by AI-generated fake news spread on social media. The research, published by Say No to Disinfo and Fenimore Harper, highlights how generative AI can create false stories or memes suggesting that bank deposits are at risk, leading to panic withdrawals. The study found that a significant portion of UK bank customers would consider moving their money after seeing such disinformation, especially with the speed at which funds can be transferred through online banking.

The issue is gaining traction globally, with regulators and banks worried about the growing role of AI in spreading malicious content. Following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023, which saw $42 billion in withdrawals within a day, financial institutions are increasingly focused on detecting disinformation that could trigger similar crises. The study estimates that a small investment in social media ads promoting fake content could cause millions in deposit withdrawals.

The report calls for banks to enhance their monitoring systems, integrating social media tracking with withdrawal monitoring to better identify when disinformation is impacting customer behaviour. Revolut, a UK fintech, has already implemented real-time monitoring for emerging threats, urging financial institutions to be prepared for potential risks. While banks remain optimistic about AI’s potential, the financial stability challenges it poses are still a growing concern for regulators.

As financial institutions work to mitigate AI-related risks, the broader industry is also grappling with how to balance the benefits of AI with the threats it may pose. UK Finance, the industry body, emphasised that banks are making efforts to manage these risks, while regulators continue to monitor the situation closely.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.