Sustainable development

EU AI Act begins as tech firms push back

Europe’s AI crackdown officially begins soon, as the EU enforces the first rules targeting developers of generative AI models like ChatGPT.

Under the AI Act, firms must now assess systemic risks, conduct adversarial testing, ensure cybersecurity, report serious incidents, and even disclose energy usage. The goal is to prevent harms related to bias, misinformation, manipulation, and lack of transparency in AI systems.

Although the legislation was passed last year, the EU only released developer guidance on 10 July, leaving tech giants with little time to adapt.

Meta, which developed the Llama AI model, has refused to sign the voluntary code of practice, arguing that it introduces legal uncertainty. Other developers have expressed concerns over how vague and generic the guidance remains, especially around copyright and practical compliance.

The EU also distinguishes itself from the US, where a re-elected Trump administration has launched a far looser AI Action Plan. While Washington supports minimal restrictions to encourage innovation, Brussels is focused on safety and transparency.

Trade tensions may grow, but experts warn that developers should not rely on future political deals instead of taking immediate steps toward compliance.

The AI Act’s rollout will continue into 2026, with the next phase focusing on high-risk AI systems in healthcare, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, questions remain over whether AI-generated content qualifies for copyright protection and how companies should handle AI in marketing or supply chains. For now, Europe’s push for safer AI is accelerating—whether Big Tech likes it or not.

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Australia reverses its stance and restricts YouTube for children under 16

Australia has announced that YouTube will be banned for children under 16 starting in December, reversing its earlier exemption from strict new social media age rules. The decision follows growing concerns about online harm to young users.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X are already subject to the upcoming restrictions, and YouTube will now join the list of ‘age-restricted social media platforms’.

From 10 December, all such platforms will be required to ensure users are aged 16 or older or face fines of up to AU$50 million (£26 million) for not taking adequate steps to verify age. Although those steps remain undefined, users will not need to upload official documents like passports or licences.

The government has said platforms must find alternatives instead of relying on intrusive ID checks.

Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the policy, stating that four in ten Australian children reported recent harm on YouTube. She insisted the government would not back down under legal pressure from Alphabet Inc., YouTube’s US-based parent company.

Children can still view videos, but won’t be allowed to hold personal YouTube accounts.

YouTube criticised the move, claiming the platform is not social media but a video library often accessed through TVs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would campaign at a UN forum in September to promote global backing for social media age restrictions.

Exemptions will apply to apps used mainly for education, health, messaging, or gaming, which are considered less harmful.

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Google adds narrated slide videos to NotebookLM

Google has added a new dimension to NotebookLM by introducing Video Overviews, a feature that transforms your content into narrated slide presentations.

Originally revealed at Google I/O, the tool builds on the popularity of Audio Overviews, which generated AI-hosted podcast-style summaries. Instead of relying solely on audio, users can now enjoy visual storytelling powered by the same AI.

Video Overviews automatically pulls elements like images, diagrams, quotes and statistics from documents to create slide-based summaries.

The tool supports professionals and students by simplifying complex reports or academic papers into engaging visual formats. Users can also customise the video output by defining learning goals, selecting key topics, or tailoring it to a specific audience.

For now, the rollout is limited to English-speaking users on desktops, but Google plans to expand the formats. Narrated slides are the first to launch, combining clear visuals with spoken summaries, helping visual learners engage with content more effectively instead of reading lengthy text.

Alongside the new feature, Google has redesigned the NotebookLM Studio interface. Users can now generate and store multiple outputs—Audio Overviews, Reports, Study Guides, or Mind Maps—all within a single notebook.

The update also allows users to interact with different tools simultaneously, such as listening to an AI podcast while reviewing a study guide, offering a more integrated and versatile learning experience.

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Tea dating app suspends messaging after the major data breach

The women’s dating safety app Tea has suspended its messaging feature following a cyberattack that exposed thousands of private messages, posts and images.

The app, which helps women run background checks on men, confirmed that direct messages were accessed during the initial breach disclosed in late July.

Tea has 1.6 million users, primarily in the US. Affected users will be contacted directly and offered free identity protection services, including credit monitoring and fraud alerts.

The company said it is working to strengthen its security and will provide updates as the investigation continues. Some of the leaked conversations reportedly contain sensitive discussions about infidelity and abortion.

Experts have warned that the leak of both images and messages raises the risk of emotional harm, blackmail or identity theft. Cybersecurity specialists recommend that users accept the free protection services as soon as possible.

The breach affected those who joined the app before February 2024, including users who submitted ID photos that Tea had promised would be deleted after verification.

Tea is known for allowing women to check if a potential partner is married or has a criminal record, as well as share personal experiences to flag abusive or trustworthy behaviour.

The app’s recent popularity surge has also sparked criticism, with some claiming it unfairly targets men. As users await more information, experts urge caution and vigilance.

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ECOSOC adopts CSTD draft resolution on WSIS outcomes implementation

On 29 July 2025, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a resolution titled ‘Assessment of the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society‘.

Prepared by the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) and adopted as a draft at the Commission’s 28th meeting in April 2025, the resolution outlines several vital recommendations for possible outcomes of the ongoing process dedicated to the review of 20 years of implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (the so-called WSIS+20 review process):

  • A recommendation is that, as an outcome of the WSIS+20 process, commitments outlined in the Global Digital Compact (GDC) are integrated into the work of WSIS action lines by the action lines facilitators (para 131).
  • A recommendation regarding strengthening the UN Group on the Information Society (UNGIS), by including further UN offices with responsibilities in matters of digital cooperation, as well as multistakeholder advice on its work, as appropriate (para 132).
  • A recommendation that UNGIS is tasked with developing a joint implementation roadmap, to be presented to CSTD’s 29th session, to integrate GDC commitments into the WSIS architecture, ensuring a unified approach to digital cooperation that avoids duplication and maximises resource efficiency (para 133).
  • A call for strengthening the CSTD in its role as an intergovernmental platform for discussions on the impact and opportunities of technologies to achieve sustainable development goals (para 134).

The resolution also emphasises the role of CSTD in the GDC’s follow-up and review process and the need to ensure the strongest possible convergences between the implementation of WSIS outcomes and the Compact to avoid duplication and enhance synergies, efficiencies, and impact (para 135).

ECOSOC adopted the resolution without discussion and by consensus. When discussed at CSTD in April, the draft resolution was adopted by a vote of 33 in favour and one against; the USA, which voted against, explained its vote.

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AI bands rise as real musicians struggle to compete

AI is quickly transforming the music industry, with AI-generated bands now drawing millions of plays on platforms like Spotify.

While these acts may sound like traditional musicians, they are entirely digital creations. Streaming services rarely label AI music clearly, and the producers behind these tracks often remain anonymous and unreachable. Human artists, meanwhile, are quietly watching their workload dry up.

Music professionals are beginning to express concern. Composer Leo Sidran believes AI is already taking work away from creators like him, noting that many former clients now rely on AI-generated solutions instead of original compositions.

Unlike previous tech innovations, which empowered musicians, AI risks erasing job opportunities entirely, according to Berklee College of Music professor George Howard, who warns it could become a zero-sum game.

AI music is especially popular for passive listening—background tracks for everyday life. In contrast, real musicians still hold value among fans who engage more actively with music.

However, AI is cheap, fast, and royalty-free, making it attractive to publishers and advertisers. From film soundtracks to playlists filled with faceless artists, synthetic sound is rapidly replacing human creativity in many commercial spaces.

Experts urge musicians to double down on what makes them unique instead of mimicking trends that AI can easily replicate. Live performance remains one of the few areas where AI has yet to gain traction. Until synthetic bands take the stage, artists may still find refuge in concerts and personal connection with fans.

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Google brings AI Mode to UK search results

Google has officially introduced its AI Mode to UK users, calling it the most advanced version of its search engine.

Instead of listing web links, the feature provides direct, human-like answers to queries. It allows users to follow up with more detailed questions or multimedia inputs such as voice and images. The update aims to keep pace with the rising trend of longer, more conversational search phrases.

The tool first launched in the US and uses a ‘query fan-out’ method, breaking down complex questions into multiple search threads to create a combined answer from different sources.

While Google claims this will result in more meaningful site visits, marketers and publishers are worried about a growing trend known as ‘zero-click searches’, where users find what they need without clicking external links.

Research already shows a steep drop in engagement. Data from the Pew Research Centre reveals that only 8% of users click a link when AI summaries are present, nearly half the rate of traditional search pages. Experts warn that without adjusting strategies, many online brands risk becoming invisible.

Instead of relying solely on classic SEO tactics, businesses are being urged to adopt Generative Engine Optimisation. Using tools like schema markup, GEO focuses on conversational content, visual media, and context-aware formatting.

With nearly half of UK users engaging with AI search daily, adapting to these shifts may prove essential for maintaining visibility and sales.

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Microsoft adds AI Copilot Mode to Edge browser

Microsoft has launched Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, adding AI features to streamline online activity.

Instead of switching between tabs or manually comparing information, users can ask Copilot to complete tasks, search for content, and make suggestions. The tool is available for PC and Mac users and opens in a side panel, letting people interact with it while still viewing the original page.

Copilot can help with everyday tasks such as writing content, preparing grocery lists, and scheduling appointments. It works across multiple tabs if the user permits, enabling comparisons like hotel or flight prices in a single command.

Voice input is also supported, making it easier for those with limited mobility or less familiarity with AI tools to interact naturally.

Microsoft notes that Copilot Mode remains experimental, but users can still set it as the default. It supports conversational prompts, dynamic interactions like turning recipes vegan, and even measurements or language translations, all without losing browser position.

Users may eventually provide login or history access for more advanced tasks, although full consent and clear notifications will be required.

With growing reliance on digital assistants, Microsoft’s move puts Edge in direct competition with other AI-enabled browsers. As more AI tools become embedded in everyday software, the company expects Copilot to evolve rapidly and suggest next steps to help users pick up where they left off.

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Ray-Ban Meta leads smart glasses market growth

Sales of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have more than tripled in the first half of 2025, cementing Meta’s dominance in the growing AI wearables market.

While Apple remains quiet on a possible launch of its own AI glasses, Meta and its partner EssilorLuxottica continue to expand their lead. The eyewear giant revealed a 200% rise in Ray-Ban Meta sales, with second-quarter revenue up by over 7% compared to last year.

Smart glasses still represent a small part of both companies’ revenue, yet expectations are rising fast. In June, the firms announced a new model – Oakley AI performance glasses – which they hope will match the success of the Ray-Ban line.

Francesco Milleri, EssilorLuxottica’s CEO, stated they expect a ‘very fast ramp-up’ of the Oakley Meta model.

Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have been on the market for nearly two years, but recent updates have added live translation features and visual recognition that allows the glasses to interpret scenes in real time.

A version with an integrated display is rumoured to launch later in 2025, and Meta is also developing a high-end model called Orion.

Apple, meanwhile, appears more focused on mixed reality, with reports of a second-generation Vision Pro and Samsung’s Project Moohan, which may follow a similar route. But in the space of everyday wearable AI, Meta currently stands alone—at least until the competition decides to enter the arena.

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Chrome update brings AI shopping summaries to US users

Google has updated its Chrome browser to include AI-generated summaries of online stores, aimed at helping shoppers in the US make more informed buying decisions.

Instead of manually searching through reviews, users can now click an icon next to the web address to see a summary of a shop’s performance across key areas like product quality, pricing, returns, and customer service.

The feature is currently available only in English and is limited to desktop users.

The summaries are generated from a range of trusted review platforms, including Trustpilot, Bazaarvoice, Bizrate Insights, and others. Google says that the tool will offer a more efficient and secure online shopping experience.

It also helps the tech giant better compete with Amazon, which has already rolled out AI tools for product comparisons, fit suggestions, and ratings analysis. The move forms part of Google’s wider push to turn Chrome into a more powerful e-commerce assistant.

The company is also integrating AI tools like the Gemini assistant and developing agentic AI systems that can carry out tasks in the browser on a user’s behalf.

At the same time, Chrome faces fresh competition from AI-first browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet, Opera Neon, and a possible entry from OpenAI.

By adding AI-powered features directly into Chrome, Google hopes to future-proof its browser while strengthening its position in online retail.

As rivals begin to build intelligent browsers from the ground up, Google is reimagining how Chrome can serve users beyond simple search and browsing.

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