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EU delays ETIAS launch until late 2026

The European Union has announced that the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require visa-free travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to obtain authorisation before short stays in the Schengen Area.

Initially planned for 2026, the system has been delayed and is now set to launch in late 2026, with full implementation not expected until 2027. The ETIAS aims to improve border security and will apply to travellers from 60 non-EU countries who don’t need a visa.

To apply for the ETIAS, travellers will need to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions, and pay a €7 fee.

However, this authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for three years, or until the passport expires. Also, children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee, though they still need to apply for authorisation.

The ETIAS will not become mandatory until six months after the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational. The EES, which is set to launch in phases starting in October 2025, will be a registration system for non-EU travellers, including those from the UK and US.

However, due to delays in the installation of necessary technology at Schengen borders, the launch of the ETIAS has been pushed back to late 2026.

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AI Innovation in the UK Advances with new Google initiatives

Google is intensifying its investment in the UK’s AI sector, with plans to expand its data residency offerings and launch new tools for businesses.

At an event in London, Google’s DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian unveiled plans to add Agentspace, Google’s platform for AI agents, to the UK’s data residency region.

However, this move will allow enterprises to host their AI agents locally, ensuring full control over their data.

In addition to the data residency expansion, Google announced new incentives for AI startups in the UK, offering up to £280,000 in Google Cloud credits for those participating in its accelerator programme.

These efforts come as part of a broader strategy to encourage businesses to adopt Google’s AI services over those of competitors. The company is also focusing on expanding AI skills training to help businesses better leverage these advanced technologies.

Google’s efforts align with the UK government’s push to strengthen its position in the global AI landscape. The government has been actively working to promote AI development, with a particular focus on building services that reduce reliance on big tech companies.

By bringing its latest AI offerings to the UK, Google is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s AI future.

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BMW to equip cars with Huawei HiCar system

BMW will integrate Huawei’s HiCar system into its locally produced models starting in 2026, strengthening its presence in the Chinese market.

The partnership will enable seamless connectivity between Huawei devices and BMW vehicles, enhancing smart driving applications through the Harmony operating system.

The German automaker emphasised its commitment to deeper collaboration with Chinese partners, aiming to integrate them more closely into its global innovation network.

By working with local suppliers, BMW seeks to foster long-term cooperation and technological advancement in one of the world’s largest automotive markets.

An approach that aligns with BMW’s broader strategy of leveraging local expertise to remain competitive in a fast-evolving automotive landscape.

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Europe’s tech giants push for sovereign fund

More than 90 European technology companies and lobby groups, including Airbus and Dassault Systèmes, have called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to establish a sovereign infrastructure fund.

In an open letter dated 14 March, they emphasised the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its strategic autonomy in critical digital infrastructure, from AI frameworks to semiconductor manufacturing.

The letter warns that Europe’s reliance on foreign technology creates security risks and weakens economic growth. It highlights the importance of public investment, particularly in capital-intensive sectors like quantum computing and microchips. The signatories also suggest a ‘buy European’ policy in government procurement to boost demand and encourage local businesses to invest.

Prominent supporters of the initiative include French cloud provider OVH Cloud, the European Software Institute, and the German AI Association. The appeal also reached EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen, as Europe faces increasing pressure to compete with major US and Asian technology powers.

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Turkey investigates Netflix, Disney, and Amazon for competition law violations

The Turkish Competition Board has opened an investigation into major subscription-based, on-demand video service providers, including Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. This decision follows a preliminary inquiry into whether these global streaming platforms have violated Turkey‘s competition laws.

The board is particularly focused on examining their business practices within the Turkish market and assessing whether any anti-competitive behaviour has occurred. The investigation highlights Turkey’s increasing scrutiny of digital platforms operating within its borders.

The inquiry comes at a time when subscription-based streaming services are growing rapidly in Turkey, with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video among the most popular platforms in the country. The Turkish Competition Board’s investigation aims to ensure that the market remains competitive and that no service provider is unfairly dominating the sector.

By looking into the practices of these major players, the board seeks to protect consumers and maintain a level playing field for all companies involved in the digital entertainment industry.

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UK teachers embrace AI for future education

Teachers in Stoke-on-Trent gathered for a full-day event to discuss the role of AI in education. Organised by the Good Future Foundation, the session saw more than 40 educators, including Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner, explore how AI can enhance teaching and learning. Gardner emphasised the government’s belief that AI represents a ‘generational opportunity’ for education in the UK.

The event highlighted both the promise and the challenges of integrating AI into UK schools. Attendees shared ideas on using AI to improve communication, particularly with families who speak English as an additional language, and to streamline access to school resources through automated chatbots. While the potential benefits are clear, many teachers expressed concerns about the risks associated with new technology.

Daniel Emmerson, executive director of the Good Future Foundation, stressed the importance of supporting educators in understanding and implementing AI. He explained that AI can help prepare students for a future dominated by this technology. Meanwhile, schools like Belgrave St Bartholomew’s Academy are already leading the way in using AI to improve lessons and prepare students for the opportunities AI will bring.

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Thailand approves millions for data centres

Thailand has approved investments worth 90.9 billion baht ($2.7 billion) in data centres and cloud services, further boosting its growing tech sector. The newly approved projects include data centres by China’s Beijing Haoyang Cloud&Data Technology, Singapore-based Empyrion Digital, and Thailand’s GSA Data Center 02, according to the country’s investment board.

Among these, Beijing Haoyang plans to build a 300-megawatt data centre valued at 72.7 billion baht, while GSA Data Center 02 is investing 13.5 billion baht in a 35-megawatt facility.

The rapid rise of AI has fuelled demand for data infrastructure across Southeast Asia, making Thailand an attractive hub for investment. In January, TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, announced plans to establish a data hosting service in Thailand worth 126.8 billion baht.

It follows significant investments from tech giants such as Google, which pledged $1 billion last year, and Amazon Web Services, which committed $5 billion over 15 years.

Microsoft has also revealed plans to open its first regional data centre in Thailand, reinforcing the country’s status as a growing digital hub in the region. With an increasing number of global technology firms choosing Thailand for data operations, the country is set to play a key role in Southeast Asia’s evolving digital economy.

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Google expands voice AI capabilities with Chirp 3

Google has announced the addition of its HD voice model, Chirp 3, to its Vertex AI platform, marking a significant step in its push into voice AI. Starting next week, developers will be able to use the platform to build applications such as voice assistants, audiobooks, and video voice-overs with eight new voices available in 31 languages.

The launch comes at a time when other companies, including startups like Sesame, are also advancing in the field of realistic-sounding AI voices. Despite this growing competition, Google remains cautious about potential misuse, with CEO Thomas Kurian noting that the company is working closely with its safety team to establish proper usage guidelines for Chirp 3.

Google’s move with Chirp 3 positions it alongside other tools from its Vertex AI platform, which includes machine learning and generative AI services like its Gemini and Imagen models. With AI voice applications rapidly gaining traction, it will be interesting to see how Google expands its offerings to stay competitive in this evolving space.

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Baidu launches new AI models to compete in global race

Baidu has unveiled two new AI models, including ERNIE X1, which it claims matches the performance of DeepSeek R1 at half the cost. The company says X1 is a deep-thinking model capable of autonomous tool use, with enhanced reasoning, planning, and adaptability.

Meanwhile, Baidu’s latest foundation model, ERNIE 4.5, boasts improved multimodal capabilities, advanced language understanding, and a better grasp of satire and internet culture.

The Chinese tech giant has been striving to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where startups like DeepSeek have disrupted the industry with high-performing, cost-effective models. While Baidu was one of the first Chinese companies to launch a ChatGPT-style chatbot, its Ernie LLM has faced challenges in achieving widespread adoption.

With growing competition from domestic and international AI firms, Baidu aims to solidify its position through continuous innovation. The company’s latest advancements highlight the push for more sophisticated AI systems capable of processing diverse forms of data, including text, images, and audio, as China intensifies its efforts to lead in AI.

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DeepSeek focuses on innovation instead of rapid commercial growth

Chinese AI company DeepSeek is prioritising research over revenue, resisting the rush to capitalise on recent sales growth.

Unlike its Silicon Valley counterparts, the firm has chosen to refine its technology rather than focus on immediate profits.

According to sources familiar with its operations, DeepSeek achieved financial stability last month for the first time, with revenues covering ongoing costs.

Despite the financial milestone, its billionaire founder remains committed to long-term innovation rather than aggressive commercial expansion.

The decision reflects a broader trend in China‘s AI sector, where some firms are investing heavily in research to compete globally.

As AI adoption accelerates, DeepSeek’s strategy signals confidence in future breakthroughs over short-term financial gains.

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