Digital cooperation

AIOLIA framework translates AI principles into system design

An EU-funded project, AIOLIA, is examining how Europe’s approach to trustworthy AI can be applied in practice. Principles such as transparency and accountability are embedded in the AI Act’s binding rules. Turning those principles into design choices remains difficult.

The project focuses on closing that gap by analysing how AI ethics is applied in real systems. Its work supports the implementation of AI Act requirements beyond legal text. Lessons are translated into practical training.

Project coordinator Alexei Grinbaum argues that ethical principles vary widely by context. Engineers are expected to follow them, but implications differ across systems. Bridging the gap requires concrete examples.

AIOLIA analyses ten use cases across multiple domains involving professionals and citizens. The project examines how organisations operationalise ethics under regulatory and organisational constraints. Findings highlight transferable practices without a single model.

Training is central to the initiative, particularly for EU ethics evaluators and researchers working under the AI Act framework. As AI becomes more persuasive, risks around manipulation grow. AIOLIA aims to align ethical language with daily decisions.

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

Atlas agent mode fortifies OpenAI’s ChatGPT security

ChatGPT Atlas has introduced an agent mode that allows an AI browser agent to view webpages and perform actions directly. The feature supports everyday workflows using the same context as a human user. Expanded capability also increases security exposure.

Prompt injection has emerged as a key threat to browser-based agents, targeting AI behaviour rather than software flaws. Malicious instructions embedded in content can redirect an agent from the user’s intended action. Successful attacks may trigger unauthorised actions.

To address the risk, OpenAI has deployed a security update to Atlas. The update includes an adversarially trained model and strengthened safeguards. It followed internal automated red teaming.

Automated red teaming uses reinforcement learning to train AI attackers that search for complex exploits. Simulations test how agents respond to injected prompts. Findings are used to harden models and system-level defences.

Prompt injection is expected to remain a long-term security challenge for AI agents. Continued investment in testing, training, and rapid mitigation aims to reduce real-world risk. The goal is to achieve reliable and secure AI assistance.

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

AI drives Vietnam’s smart city expansion

AI is becoming central to Vietnam’s urban development as major cities adopt data-led systems. Leaders at the Vietnam–Asia Smart City Summit said AI now shapes planning, service delivery and daily operations nationwide.

Experts noted rising pressure on cities, with congestion, pollution and population growth driving demand for more innovative governance. AI is helping authorities shift towards proactive management, using forecasting tools, shared data platforms and real-time supervision.

Speakers highlighted deployments across transport control, environmental monitoring, disaster alerts and administrative oversight. Hanoi and Da Nang presented advanced models, with Da Nang recognised again for achievements in green development and digital operations.

Delegates agreed that long-term progress depends on strong data foundations, closer coordination and clear strategic roadmaps in Vietnam. Many stressed that technology must prioritise public benefit, with citizens placed at the centre of smart-city design.

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

Florida moves ahead with new AI Bill of Rights

Florida lawmakers are preparing a sweeping AI Bill of Rights as political debates intensify. Senator Tom Leek introduced a proposal to provide residents with clearer safeguards while regulating how firms utilise advanced systems across the state.

The plan outlines parental control over minors’ interactions with AI and requires disclosure when people engage with automated systems. It also sets boundaries on political advertising created with AI and restricts state contracts with suppliers linked to countries of concern.

Governor Ron DeSantis maintains Florida can advance its agenda despite federal attempts to curb state-level AI rules. He argues the state has the authority to defend consumers while managing the rising costs of new data centre developments.

Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about young users forming harmful online bonds with AI companions, prompting calls for stronger protections. The legislation now forms part of a broader clash over online safety, privacy rights and fast-growing AI industries.

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

Canada’s productivity gap drives new push for AI

Canada’s productivity gap is expected to accelerate nationwide adoption of AI in 2026, according to leading legal and industry experts. Businesses and governments are moving from experimentation to deployment as pressure mounts to improve economic performance.

Canada retains strong research credentials and a responsible AI culture, yet still trails in compute capacity and commercial scaling. Major investments scheduled for 2026 are expected to support emerging demand across sectors.

Firms are seeking clearer national rules to guide the safe adoption of AI, especially regarding privacy and governance. Ottawa’s recent research and talent programme aims to attract global experts and strengthen commercial pathways.

Industry leaders expect AI agents to gain prominence by 2027, increasing the need for human oversight and trust. Policymakers and companies are urged to strike a balance between rapid innovation and clarity, confidence, and long-term productivity goals.

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

xAI could reach AGI by 2026 as the AI race intensifies

Elon Musk has told xAI employees that the next two to three years will determine whether the company survives and emerges as a leading force in artificial general intelligence.

Speaking during a company-wide meeting, Musk argued that endurance during such a period could position xAI at the forefront of the AGI race.

Musk suggested that AGI could be achieved by xAI as early as 2026, pointing to rapid advances in the Grok model family. He has previously offered shifting timelines for AGI development, underscoring both technological momentum and persistent uncertainty surrounding the field.

The remarks come as competition across the AI sector intensifies, with OpenAI accelerating model releases and Google unveiling new iterations of its Gemini system. Against larger incumbents, xAI is positioning itself as a challenger focused on speed, scale and aggressive execution.

Central to that strategy is the Colossus project, which has already deployed around 200,000 GPUs and plans to expand to one million.

Musk also highlighted operational synergies with Tesla and SpaceX, while floating longer-term concepts such as space-based data centres, reinforcing xAI’s ambition to differentiate through scale and unconventional infrastructure.

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

Samsung introduces upgraded AI-powered appliances at CES 2026

Samsung Electronics will showcase its latest kitchen appliances at CES 2026, highlighting upgrades to its Bespoke AI refrigerator, over-the-range microwave, and slide-in range. The company upgraded its vision-based AI with Google Gemini and Cloud to simplify kitchen tasks and enhance the cooking experience.

The upgraded Bespoke AI Refrigerator now recognises a wider variety of foods, including processed items without separate registration, and can track user-labelled ingredients. These improvements allow for more accurate food management and personalised kitchen experiences.

Samsung will also present the new Bespoke AI Wine Cellar, which identifies wine bottles, tracks their placement, and offers pairing suggestions via SmartThings AI Wine Manager.

Samsung is also updating appliance designs, with new French Door refrigerators, slide-in ranges, and over-the-range microwaves in a unified stainless steel finish. Upgrades feature easier drawer access, better cooktop ventilation, and redesigned controls for improved safety and convenience.

Visitors at CES 2026 will have the first opportunity to explore these innovations, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to merging technology, design, and usability in modern kitchens.

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

Civil servants and AI will work together in 2050

Public administrations worldwide are facing unprecedented change as AI reshapes automation, procurement, and decision-making. Governments must stay flexible, open, and resilient, preparing for multiple futures with foresight, continuous learning, and adaptability.

During World Futures Day, experts from the SPARK-AI Alliance and representatives from governments, academia, and the private sector explored four potential scenarios for public service in 2050.

Scenarios ranged from human-centred administrations that reinforce trust, to algorithmic bureaucracies focused on oversight, agentic administrations with semi-autonomous AI actors, and data-eroded futures that require renewed governance of poor-quality data.

Key insights highlighted the growing importance of anticipatory capacity, positioning AI as a ‘co-worker’ rather than a replacement, and emphasising the need to safeguard public trust.

Civil servants will increasingly focus on ethical reasoning, interpretation of automated processes, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, supported by robust accountability and transparent data governance.

The SPARK-AI Alliance has launched a Working Group on the Future of Work in the Public Sector to help governments anticipate and prepare for change. Its focus will be on building resilient public administrations, evolving civil-service roles, and maintaining trust in AI-enabled governance.

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

Dubai charities open doors to crypto donations

Dubai charities now accept donations in cryptocurrencies and virtual assets through a new service launched by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. The move signals a shift towards modernised fundraising channels across the emirate.

The service supports Dubai’s wider digital transformation strategy and aims to improve efficiency within the charitable donation ecosystem. Donors can now use globally recognised payment options, highlighting the rising use of virtual assets as valid financial tools.

Regulation remains central to the initiative, with IACAD introducing clear policies to protect donors, enhance transparency, and ensure compliance with approved standards. Introductory workshops have also been organised to guide charities through operational and procedural requirements.

Officials stressed that charities need preliminary authorisation to ensure donations are processed securely and in accordance with regulations. The initiative further reinforces Dubai’s ambition to lead in innovative and technology-driven humanitarian work.

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

Google study shows teens embrace AI

Google’s new study, The Future Report, surveyed over 7,000 teenagers across Europe about their use of digital technologies. Most respondents describe themselves as curious, critical, and optimistic about AI in their daily lives.

Many teens use AI daily or several times a week for learning, creativity, and exploring new topics. They report benefits such as instant feedback and more engaging learning while remaining cautious about over-reliance.

Young people value personalised content recommendations and algorithmic suggestions, but emphasise verifying information and avoiding bias. They adopt strategies to verify sources and ensure the trustworthiness of online content.

The report emphasises the importance of digital literacy, safety, balanced technology use, and youth engagement in shaping the digital future. Participants request guidance from educators and transparent AI design to promote the responsible and ethical use of AI.

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