Digital cooperation

EU pushes for stronger global climate action at COP30 in Brazil

The European Union will use the COP30 Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, to reinforce its commitment to a fair and ambitious global clean transition.

The EU aims to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement by driving decarbonisation, promoting renewables, and supporting vulnerable nations most affected by climate change.

President Ursula von der Leyen said the transition is ‘ongoing and irreversible’, stressing that it must remain inclusive and equitable.

Additionally, the EU will call for new efforts to close implementation gaps, limit temperature overshoot beyond 1.5°C, and advance the Global Stocktake outcomes from COP28. It will also promote the global pledges to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.

A new climate target will commit to cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by between 66.25% and 72.5% below 1990 levels by 2035, on the path to a 90% reduction by 2040.

The EU also supports the creation of a Coalition for Compliance Carbon Markets and increased finance for developing countries through the Baku to Belém Roadmap.

Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said Europe’s climate ambition strengthens both competitiveness and independence. He urged major economies to raise ambition and accelerate implementation to keep the Paris target within reach.

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EU conference highlights the need for collaboration in digital safety and growth

European politicians and experts gathered in Billund for the conference ‘Towards a Safer and More Innovative Digital Europe’, hosted by the Danish Parliament.

The discussions centred on how to protect citizens online while strengthening Europe’s technological competitiveness.

Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen, Chair of the Danish Parliament’s Digitalisation and IT Committee, stated that the event demonstrated the need for the EU to act more swiftly to harness its collective digital potential.

She emphasised that only through cooperation and shared responsibility can the EU match the pace of global digital transformation and fully benefit from its combined strengths.

The first theme addressed online safety and responsibility, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, child protection, and the accountability of e-commerce platforms importing products from outside the EU.

Participants highlighted the importance of listening to young people and improving cross-border collaboration between regulators and industry.

The second theme examined Europe’s competitiveness in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Speakers called for more substantial investment, harmonised digital skills strategies, and better support for businesses seeking to expand within the single market.

A Billund conference emphasised that Europe’s digital future depends on striking a balance between safety, innovation, and competitiveness, which can only be achieved through joint action and long-term commitment.

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Jobs and skills transform as AI changes the workplace

AI is transforming the job market as companies cut traditional roles and expand AI-driven positions. Major employers like Accenture, IBM and Amazon are investing heavily in training while reducing headcount, signalling a shift in what skills truly matter.

Research from Drexel University highlights a growing divide between organisations that adopt AI and workers who are prepared to use it effectively. Surveys show that while most companies rely on AI in daily operations, fewer than four in ten believe their employees are ready to work alongside intelligent systems.

Experts say the future belongs to those with ‘human-AI fluency’ that means people who can question, interpret and apply machine output to real business challenges. Firms that build trust, encourage learning and blend technical understanding with sound judgement are proving best equipped to thrive in the AI era.

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Jersey launches AI council to drive innovation

A new Artificial Intelligence Council has been launched in Jersey to strengthen collaboration and coordinate the island’s approach to AI adoption. Led by Digital Jersey, the council seeks to bring together public and private sector initiatives to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively.

The council’s mission is to facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange among key organisations, including the government, Jersey Finance, and the Institute of Directors. It aims to create a unified plan that draws on members’ expertise to maximise benefits while reducing potential risks.

Tony Moretta, chief executive of Digital Jersey and chair of the AI Council, said the island was at a pivotal stage in its AI journey. He emphasised that collective action could accelerate progress far more than isolated efforts across individual organisations.

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MAI-Image-1 arrives in Bing and Copilot with EU launch on the way

Microsoft’s in-house image generator, MAI-Image-1, now powers Bing Image Creator and Copilot Audio Expressions, with EU availability coming soon, according to Mustafa Suleyman. It’s optimised for speed and photorealism in food, landscapes, and stylised lighting.

In Copilot’s Story Mode, MAI-Image-1 pairs artwork with AI audio, linking text-to-image and text-to-speech. Microsoft pitches realism and fast iteration versus larger, slower models to shorten creative workflows.

The rollout follows August’s MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview. Copilot is shifting to OpenAI’s GPT-5 while continuing to offer Anthropic’s Claude, signalling a mixed-model strategy alongside homegrown systems.

Bing’s Image Creator lists three selectable models, which are MAI-Image-1, OpenAI’s DALL-E 3, and OpenAI’s GPT-4o. Microsoft says MAI-Image-1 enables faster ideation and hand-off to downstream tools for refinement.

Analysts see MAI-Image-1 as part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on third-party image systems while preserving user choice. Microsoft highlights safety tooling and copyright-aware practices across Copilot experiences as adoption widens.

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Kraken Pro unlocks crypto-collateralized futures for EU traders

Kraken Pro has expanded its offerings in the EU by allowing clients to use crypto, including BTC, ETH, and certain stablecoins, as collateral for more than 150 perpetual futures markets.

The move positions the platform among the first regulated venues in Europe to provide crypto-collateralised, USD-margined futures contracts. It combines flexibility, speed, and capital efficiency with compliance under MiFID II.

Using crypto as collateral enables traders to maintain exposure to their digital assets while accessing leveraged positions. Clients can post BTC, ETH, or stablecoins without converting to fiat, avoiding fees and delays.

The system also supports cross-asset hedging and stablecoin-backed trades, allowing users to manage risk and diversify strategies more efficiently.

Kraken Pro’s regulated futures comply with EU rules, offering up to 10x leverage, multi-asset collateral, and supervision under MiCA and MiFID II. The platform offers deep liquidity, tight spreads, and reliable execution for both individual and institutional traders, even during volatile market conditions.

To begin trading, clients must enable futures on Kraken EU, fund their accounts with crypto assets, select their preferred collateral, and then open or manage leveraged perpetual positions. The update enhances strategic options for both hedging and directional trades.

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SoftBank and OpenAI bring enterprise AI revolution to Japan

SoftBank and OpenAI have announced the launch of SB OAI Japan, a new joint venture established to deliver an advanced enterprise AI solution known as Crystal Intelligence. Unveiled on 5 November 2025, the initiative aims to transform Japan’s corporate management through tailored AI solutions.

SB OAI Japan will exclusively market Crystal Intelligence in Japan starting in 2026. The platform integrates OpenAI’s latest models with local implementation, system integration, and ongoing support.

Designed to enhance productivity and streamline management, Crystal Intelligence will help Japanese companies adopt AI tools suited to their specific operational needs.

SoftBank Corp. will be the first to deploy Crystal intelligence, testing and refining the technology before wider release. The company plans to share insights through SB OAI Japan to drive AI-powered transformation across industries.

The partnership underscores SoftBank’s vision of becoming an AI-native organisation. The group has already developed around 2.5 million custom GPTs for internal use.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the venture marks a significant step in bringing advanced AI to global enterprises. At the same time, SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son described it as the beginning of a new era where AI agents autonomously collaborate to achieve business goals.

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Samsung strengthens Galaxy AI privacy and user control features

Samsung has expanded its privacy and security controls for Galaxy AI, emphasising transparency and user choice. The company stated that its AI systems are designed with privacy at their core, ensuring users remain in control of how their personal data is managed and processed.

Galaxy AI combines on-device and cloud-based processing, enabling users to choose where their information is processed. Features such as Live Translate, Interpreter and Generative Edit can operate fully on-device, preventing sensitive data from leaving the phone.

Samsung’s Security and Privacy dashboard provides clear visibility into app permissions, data sharing, and potential threats. Users can track which apps have accessed personal information and enable Auto Blocker, a tool that prevents malware and unauthorised installations.

Additional settings like Maximum Restrictions provide an extra layer of defence by blocking unsafe networks and preventing data interception. Samsung stated that its goal is to develop smarter, adaptive security systems that safeguard privacy while supporting the evolution of AI capabilities.

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Unitree firefighting robots transform fire rescue operations

China’s Unitree Robotics has introduced advanced firefighting robots designed to revolutionise fire rescue operations. These quadruped robots can climb stairs, navigate through debris, and operate in hazardous zones where human firefighters face significant risks.

Equipped with durable structures and agile joints, they are capable of handling extreme fire environments, including forest and industrial fires. Each robot features a high-capacity water or foam cannon capable of reaching up to 60 metres, alongside real-time video streaming for remote assessment and control.

That combination allows fire rescue teams to fight fires more safely and efficiently, while navigating complex and dangerous terrain. The robots’ mobility enhancements, offering approximately 170 % improved joint performance, ensure they can tackle steep angles and obstacles with ease.

By integrating these robotic fire responders into emergency services, Unitree is helping fire departments reduce risk, accelerate response times, and expand operational capabilities. These innovations mark a new era in fire rescue, where technology supports frontline teams in saving lives and protecting property.

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Identifying AI-generated videos on social media

AI-generated videos are flooding social media, and identifying them is becoming increasingly difficult. Low resolution or grainy footage can hint at artificial creation, though even polished clips may be deceptive.

Subtle flaws often reveal AI manipulation, including unnatural skin textures, unrealistic background movements, or odd patterns in hair and clothing. Shorter, highly compressed clips can conceal these artefacts, making detection even more challenging.

Digital literacy experts warn that traditional visual cues will soon be unreliable. Viewers should prioritise the source and context of online videos, approach content critically, and verify information through trustworthy channels.

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