In China, a new generation of young factory owners is reshaping the country’s manufacturing industry, turning to social media to connect directly with international buyers. Robyn Qiu, a Yale graduate and the daughter of factory owners, is part of this wave, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase her family’s metal hardware factory in eastern China. Through these videos, which often highlight China’s manufacturing hubs and daily life, Qiu has drawn significant interest from foreign buyers, securing over 500 business inquiries since May.
Second-generation owners like Qiu are tapping into digital marketing to address challenges facing China’s manufacturing sector, including rising labour costs and geopolitical pressures pushing clients to alternative production sites. Qiu’s approach contrasts sharply with her parents’ generation, who relied on middlemen and established buyers, and reflects a desire to elevate China’s standing within the global supply chain. Her strategy includes reducing dependency on middlemen by directly marketing high-tech products like laser levels, positioning her family’s factory as a brand rather than a supplier.
Qiu’s success echoes broader efforts by the “Changerdai” generation — young factory heirs who, unlike the more extravagant “Fuerdai,” focus on advancing their family businesses. Examples of Changerdai’s social media success abound, with viral content such as Qiu’s factory tours or short video dramas from towel makers drawing millions of followers. Guangzhou’s LC Sign factory, for instance, has gained a massive following with humorous videos featuring its LED signage.
By prioritising visibility and brand loyalty, these young entrepreneurs are ensuring their products stand out in a competitive market. In an era of manufacturing oversupply, standing out on social media has become crucial to maintain stable, profitable orders, with the Changerdai leading this new frontier in China‘s manufacturing sector.
The UK government is reintroducing its ‘Data (Use and Access) Bill’ to reform data regulations, projecting a £10B economic boost through streamlined data access and use. Aimed at enhancing efficiency in public sectors like healthcare and law enforcement, the bill also proposes expansions for digital identity verification, open-data projects, and digital registries. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the potential to free public sector resources and reduce red tape, allowing people to focus on essential services.
The new bill also incorporates measures to improve data access for researchers, particularly on online risks, echoing aspects of the EU’s Digital Services Act. However, digital rights advocates like Open Rights Group have raised concerns, noting that the bill limits public protections against automated decisions by excluding regular personal data from the scope. This could allow organisations to make impactful automated decisions in areas such as employment and immigration without significant human oversight.
As the Bill reintroduces data reforms while retracting controversial proposals from the previous government, it also addresses updates to marketing rules and fines for privacy violations. These include cookie consent changes and stricter guidelines for unsolicited marketing. By adjusting these regulations, the UK government aims to keep pace with evolving digital standards while ensuring economic growth and improved public service delivery.
Missouri’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into Google on Thursday, accusing the tech giant of censoring conservative speech. Bailey’s statement, shared on social media platform X, criticised Google, calling it “the biggest search engine in America,” and alleged that it has engaged in bias during what he referred to as “the most consequential election in our nation’s history.” Bailey did not cite specific examples of censorship, sparking quick dismissal from Google, which labelled the claims “totally false” and maintained its commitment to showing “useful information to everyone—no matter what their political beliefs are.”
Republicans have long contended that major social media platforms and search engines demonstrate an anti-conservative bias, though tech firms like Google have repeatedly denied these allegations. Concerns around this issue have intensified during the 2024 election campaign, especially as social media and online search are seen as significant factors influencing public opinion. Bailey’s investigation is part of a larger wave of Republican-led inquiries into potential online censorship, often focused on claims that conservative voices and views are suppressed.
Adding to these concerns, Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, recently pledged that if he wins the upcoming election, he would push for the prosecution of Google, alleging that its search algorithm unfairly targets him by prioritising negative news stories. Trump has not offered evidence for these claims, and Google has previously stated its search results are generated based on relevance and quality to serve users impartially. As the November 5 election draws near, this investigation highlights the growing tension between Republican officials and major tech platforms, raising questions about how online content may shape future political campaigns.
A radio station in Krakow, Poland, has ignited controversy by replacing its human journalists with AI-generated presenters, marking what it claims to be ‘the first experiment in Poland.’ OFF Radio Krakow relaunched this week after laying off its staff, introducing virtual avatars aimed at engaging younger audiences on cultural, social, and LGBTQ+ topics.
The move has faced significant backlash, particularly from former journalist Mateusz Demski, who penned an open letter warning that this shift could set a dangerous precedent for job losses in the media and creative sectors. His petition against the change quickly gathered over 15,000 signatures, highlighting widespread public concern about the implications of using AI in broadcasting.
Station head Marcin Pulit defended the layoffs, stating that they were due to the station’s low listenership rather than the introduction of AI. However, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski called for regulations on AI usage, emphasising the need to establish boundaries for its application in media.
On its first day back on air, the station featured an AI-generated interview with the late Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. Michał Rusinek, president of the Wisława Szymborska Foundation, expressed support for the project, suggesting that the poet would have found the use of her name in this context humorous. As OFF Radio Krakow ventures into this new territory, discussions around the role of AI in journalism and its effects on employment are intensifying.
Mongolia is strengthening its digital economy through a promising alliance with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The Mongolian government is prioritising digital development as part of its larger developmental agenda by undertaking two major projects focused on digitalisation. Central to these efforts is the development of a legal framework for big data and artificial intelligence to safeguard and efficiently manage digital processes.
At a recent event Minister Baatarkhuu underscored plans to modernise public services by improving data exchange systems such as XYP and the National Identification and Authentication System (DAN). These efforts aim to reduce reliance on paper-based documentation, supported by the EBRD’s recommendations to enhance the system’s security. Another ambitious step towards integrating new technologies includes establishing a ‘drone zone’.
The Ministry of Digital Development of Mongolia proposed a collaboration with the EBRD on the Esign Client Program Development Project, which seeks to normalise digital signatures over four years, enhancing the efficiency of document authentication.
Why does it matter?
This partnership demonstrates a strong bilateral commitment to advancing Mongolia’s digital infrastructure, leveraging EBRD’s expertise and resources for sustainable digital growth. EBRD expressed readiness to provide advisory support to navigate opportunities and challenges in the digital economy.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities throughout FY25 as part of a broader strategy to improve compliance and maturity in line with the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential Eight framework. The initiative addresses the ACCC’s expanding regulatory role within Australia’s cybersecurity landscape, particularly with the launch of the national anti-scam centre and digital ID, set to take effect on 1 December.
The ACCC will be responsible for accrediting digital ID services, approving participants in the government’s digital ID service, and enforcing compliance regulations, resulting in a heightened workload and increased resource demand. To tackle these challenges, the ACCC aims to elevate its cybersecurity maturity to level two of the Essential Eight framework, prioritising risk management and improvement initiatives.
To strengthen its cybersecurity posture, the uplift will be supported by leveraging various Microsoft technologies, including Active Directory, Group Policy, Defender, Sentinel, and Intune. Recognising the importance of robust defences against cyber threats, the ACCC is committed to allocating the necessary resources to support its enhanced cybersecurity efforts. By elevating its maturity level and effectively managing emerging risks, the ACCC seeks to ensure the resilience of its operations and safeguard consumer interests in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.
Nexus and Utimaco have joined forces to enhance security for mobile identities, IoT devices, and critical infrastructure. The strategic partnership reflects a commitment to addressing escalating cybersecurity threats, especially as organisations increasingly adopt mobile-first environments and connected devices.
At the core of this collaboration are integrated security solutions that combine Nexus’ Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) platform with Utimaco’s Hardware Security Module (HSM) and encryption technologies. Specifically, these capabilities enable organisations to issue PKI-based mobile identities for secure access and authentication without traditional passwords while simultaneously allowing manufacturers to assign trusted identities to IoT devices during production.
Furthermore, the solutions support compliance with regulations such as VS-NfD and the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), ensuring that sensitive information is protected and mitigating risks associated with counterfeit products and unauthorised access. A practical application of these integrated solutions is already evident in a major European telecommunications provider, which has successfully secured the provisioning and communication of its IoT devices, significantly reducing risks and maintaining regulatory compliance.
That partnership represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, providing organisations with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of digital identity management and the secure deployment of connected devices. By leveraging each other’s expertise, Nexus and Utimaco aim to deliver robust solutions that enhance user convenience and strengthen overall security measures. As security threats evolve, the collaboration prioritises user flexibility and strong protection, paving the way for a more secure digital landscape.
Argentina launched QuarkID, an innovative blockchain-based digital identity system designed to enhance privacy and security for its 3.6 million citizens in Buenos Aires. The pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone as the world’s first government-backed decentralised identity system.
By utilising advanced zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography through the ZKsync-powered Era layer 2 blockchain, QuarkID enables users to verify their identities without exposing sensitive personal data. Moreover, the system is integrated into the existing MiBa digital platform, allowing residents to securely manage and share verified documents such as birth certificates and tax records.
Starting on 1 October, all MiBa users received decentralised digital identities (DIDs), which empower them to confirm their identity without disclosing unnecessary personal details. Furthermore, with plans for future expansion to include additional documents like driver’s licenses and public permits, QuarkID demonstrates the Argentine government’s commitment to improving public services and setting a new standard for personal data ownership.
Why does it matter?
Argentina launched this initiative to enhance privacy and security and position itself as a model for global initiatives aimed at modernising identity verification processes. Consequently, the success of QuarkID could provide valuable insights and frameworks for other countries exploring the benefits of blockchain technology in digital identity management. By prioritising privacy, security, and user control, Argentina is thus setting a precedent for how digital identities can be effectively managed in the future, ultimately empowering citizens and revolutionising how personal data is handled.
Australia is making strides in digital identity implementation yet faces challenges in interoperability and inclusivity among government levels and the private sector. As Australia’s ConnectID celebrates its first anniversary, Managing Director Andrew Black reflected on significant progress, highlighted by the adoption of mobile driver licences and the Digital ID Act.
These developments symbolise the country’s dedication to enhancing its digital ID infrastructure. However, Black warns of fragmentation risks as various systems develop in isolation, raising concerns about potential inefficiencies and user frustration due to lack of cohesion.
ConnectID aims to bridge these interconnectivity gaps by fostering collaboration between public and private initiatives, exemplified through their service expansion to over 10 million customers and the creation of the Japan–Australia Cross-Border Interoperability Working Group. Black emphasised the importance of continuous strategic interaction to prevent system conflicts and ensure technically compatible, user-focused solutions. The initiative underlines the need for a unified approach to avoid diverging systems that could hinder innovation and user satisfaction.
Meanwhile, New South Wales’ newly appointed digital minister Jihad Dib advocates for an inclusive approach to digital identity, viewing it as a ‘people strategy’. Dib stressed the importance of seamless, equitable digital access for all, aiming for comprehensive digital service availability by 2030. He noted the goal of continuing his predecessor’s efforts while aligning with federal standards to prevent digital congestion akin to traffic gridlock.
Why does it matter?
Challenges faced by the Australian digital ID stress the importance of a collaborative digital identity system that prioritises interoperability and inclusivity. The key features are crucial for public trust and widespread adoption.
The broader understanding is that digital identity should be seen as more than a technical or legislative issue. It is a social challenge warranting a balance between innovation and accessibility.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is testing facial recognition technology again, three years after halting its use due to privacy concerns. This time, the company focuses on combating ‘celeb bait’ scams, which use public figures’ images in fraudulent advertisements. Meta plans to enrol around 50,000 celebrities in a trial program that will automatically compare their profile photos with those in suspicious ads. If the system detects a match, Meta will block the ad and notify the celebrities who can opt out of the program.
The trial, which will begin globally in December, excludes regions where regulatory clearance has yet to be obtained, such as Britain, the European Union, South Korea, and certain US states states like Texas and Illinois. Meta’s vice president of content policy, Monika Bickert, explained that the program protects celebrities from being exploited in scam ads, a growing problem on social media platforms. Meta aims to offer this protection while allowing participants to choose whether to participate in the trial.
The initiative comes at a time when Meta is balancing the need to address rising scam concerns while avoiding past criticisms over user data privacy. In 2021, Meta shut down its previous facial recognition system and deleted the face scan data of a billion users, citing growing concerns over biometric data use. Earlier this year, the company faced a $1.4 billion fine in Texas for allegedly collecting biometric data illegally.
In addition to targeting scam ads, Meta is also considering using facial recognition data to help everyday users regain access to their accounts, especially in cases where they’ve been hacked or forgotten their passwords. Meta emphasises that all facial data generated by the new system will be deleted immediately after use, regardless of whether a scam is detected. The tool has undergone extensive internal and external privacy reviews before being implemented.
