Digital standards Archives | Page 168 of 383

India confronts rising deepfake abuse as AI tools spread

Deepfake abuse is accelerating across India as AI tools make it easy to fabricate convincing videos and images. Researchers warn that manipulated media now fuels fraud, political disinformation and targeted harassment. Public awareness often lags behind the pace of generative technology.

Recent cases involving Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan showed how synthetic political endorsements can spread rapidly online. Investigators say cloned voices and fabricated footage circulated widely during election periods. Rights groups warn that such incidents undermine trust in media and public institutions.

Women face rising risks from non-consensual deepfakes used for harassment, blackmail and intimidation. Cases involving Rashmika Mandanna and Girija Oak intensified calls for stronger protections. Victims report significant emotional harm as edited images spread online.

Security analysts warn that deepfakes pose growing risks to privacy, dignity and personal safety. Users can watch for cues such as uneven lighting, distorted edges, or overly clean audio. Experts also advise limiting the sharing of media and using strong passwords and privacy controls.

Digital safety groups urge people to avoid engaging with manipulated content and to report suspected abuse promptly. Awareness and early detection remain critical as cases continue to rise. Policymakers are being encouraged to expand safeguards and invest in public education on emerging risks associated with AI.

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Ireland confronts rising energy strain from data centres

Ireland faces mounting pressure over soaring electricity use from data centres clustered around Dublin. Facilities powering global tech giants have grown into a major energy consumer, accounting for over a fifth of national demand.

The load could reach 30 percent by 2030 as expanding cloud and AI services drive further growth. Analysts warn that rising consumption threatens climate commitments and places significant strain on grid stability.

Campaigners argue that data centres monopolise renewable capacity while pushing Ireland towards potential EU emissions penalties. Some local authorities have already blocked developments due to insufficient grid capacity and limited on-site green generation.

Sector leaders fear stalled projects and uncertain policy may undermine Ireland’s role as a digital hub. Investment risks remain high unless upgrades, clearer rules and balanced planning reduce the pressure on national infrastructure.

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AI chatbot comes to Shinagawa station in Japan

JR Central will trial an AI-operated language service for travellers at JR Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, Japan. The service, running from 15 December to mid-March, allows passengers to access a dedicated site via smartphone by scanning a QR code at the station.

Named ‘JRTok-AI,’ the chatbot provides ticketing information, handles large luggage, and performs service operations. It supports English, Chinese, Korean, French, and Spanish, offering location-based details and English commentary on the history and culture along the Tokaido Shinkansen route.

The trial aims to enhance travel convenience and gather feedback to inform service expansion. JR Central said enhancements and a broader rollout will be considered based on the results of this experiment.

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AI helps you shop smarter this holiday season

Holiday shoppers can now rely on AI to make Black Friday and Cyber Monday less stressful. AI tools help track prices across multiple retailers and notify users when items fall within their budget, saving hours of online searching.

Finding gifts for difficult-to-shop-for friends and family is also easier with AI. By describing a person’s interests or lifestyle, shoppers receive curated recommendations with product details, reviews, and availability, drawing from billions of listings in Google’s Shopping Graph.

Local shopping is more convenient thanks to AI features that enhance the shopping experience. Shoppers can check stock at nearby stores without having to call around, and virtual try-on technology allows users to see how clothing looks on them before making a purchase.

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US warns of rising senior health fraud as AI lifts scam sophistication

AI-driven fraud schemes are on the rise across the US health system, exposing older adults to increasing financial and personal risks. Officials say tens of billions in losses have already been uncovered this year. High medical use and limited digital literacy leave seniors particularly vulnerable.

Criminals rely on schemes such as phantom billing, upcoding and identity theft using Medicare numbers. Fraud spans home health, hospice care and medical equipment services. Authorities warn that the ageing population will deepen exposure and increase long-term harm.

AI has made scams harder to detect by enabling cloned voices, deepfakes and convincing documents. The tools help impersonate providers and personalise attacks at scale. Even cautious seniors may struggle to recognise false calls or messages.

Investigators are also using AI to counter fraud by spotting abnormal billing, scanning records for inconsistencies and flagging high-risk providers. Cross-checking data across clinics and pharmacies helps identify duplicate claims. Automated prompts can alert users to suspicious contacts.

Experts urge seniors to monitor statements, ignore unsolicited calls and avoid clicking unfamiliar links. They should verify official numbers, protect Medicare details and use strong login security. Suspicious activity should be reported to Medicare or to local fraud response teams.

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Europe needs clearer regulation to capture AI growth, Google says

Google says Europe faces a pivotal moment as AI reshapes global competitiveness, arguing that the region has the talent to lead the way. It points to growing demand for tools that help businesses innovate and expand. Startups like Idoven are highlighted as examples of Europe’s emerging strengths.

Google highlights its long-standing partnership with Europe, pointing to significant investments in infrastructure, security, and research. It has more than 40 offices and 31,000 staff across the region. DeepMind’s scientific advances, including broad use of AlphaFold, remain central to that work.

Despite this foundation, Google warns that Europe risks falling behind other regions without faster access to advanced AI models.

Only 14% of European companies currently utilise AI, which is significantly lower than the adoption rates in China and the United States. Google says outdated technology limits competitiveness across sectors.

Regulatory complexity is another concern, with more than 100 digital rules introduced since 2019. Google supports regulation but notes that abrupt changes and overlapping requirements can slow product launches and hinder smaller developers. The company calls for more straightforward, more explicit rules that avoid penalising innovation.

Google argues that Europe must also expand AI skills, from technical expertise to leadership and workforce readiness. It cites a decade of training initiatives that helped 15 million Europeans gain digital skills. With the right tools and support, Google says Europe could unlock €1.2 trillion in economic value.

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EU approves funding for a new Onsemi semiconductor facility in the Czech Republic

The European Commission has approved €450 million in Czech support for a new integrated Onsemi semiconductor facility in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.

A project that will help strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy by advancing Silicon Carbide power device production instead of relying on non-European manufacturing.

The Czech Republic plans to back a €1.64 billion investment that will create the first EU facility covering every stage from crystal growth to finished components. These products will be central to electric vehicles, fast charging systems and renewable energy technologies.

Onsemi has agreed to contribute new skills programmes, support the development of next-generation 200 mm SiC technology and follow priority-rated orders in future supply shortages.

The Commission reviewed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and concluded that the aid is necessary, proportionate and limited to the minimum required to trigger the investment.

In a scheme that addresses a segment of the semiconductor market where the EU lacks sufficient supply, which improves resilience rather than distorts competition.

The facility is expected to begin commercial activity by 2027 and will support the wider European semiconductor ecosystem.

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LSEG data and LG’s EXAONE model combine in new AI-driven stock prediction service

LG AI Research and LSEG have launched an AI forecasting tool that scores around 5,000 NYSE stocks daily. It combines LSEG’s financial data with LG’s EXAONE model. The service was presented to Korean financial institutions in Seoul.

The AI Equity Forecasting Score provides a numeric outlook and a short explanation for each stock. It analyses structured market data and unstructured filings and news. LG says this improves transparency in automated research.

LSEG says the partnership combines its global data infrastructure with LG’s modelling capabilities. According to LG, the system can uncover patterns that traditional analysis often misses. Daily scores and weekly commentary are already available.

Pilot testing is underway in the US, Europe, Japan and Korea. Analysts say wider adoption will depend on clear performance metrics and independent validation. They also note the lack of disclosure on trading frictions.

LG plans to expand the service to more markets and add tools for portfolio construction and commodities. Deeper integration with LSEG’s APIs is also being explored. LG describes the system as a daily, automated investment memo.

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Spain opens inquiry into Meta over privacy concerns

Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has announced that an investigation will be launched against Meta following concerns over a possible large-scale violation of user privacy.

The company will be required to explain its conduct before the parliamentary committee on economy, trade and digital transformation instead of continuing to handle the issue privately.

Several research centres in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands uncovered a concealed tracking tool used on Android devices for almost a year.

Their findings showed that web browsing data had been linked to identities on Facebook and Instagram even when users relied on incognito mode or a VPN.

The practice may have contravened key European rules such as the GDPR, the ePrivacy Directive, the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, while class action lawsuits are already underway in Germany, the US and Canada.

Pedro Sánchez explained that the investigation aims to clarify events, demand accountability from company leadership and defend any fundamental rights that might have been undermined.

He stressed that the law in Spain prevails over algorithms, platforms or corporate size, and those who infringe on rights will face consequences.

The prime minister also revealed a package of upcoming measures to counter four major threats in the digital environment. A plan that focuses on disinformation, child protection, hate speech and privacy defence instead of reactive or fragmented actions.

He argued that social media offers value yet has evolved into a space shaped by profit over well-being, where engagement incentives overshadow rights. He concluded that the sector needs to be rebuilt to restore social cohesion and democratic resilience.

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UAE launches 1 billion AI initiative for Africa

The UAE has unveiled a US$1 billion AI for Development initiative to finance AI projects across African nations. The programme aims to enhance digital infrastructure, government services, and productivity, supporting long-term economic and social development.

Implementation will be led by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency. AI technologies will be applied in key sectors, including education, agriculture, and infrastructure, to create innovative solutions and promote sustainable growth.

Officials highlighted the initiative as part of the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for AI while reinforcing its humanitarian and developmental legacy. The programme aims to boost international partnerships and deliver impactful support to developing countries.

The initiative reinforces the UAE’s long-term commitment to Africa and its role in technological and digital advancement. Leaders emphasised that AI-driven projects can improve living standards and foster inclusive, sustainable development.

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