Digital standards

AI in healthcare gains regulatory compass from UK experts

Professor Alastair Denniston has outlined the core principles for regulating AI in healthcare, describing AI as the ‘X-ray moment’ of our time.

Like previous innovations such as MRI scanners and antibiotics, AI has the potential to improve diagnosis, treatment and personalised care dramatically. Still, it also requires careful oversight to ensure patient safety.

The MHRA’s National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare is developing a framework based on three key principles. The framework must be safe, ensuring proportionate regulation that protects patients without stifling innovation.

It must be fast, reducing delays in bringing beneficial technologies to patients and supporting small innovators who cannot endure long regulatory timelines. Ultimately, it must be trusted, with transparent processes that foster confidence in AI technologies today and in the future.

Professor Denniston emphasises that AI is not a single technology but a rapidly evolving ecosystem. The regulatory system must keep pace with advances while allowing the NHS to harness AI safely and efficiently.

Just as with earlier medical breakthroughs, failure to innovate can carry risks equal to the dangers of new technologies themselves.

The National Commission will soon invite the public to contribute their views through a call for evidence.

Patients, healthcare professionals, and members of the public are encouraged to share what matters to them, helping to shape a framework that balances safety, speed, and trust while unlocking the full potential of AI in the NHS.

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Trilateral sanctions target Media Land for supporting ransomware groups

The United States has imposed coordinated sanctions on Media Land, a Russian bulletproof hosting provider accused of aiding ransomware groups and broader cybercrime. The measures target senior operators and sister companies linked to attacks on businesses and critical infrastructure.

Authorities in the UK and Australia say Media Land infrastructure aided ransomware groups, including LockBit, BlackSuit, and Play, and was linked to denial-of-service attacks on US organisations. OFAC also named operators and firms that maintained systems designed to evade law enforcement.

The action also expands earlier sanctions against Aeza Group, with entities accused of rebranding and shifting infrastructure through front companies such as Hypercore to avoid restrictions introduced this year. Officials say these efforts were designed to obscure operational continuity.

According to investigators, the network relied on overseas firms in Serbia and Uzbekistan to conceal its activity and establish technical infrastructure that was detached from the Aeza brand. These entities, along with the new Aeza leadership, were designated for supporting sanctions evasion and cyber operations.

The sanctions block assets under US jurisdiction and bar US persons from dealing with listed individuals or companies. Regulators warn that financial institutions interacting with sanctioned entities may face penalties, stating that the aim is to disrupt ransomware infrastructure and encourage operators to comply.

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DPDP law takes effect as India tightens AI-era data protections

India has activated new Digital Personal Data Protection rules that sharply restrict how technology firms collect and use personal information. The framework limits data gathering to what is necessary for a declared purpose and requires clear explanations, opt-outs, and breach notifications for Indian users.

The rules apply across digital platforms, from social media and e-commerce to banks and public services. Companies must obtain parental consent for individuals under 18 and are prohibited from using children’s data for targeted advertising. Firms have 18 months to comply with the new safeguards.

Users can request access to their data, ask why it was collected, and demand corrections or updates. They may withdraw consent at any time and, in some cases, request deletion. Companies must respond within 90 days, and individuals can appoint someone to exercise these rights.

Civil society groups welcomed stronger user rights but warned that the rules may also expand state access to personal data. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticised limited oversight and said the provisions risk entrenching government control, reducing transparency for citizens.

India is preparing further digital regulations, including new requirements for AI and social media firms. With nearly a billion online users, the government has urged platforms to label AI-generated content amid rising concerns about deepfakes, online misinformation, and election integrity.

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Ucom completes nationwide 5G rollout in Armenia

Ucom has completed nationwide 5G deployment across Armenia, reaching 48 cities and hundreds of communities. The operator states that more than 94% of the population now has access to high-speed mobile internet.

The rollout began in November 2024 and was completed within one year, covering all major settlements. Coverage also includes Myler Mountain Resort, the Yerevan-Dilijan highway and border crossings at Bagratashen, Bavra and Agarak.

General director Ralph Yirikian says expanding 5G is central to delivering modern, stable connectivity nationwide. Earlier work with Nokia to modernise the mobile network laid the foundations for the nationwide upgrade.

Armenian subscribers can now benefit from faster speeds, low latency and more reliable, internationally compliant connections. 5G enables higher quality video calls, real-time data transfers and innovative services, although Dastakert still lacks coverage.

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Target expands OpenAI partnership with new ChatGPT shopping app

Target is expanding its partnership with OpenAI by launching a new shopping app directly inside ChatGPT. The app offers customers personalised recommendations, multi-item baskets and streamlined checkout across Drive Up, Order Pickup and shipping.

The retailer will continue using OpenAI’s models and ChatGPT Enterprise to enhance employee productivity and strengthen digital experiences across its business.

AI is central to Target’s operations, supporting supply-chain forecasts, store processes, and personalised digital tools. Over 18,000 employees utilise ChatGPT Enterprise to streamline routine tasks, enhance creativity, and receive faster support for guest requests and returns through internal AI assistants.

Customer-facing tools such as Shopping Assistant, Gift Finder, Guest Assist and JOY reinforce this strategy by offering curated suggestions and instant answers.

The new Target app inside ChatGPT extends this AI-driven approach to customers. Shoppers will be able to ask for ideas, browse curated suggestions, build baskets and check out through their Target accounts.

The beta version launches next week, and upcoming features include Target Circle linking and same-day delivery. Target views the partnership as part of a retail shift, embedding AI across products, operations and guest interactions to drive the next wave of innovation.

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Most Canadian businesses adopt AI but few see clear returns

Most Canadian businesses are using generative AI, yet few have fully integrated it into core operations. Only a small fraction are seeing measurable returns, according to new research from KPMG Canada.

Among 753 surveyed business leaders, 93 percent reported some AI adoption. Still, only 31 percent have deployed it across all workflows, while 32 percent have partially integrated AI, and 20 percent remain in early experimentation phases.

Despite widespread adoption, only 2 percent of companies reported a clear return on investment, mostly among firms with annual revenues over $1 billion. Nearly two-thirds said ROI was between five and 20 percent, while almost a third could not quantify it.

Most leaders expect returns within one to five years, highlighting the gap between AI adoption and measurable business impact. Experts emphasise that clear strategies and robust metrics are crucial to translate AI implementation into quantifiable growth.

KPMG Canada notes that successful AI integration requires investment not only in technology, but also in people and processes. Organisations are prioritising talent acquisition, skills training and change management to enhance AI literacy and scale adoption.

Strong governance and strategic frameworks that track both financial and operational benefits are crucial for companies to fully leverage the potential of AI and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

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UAE and China deepen ties with mBridge launch

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has overseen a digital currency payment between the UAE and China. The transfer used the ‘mBridge’ central bank digital currency platform to settle funds directly. Officials say the move marks the formal launch of ‘mBridge’ for cross-border payments.

Ceremonies in Abu Dhabi also launched the first ‘Jaywan-UnionPay’ multi-scheme prepaid card. The product links Jaywan’s domestic network with UnionPay’s global acceptance in more than 180 countries.

Transactions inside the UAE are processed locally, while overseas spending routes through UnionPay’s international infrastructure. Officials say the projects highlight partnerships between the UAE and China and strengthen the Emirates’ role in digital finance.

Sheikh Mansour and Pan Gongsheng also signed a memorandum on future cross-border payment cooperation. Further expansion of the ‘mBridge‘ network and domestic Digital Dirham pilots is planned from 2026.

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EU simplifies digital rules to save billions for companies

The European Commission has unveiled a digital package designed to simplify rules and reduce administrative burdens, allowing businesses to focus on innovation rather than compliance.

An initiative that combines the Digital Omnibus, Data Union Strategy, and European Business Wallet to strengthen competitiveness across the EU while maintaining high standards of fundamental rights, data protection, and safety.

The Digital Omnibus streamlines rules on AI, cybersecurity, and data. Amendments will create innovation-friendly AI regulations, simplify reporting for cybersecurity incidents, harmonise aspects of the GDPR, and modernise cookie rules.

Improved access to data and regulatory guidance will support businesses, particularly SMEs, allowing them to develop AI solutions and scale operations across member states more efficiently.

The Data Union Strategy aims to unlock high-quality data for AI, strengthen Europe’s data sovereignty, and support businesses with legal guidance and strategic measures to ensure fair treatment of the EU data abroad.

Meanwhile, the European Business Wallet will provide a unified digital identity for companies, enabling secure signing, storage, and exchange of documents and communication with public authorities across 27 member states.

By easing administrative procedures, the package could save up to €5 billion by 2029, with the Business Wallet alone offering up to €150 billion in annual savings.

The Commission has launched a public consultation, the Digital Fitness Check, to assess the impact of these rules and guide future steps, ensuring that businesses can grow and innovate instead of being held back by complex regulations.

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EU introduces plan to strengthen consumer protection

The European Commission has unveiled the 2030 Consumer Agenda, a strategic plan to reinforce protection, trust, and competitiveness across the EU.

With 450 million consumers contributing over half of the Union’s GDP, the agenda aims to simplify administrative processes for businesses, rather than adding new burdens, while ensuring fair treatment for shoppers.

The agenda sets four priorities to adapt to rising living costs, evolving online markets, and the surge in e-commerce. Completing the Single Market will remove cross-border barriers, enhance travel and financial services, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Geo-Blocking Regulation.

A planned Digital Fairness Act will address harmful online practices, focusing on protecting children and strengthening consumer rights.

Sustainable consumption takes a central focus, with efforts to combat greenwashing, expand access to sustainable goods, and support circular initiatives such as second-hand markets and repairable products.

The Commission will also enhance enforcement to tackle unsafe or non-compliant products, particularly from third countries, ensuring that compliant businesses are shielded from unfair competition.

Implementation will be overseen through the Annual Consumer Summit and regular Ministerial Forums, which will provide political guidance and monitor progress.

The 2030 Consumer Agenda builds on prior achievements and EU consultations, aiming to modernise consumer protection instead of leaving gaps in a rapidly changing market.

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Northamptonshire Police launches live facial recognition trial

Northamptonshire Police will roll out live facial recognition cameras in three town centres. Deployments are scheduled in Northampton on 28 November and 5 December, in Kettering on 29 November, and in Wellingborough on 6 December.

The initiative uses a van loaned from Bedfordshire Police and the watch-lists include high-risk sex offenders or persons wanted for arrest. Facial and biometric data for non-alerts are deleted immediately; alerts are held only up to 24 hours.

Police emphasise the AI based technology is ‘very much in its infancy’ but expect future acquisition of dedicated kit. A coordinator post is being created to manage the LFR programme in-house.

British campaigners express concern the biometric tool may erode privacy or resemble mass surveillance. Police assert that appropriate signage and open policy documents will be in place to maintain public confidence.

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