EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen has voiced support for using a Regulation, rather than a Directive, in the upcoming Digital Networks Act.
She says this would ensure consistent implementation across all member states, avoiding the patchwork seen under current telecom rules.
Virkkunen also hinted at easing merger rules and reducing ex-ante regulation within the existing framework, the European Electronic Communications Code.
These changes, she noted, could encourage investment and help the EU meet its goal of full 5G and fibre coverage by 2030.
She criticised slow national efforts to phase out high-risk Chinese components from 5G networks, calling for stronger action.
Her stance follows pressure from MEPs concerned about ongoing cybersecurity risks and lack of enforcement.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Korean authorities say no decision has been made on when China’s DeepSeek AI app can resume operations in the country. The app was suspended last month due to concerns over its data handling practices.
Talks are ongoing between the Personal Information Protection Commission in Korea and DeepSeek, which recently appointed a local representative and pledged to comply with Korean privacy law.
DeepSeek is considered a key player in the Korean market, but officials stress that any resumption will depend on satisfactory privacy safeguards. No timeline has been set for lifting the suspension.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
The latest draft of the EU AI Act’s Code of Practice offers a more flexible approach to copyright rules, focusing on proportionate compliance based on a provider’s size and capabilities.
However, this change comes as model providers face looming deadlines under the Act.
AI Developers must still avoid training on pirated content, respect opt-outs like robots.txt, and make reasonable efforts to prevent models from repeating copyrighted material.
However, they are no longer expected to perform exhaustive copyright checks on every dataset.
With potential fines of up to 15 million euros or 3% of global turnover, stakes remain high. Still, stakeholders welcome the clearer, more practical path to compliance, with final feedback on the draft due by the end of this month.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Dartmouth College researchers have trialled an AI chatbot, Therabot, designed to assist with mental health care. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, the app was tested on individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and those at risk for eating disorders.
The results showed encouraging improvements, with users reporting up to a 51% reduction in depression and a 31% decrease in anxiety. These outcomes were comparable to traditional outpatient therapy.
The trial also revealed that Therabot was effective in helping individuals with eating disorder risks, leading to a 19% reduction in harmful thoughts about body image and weight issues.
Researchers noted that after eight weeks of engagement with the app, participants showed significant symptom reduction, marking progress comparable to standard cognitive therapy.
While Therabot’s success offers hope, experts highlight the importance of balancing AI with human oversight, especially in sensitive mental health applications.
The study’s authors emphasised that while AI can help improve access to therapy, particularly for those unable to access in-person care, generative AI tools must be used cautiously, as errors could have serious consequences for individuals at risk of self-harm.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Chinese scientists have developed a compact chip-based quantum digital signature network that drastically improves both speed and efficiency.
The system replaces bulky, expensive equipment with streamlined silicon chips, making it easier to integrate into today’s fibre networks.
The new setup allows multiple users to share a single central detector, reducing cost and complexity. By adopting a star network design and a new cryptographic protocol, the system can handle longer documents with fewer resources and lower delays.
The Chinese experiment outperformed previous quantum signature technologies, achieving reliable performance even over a 200 km fibre link.
Experts say this research opens the door to future applications in quantum e-commerce, secure communication, and digital finance.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
OpenAI is reportedly finalising a $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, potentially pushing its valuation to $300 billion. Other major investors, including Magnetar Capital and Coatue Management, are also in talks to join.
SoftBank is expected to invest $30 billion across two tranches, starting with $7.5 billion, while an additional $10 billion will be pooled from various backers.
Magnetar alone may contribute $1 billion to the deal.
This comes just months after OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in October 2024. The latest round cements its place as a dominant force in AI, drawing unprecedented investor interest as demand for its tools soars.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
WhatsApp has gained support from an adviser to the European Court of Justice in its fight against a higher fine imposed by the EU privacy watchdog.
The Irish Data Protection Authority fined WhatsApp 225 million euros ($242.2 million) in 2021 for privacy breaches.
The fine was increased after the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) intervened.
A lower tribunal had rejected WhatsApp’s challenge, saying the company lacked legal standing. However, WhatsApp appealed to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
Advocate General Tamara Capeta disagreed with the tribunal, recommending that the case be referred back to the General Court for further review.
The CJEU usually follows the adviser’s recommendations, and a final ruling is expected soon. This case could have significant implications for the fine imposed on WhatsApp.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to reduce tariffs on China as part of a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the popular short-video app.
ByteDance faces an April 5 deadline to divest TikTok’s US operations or risk a nationwide ban over national security concerns.
The law mandating the sale stems from fears in Washington that Beijing could exploit the app for influence operations and data collection on American users.
Trump suggested he may extend the deadline if negotiations require more time and acknowledged China’s role in the deal’s approval. Speaking to reporters, he hinted that tariff reductions could be used as leverage to finalise an agreement.
China’s commerce ministry responded by reaffirming its stance on trade discussions, stating that engagement with Washington should be based on mutual respect and benefit.
The White House has taken an active role in brokering a potential sale, with discussions centring on major non-Chinese investors increasing their stakes to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that a framework for the deal could be reached by the April deadline.
Free speech advocates, meanwhile, continue to challenge the law, arguing that banning TikTok could violate the First Amendment rights of American users.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Satellite-based mobile coverage could arrive in the UK by the end of 2025, with Ofcom launching a consultation on licensing direct-to-smartphone services.
The move would allow users to stay connected in areas without mast coverage using an ordinary mobile phone.
The proposal favours mobile networks teaming up with satellite operators to share frequencies in unserved regions, offering limited services like text messaging at first, with voice and data to follow.
Ofcom plans strict interference controls, and Vodafone is among those preparing to roll out such technology.
If approved, the service would be available across the UK mainland and surrounding seas, but not yet in places like the Channel Islands.
The public has until May to respond, as Ofcom seeks to modernise mobile access and help close the digital divide.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
Cybercriminals stole billions of login credentials last year using infostealer malware, putting businesses worldwide at serious risk.
These malicious tools quietly harvest passwords and session tokens from infected devices, often within minutes.
To fight back, companies must use strong multi-factor authentication, store passwords in dedicated managers, and protect devices with advanced endpoint security.
Simple browser-stored logins are no longer safe, and attackers are getting better at bypassing weak defences.
Reducing session lifespans, using hardware-backed logins, and training staff to spot phishing threats are all key to staying secure.
By combining tech with human vigilance, organisations can stay ahead of attackers and safeguard their systems and data.
For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.
