Digital standards

New platform uses quantum simulator technology to model exotic materials

Researchers in Australia have built the largest quantum simulator yet to study complex quantum materials and advanced electronic behaviour. By placing individual atoms on silicon chips, the system recreates real-material interactions directly at the quantum level.

Unlike conventional computers, which struggle to model certain effects accurately, the simulator directly mirrors how electrons interact inside materials such as superconductors. This allows scientists to explore phenomena that would otherwise require enormous computational resources.

The system, known as Quantum Twins, consists of grids containing 15,000 qubits arranged to emulate atomic structures. By controlling how electrons move and interact across the grid, researchers can replicate key material properties linked to conductivity and magnetic behaviour.

Early experiments successfully simulated transitions between conducting and insulating states, as well as responses to magnetic fields. These results suggest the platform can handle complex two-dimensional systems that challenge classical modelling techniques.

Scientists in Australia believe the simulator could accelerate research into unconventional superconductors and other advanced materials, with potential applications in energy, electronics, medicine, and artificial photosynthesis technologies.

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New multi-stage scams use PDF files to harvest corporate credentials

Phishing continues to succeed despite increasingly sophisticated AI-driven threats, with attackers relying on familiar tools such as PDFs and cloud services. Researchers have identified a new campaign using legitimate-looking documents to redirect victims to credential-harvesting pages impersonating Dropbox.

The attack starts with professional emails framed as procurement or tender requests. When recipients open the attached PDF, they are quietly redirected through trusted cloud infrastructure before reaching a fake Dropbox login page designed to steal corporate credentials.

Each stage appears legitimate in isolation, allowing the campaign to bypass standard filters and authentication checks. Business-style language, reputable hosting platforms, and realistic branding reduce suspicion while exploiting everyday workplace routines.

Security specialists warn that long-standing trust in PDFs and mainstream cloud services has lowered user vigilance. Employees have been conditioned to view these formats as safe, creating opportunities for attackers to weaponise familiar business tools.

Experts say phishing awareness must evolve beyond basic link warnings to reflect modern multi-stage attacks. Alongside training, layered defences such as multi-factor authentication and anomaly detection remain essential for limiting damage.

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Independent UN AI panel formed to guide evidence-based global governance

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has formally submitted, for consideration and appointment by the United Nations General Assembly, the proposed composition of a new Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, marking a step towards evidence-based global AI governance.

The panel brings together 40 experts from across regions and disciplines, selected through an open global call that attracted more than 2,600 applications, and members serve in a personal and independent capacity.

In his submission to the General Assembly, Guterres said the body would act as the first fully independent global scientific authority focused on closing the AI knowledge gap and assessing real-world impacts across economies and societies.

According to the UN chief, a reliable and unbiased understanding of AI has become essential as technologies reshape governance, labour markets, and social systems at an accelerating speed.

The panel will operate for an initial three-year term, aiming to provide a shared scientific foundation for international cooperation amid rising geopolitical tension and technological competition.

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Tinder tests AI Chemistry feature to cut swipe fatigue and revive engagement

The dating platform is expanding its reliance on AI, with Tinder experimenting with a feature designed to ease swipe fatigue among users.

A tool, known as Chemistry, that builds a picture of each person through optional questions and by reviewing their Camera Roll with permission, offering a more personalised route toward potential matches instead of repetitive browsing.

Match is currently testing the feature only in Australia. Executives say the system allows people to receive a small set of tailored profiles rather than navigating large volumes of candidates.

Tinder hopes the approach will strengthen engagement during a period when registrations and monthly activity remain lower than last year, despite minor improvements driven by AI-based recommendations.

Developers are also refocusing the broader discovery experience to reflect concerns raised by Gen Z around authenticity, trust and relevance.

The platform now relies on verification tools such as Face Check, which Match says cut harmful interactions by more than half instead of leaving users exposed to impersonators.

These moves indicate a shift away from the swipe mechanic that once defined the app, offering more direct suggestions that may improve outcomes.

Marketing investment is set to rise as part of the strategy. Match plans to allocate $50 million to new campaigns that will position Tinder as appealing again, using creators on TikTok and Instagram to reframe the brand.

Strong quarterly revenue failed to offset weaker guidance, yet the company argues that AI features will help shape a more reliable and engaging service for users seeking consistent matches.

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Google issues warning on malware affecting over 40% of Android devices

The US tech giant, Google, has alerted users that more than 40% of Android phones are vulnerable to new malware and spyware due to outdated software. Phones running older versions than Android 13 no longer receive security updates, leaving over a billion users worldwide at risk.

Data shows Android 16 is present on only 7.5% of devices, while versions 15, 14, and 13 still dominate the market.

Slow adoption of updates means many devices remain exposed, even when security patches are available. Google emphasised that outdated phones are particularly unsafe and cannot protect against emerging threats.

Users are advised to upgrade to Android 13 or newer, or purchase a mid-range device that receives regular updates, instead of keeping an old high-end phone without support. Unlike Apple, where most iPhones receive timely updates, older Android devices may never get the necessary security fixes.

The warning highlights the urgent need for users to act immediately to avoid potential data breaches and spyware attacks. Google’s message is clear: using unsupported Android devices is a growing global security concern.

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EU tests Matrix protocol as sovereign alternative for internal communication

The European Commission is testing a European open source system for its internal communications as worries grow in Brussels over deep dependence on US software.

A spokesperson said the administration is preparing a solution built on the Matrix protocol instead of relying solely on Microsoft Teams.

Matrix is already used by several European institutions, including the French government, German healthcare bodies and armed forces across the continent.

The Commission aims to deploy it as a complement and backup to Teams rather than a full replacement. Officials noted that Signal currently fills that role but lacks the flexibility needed for an organisation of the Commission’s size.

The initiative forms part of a wider push for digital sovereignty within the EU. A Matrix-based tool could eventually link the Commission with other Union bodies that currently lack a unified secure communication platform.

Officials said there is already an operational connection with the European Parliament.

The trial reflects growing sensitivity about Europe’s strategic dependence on non-European digital services.

By developing home-grown communication infrastructure instead of leaning on a single foreign supplier, the Commission hopes to build a more resilient and sovereign technological foundation.

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Under 16 social media ban proposed in Spain

Spain is preparing legislation to ban social media access for users under 16, with the proposal expected to be introduced within days. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez framed the move as a child-protection measure aimed at reducing exposure to harmful online environments.

Government plans include mandatory age-verification systems for platforms, designed to serve as practical barriers rather than symbolic safeguards. Officials argue that minors face escalating risks online, including addiction, exploitation, violent content, and manipulation.

Additional provisions could hold technology executives legally accountable for unlawful or hateful content that remains online. The proposal reflects a broader regulatory shift toward platform responsibility and stricter enforcement standards.

Momentum for youth restrictions is building across Europe. France and Denmark are pursuing similar controls, while the EU Digital Services Act guidelines allow member states to define a national ‘digital majority age’.

The European Commission is also testing an age verification app, with wider deployment expected next year.

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Gemini growth narrows gap in chatbot race

Google’s AI chatbot Gemini has surpassed 750 million monthly users, signalling rapid consumer adoption, according to fourth-quarter 2025 earnings. The figure jumped from 650 million in the previous quarter, reinforcing Gemini’s rapid expansion in the generative AI market.

Competitive positioning remains solid. Meta AI has nearly 500 million users, while ChatGPT leads globally with about 810 million. Ongoing product upgrades and ecosystem integration across Google services have sustained Gemini’s growth momentum.

Gemini 3 has driven adoption, with Google calling it its most advanced model, offering deeper reasoning and more nuanced responses. Leadership called the release a key growth driver, with further investment and updates expected to sustain expansion.

Broader AI demand is also lifting Alphabet’s financial performance. Annual revenue has topped $400 billion for the first time, driven by enterprise API demand and infrastructure growth, including the Ironwood TPU rollout.

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Crypto market sheds $500 billion in sell-off

Roughly $500 billion has been wiped from the cryptocurrency market over the past week as a Bitcoin-led sell-off accelerated. Total digital asset capitalisation fell by about $467.6 billion since 29 January, reflecting broad risk-off sentiment across global markets.

Bitcoin briefly dropped to a 15-month low of $72,877 before rebounding 1.31% to $76,681.72. The asset remains down 13% year-to-date and nearly 39% below its October peak above $126,000, underscoring sustained selling pressure.

Macro forces are driving the downturn. Escalating US-Iran tensions pushed capital toward traditional safe havens, while currency shifts, interest rate differentials, and tightening liquidity conditions weighed on leverage and stablecoin flows.

Analysts say the decline reflects positioning resets and broader market nervousness rather than a single catalyst.

Near-term outlook remains cautious. Liquidation pressure persists, though key structural supports continue to hold. Technical analysts identify $73,000 as critical downside support, while reclaiming the $77,500–78,000 range would be needed to restore bullish momentum.

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Malaysia enforces a total ban on e-waste imports after corruption probe

Authorities have imposed a full and immediate ban on the import of electronic waste in Malaysia to end the long-standing practice of foreign dumping.

The Anti-Corruption Commission reclassified all e-waste as an absolute prohibition, removing the earlier discretion that allowed limited exemptions. Officials argue that the country should protect its environment rather than accept hazardous materials from other nations.

Authorities have spent years intercepting containers loaded with discarded electronics suspected to contain toxic metals that contaminate soil and water when mishandled.

Environmental groups have repeatedly urged stronger controls, noting that waste from computers, mobile phones and household appliances poses severe risks to human health. The government now insists that firm enforcement must accompany the new restrictions to prevent continued smuggling.

The decision comes amid a widening corruption inquiry into oversight of e-waste. The director-general of the environment department and his deputy have been detained on suspicion of abuse of power. At the same time, investigators have frozen bank accounts and seized cash linked to the case.

The Home Ministry has pledged increased surveillance and warned that Malaysia will safeguard its national security by stopping illegal e-waste at its borders.

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