The social media platform, X, has introduced a new ‘Paid Partnership’ label that creators can attach to posts to show when content is promotional instead of leaving audiences unsure about commercial intent.
An update that improves transparency for followers while meeting rules set by the Federal Trade Commission, which expects sponsored material to be disclosed clearly.
Creators previously relied on hashtags such as #ad or #paidpartnership instead of an integrated disclosure option. The new feature allows users to apply the label through a content-disclosure toggle either during posting or afterwards.
X’s product lead, Nikita Bier, said undisclosed promotions damage trust and weaken the platform’s integrity, so the tool is meant to support creators and regulators simultaneously.
X has been trying to build a stronger creator ecosystem by offering payouts, subscriptions and other incentives. Yet many creators still favour Instagram or YouTube over X as their primary channel, because those platforms have longer-standing monetisation tools.
The addition of a built-in label aligns X with broader industry practice and aims to regain credibility among advertisers and creators.
The company has also tightened API access, preventing programmatic replies unless a user is directly mentioned or quoted.
A change that seeks to limit LLM-generated spam instead of allowing automated responses to distort discussions or appear as fake engagement beneath sponsored content.
X hopes these combined measures will enhance authenticity around commercial posts.
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Turkey’s ruling AK Party has introduced a bill in parliament to formalise cryptocurrency taxation and revise key tax and spending rules. The legislation links crypto taxation to Turkey’s Capital Markets Law and sets a clear framework for digital assets.
Under the proposal, regulated crypto platforms would withhold a 10% tax on gains quarterly, applicable to both individuals and companies, residents and non-residents. Transaction service providers are subject to a 0.03% tax, and investors on unlicensed platforms must declare gains annually.
The president would have the authority to adjust the withholding tax between 0% and 20%, depending on factors such as token type, holding period, issuer, or wallet type. Exemptions include VAT-free crypto deliveries and corporate tax changes for foundation university hospitals from 2027.
If approved, the crypto taxation provisions would take effect two months after publication, signalling Turkey’s first formal steps to regulate digital assets and integrate them into the national tax system.
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The South Korean electronics company, Samsung, has completed a multi-cell test that brings its virtualised RAN software together with accelerated computing from NVIDIA.
A validation that took place in a realistic network environment confirms that the combined architecture is nearing commercial readiness as AI-native networks continue to evolve.
The company plans to highlight the achievement at Mobile World Congress 2026 as part of its broader push toward software-driven networks that use AI instead of fixed hardware optimisation.
Samsung will demonstrate an AI-based MIMO beamformer running on NVIDIA infrastructure, which offers operators higher throughput and improved spectral efficiency by extracting more value from existing spectrum.
NVIDIA and Samsung are also advancing a unified processor design that integrates CPU and GPU within a single chipset, enabling faster and more efficient data exchange.
Recently, Samsung integrated its vRAN software with the NVIDIA ARC Compact platform equipped with the Grace CPU and L4 GPU, taking another step toward commercial AI-RAN deployments.
The firm says that experience from large-scale vRAN rollouts and close collaboration with industry computing partners strengthens its position in delivering AI-powered network platforms for operators worldwide.
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Thales has successfully demonstrated a world-first capability that prepares 5G networks for the era of quantum computing. The test proved that SIM and eSIM cards can be remotely upgraded to support post-quantum cryptography, boosting security without disrupting services or user experience.
The breakthrough highlights the potential of crypto-agile networks to evolve securely as quantum threats emerge.
Replacing millions of devices is impractical, so Thales enables operators to deploy quantum-safe algorithms directly to existing devices. Remote upgrades preserve data and connectivity while instantly boosting security, keeping 5G networks resilient and trusted.
The demonstration reinforces Thales’ leadership in post-quantum cryptography, with dedicated research teams developing quantum-resistant methods and contributing to international standards, including NIST initiatives.
Operators can now protect long-term investments, secure critical services, and prepare for the next generation of quantum computing without operational disruptions.
Thales’ approach offers a practical roadmap for telecoms to adopt quantum-safe security today, ensuring continuity, trust, and resilience across mobile networks as digital threats evolve.
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Russia’s central bank reports that two-thirds of pyramid scheme operators use crypto, with funds sent to over 4,600 fraudster-controlled wallets in 2025. Authorities identified 7,087 online scams last year, most of which used crypto and money mules to collect illicit funds.
Officials highlighted that these schemes typically operate without physical offices, engaging victims via social media, chat apps, and phone calls. Nearly 1,500 firms offered fake crypto investments, and 84% of scammers used cryptocurrency to raise funds, up from 77% in 2024.
The central bank has blocked 21,500 web pages and social media posts linked to fraudulent operators.
The government is fast-tracking regulations, warning that only licensed firms can offer investments to Russian retail investors. Authorities plan to continue monitoring sophisticated online schemes and enhance public awareness to combat crypto-enabled fraud.
Crypto markets remain active, with Bitcoin trading at $66,566, up 3.8%, and Ethereum at $1,990, up more than 6% in the past 24 hours.
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South Korea’s finance minister, Koo Yun-cheol, has pledged urgent reforms to how government agencies manage digital assets following high-profile failures in state custody.
Recent incidents revealed that police and tax authorities mishandled seized cryptocurrency, highlighting weaknesses in oversight and security practices. Authorities will review current management methods and implement measures to prevent future losses.
Operational risks around securing crypto in public institutions have become increasingly apparent. A notable case involved Seoul police in Gangnam losing access to 22 BTC, worth around $1.4 million, after failing to retain private keys and allowing a third-party firm to manage the assets.
Prosecutors are now investigating potential bribery linked to the case.
The government says it holds only digital assets acquired through lawful enforcement, such as seizures for unpaid taxes or criminal cases. The reforms aim to strengthen security, improve operational controls, and restore confidence in the public sector’s handling of crypto amid growing scrutiny.
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The South Korean electronics corporation, Samsung, is preparing a major shift to autonomous manufacturing, converting global production sites into AI-driven factories by 2030.
As such, the company is moving toward a model in which AI systems understand on-site conditions and make operational decisions independently, rather than relying on fixed automation.
A transition that will use digital twin simulations across the whole manufacturing cycle, from materials warehousing to shipping.
Samsung will deploy AI agents for quality control, production and logistics, aiming for stronger data-driven verification and improved efficiency. Wider adoption of AI in environmental health and safety is expected to raise workplace safety standards.
The firm plans to integrate agentic AI, first introduced with the Galaxy S26, into industrial operations, enabling systems to set and execute their own tasks. Humanoid manufacturing robots will be rolled out in phases as Samsung builds fully optimised smart factories.
Samsung will present its manufacturing vision at Mobile World Congress 2026, followed by the Samsung Mobile Business Summit, where executives will detail governance strategies for managing the rise of agentic AI across industries.
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Microsoft and OpenAI have reaffirmed their long-standing collaboration after new funding and partnerships raised speculation about their relationship.
Both firms stressed that recent announcements leave their original agreements intact, preserving a framework built on technical integration, trust and shared ambitions for AI development.
Microsoft’s exclusive licence to OpenAI’s intellectual property remains untouched, as does its position as the sole cloud provider for stateless APIs powering OpenAI models.
These APIs can be accessed through either company. Yet all such calls, including those arising from third-party partnerships such as OpenAI’s work with Amazon, continue to run on Azure rather than on alternative clouds. OpenAI’s own products, including Frontier, also stay hosted on Azure.
Revenue-sharing arrangements are unchanged, alongside the contractual definition and evaluation process for artificial general intelligence.
OpenAI retains the freedom to secure additional compute capacity elsewhere, supported by large-scale initiatives such as the Stargate project.
Even with broader collaborations emerging across the industry, both firms present their alliance as central to advancing responsible AI and expanding access to powerful tools worldwide.
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Topshop has staged what it describes as a world-first AI-driven shoppable catwalk in Manchester, as part of its UK brand revival. The Manchester event combined physical runway looks with real-time digital purchasing through a bespoke Front Row AI app.
Guests in Manchester were able to buy outfits instantly as models walked, while also trying on virtual versions after the show. The experience was adjudicated by the World Record Certification Agency and positioned as a new model for immersive retail in the UK.
The Manchester showcase formed part of Topshop’s regional strategy beyond London, highlighting the North West’s role in the UK fashion sector. Students from the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University designed and presented the finale in Manchester.
Topshop’s broader comeback in the UK includes pop ups in John Lewis stores, a standalone website relaunch and a partnership with Liberty in London. Executives said Manchester marked a new phase where AI and commerce converge to reshape retail experiences.
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Agentic AI is set to transform banking operations in the US and Asia, according to a McKinsey podcast featuring senior partners from New York, Mumbai and London. The technology goes beyond traditional automation by handling less structured tasks and supporting end to end decision making.
Research cited in the discussion suggests many banks are experimenting with AI, yet few report material financial gains. Leaders in the US and Asia are urged to avoid narrow pilot projects and instead redesign workflows, teams and governance around AI at scale.
McKinsey partners said successful banks in the US and Asia are aligning chief executives, technology leaders and risk officers behind a shared strategy. Operations, risk management and frontline services are seen as areas where AI could deliver significant productivity and quality gains.
Banks in India and other Asian markets are also benefiting from regulatory engagement, including guidance from the Reserve Bank of India. Speakers argued that workforce training, cross functional collaboration and clear accountability will determine whether AI delivers lasting impact in the US.
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