Consumer protection

OpenAI boss, Sam Altman, fuels debate over dead internet theory

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, has suggested that the so-called ‘dead internet theory’ may hold some truth. The idea, long dismissed as a conspiracy theory, claims much of the online world is now dominated by computer-generated content rather than real people.

Altman noted on X that he had not previously taken the theory seriously but believed there were now many accounts run by large language models.

His remark drew criticism from users who argued that OpenAI itself had helped create the problem by releasing ChatGPT in 2022, which triggered a surge of automated content.

The spread of AI systems has intensified debate over whether online spaces are increasingly filled with artificially generated voices.

Some observers also linked Altman’s comments to his work on World Network, formerly Worldcoin, a project launched in 2019 to verify human identity online through biometric scans. That initiative has been promoted as a potential safeguard against the growing influence of AI-driven systems.

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ECB outlines plans for resilient digital euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) has emphasised that its proposed digital euro will enhance Europe’s resilience against cyber threats and infrastructure disruptions while ensuring broad access to digital payments.

Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB’s Executive Board, told the European Parliament that resilience and inclusiveness are central to the project. The digital euro is intended to complement physical cash, providing spare capacity alongside private payment systems.

Safeguards include multi-region transaction processing, a mandatory ECB-run app, and offline functionality to allow peer-to-peer payments during network or power outages.

The ECB also highlighted the importance of accessibility. Millions of Europeans with visual or hearing impairments or limited digital literacy could benefit from adaptive interfaces, voice commands, large-font displays, and mandatory support from payment providers.

Public institutions such as post offices and libraries may offer free assistance for those less familiar with digital tools.

Lawmakers received the ECB’s 14th update on the digital euro, underscoring the central bank’s commitment to combining security, inclusivity, and technological innovation in Europe’s evolving payments landscape.

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Google Cloud study shows AI agents driving global business growth

A new Google Cloud study indicates that more than half of global enterprises are already using AI agents, with many reporting consistent revenue growth and faster return on investment.

The research, based on a survey of 3,466 executives across 24 countries, suggests agentic AI is moving from trial projects to large-scale deployment.

The findings by Google Cloud reveal that 52% of executives said their organisations actively use AI agents, while 39% reported launching more than ten. A group of early adopters, representing 13% of respondents, have gone further by dedicating at least half of their future AI budgets to agentic AI.

These companies are embedding agents across operations and are more likely to report returns in customer service, marketing, cybersecurity and software development.

The report also highlights how industries are tailoring adoption. Financial services focus on fraud detection, retail uses agents for quality control, and telecom operators apply them for network automation.

Regional variations are notable: European companies prioritise tech support, Latin American firms lean on marketing, while Asia-Pacific enterprises emphasise customer service.

Although enthusiasm is strong, challenges remain. Executives cited data privacy, security and integration with existing systems as key concerns.

Google Cloud executives said that early adopters are not only automating tasks but also reshaping business processes, with 2025 expected to mark a shift towards embedding AI intelligence directly into operations.

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EASA survey reveals cautious optimism over aviation AI ethics

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published survey results probing the ethical outlook of aviation professionals on AI deployment, released during its AI Days event in Cologne.

The AI Days conference gathered nearly 200 on-site attendees from across the globe, with even more participating online.

The survey measured acceptance, trust and comfort across eight hypothetical AI use cases, yielding an average acceptance score of 4.4 out of 7. Despite growing interest, two-thirds of respondents declined at least one scenario.

Their key concerns included limitations of AI performance, privacy and data protection, accountability, safety risks and the potential for workforce de-skilling. A clear majority called for stronger regulation and oversight by EASA and national authorities.

In a keynote address, Christine Berg from the European Commission highlighted that AI in aviation is already practical, optimising air traffic flow and predictive maintenance, while emphasising the need for explainable, reliable and certifiable systems under the EU AI Act.

Survey findings will feed into EASA’s AI Roadmap and prompt public consultations as the agency advances policy and regulatory frameworks.

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Wikipedia publishes guide to spot AI-generated entries

Wikipedia editors have published a guide titled ‘Signs of AI Writing’ to support readers and contributors in detecting AI-generated content across the encyclopedia.

The field guide distils key linguistic and formatting traits commonly found in AI output, such as overblown symbolism, promotional tone, repetitive transitions, rule-of-three phrasing and editorial commentary that breaks Wikipedia’s standards.

The initiative stems from the community’s ongoing challenge against AI-generated content, which has grown enough to warrant the creation of a dedicated project named WikiProject AI Cleanup.

Volunteers have developed tools like speedy deletion policies to quickly remove suspicious entries and tagged over 500 articles for review.

While the guide aims to strengthen detection, editors caution that it should not be treated as a shortcut but should complement human judgement, oversight, and trusted community processes. Such layered scrutiny helps preserve Wikipedia’s reputation for reliability.

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WhatsApp fixes flaw exploited in Apple device hacks

WhatsApp has fixed a vulnerability that exposed Apple device users to highly targeted cyberattacks. The flaw was chained with an iOS and iPadOS bug, allowing hackers to access sensitive data.

According to researchers at Amnesty’s Security Lab, the malicious campaign lasted around 90 days and impacted fewer than 200 people. WhatsApp notified victims directly, which urged all users to update their apps immediately.

Apple has also acknowledged the issue and released security patches to close the cybersecurity loophole. Experts warn that other apps beyond WhatsApp may have been exploited in the same campaign.

The identity of those behind the spyware attacks remains unclear. Both companies have stressed that prompt updates are the best protection for users against similar threats.

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Record funding and new assurance measures mark fresh UK AI push

Private backing for UK AI companies has reached £2.9 billion, with average deals of £5.9 million, driving record growth across the sector. Ministers say investment is spreading regionally, with the number of firms in the Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales, and the North West doubling in just three years.

At Mansion House, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle urged industry to cut red tape, expand data centres, and attract global talent. He emphasised that public trust, supported by AI assurance measures, is crucial for growth.

The assurance roadmap aims to add billions to the economy by creating a dedicated profession to review AI systems for safety, ethics, and accountability. Independent experts will be tasked with certifying systems, while a consortium of professional bodies develops a code of ethics to guide standards.

Further initiatives include £2.7m to boost regulator capacity and AI projects for Ofgem, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Office for Nuclear Regulation, covering energy, aviation, and nuclear waste.

Officials say these measures will help position the UK as a world leader in AI innovation, while ensuring growth is matched with robust oversight and public confidence in the technology.

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IBM Cloud replaces free support with AI tools

The cloud computing services offered by IBM will end free human support under its Basic Support tier in January 2026, opting for an AI-driven self-service model instead.

Users will lose the option to open or escalate technical cases through the portal or APIs. However, they can still report service issues via the Cloud Console and raise billing or account cases through the Support Portal.

IBM will direct customers to its Watsonx-powered AI Assistant, upgraded earlier in the year, while introducing a ‘Report an Issue’ tool to improve routing. The company plans to expand its support library to provide more detailed self-help resources.

Starting at $200 per month, paid support will remain available for organisations needing faster response times and direct technical assistance.

The company describes the change as an alignment with industry norms. AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure already provide free tiers that rely on community forums, online resources and billing support.

However, IBM Cloud holds only 2–4 percent of the market, according to Synergy Research Group, which some analysts suggest makes cost reductions in support more likely. Tencent, another provider, previously withdrew support for basic users because they were not profitable.

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AI-powered home cinema and smart appliances unveiled by Hisense at IFA 2025

Hisense will debut AI-powered innovations at IFA 2025 under the theme ‘AI Your Life,’ showcasing entertainment, smart homes, and climate-friendly technologies. The company aims to make AI seamless and personal.

Entertainment highlights include the 116-inch RGB-MiniLED UX TV with 8,000 nits brightness, plus new laser projectors offering IMAX-level clarity and portability for home cinema and gaming.

Appliances get smarter with the PureFlat refrigerator, featuring a 21-inch screen for cooking, streaming, and AI art. ConnectLife agents will optimise chores and energy use in daily routines.

The U8 S Pro Air Conditioner brings presence detection, AI voice controls, and air purification, while Hisense expands into smart buildings, energy systems, and automotive climate solutions.

Combining advanced display technologies with next-gen appliances, Hisense says its innovations will empower people to live more freely and confidently across global markets.

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CJEU confirms Zalando’s status as very large online platform under DSA

On 25 April 2023, the European Commission designated Zalando, as a ‘very large online platform’ (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), noting that over 83 million people used the platform monthly, well above the 45 million threshold. As a VLOP, Zalando is subject to stricter obligations, particularly in protecting consumers and preventing the spread of illegal content.

Zalando contested this designation before the General Court of the European Union, arguing that only its third-party seller section (the Partner Programme) should qualify as an online platform under the DSA, not its direct retail operations (Zalando Retail).

The Court rejected Zalando’s arguments and upheld the Commission’s decision. It ruled that Zalando qualifies as a VLOP due to its Partner Programme. Since Zalando could not distinguish between users exposed to third-party seller content and those who were not, the Commission was entitled to consider all 83 million users as active recipients.

The Court also dismissed Zalando’s claims that the DSA violated legal certainty, equal treatment, and proportionality principles. It highlighted the potential for large platforms to facilitate the distribution of dangerous or illegal goods. As such, Zalando remains subject to the enhanced responsibilities imposed on very large online platforms under the DSA.

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