New AI safety policies target teen protection in apps

OpenAI has released a set of prompt-based safety policies to help developers build safer AI experiences for teenagers. The tools work with the open-weight model gpt-oss-safeguard, turning safety requirements into practical classifiers for real-world use.

The policies address teen risks, including graphic violence, sexual content, harmful body image behaviour, dangerous challenges, roleplay, and age-restricted goods and services. Developers can use them for both real-time filtering and offline content analysis.

The framework was developed with input from organisations such as Common Sense Media and everyone.ai to improve clarity and consistency in teen safety rules. The initiative also responds to long-standing challenges in translating high-level safety goals into precise operational systems.

Open-source availability through the ROOST Model Community allows developers to adapt and expand the policies for different use cases and languages. The framework is a foundational step, not a complete solution, encouraging layered safeguards and ongoing refinement.

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Google sets 2029 deadline for post-quantum cryptography migration

A transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2029 is being led by Google, aiming to secure digital systems against future quantum computing threats instead of relying on existing encryption standards.

The move reflects growing concern that advances in quantum hardware and algorithms could eventually undermine current cryptographic protections, particularly through attacks that store encrypted data today for decryption in the future.

Quantum computers are expected to challenge widely used encryption and digital signature systems, prompting the need for early transition strategies.

Google has updated its threat model to prioritise authentication services, recognising that digital signatures pose a critical vulnerability if not addressed before the arrival of quantum machines capable of cryptanalysis.

The company is encouraging broader industry action to accelerate migration efforts and reduce long-term security risks.

As part of its strategy, Google is integrating post-quantum cryptography into its products and services.

Android 17 will include quantum-resistant digital signature protection aligned with standards developed by the US’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. At the same time, support has already been introduced in Google Chrome and cloud platforms.

These measures aim to bring advanced security technologies directly to users instead of limiting them to experimental environments.

By setting a clear timeline, Google aims to instil urgency and direction across the wider technology sector.

The transition to post-quantum cryptography is expected to become a critical step in maintaining online security, ensuring that digital infrastructure remains resilient as quantum computing capabilities continue to evolve.

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OpenAI launches a public Safety Bug Bounty programme

OpenAI has introduced a public Safety Bug Bounty programme to identify misuse and safety risks across its AI systems. The initiative expands the company’s existing vulnerability reporting framework by focusing on harms that fall outside traditional security definitions.

The programme covers AI threats such as agentic risks, prompt injection, data exfiltration, and bypassing platform integrity controls. Researchers are encouraged to submit reproducible cases where AI systems perform harmful actions or expose sensitive information.

Unlike standard security reports, the initiative accepts safety issues that pose real-world risk, even if they are not classified as technical vulnerabilities. Dedicated safety and security teams will assess submissions and may be reassigned depending on relevance.

The scheme is open to external researchers and ethical hackers to strengthen AI safety through broader collaboration. OpenAI says the approach is intended to improve resilience against evolving misuse as AI systems become more advanced.

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CFTC launches AI and crypto innovation task force

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), an independent agency of the United States federal government, announced the creation of an Innovation Task Force to support the development of new technologies in US derivatives markets. Chairman Michael S. Selig leads the initiative and focuses on establishing clear regulatory approaches.

The task force will work with the Innovation Advisory Committee to develop frameworks covering crypto assets, blockchain technologies, AI and autonomous systems, and prediction markets. Authorities said the aim is to provide clarity for innovators building new financial products.

According to Selig, clearer rules are intended to support responsible innovation and ensure market participants remain competitive. The task force is also expected to help implement the Commission’s broader innovation agenda.

Coordination with other federal bodies is planned, including collaboration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and its Crypto Task Force. Michael J. Passalacqua, senior advisor to the Chairman, has been appointed to lead the initiative.

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EU strengthens semiconductor strategy through Chips Act dialogue

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will host a high-level dialogue in Brussels to assess the implementation of the European Chips Act Regulation and gather industry feedback ahead of its planned revision.

Stakeholders from across the semiconductor ecosystem are expected to exchange views and present recommendations to shape future policy direction.

An initiative that forms part of the broader strategy led by the European Commission to reinforce technological sovereignty and competitiveness, rather than relying heavily on external suppliers.

The Chips Act seeks to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, improve supply chain resilience, and reduce strategic dependencies in critical technologies.

The dialogue follows a public consultation and call for evidence conducted in autumn 2025, with findings set to inform the upcoming legislative revision.

Industry representatives will provide direct input through a report outlining challenges, opportunities, and proposed policy adjustments, contributing to a more targeted and effective framework for semiconductor development.

Looking ahead, the revision of the Chips Act will be integrated into a wider Technological Sovereignty package designed to boost the capacity of Europe’s digital industries.

By combining stakeholder engagement with policy reform, the European Commission aims to ensure that semiconductor innovation and production can expand across the EU rather than remain constrained by reliance on external suppliers.

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Cross-device browsing arrives with Samsung Browser for Windows

Samsung Electronics has launched Samsung Browser for Windows, expanding its mobile browsing experience to desktop users. The release focuses on cross-device continuity, allowing users to resume browsing sessions seamlessly between smartphones and PCs.

Users can move between devices without losing progress, extending beyond basic bookmark and history syncing. Integration with Samsung Pass also enables secure storage of personal data, simplifying logins and autofill across websites.

A key addition is the introduction of agentic AI capabilities developed in partnership with Perplexity. The built-in assistant understands page context and user activity, helping manage tabs, summarise content, and deliver more precise search results without leaving the browser.

Availability covers Windows 10 and 11 devices, while AI features are currently limited to the US and South Korea. A wider rollout is expected as Samsung continues to expand its intelligent browsing ecosystem.

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New UK rules target foreign influence and crypto donations

The UK government has announced sweeping reforms to political donations, introducing a £100,000 annual cap on contributions from overseas electors. The move targets concerns that individuals living abroad could exert disproportionate financial influence on domestic politics.

Cryptocurrency donations have also been banned with immediate effect, reflecting fears over anonymity and the difficulty of tracing funds. Authorities warn that digital assets risk enabling untraceable political funding until stronger regulation is in place.

Both measures will apply retrospectively, requiring political parties and candidates to return any unlawful donations within 30 days once the legislation takes effect. Enforcement action may follow for non-compliance, signalling a stricter approach to financial oversight.

Reforms stem from the Rycroft Review, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the UK’s electoral system linked to foreign interference. Further changes, including stronger Electoral Commission powers and tighter donor checks, are expected.

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ICO and Ofcom issue guidance on age assurance and online safety

The Information Commissioner’s Office and Ofcom have issued a joint statement outlining how age assurance measures should align with online safety and data protection requirements.

A guidance that focuses on protecting children from harm online instead of treating safety and privacy as separate obligations, reflecting closer coordination between the two regulators.

The statement is directed at digital services likely to be accessed by children and falling within the scope of the Online Safety Act and UK data protection laws.

It provides a practical overview of existing policies, helping organisations understand how to meet both regulatory frameworks while implementing age assurance technologies.

Rather than introducing new rules, the guidance clarifies how current requirements interact in practice. It highlights the importance of designing systems that both verify users’ ages and safeguard personal data, ensuring that safety measures do not undermine privacy protections.

The approach encourages organisations to integrate compliance into service design instead of addressing obligations separately.

By aligning regulatory expectations, the ICO and Ofcom aim to support organisations in delivering safer online environments for children while maintaining strong data protection standards.

The joint effort signals a broader move towards coordinated digital regulation, where safety and privacy are addressed together to reflect the complexities of modern online services.

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EU watchdogs launch GDPR transparency sweep

The European Data Protection Board has launched a Europe-wide enforcement initiative to examine transparency and information obligations under the GDPR. The programme forms part of its Coordinated Enforcement Framework for 2026.

Twenty-five national data protection authorities will assess how organisations inform people about the processing of their personal data. Reviews will involve formal investigations and fact-finding exercises across multiple sectors.

Authorities plan to exchange findings later in the year to build a shared picture of compliance trends. A consolidated report will guide follow-up measures at both the national and EU levels.

The framework supports closer regulatory cooperation and consistent GDPR enforcement. Previous coordinated actions examined cloud services, data protection officers, access rights and the right to erasure.

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Malaysia launches AI platform Rakan Tani to support farmers and stabilise incomes

The National AI Office (NAIO), through its NAIO Lab, is advancing Malaysia’s AI-driven development by building an ecosystem that supports innovation, collaboration, and startups. NAIO Lab aims to position the country as a hub for AI innovation where developers can experiment and create practical solutions.

Rakan Tani, the first project under NAIO Lab, is an AI-powered digital platform designed to transform the agricultural sector. It connects farmers with buyers early in the crop cycle and uses AI-driven order matching to help secure competitive prices and improve financial predictability.

The platform integrates multiple AI-driven features, including pre-harvest commerce, subsidy access via national ID systems, agriculture financing using pre-harvest orders as collateral, real-time cash payouts through digital banking, and logistics coordination with distributors and providers. It is delivered via WhatsApp and supports both Malay and English, with a pilot planned in Terengganu in May 2025.

NAIO Lab also provides AI startups with resources, mentorship, and funding, enabling collaboration between experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The initiative is supported by partnerships across government, academia, and industry, including the Ministry of Digital, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, GAIV, UPM, and Segi Fresh, with the goal of accelerating AI adoption and supporting sustainable economic growth.

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