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Japan reviews legal protection for AI voice imitation

Japan’s Justice Ministry has prepared a draft report on civil liability for the unauthorised use of people’s voices and images through generative AI.

The draft focuses on the protection of famous individuals, including celebrities, singers and voice actors, as AI tools make it easier to imitate real voices and appearances.

It was submitted to an expert committee on 13 July, with a final report expected as early as August.

The ministry said the report could serve as a reference in lawsuits and AI development, as Japanese courts have not yet issued clear rulings on rights related specifically to voice imitation.

One scenario examined in the draft involves AI-generated audio that could mislead the public into believing a voice actor had read obscene material online for profit.

The draft says such use could be illegal if it harms a person’s dignity, honour or peace of mind beyond a tolerable limit.

It also outlines criteria for assessing whether an AI-generated voice is similar to that of a famous person and whether it may infringe publicity rights.

At the same time, the draft suggests that parody, impersonation and artistic mimicry would generally not infringe publicity rights when they are presented as expressive acts based on resemblance.

The review comes amid growing concern in Japan over AI covers and the unauthorised use of singers’ and voice actors’ voices in synthetic performances.

Why does it matter?

Japan’s draft report shows how generative AI is forcing legal systems to revisit personality, publicity and dignity protections. Voice imitation is especially sensitive because it can affect reputation, commercial value and personal autonomy even when no copyrighted recording is copied. The Japanese approach could influence how courts and AI developers assess consent, similarity, commercial use and harm in cases involving synthetic voices, AI covers and celebrity likenesses.

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OpenAI brings ChatGPT back to WhatsApp across the EEA

OpenAI has restored ChatGPT on WhatsApp across the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing users to access the chatbot through the verified 1-800-CHATGPT contact number.

Users can start chatting by messaging +1-800-242-8478 on WhatsApp without creating or linking a ChatGPT account. Availability is determined by the country code associated with the user’s WhatsApp number and may roll out gradually across the region.

ChatGPT on WhatsApp supports text conversations in multiple languages, image uploads, voice notes, and image generation. Users who link their ChatGPT accounts receive higher usage limits, though linking remains optional.

Usage limits, and OpenAI says the service is intended for users aged 13 and over. As with other ChatGPT products, the company warns that responses may contain mistakes.

The launch expands OpenAI’s presence of messaging platforms, following ChatGPT integrations with Kakao in South Korea and Viber in supported markets.

Why does it matter?

The return of ChatGPT on WhatsApp makes generative AI more accessible by bringing it into one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms. Users can interact with the chatbot without downloading a dedicated app or creating an account, lowering barriers to adoption.

The rollout also reflects a broader trend towards embedding AI assistants within familiar communication platforms rather than requiring users to switch between separate applications. As messaging services become gateways to AI, they are increasingly evolving into everyday productivity and information tools.

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Google open-sources k8s-aibom to detect shadow AI

Google has open-sourced k8s-aibom, a lightweight Kubernetes controller designed to detect unregistered AI workloads and generate standardised inventories of the AI models, runtimes and frameworks operating inside a cluster.

The tool targets shadow AI: workloads deployed by developers without formal registration or integration with an organisation’s security and governance systems. Such deployments can evade conventional security scanners, particularly where organisations avoid privileged agents, kernel-level access or manual changes to Kubernetes workloads.

Google says k8s-aibom addresses that gap by continuously monitoring Kubernetes APIs and container environments. It detects running AI components and generates CycloneDX 1.6 Machine Learning Bills of Materials (ML-BOMs) based on what is actually executing, rather than what was intended during the build process.

The controller runs as a single unprivileged deployment in the k8s-aibom-system namespace. It does not require sidecars, eBPF modules, privileged DaemonSets or modifications to developers’ continuous integration and deployment pipelines.

The controller monitors KServe resources, deployments, StatefulSets, DaemonSets and jobs across a cluster. It then analyses container images, environment variables and command-line arguments to identify different categories of AI workloads.

Supported systems include inference runtimes such as vLLM, Triton Inference Server, TGI, and Ollama; agent frameworks including LangChain, AutoGen, and CrewAI; retrieval and vector database tools such as Milvus, Qdrant, and pgvector; and distributed training and evaluation workloads.

Once identified, the components are compiled into CycloneDX ML-BOM documents. These records can be stored as Kubernetes custom resources or exported to destinations including Google Cloud Storage and webhook endpoints.

Google also designed the tool to produce identical ML-BOM documents when given identical cluster inputs. This deterministic behaviour is intended to support GitOps workflows, allowing security and reliability teams to compare records and identify changes when AI dependencies drift.

Unlike build-time scanners, which document what organisations intended to deploy, k8s-aibom observes live clusters to identify which AI systems are actually running, how they are connected and how those findings were established.

A confidence model separates detected components into three categories. Declared assets are explicitly specified in workload configurations, inferred assets are identified through runtime patterns, and unresolved assets indicate that an AI presence was detected but the precise model, version, or weights could not be established.

Unresolved findings can therefore be prioritised for further security review, while declared and inferred classifications help auditors distinguish documented engineering intent from conclusions reached by the controller.

Google says the controller follows least-privilege principles and can export records using a dedicated identity with permission to create objects in Cloud Storage. Creation preconditions can prevent existing ML-BOM records from being silently overwritten, strengthening the historical evidence available to security and compliance teams.

Google also positions k8s-aibom as a tool for regulatory and standards compliance. Runtime inventories could help organisations gather evidence relevant to the EU AI Act, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and ISO/IEC 42001 requirements for AI asset management.

Why does it matter?

Shadow AI has become a growing governance challenge as developers deploy AI tools outside formal security and compliance processes. Without visibility into what is actually running in production, organisations may struggle to assess risk, investigate incidents or demonstrate regulatory compliance.

By generating inventories of live AI workloads rather than relying solely on build-time records, k8s-aibom could help organisations improve AI governance while supporting audits, security operations and compliance with emerging AI standards and regulations.

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Belarus introduces new compliance rules for crypto banks

Belarus has introduced prudential rules for crypto banks under a new National Bank resolution. Board Resolution No. 167, adopted on 10 July 2026, sets out how crypto banks must comply with prudential requirements after being added to the National Bank’s official crypto-bank register.

The rules implement provisions of Presidential Decree No. 19 on crypto banks and control in the sphere of digital tokens.
The framework defines the minimum banking operations that crypto banks may carry out.

These include opening and maintaining accounts for non-residents, individual entrepreneurs, legal entities, and correspondent banks; foreign-exchange and settlement operations; accepting funds into accounts; and providing cash settlement services.

The list is not closed, and the National Bank may authorise additional operations when a crypto bank is included in the register.
The resolution applies most prudential requirements for banks and non-bank credit and financial institutions to crypto banks, with adjustments depending on the operations they perform.

It sets a minimum regulatory capital requirement of 30 million Belarusian rubles and a leverage ratio of 7%. For crypto banks authorised to place attracted funds on repayment, payment and maturity terms, the thresholds rise to at least 60 million rubles and a leverage ratio of at least 3%.

The rules also define categories of digital tokens, including corporate tokens, tokenised assets, stable cryptocurrencies and other tokens.

Crypto banks will need to account for token-related claims and obligations when calculating prudential ratios, including limits on foreign-exchange risk and additional limits for positions in unreliable tokens.

The resolution also introduces prudential reporting obligations and enters into force on 18 July 2026.

Why does it matter?

Belarus’ new rules show how crypto-related banking is being drawn into prudential supervision, with capital, leverage, reporting and token-risk requirements applied to institutions that handle digital-asset services. The framework could give crypto banks a cleaner legal operating environment, while allowing the National Bank to manage risks linked to liquidity, customer funds, foreign-exchange exposure and unstable tokens.

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Meta expands Louisiana AI data centre with $50 billion investment

Meta has announced plans to expand its data centre in Richland Parish, Louisiana, increasing the site’s AI computing capacity to 5 GW as part of the company’s broader investment in AI infrastructure. Meta said the expansion represents an investment of more than $50 billion and will support more than 1,000 permanent jobs once the facility becomes operational.

According to Meta, the project includes more than $1 billion in local infrastructure improvements, covering roads, water and wastewater systems. The company also said it has awarded more than $1.6 billion in contracts to Louisiana businesses since construction began in 2024.

The project also includes workforce development initiatives. Meta has committed $5 million to Louisiana Delta Community College for scholarships and training programmes related to data centre employment, while continuing to support local schools, businesses and community initiatives through grants and skills programmes.

Meta said the expanded campus forms part of its wider investment in AI infrastructure across the United States as demand for computing capacity continues to grow.

Why does it matter?

The expansion reflects the rapid growth in demand for AI computing infrastructure as technology companies invest heavily in data centres capable of training and running increasingly advanced AI models. Access to large-scale computing power is becoming a key competitive advantage in the AI industry.

The project also illustrates the broader economic impact of AI infrastructure investments. Beyond computing capacity, hyperscale data centres require significant spending on energy, water, transport and workforce development, making them increasingly important drivers of regional economic development.

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Eurobarometer finds strong support for protecting children online

A new Eurobarometer survey released by the European Commission shows that Europeans are overwhelmingly concerned about the risks children face online, with cyberbullying, online grooming and harmful content ranking among their biggest worries.

The Flash Eurobarometer 584 survey, conducted between 19 and 24 June 2026 among 25,904 people across all 27 EU Member States, found that 71% of respondents were concerned about cyberbullying and online harassment. Online grooming and sexual exploitation worried 70%, while 69% cited exposure to harmful content such as violence, self-harm and extremism, as well as misuse of children’s personal data.

The survey also highlighted concerns about children’s online habits. Adolescents spend an average of 4.5 hours online on school days and 6.1 hours at weekends, while 14% reported spending more than 10 hours a day on screens.

The findings come as the European Commission prepares new child safety proposals. The Special Panel on Child Safety Online, which met between March and June 2026, will present its recommendations to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 13 July. The panel drew on expertise in health, neuroscience, psychology, child rights and digital literacy, with its recommendations expected to inform future EU action.

The European Commission plans to present policy proposals after the summer. The survey also found broader public concern about online risks, with 87% of respondents agreeing that disinformation, foreign interference and AI-generated content threaten democratic processes in the EU.

Why does it matter?

The survey provides strong public backing for stricter EU measures to protect children online. As policymakers consider stronger age assurance, safer platform design and enhanced protections for minors, the findings suggest there is broad public support for more robust regulation of digital services.

The results also reinforce the growing view that online safety is no longer only a technology issue but a public health and child protection challenge. Concerns about cyberbullying, harmful content and excessive screen time are increasingly shaping debates on platform accountability across Europe.

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South Korea links water security to semiconductor expansion

South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has reviewed plans to secure water supplies for the new Honam semiconductor industrial complex, highlighting the growing importance of water infrastructure for advanced chip manufacturing.

First Vice Minister Kum Hanseung inspected Naju Lake, Jangheung Dam, Boseong River Dam and Juam Dam as part of a review of the infrastructure needed to support the project and coordination between relevant organisations.

The government aims to secure 650,000 tonnes of industrial water per day for the semiconductor complex. Plans include using surplus dam capacity, repurposing part of the water currently allocated for power generation and making use of unused water resources.

Officials also reviewed measures to safeguard agricultural water supplies while expanding industrial capacity. Proposed infrastructure includes new pumping stations and pipelines connected to the Yeongsan River, alongside consultations with farmers to minimise disruption.

The government said it will work with the Korea Water Resources Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the Korea Rural Community Corporation to ensure reliable water supplies, including during periods of drought, while supporting the growth of the Honam semiconductor industry.

Why does it matter?

Reliable access to water is essential for semiconductor manufacturing, where large volumes are needed for wafer fabrication and equipment cleaning. As countries invest in expanding domestic chip production, water infrastructure is becoming an increasingly strategic component of industrial policy alongside energy, transport and skilled labour.

The project also illustrates the growing need to balance industrial development with environmental sustainability and competing demands for natural resources. Coordinating water management across industry, agriculture and local communities will be critical as governments expand advanced manufacturing capacity.

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ECB survey highlights popularity of Chinese e-commerce platforms

More than half of consumers in the euro area have used Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress, according to a Consumer Expectations Survey by the European Central Bank (ECB). Low prices and wide product selection were the main reasons for their popularity.

According to the survey, clothing, household goods and electronics are the most frequently purchased product categories, with most orders worth €50 or less. Usage is highest in Greece, Portugal and Spain and is more common among lower- and middle-income households.

Among consumers who do not use these platforms, the main concerns are product quality, trust, personal data security and environmental impacts. The survey also found that geopolitical considerations play only a limited role in purchasing decisions compared with price and convenience.

The ECB says the findings highlight the growing influence of Chinese e-commerce platforms on consumer behaviour in the euro area and suggest they could affect competition and price dynamics in the retail market.

Why does it matter?

The survey illustrates how low-cost Chinese e-commerce platforms are reshaping consumer behaviour across Europe. Their growing popularity could intensify competition for European retailers while influencing pricing strategies, cross-border trade and consumer expectations around cost and convenience.

The findings also highlight the broader policy challenges posed by cross-border digital commerce. As platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress expand their presence in Europe, regulators will continue balancing consumer benefits from lower prices with concerns over product safety, sustainability, data protection and fair competition.

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Two in five UK children say they bypass online age checks

Nearly two in five UK children aged 11 to 17 say they have successfully bypassed an online age check, according nationally representative research commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The study surveyed 2,299 children in May 2026 to examine their experiences with age assurance, VPN use and methods of bypassing age checks. It also included an additional sample of recent VPN users.

Overall, 39% said they had successfully bypassed an age check at least once, while another 14% had tried unsuccessfully. Success rates rose from 28% among 11- to 12-year-olds to 43% among older teenagers.

Many children avoided age checks altogether by choosing websites, apps or games that either had no age verification or appeared easy to bypass. Among those who successfully circumvented checks, 63% said they simply pretended to be older, most commonly by entering a false date of birth.

Most successful circumvention involved simple self-declaration systems such as tick boxes and date-of-birth fields, which children also rated as the least effective.

By contrast, 86% of respondents who had encountered government ID verification considered it effective, while third-party identity services, payment card verification and facial age estimation also received substantially higher ratings.

Privacy was the most common reason for using a VPN. However, 22% of VPN users said they had used one to access age-restricted websites, apps or games, equivalent to 7% of all children surveyed.

Parents were involved in some VPN use. Among children who had used one, 22% received help from a parent to set it up, while 43% of current users said a parent paid for the service. However, older teenagers were more likely to install VPNs without parental knowledge.

Friends were the main source of information about bypassing age checks, cited by half of children who had done so. Practical consequences appeared to be the strongest deterrents, including harder-to-defeat checks, permanent account bans, and notifying parents about circumvention attempts.

The report also found an association between bypassing age checks and exposure to harmful content. Among children who had circumvented age checks, 51% reported later encountering at least one form of harmful material, including explicit content, contact from unknown adults and requests for personal information.

The researchers cautioned that the findings rely on self-reported behaviour and do not establish that VPN use or circumvention directly caused exposure to harmful content.

Why does it matter?

The findings suggest that basic self-declaration systems provide limited protection for children and are easily circumvented. As regulators increasingly require stronger age assurance under frameworks such as the UK’s Online Safety Act, the challenge will be deploying systems that are both effective and proportionate while protecting users’ privacy.

The research also highlights that technology alone is unlikely to solve the problem. Children’s motivations, platform design, parental involvement and digital literacy all influence whether age restrictions are respected, suggesting that meaningful online safety will require a combination of technical safeguards, regulation and education.

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UNCTAD launches global consumer product safety framework

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has officially launched the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, providing countries with the first globally agreed framework to strengthen product safety, improve market surveillance and enhance international cooperation.

The launch took place during a meeting in Geneva attended by more than 400 participants from over 80 countries, where governments, regulators and international organisations discussed emerging challenges in consumer protection, competition policy and digital markets.

The Principles, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025, are intended to help countries respond to increasingly complex global supply chains and the rapid growth of digital marketplaces.

UNCTAD also announced plans to publish a practical Handbook on Consumer Product Safety to support their implementation. Participants stressed that product safety is essential for consumer confidence and that stronger international cooperation is needed as product risks increasingly cross national borders.

Participants also discussed wider consumer protection and competition issues, including the impact of digital markets, cross-border e-commerce and concentrated supply chains.

They called for stronger international cooperation and regulatory frameworks capable of keeping pace with technological change while supporting innovation and consumer trust.

The meeting also launched the Voluntary Peer Review of Argentina’s consumer protection framework, reinforcing UNCTAD’s role in supporting member states through policy advice, technical assistance and the exchange of best practices.

Participants reaffirmed that international dialogue remains essential to ensuring markets remain fair, competitive, and safe during a period of growing global economic uncertainty.

Why does it matter?

The UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety establish a common international reference point for governments seeking to strengthen consumer protection in increasingly global and digital markets. As products are traded through complex international supply chains and online marketplaces, shared principles can help improve market surveillance, regulatory cooperation and consumer confidence.

The initiative also reflects a broader trend towards international coordination on digital commerce and consumer protection. By providing a common framework rather than legally binding rules, the Principles give countries greater guidance while encouraging more consistent approaches to product safety across jurisdictions.

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