President Donald Trump has established a cryptocurrency working group to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. The group will explore creating a national cryptocurrency stockpile and propose new rules for the crypto sector. This move signals a sharp policy shift, aiming to strengthen the US’s position as a leader in digital innovation.
The executive order bans central bank digital currencies, emphasising support for existing cryptocurrencies. It also protects banking services for crypto companies, countering claims that regulators have previously blocked such access. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has repealed costly accounting guidelines that hindered crypto adoption, marking a win for the industry.
Trump’s crypto-friendly policies, including appointing David Sacks as the administration’s crypto and AI czar, have been met with enthusiasm. Bitcoin soared to a record high earlier in the week amid investor optimism. The working group’s mandate includes clarifying the classification of crypto assets and assessing the viability of a federal digital asset reserve, which could use cryptocurrencies seized by law enforcement.
The crypto industry has praised the move as a landmark in regulatory clarity, with many experts believing it could accelerate the mainstream adoption of digital assets in the US.
Ivanka Trump has issued a public warning against a fraudulent cryptocurrency named the so-called ‘$IVANKA’ coin. ‘To be clear: I have no involvement with this coin. This fake coin risks deceiving consumers and defrauding them of their hard-earned money,’ she stated.
The warning comes amid a surge of meme tokens linked to prominent figures, including $TRUMP and $MELANIA, launched over the weekend. These tokens initially gained attention but have since seen significant drops in value. The $TRUMP coin, linked to the former president, peaked before falling by 50% to $37, while the $MELANIA token plunged by 80% to $2.84.
Despite their popularity among crypto enthusiasts, meme coins are highly volatile and lack intrinsic value. Ivanka Trump, who played a major role in the first Trump administration alongside her husband Jared Kushner, urges caution to help investors avoid losses from deceptive schemes.
Oracle has introduced a suite of AI agents designed to streamline tasks for sales professionals. Unlike consumer-focused virtual assistants, these agents specialise in specific functions, such as updating records after customer meetings and compiling detailed reports to assist with deal negotiations. The agents can integrate data from across Oracle’s business software ecosystem, even translating information from different languages to offer sales teams a comprehensive view of customer interactions.
A notable feature of the new system is its ability to highlight critical insights, such as delays in shipments affecting repeat customers in other regions, which can help sales teams navigate negotiations more effectively. Rob Pinkerton, Oracle’s senior vice president, emphasised the global relevance of the technology, especially for companies operating in multiple markets. The tools are particularly tailored for industries like manufacturing and logistics, where accurate and timely data is crucial.
The AI agents are available to customers starting this week at no additional cost, reflecting Oracle’s commitment to enhancing its software offerings. The move aligns with broader industry trends, as competitors like Microsoft and Google also focus on deploying specialised AI to increase productivity and tackle complex challenges in enterprise environments.
The UK‘s Competition and Markets Authority has appointed former Amazon executive Doug Gurr as its interim chairman, signalling the government’s push to boost economic growth and support the tech sector. Gurr, who brings extensive experience at Amazon, including leading the company’s UK and China operations, will guide the CMA as it fosters competition in industries such as cloud services and AI. The move aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to streamline regulations and position itself as a pro-business nation.
Gurr’s appointment comes amid a critical phase in the CMA’s investigation into the domestic cloud services market, which has been scrutinising Amazon’s dominant position. While Gurr will serve in an interim role, the government hopes his commercial background will help drive pro-business decisions that stimulate growth. This marks a shift from the previous chair, Marcus Bokkerink, whose tenure was shorter than expected, possibly due to dissatisfaction among government officials.
Industry experts note that Gurr’s appointment is timely, as the CMA is stepping up its oversight of Big Tech, particularly with the expanded powers under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act. Critics and lobby groups like the Open Cloud Coalition closely watch how the CMA will handle its regulatory responsibilities, particularly in the cloud services sector, where Amazon holds a significant market share. They urge the CMA to maintain a strong stance on promoting fairness and competition.
As the CMA navigates its investigations and enforces new rules, stakeholders are keen to see how Gurr’s leadership will shape the future of competition regulation in the UK. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers, particularly in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The US government is introducing the Cyber Trust Mark, a new security certification aimed at safeguarding smart home devices against cyber threats. Launching later this year, the programme will provide consumers with a clear indicator of which gadgets meet strict cybersecurity standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Devices such as smart cameras, fitness trackers, and baby monitors are among those eligible for the label.
To qualify, manufacturers must implement measures such as strong default passwords, software updates, and data protection protocols. Shoppers can also scan a QR code accompanying the label for detailed security information, including tips on setup and maintenance. The initiative comes in response to the rising threat of hackers targeting home networks, with the average US household now owning over 20 connected devices.
Retail giants like Amazon and Best Buy are backing the programme, highlighting compliant products to help consumers make informed choices. While the Cyber Trust Mark focuses on wireless Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, some devices, including medical equipment, cars, and wired products, are excluded. The scheme marks a significant step toward protecting homes from cybercrime as digital threats continue to grow.
What impact this label will have on consumer habits remains to be seen, but it’s already drawing support from major tech firms like Google and Samsung, signalling a collective move towards better digital security.
The Japanese government has launched a new initiative, “Digital Positive Action,” to tackle the spread of online disinformation. The project, spearheaded by the communications ministry, brings together 19 firms and organisations, including Google, NTT Docomo, Meta, and the operator of Japan’s messaging app Line. The collaboration will focus on creating a dedicated website and educational materials to counter false information.
The initiative seeks to address how disinformation is often amplified for profit through higher engagement and advertising revenue. By consulting with public and private sectors, the government aims to make credible information more accessible and equip users with tools to recognise and resist misleading content.
Parliamentary Vice Communications Minister Hideto Kawasaki emphasised the goal of fostering a safer digital environment, while Keio University professor Tatsuhiko Yamamoto highlighted the need to shift societal attitudes, discouraging the pursuit of attention at any cost. With tech giants on board, Japan hopes to lead the charge in curbing the harmful effects of disinformation online.
Marcus Bokkerink has been removed from his position as chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) by the UK government, marking a shift in regulatory practices aimed at boosting economic growth. The CMA, a key agency overseeing mergers and competition, had recently paused the high-profile Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger, showcasing its regulatory power. Bokkerink, appointed in 2022, was expected to serve a five-year term but will now step down as part of the government’s effort to realign regulatory bodies with its economic priorities.
This decision reflects a broader governmental push to reduce barriers to economic expansion. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently sent a letter to several regulators, including the CMA, urging them to prioritize growth. Government insiders have suggested that the move signals a serious commitment to reshaping the regulatory environment to encourage investment and economic development.
The removal of Bokkerink, a former senior partner at Boston Consulting Group, comes as the government continues to focus on attracting international investment, with key figures like Reeves and Reynolds attending the World Economic Forum in Davos to further this goal. The government’s efforts to reshape regulatory culture align with its broader strategy to make economic growth the country’s top priority.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink shared an optimistic outlook on Bitcoin, positioning it as a potential hedge against currency debasement and political instability. He suggested that Bitcoin could reach values of $500K to $700K per coin, presenting it as a global financial tool to overcome concerns about local economic uncertainty. However, Fink also pointed out Bitcoin’s notorious volatility, acknowledging that its price has seen sharp corrections even during bullish periods.
In a significant move, BlackRock has purchased $600 million worth of Bitcoin, marking its largest acquisition in 2025. This purchase brings the firm’s iShares Bitcoin Trust to a total of 559,262 BTC, currently valued at approximately $58.51 billion. BlackRock has also expanded its crypto portfolio, launching the iShares Bitcoin Trust and iShares Ethereum Trust last year, offering investors more direct access to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
As the firm continues to strengthen its position in the digital assets market, the recent purchase highlights growing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a long-term investment despite its volatility.
India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has rebuked labour officials for inadequately investigating claims of employment discrimination at Foxconn’s iPhone manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. The commission called for a thorough re-examination after a Reuters investigation revealed that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from assembly line jobs, relaxing the rule only during high-production periods.
Labour officials, who visited the Foxconn plant in July, reported that 6.7% of its 33,360 female workers were married but failed to confirm whether they worked on the assembly line. Federal investigators also relied on employee testimonies, finding no wage or promotion bias but neglected to scrutinise recruitment records. The NHRC criticised these findings as superficial, stating they failed to address the alleged discriminatory hiring practices effectively.
Foxconn and Apple, both key players in India‘s electronics manufacturing push, did not respond to inquiries about the NHRC’s concerns. While Foxconn previously instructed recruiters to remove discriminatory job criteria, the NHRC has ordered a fresh investigation into the matter. The statutory body, which holds civil court-like authority, continues to push for accountability in safeguarding workers’ rights.
UK citizens will soon be able to carry essential documents, such as their passport, driving licence, and birth certificates, in a digital wallet on their smartphones. This plan was unveiled by Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, as part of a broader initiative to streamline interactions with government services. The digital wallet, set to launch in June, aims to simplify tasks like booking appointments and managing government communications.
Initially, the digital wallet will hold a driving licence and a veteran card, with plans to add other documents like student loans, vehicle tax, and benefits. The government is also working with the Home Office to include digital passports, although these will still exist alongside physical versions. The app will be linked to an individual’s ID and could be used for various tasks, such as sharing certification or claiming welfare discounts.
Security and privacy concerns have been addressed, with recovery systems in place for lost phones and strong data protection measures. Kyle emphasised that the app complies with current data laws and features like facial recognition would enhance security. He also reassured that while the system will be convenient for smartphone users, efforts will be made to ensure those without internet access aren’t left behind.
The technology, developed in the six months since Labour took power, is part of a push to modernise government services. Kyle believes the new digital approach will help create a more efficient and user-friendly relationship between citizens and the state, transforming the public service experience.
