Turkey tightens grip on digital assets

Turkey’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance has introduced new regulations to curb illicit activities in the digital asset space. Platforms must now verify more detailed transaction data, including a written explanation for each transfer and proof of fund origin.

The move is expected to improve transparency and allow authorities to detect suspicious activity earlier.

A mandatory waiting period has been introduced for crypto withdrawals. Assets must remain on the platform for 48 hours after being purchased or exchanged, with a 72-hour delay for first-time withdrawals.

Daily and monthly limits of $3,000 and $50,000 have also been placed on stablecoin transfers, though fully compliant platforms may operate with doubled limits.

Authorities clarified that market-making, arbitrage, and liquidity provision transactions would remain unrestricted. However, platforms that fail to comply risk fines, licence suspensions, or complete bans.

These measures form part of a wider framework introduced in March under Capital Markets Law No. 6362, which mandates capital requirements, audits, and user protections. The new rules build on earlier regulations introduced in early 2025 to align with global anti-money laundering standards.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

South Korea plans slow rollout of stablecoins

South Korea’s central bank wants stablecoins introduced slowly, starting with regulated commercial banks.

Deputy governor Ryoo Sangdai said banks offer the highest level of oversight and could act as a safety net, limiting risks to consumers and markets.

Expansion to the broader financial sector would follow only after initial stability is ensured.

Despite limited support, the Bank of Korea remains cautious. Officials warned that stablecoins could accelerate capital outflows and complicate foreign exchange policy. Governor Rhee Chang-yong raised concerns about managing a won-based stablecoin in global markets.

To counter risks, the central bank is advancing its digital currency. A CBDC pilot is set to end by 30 June, with future trials depending on legal clarity and bank coordination.

While South Korea moves carefully, countries like the UAE, Russia, and several African nations are rapidly embracing stablecoin development.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

AI and the future of work: Global forum highlights risks, promise, and urgent choices

At the 20th Internet Governance Forum held in Lillestrøm, Norway, global leaders, industry experts, and creatives gathered for a high-level session exploring how AI is transforming the world of work. While the tone was broadly optimistic, participants wrestled with difficult questions about equity, regulation, and the ethics of data use.

AI’s capacity to enhance productivity, reshape industries, and bring solutions to health, education, and agriculture was celebrated, but sharp divides emerged over how to govern and share its benefits. Concrete examples showcased AI’s positive impact. Norway’s government highlighted AI’s role in green energy and public sector efficiency, while Lesotho’s minister shared how AI helps detect tuberculosis and support smallholder farmers through localised apps.

AI addresses systemic shortfalls in healthcare by reducing documentation burdens and enabling earlier diagnosis. Corporate representatives from Meta and OpenAI showcased tools that personalise education, assist the visually impaired, and democratise advanced technology through open-source platforms.

Joseph Gordon Levitt at IGF 2025

Yet, concerns about fairness and data rights loomed large. Actor and entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered a pointed critique of tech companies using creative work to train AI without consent or compensation.

He called for economic systems that reward human contributions, warning that failing to do so risks eroding creative and financial incentives. This argument underscored broader concerns about job displacement, automation, and the growing digital divide, especially among women and marginalised communities.

Debates also exposed philosophical rifts between regulatory approaches. While the US emphasised minimal interference to spur innovation, the European Commission and Norway called for risk-based regulation and international cooperation to ensure trust and equity. Speakers agreed on the need for inclusive governance frameworks and education systems that foster critical thinking, resist de-skilling, and prepare workers for an AI-augmented economy.

The session made clear that the future of work in the AI era depends on today’s collective choices that must centre people, fairness, and global solidarity.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

IGF panel urges rethinking internet governance amid rising geopolitical tensions

At the 2025 Internet Governance Forum in Lillestrøm, Norway, a session led by the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation spotlighted a bold foresight exercise imagining how global internet governance could evolve by 2040. Co-led by researcher Julia Pohler, the initiative involved a diverse 15-member German task force and interviews with international experts, including Anriette Esterhuysen and Gbenga Sesan.

Their work yielded four starkly different future scenarios, ranging from intensified geopolitical rivalry and internet fragmentation to overregulation and a transformative turn toward treating the internet as a public good. A central takeaway was the resurgence of state power as a dominant force shaping digital futures.

According to Pohler, geopolitical dynamics—especially the actions of the US, China, Russia, and the EU—emerged as the primary drivers across nearly all scenarios. That marked a shift from previous foresight efforts that had emphasised civil society or corporate actors.

The panellists underscored that today’s real-world developments are already outpacing the scenarios’ predictions, with multistakeholder models appearing increasingly hollow or overly institutionalised. While the scenarios themselves might not predict the exact future, the process of creating them was widely praised.

Panellists described the interviews and collaborative exercises as intellectually enriching and essential for thinking beyond conventional governance paradigms. Yet, they also acknowledged practical concerns: the abstract nature of such exercises, the lack of direct implementation, and the need to involve government actors more directly to bridge analysis and policy action.

Looking ahead, participants called for bolder and more inclusive approaches to internet governance. They urged forums like the IGF to embrace participatory methods—such as scenario games—and to address complex issues without requiring full consensus.

The session concluded with a sense of urgency: the internet we want may still be possible, but only if we confront uncomfortable realities and make space for more courageous, creative policymaking.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

Gemini Robotics On-Device: Google’s AI model for offline robotic tasks

On Tuesday, 24 June, Google’s DeepMind division announced the release of a new large language model named Gemini Robotics On-Device, designed to operate locally on robotic systems.

In a blog post, the company stated that the AI model has been optimised to function efficiently on-device and demonstrates strong general-purpose dexterity and task generalisation capabilities.

The offline model is an advancement of the earlier Gemini Robotics system introduced in March this year. Unlike cloud-based models, this version can operate offline, making it suitable for limited connectivity or critical latency.

Engineered for robots with dual arms, Gemini Robotics On-Device is designed to require minimal computational resources.

It can execute fine motor tasks such as folding garments and unzipping bags. According to Google, the model responds to natural language prompts, enabling more intuitive human-robot interaction.

The company claims the model outperforms comparable on-device alternatives, especially when completing complex, multi-step instructions or handling unfamiliar tasks. Benchmark results indicate that its performance closely approaches that of Google’s cloud-based AI solutions.

Initially developed for ALOHA robots, the on-device model has since been adapted for other systems, including the bi-arm Franka FR3 robot and the Apollo humanoid.

On the Franka FR3, the model followed diverse instructions and managed unfamiliar objects and environments, including industrial tasks like belt assembly. The system demonstrated general object manipulation in previously unseen contexts on the Apollo humanoid.

Developers interested in trialling Gemini Robotics On-Device can access it via the provided software development kit (SDK).

Google joins other major players exploring AI for robotics. At GTC 2025, NVIDIA introduced Groot N1, an AI system for humanoid robots, while Hugging Face is currently developing its own open-source, AI-powered robotic platform.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Bitcoin holds strong above $100,000

Bitcoin is trading around $106,533 after returning from early June lows and holding above the key $100,000 mark. Despite brief dips below $99,000 due to geopolitical tensions, strong support remains.

Resistance lies between $105,000 and $107,000, with a potential breakout targeting $112,000 to $114,000.

Technical charts show a possible cup and handle formation and a golden cross, supporting a bullish outlook.

Institutional accumulation and crypto fund inflows suggest continued long-term confidence, though short-term indicators signal caution as Bitcoin nears overbought levels.

Ethereum trades near $2,437, consolidating above $2,400 within a defined range. A cup and handle pattern, a nearing golden cross, and bullish signals indicate possible gains if resistance at $2,589 is surpassed. Recent on-chain buying supports Ethereum’s recovery from a flash dip to $2,224.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot

SpaceX rocket carries first quantum satellite into space

A groundbreaking quantum leap has taken place in space exploration. The world’s first photonic quantum computer has successfully entered orbit aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 14 mission.

Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 23 June, the quantum device was developed by an international research team led by physicist Philip Walther of the University of Vienna.

The miniature quantum computer, designed to withstand harsh space conditions, is now orbiting 550 kilometres above Earth. It was part of a 70-payload cargo, including microsatellites and re-entry capsules.

Uniquely, the system performs ‘edge computing’, processing data like wildfire detection directly on board rather than transmitting raw information to Earth. The innovation drastically reduces energy use and improves response time.

Assembled in just 11 working days by a 12-person team at the German Aerospace Center in Trauen, the quantum processor is expected to transmit its first results within a week of reaching orbit.

The project’s success marks a significant milestone in quantum space technology, opening the door to further experiments in fundamental physics and applied sciences.

The Transporter 14 mission also deployed satellites from Capella Space, Starfish Space, and Varda Space, among others. Following its 26th successful flight, the Falcon 9 rocket safely landed on a Pacific Ocean platform after a nearly two-hour satellite deployment.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

North Korea-linked hackers deploy fake Zoom malware to steal crypto

North Korean hackers have reportedly used deepfake technology to impersonate executives during a fake Zoom call in an attempt to install malware and steal cryptocurrency from a targeted employee.

Cybersecurity firm Huntress identified the scheme, which involved a convincingly staged meeting and a custom-built AppleScript targeting macOS systems—an unusual move that signals the rising sophistication of state-sponsored cyberattacks.

The incident began with a fraudulent Calendly invitation, which redirected the employee to a fake Zoom link controlled by the attackers. Weeks later, the employee joined what appeared to be a routine video call with company leadership. In reality, the participants were AI-generated deepfakes.

When audio issues arose, the hackers convinced the user to install what was supposedly a Zoom extension but was, in fact, malware designed to hijack cryptocurrency wallets and steal clipboard data.

Huntress traced the attack to TA444, a North Korean group also known by names like BlueNoroff and STARDUST CHOLLIMA. Their malware was built to extract sensitive financial data while disguising its presence and erasing traces once the job was done.

Security experts warn that remote workers and companies have to be especially cautious. Unfamiliar calendar links, sudden platform changes, or requests to install new software should be treated as warning signs.

Verifying suspicious meeting invites through alternative contact methods — like a direct phone call — is a vital but straightforward way to prevent damage.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

New SparkKitty malware targets crypto wallets

A new Trojan dubbed SparkKitty is stealing sensitive data from mobile phones, potentially giving hackers access to cryptocurrency wallets.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky says the malware hides in fake crypto apps, gambling platforms, and TikTok clones, spread through deceptive installs.

Once installed, SparkKitty accesses photo galleries and uploads images to a remote server, likely searching for screenshots of wallet seed phrases. Though mainly active in China and Southeast Asia, experts warn it could spread globally.

SparkKitty appears linked to the SparkCat spyware campaign, which also targeted seed phrase images.

The malware is found on iOS and Android platforms, joining other crypto-focused threats like Noodlophile and LummaC2.

TRM Labs recently reported that nearly 70% of last year’s $2.2 billion in stolen crypto came from infrastructure attacks involving seed phrase theft.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

HPE unveils private cloud AI platform featuring Nvidia Blackwell chips

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Nvidia have unveiled new AI factory solutions to accelerate AI adoption across multiple sectors.

Announced at HPE Discover in Las Vegas, the new offerings include modular AI factory infrastructure, AI-ready RTX PRO servers (HPE ProLiant Compute DL380a Gen12), and the next iteration of HPE’s turnkey platform, HPE Private Cloud AI.

The portfolio combines Nvidia’s Blackwell accelerated computing, Spectrum-X Ethernet, and BlueField-3 networking with Nvidia AI Enterprise software and HPE’s hardware, software, and services. The result is a modular, pre-integrated infrastructure stack intended to simplify AI deployment at scale.

HPE’s OpsRamp Software, a validated observability solution for Nvidia’s Enterprise AI Factory, and HPE Morpheus Enterprise Software for orchestration are also part of the integrated platform.

A key component is the next-generation HPE Private Cloud AI, jointly developed by HPE and Nvidia. It includes ProLiant DL380a Gen12 servers featuring Nvidia RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, supporting various enterprise and industrial AI applications. These systems are now available for order.

The platform also supports Nvidia AI Blueprints, such as the AI-Q Blueprint, for AI agent creation and workflow management.

HPE additionally announced the Compute XD690, a new Nvidia HGX B300 system powered by Nvidia Blackwell Ultra GPUs, expected to ship in October 2025.

International collaborations are part of the strategy. HPE is partnering with Japanese telecom provider KDDI to build AI infrastructure at the KDDI Osaka Sakai Data Centre using Nvidia’s GB200 NVL72 platform, based on the Grace Blackwell architecture.

In financial services, HPE is working with Accenture to test agentic AI workflows via Accenture’s AI Refinery, leveraging HPE Private Cloud AI for procurement, sourcing, and risk analysis.

Security and governance features have also been emphasised, including air-gapped management, multi-tenancy support, and post-quantum cryptography.

As part of its broader ecosystem expansion, HPE has added 26 partners to its ‘Unleash AI’ initiative, offering more than 70 packaged AI workloads covering video analytics, fraud detection, cybersecurity, and sovereign AI.

To support enterprise adoption, HPE and Nvidia have launched AI Acceleration Workshops aimed at helping organisations scale AI implementations.

Separately, Nvidia recently collaborated with Deutsche Telekom to launch Europe’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, designed to support the manufacturing sector with applications in engineering, simulation, digital twins, and robotics.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!