Future of work

Ireland confronts rising energy strain from data centres

Ireland faces mounting pressure over soaring electricity use from data centres clustered around Dublin. Facilities powering global tech giants have grown into a major energy consumer, accounting for over a fifth of national demand.

The load could reach 30 percent by 2030 as expanding cloud and AI services drive further growth. Analysts warn that rising consumption threatens climate commitments and places significant strain on grid stability.

Campaigners argue that data centres monopolise renewable capacity while pushing Ireland towards potential EU emissions penalties. Some local authorities have already blocked developments due to insufficient grid capacity and limited on-site green generation.

Sector leaders fear stalled projects and uncertain policy may undermine Ireland’s role as a digital hub. Investment risks remain high unless upgrades, clearer rules and balanced planning reduce the pressure on national infrastructure.

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EU approves funding for a new Onsemi semiconductor facility in the Czech Republic

The European Commission has approved €450 million in Czech support for a new integrated Onsemi semiconductor facility in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.

A project that will help strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy by advancing Silicon Carbide power device production instead of relying on non-European manufacturing.

The Czech Republic plans to back a €1.64 billion investment that will create the first EU facility covering every stage from crystal growth to finished components. These products will be central to electric vehicles, fast charging systems and renewable energy technologies.

Onsemi has agreed to contribute new skills programmes, support the development of next-generation 200 mm SiC technology and follow priority-rated orders in future supply shortages.

The Commission reviewed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and concluded that the aid is necessary, proportionate and limited to the minimum required to trigger the investment.

In a scheme that addresses a segment of the semiconductor market where the EU lacks sufficient supply, which improves resilience rather than distorts competition.

The facility is expected to begin commercial activity by 2027 and will support the wider European semiconductor ecosystem.

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LSEG data and LG’s EXAONE model combine in new AI-driven stock prediction service

LG AI Research and LSEG have launched an AI forecasting tool that scores around 5,000 NYSE stocks daily. It combines LSEG’s financial data with LG’s EXAONE model. The service was presented to Korean financial institutions in Seoul.

The AI Equity Forecasting Score provides a numeric outlook and a short explanation for each stock. It analyses structured market data and unstructured filings and news. LG says this improves transparency in automated research.

LSEG says the partnership combines its global data infrastructure with LG’s modelling capabilities. According to LG, the system can uncover patterns that traditional analysis often misses. Daily scores and weekly commentary are already available.

Pilot testing is underway in the US, Europe, Japan and Korea. Analysts say wider adoption will depend on clear performance metrics and independent validation. They also note the lack of disclosure on trading frictions.

LG plans to expand the service to more markets and add tools for portfolio construction and commodities. Deeper integration with LSEG’s APIs is also being explored. LG describes the system as a daily, automated investment memo.

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UAE launches 1 billion AI initiative for Africa

The UAE has unveiled a US$1 billion AI for Development initiative to finance AI projects across African nations. The programme aims to enhance digital infrastructure, government services, and productivity, supporting long-term economic and social development.

Implementation will be led by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency. AI technologies will be applied in key sectors, including education, agriculture, and infrastructure, to create innovative solutions and promote sustainable growth.

Officials highlighted the initiative as part of the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for AI while reinforcing its humanitarian and developmental legacy. The programme aims to boost international partnerships and deliver impactful support to developing countries.

The initiative reinforces the UAE’s long-term commitment to Africa and its role in technological and digital advancement. Leaders emphasised that AI-driven projects can improve living standards and foster inclusive, sustainable development.

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Twitch is classified as age-restricted by the Australian regulator

Australia’s online safety regulator has moved to classify Twitch as an age-restricted social media platform after ruling that the service is centred on user interaction through livestreamed content.

The decision means Twitch must take reasonable steps to stop children under sixteen from creating accounts from 10 December instead of relying on its own internal checks.

Pinterest has been treated differently after eSafety found that its main purpose is image collection and idea curation instead of social interaction.

As a result, the platform will not be required to follow age-restriction rules. The regulator stressed that the courts hold the final say on whether a service is age-restricted. Yet, the assessments were carried out to support families and industry ahead of the December deadline.

The ruling places Twitch alongside earlier named platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

eSafety expects all companies operating in Australia to examine their legal responsibilities and has provided a self assessment tool to guide platforms that may fall under the social media minimum age requirements.

eSafety confirmed that assessments have been completed in stages to offer timely advice while reviews were still underway. The regulator added that no further assessments will be released before 10 December as preparations for compliance continue across the sector.

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Greece accelerates AI training for teachers

A national push to bring AI into public schools has moved ahead in Greece after the launch of an intensive training programme for secondary teachers.

Staff in selected institutions will receive guidance on a custom version of ChatGPT designed for academic use, with a wider rollout planned for January.

The government aims to prepare educators for an era in which AI tools support lesson planning, research and personalised teaching instead of remaining outside daily classroom practice.

Officials view the initiative as part of a broader ambition to position Greece as a technological centre, supported by partnerships with major AI firms and new infrastructure projects in Athens. Students will gain access to the system next spring under tight supervision.

Supporters argue that generative tools could help teachers reduce administrative workload and make learning more adaptive.

Concerns remain strong among pupils and educators who fear that AI may deepen an already exam-driven culture.

Many students say they worry about losing autonomy and creativity, while teachers’ unions warn that reliance on automated assistance could erode critical thinking. Others point to the risk of increased screen use in a country preparing to block social media for younger teenagers.

Teacher representatives also argue that school buildings require urgent attention instead of high-profile digital reforms. Poor heating, unreliable electricity and decades of underinvestment complicate adoption of new technologies.

Educators who support AI stress that meaningful progress depends on using such systems as tools to broaden creativity rather than as shortcuts that reinforce rote learning.

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UAE gains UN praise for Arab Digital Economy strategy

A senior UN official has praised the Arab Digital Economy vision backed by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, calling it a leading regional model for accelerating digital development.

The initiative, adopted by the Arab League, was described as a significant milestone for collective progress, rather than fragmented national efforts.

Speaking at the Knowledge Summit in Dubai, Dr Abdallah Al Dardari noted that the UAE has secured a central position in global and regional technological advancements through forward-looking policies and a strong commitment to innovation.

He argued that the country’s digital achievements provide an ideal foundation for Arab nations aiming to strengthen their own digital ecosystems.

Moreover, he highlighted the UAE’s combination of advanced infrastructure, modern legislation and innovation-friendly conditions, adding that its experience offers valuable guidance for states working to build integrated digital economies that can respond to rapid global change.

Dr Al Dardari concluded that the UAE’s role in driving regional and international development offers a model for a future economy shaped by knowledge and technology, rather than traditional growth approaches.

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Binance Japan integrates PayPay Money for crypto

Binance Japan and PayPay have launched a new service that enables users to purchase crypto assets using PayPay Money and PayPay Points. The integration allows funds deposited from PayPay Money to be used directly for spot trading on Binance Japan.

Users can also withdraw proceeds from crypto sales back into their PayPay Balance. Previously, trading and withdrawals were restricted to Japanese yen transfers via domestic banks or external wallets.

The new system allows one-click deposits and withdrawals, starting from JPY 1,000.

The service works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a smoother trading experience for both mobile and web users. To activate the integration, users enable the linkage via the PayPay icon within Binance Japan’s trading platform.

The initiative reflects growing collaboration between PayPay and Binance Japan, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for both first-time traders and experienced users while expanding crypto adoption in Japan.

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Nokia to invest 4 billion in AI-ready US networks

Nokia has announced a $4 billion expansion of its US research, development, and manufacturing operations to accelerate AI-ready networking technologies. The move builds on Nokia’s earlier $2.3 billion US investment via Infinera and semiconductor manufacturing plans.

The expanded investment will support mobile, fixed access, IP, optical, data centre networking, and defence solutions. Approximately $3.5 billion will be allocated for R&D, with $500 million dedicated to manufacturing and capital expenditures in Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Nokia aims to advance AI-optimised networks with enhanced security, productivity, and energy efficiency. The company will also focus on automation, quantum-safe networks, semiconductor testing, and advanced material sciences to drive innovation.

Officials highlight the strategic impact of Nokia’s US investment. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick praised the plan for boosting US tech capacity, while CEO Justin Hotard said it would secure the future of AI-driven networks.

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Entry-level jobs vanish as AI rises

Generative AI is reshaping the job market by reducing the need for entry-level positions, particularly in white-collar industries. Analysts warn that young workers are losing the opportunity to acquire skills through traditional on-the-job experience, which has historically paved the way for promotions.

Employers are drawn to AI for its efficiency, as it can complete tasks in a fraction of the time it once took human teams. This shift poses a threat to the traditional career ladder, resulting in a shortage of trained candidates for senior and managerial roles in the years to come.

Young professionals can counter these trends by acquiring practical AI skills, even outside of technology sectors. Combining human strengths, such as strategic thinking, with AI proficiency may help early-career workers remain competitive and adapt to evolving workplace demands.

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