Future of work

Harvard physicists build first continuous quantum computer

Harvard physicists have developed the first continuously operating quantum computer, running for more than two hours without interruption and potentially indefinitely.

Until now, most quantum machines lasted milliseconds, with the longest recorded runtime about 13 seconds. The Harvard team overcame the problem of qubit loss by replenishing atoms in real time using an optical lattice conveyor belt and optical tweezers.

The system contains 3,000 qubits and can inject 300,000 atoms per second, allowing information to be preserved as older particles escape. The findings were produced with MIT collaborators and mark a turning point in quantum research.

Researchers say machines capable of running indefinitely could arrive within two to three years, accelerating progress in medicine, finance, and cryptography. Harvard has heavily invested in the field, launching one of the first PhD programmes in quantum science.

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

Mexico drafts law to regulate AI in dubbing and animation

The Mexican government is preparing a law to regulate the use of AI in dubbing, animation, and voiceovers to prevent unauthorised voice cloning and safeguard creative rights.

Working with the National Copyright Institute and more than 128 associations, it aims to reform copyright legislation before the end of the year.

The plan would strengthen protections for actors, voiceover artists, and creative workers, while addressing contract conditions and establishing a ‘Made in Mexico’ seal for cultural industries.

A bill that is expected to prohibit synthetic dubbing without consent, impose penalties for misuse, and recognise voice and image as biometric data.

Industry voices warn that AI has already disrupted work opportunities. Several dubbing firms in Los Angeles have closed, with their projects taken over by companies specialising in AI-driven dubbing.

Startups such as Deepdub and TrueSync have advanced the technology, dubbing films and television content across languages at scale.

Unions and creative groups argue that regulation is vital to protect both jobs and culture. While AI offers efficiency in translation and production, it cannot yet replicate the emotional depth of human performance.

The law is seen as the first attempt of Mexico to balance technological innovation with the rights of workers and creators.

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

Atlantic Quantum joins Google Quantum AI to advance scalable quantum hardware

Google Quantum AI has taken a major step in its pursuit of error-corrected quantum computing by integrating Atlantic Quantum, an MIT spin-out focused on superconducting hardware.

The move, while not formally labelled an acquisition, effectively brings the startup’s technology and talent into Google’s programme, strengthening its roadmap toward scalable quantum systems.

Atlantic Quantum, founded in 2021, has worked on integrating qubits with superconducting control electronics in the same cold stage.

A modular chip stack that promises to simplify design, reduce noise, and make scaling more efficient. Everything is equally important to build machines capable of solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

Google’s Hartmut Neven highlighted the approach as a way to accelerate progress toward large, fault-tolerant devices.

The startup’s journey, from MIT research labs to Google integration, has been rapid and marked by what CEO Bharath Kannan called ‘managed chaos’.

The founding team and investors were credited with pushing superconducting design forward despite the immense challenges of commercialising such cutting-edge technology.

Beyond hardware, Google gains a strong pool of engineers and researchers, enhancing its competitive edge in a field where rivals include IBM and several well-funded scale-ups.

A move that reflects a broader industry trend where research-heavy startups are increasingly folded into major technology firms to advance long-term quantum ambitions. With governments and corporations pouring resources into the race, consolidation is becoming common.

For Atlantic Quantum, joining Google ensures both technological momentum and access to resources needed for the next phase. As co-founder Simon Gustavsson put it, the work ‘does not stop here’ but continues within Google Quantum AI’s effort to deliver real-world quantum applications.

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

AWS expands tech skills programme to Tennessee

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expanding its Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance to Tennessee, making it the sixth US state to join the initiative. The partnership with the Nashville Innovation Alliance targets middle Tennessee’s rising demand for AI and cloud computing talent.

Between 2020 and 2023, tech job postings in the region increased by 35 percent, with around 8,000 roles currently open.

The programme will link students from local universities with employers and practical learning opportunities. Courses will be modernised to meet industry demand, ensuring students gain relevant AI and cloud expertise.

Local leaders emphasised the initiative’s potential to strengthen Nashville’s workforce. Mayor Freddie O’Connell stressed preparing residents for tech careers, while AWS and the Alliance aim to create sustainable pathways to high-paying roles.

The Tech Alliance has already reached 62,000 learners globally and engaged over 780 employers. Tennessee’s expansion aims to reach over 1,000 residents by 2027, with further statewide growth planned to boost Nashville’s role as a southeastern tech hub.

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

Comet AI browser is now free as Perplexity launches Comet Plus service

Perplexity has made its Comet AI browser available to everyone for free, widening access beyond its paid user base. The browser, launched three months ago for Max subscribers, introduces new tools designed to turn web browsing into an AI-driven task assistant.

The company describes Comet as a ‘browser for agentic search’, referring to autonomous software agents capable of handling multi-step tasks for users.

Free users can access the sidecar assistant alongside tools for shopping comparisons, travel planning, budgeting, sports updates, project management, and personalised recommendations.

Max subscribers gain early access to more advanced features, including a background assistant likened to a personal mission control dashboard. The tool can draft emails, book tickets, find flights, and integrate with apps on a user’s computer, running tasks in the background with minimal intervention.

Pro users also retain access to advanced AI models and media generation tools.

Perplexity is further introducing Comet Plus, a $5-per-month standalone subscription service that acts as an AI-powered alternative to Apple News. Current Pro and Max subscribers will receive the service automatically.

The move signals Perplexity’s ambition to expand its ecosystem while balancing free accessibility with premium AI features.

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

Japan and OpenAI team up for public sector AI innovation

Japan’s Digital Agency partners with OpenAI to integrate AI into public services, enhancing efficiency and innovation. Gennai, an OpenAI-powered tool, will enable government employees to explore innovative public sector applications, supporting Japan’s modern governance vision.

The collaboration supports Japan’s leadership in the Hiroshima AI Process, backed by the OECD and G7. The framework sets global AI guidelines, ensuring safety, security, and trust while promoting inclusive governance across governments, industry, academia, and civil society in Asia and beyond.

OpenAI is committed to meeting Japan’s rigorous standards and pursuing ISMAP certification to ensure secure and reliable AI use in government operations. The partnership strengthens trust and transparency in AI deployment, aligning with Japan’s national policies.

OpenAI plans to strengthen ties with Japanese authorities, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. The collaboration seeks to integrate AI into society responsibly, prioritising safety, transparency, and global cooperation for sustainable benefits.

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

Oracle systems targeted in unverified data theft claims, Google warns

Google has warned that hackers are emailing company executives, claiming to have stolen sensitive data from Oracle business applications. The group behind the campaign identifies itself as affiliated with the Cl0p ransomware gang.

In a statement, Google said the attackers target executives at multiple organisations with extortion emails linked to Oracle’s E-Business Suite. The company stated that it lacks sufficient evidence to verify the claims or confirm whether any data has been taken.

Neither Cl0p nor Oracle responded to requests for comment. Google did not provide additional information about the scale or specific campaign targets.

The cl0p ransomware gang has been involved in several high-profile extortion cases, often using claims of data theft to pressure organisations into paying ransoms, even when breaches remain unverified.

Google advised recipients to treat such messages cautiously and report any suspicious emails to security teams while investigations continue.

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

Dutch AI actress ignites Hollywood backlash

An AI ‘actress’ created in the Netherlands has sparked controversy across the global film industry. Tilly Norwood, designed by Dutch actress Eline van der Velde, is capable of talking, waving, and crying, and is reportedly being pitched to talent agencies.

Hollywood unions and stars have voiced strong objections. US-based SAG-AFTRA said Norwood was trained on the work of professional actors without life experience or human emotion, warning that its use could undermine existing contracts.

Actresses Natasha Lyonne and Emily Blunt also criticised the Dutch project, with Lyonne calling for a boycott of agencies working with Norwood, and Blunt describing it as ‘really scary’.

Van der Velde defended her AI creation, describing Norwood as a piece of art rather than a replacement for performers. She argued the project should be judged as a new genre rather than compared directly to human actors.

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

China’s new K visa sparks public backlash

China’s new K visa, aimed at foreign professionals in science and technology, has sparked heated debate and online backlash. The scheme, announced in August and launched this week, has been compared by Indian media to the US H-1B visa.

Tens of thousands of social media users in China have voiced fears that the programme will worsen job competition in an already difficult market. Comments also included xenophobic remarks, particularly directed at Indian nationals.

State media outlets have stepped in, defending the policy as a sign of China’s openness while stressing that it is not a simple work permit or immigration pathway. Officials say the visa is designed to attract graduates and researchers from top institutions in STEM fields.

The government has yet to clarify whether the visa allows foreign professionals to work, adding to uncertainty. Analysts note that language barriers, cultural differences, and China’s political environment may pose challenges for newcomers despite Beijing’s drive to attract global talent.

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

NIST pushes longer passphrases and MFA over strict rules

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its password guidelines, urging organisations to drop strict complexity rules. NIST states that requirements such as mandatory symbols and frequent resets often harm usability without significantly improving security.

Instead, the agency recommends using blocklists for breached or commonly used passwords, implementing hashed storage, and rate limiting to resist brute-force attacks. Multi-factor authentication and password managers are encouraged as additional safeguards.

Password length remains essential. Short strings are easily cracked, but users should be allowed to create longer passphrases. NIST recommends limiting only extremely long passwords that slow down hashing.

The new approach replaces mandatory resets with changes triggered only after suspected compromise, such as a data breach. NIST argues this method reduces fatigue while improving overall account protection.

Businesses adopting these guidelines must audit their existing policies, reconfigure authentication systems, deploy blocklists, and train employees to adapt accordingly. Clear communication of the changes will be key to ensuring compliance.

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