Future of work Archives | Page 3 of 232 | Digital Watch Observatory

Open letter targets Meta ad practices

A coalition of civil society and industry groups has urged the European Commission to enforce the Digital Markets Act more rigorously, warning that major tech firms continue to exploit compliance gaps. The appeal centres on concerns over data use and online advertising practices.

Organisations including noyb, Check My Ads, and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties argue that current models fail to offer users genuine choice. Critics say consent mechanisms tied to payment or tracking undermine the intent of the EU digital rules.

The letter against Meta calls for clearer standards, including equal options for personalised and non-personalised advertising, as well as stricter limits on design practices that influence user decisions. Campaigners also want stronger coordination between regulators to ensure consistent enforcement.

The push reflects wider frustration among European organisations, with several recent letters demanding faster action against dominant platforms. Observers warn that delayed enforcement risks weakening the credibility of the EU digital regulation.

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Microsoft launches nonprofit AI training and fellowship initiative

Microsoft has announced a new programme called Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers, aimed at helping nonprofit leaders build AI skills, credentials, and organisational capacity. In a post published on 25 March, the initiative is said to have been introduced alongside the company’s Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, which it says brought together more than 1,500 nonprofit leaders from around the world.

The company says the programme is designed to help nonprofit organisations adopt AI in ways that reflect their missions and the communities they serve. According to the company, the new initiative includes an AI for Nonprofits credential developed with LinkedIn and NetHope, live and on-demand training on topics such as Copilot, change management, and responsible AI governance, and a Changemaker Fellowship for nonprofit professionals working on AI-related projects.

The AI for Nonprofits credential is a professional certificate built on work across the nonprofit sector, with participants receiving a LinkedIn professional certificate. Microsoft also says the fellowship will provide resources, investment, and expert guidance, while connecting participants to a global cohort and a wider network of nonprofit AI leaders. According to the post, support for the fellowship includes Microsoft and launch partners EY and Caribou.

Microsoft places the announcement within a broader argument about how AI is affecting labour, communities, and service delivery. The company says nonprofits are often closely connected to people seeking new skills, employment pathways, and community support, and that such organisations are well-positioned to help shape AI adoption at the local level. Microsoft also says the programme forms part of its wider Microsoft Elevate commitment and refers to plans to deliver more than $5 billion in discounts, donations, and grants over the next year to support nonprofit organisations and education systems.

Several examples in the post illustrate how Microsoft says AI is already being applied in nonprofit work. Microsoft says ARcare has used AI to reduce administrative work and estimates it has eliminated six to eight hours of manual tasks per day. Opportunity International is cited as using AI to scale a local-language chatbot for farmers, while Head Start Homes is described as using AI to increase organisational bandwidth and attract new funding. The tech conglomerate also points to de Alliantie, saying AI has helped the organisation improve efficiency in housing support operations while maintaining a human-centred approach.

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New Mexico wins major case against Meta

A jury has found Meta Platforms liable for misleading consumers and endangering children in a landmark case brought by the New Mexico Department of Justice. The verdict marks the first successful trial by a US state against a major tech firm over child safety concerns.

Jurors awarded civil penalties totalling 375 million dollars after finding violations of consumer protection law. The case focused on claims that platform design choices exposed young users to harmful and exploitative content.

Evidence presented in court included internal company documents and testimony suggesting awareness of risks to children. Allegations centred on failures to prevent exploitation, as well as features linked to addictive behaviour and exposure to harmful material.

Further proceedings in the US are scheduled, with authorities seeking additional penalties and mandated changes to platform safety measures. Proposed actions include stronger age verification and improved protections for minors online.

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Microsoft and NVIDIA unveil AI tools for nuclear energy permitting and operations

Microsoft has announced an AI collaboration with NVIDIA to support nuclear energy projects across permitting, design, construction, and operations. In a post published on 24 March, the tech conglomerate said the initiative aims to provide end-to-end tools for the nuclear sector, focusing on streamlining permitting, accelerating design, and optimising operations.

Microsoft frames the effort within a broader energy challenge, arguing that rising power demand and long project timelines are putting pressure to accelerate the delivery of firm, carbon-free power. The company says customised engineering, fragmented data, and manual regulatory review slow nuclear projects. It presents AI as a way to make project development more repeatable, traceable, secure, and predictable.

The post says the collaboration spans the full lifecycle of a nuclear plant. Microsoft describes a model in which digital twins, high-fidelity simulations, and AI-assisted workflows support design and engineering, licensing and permitting, construction and delivery, and operations and maintenance.

According to the company, engineers would be able to reuse design patterns, model the impact of changes before construction begins, and link project decisions to supporting evidence and applicable rules. Microsoft also says generative AI can assist with drafting and gap analysis in permit documentation, while predictive modelling and operational digital twins can support anomaly detection and maintenance planning.

Microsoft says traceability and auditability are central to the approach. The company lists four intended qualities of the system: traceable records linking engineering decisions to evidence and regulations, audit-ready documentation, secure use within a governed environment, and predictable outcomes through simulations intended to identify delays before they occur in the real world.

Several case examples are included in the post. Microsoft says Aalo Atomics reduced the permitting process by 92% using its Generative AI for Permitting solution and estimates annual savings of 80$ million.

Aalo Atomics Chief Technology Officer Yasir Arafat is quoted as saying: ‘Two things matter most: enterprise-scale complexity and mission-critical reliability. We’re deploying something complex at a scale only a company like Microsoft really understands. There’s no room for anything less than proven reliability.’

Microsoft also says Southern Nuclear has deployed Copilot agents across engineering and licensing workstreams to improve consistency, reuse knowledge faster, and support decision-making. Idaho National Laboratory is described as an early adopter in the US federal context, with Microsoft saying the lab is using AI capabilities to automate the assembly of engineering and safety analysis reports and to create standard methodologies for regulators to adopt the tools safely.

The post also expands beyond those three examples. Microsoft says Everstar, described as an NVIDIA Inception startup, is bringing domain-specific AI for nuclear to Azure to support project workflows and governed data pipelines.

Everstar Chief Executive Officer Kevin Kong is quoted as saying: ‘The nuclear industry has been bottlenecked by documentation burden and regulatory complexity for decades. This partnership means our customers get the secure, scalable cloud deployments they demand. It’s a significant step toward making nuclear power fast, safe, and unstoppable.’

Microsoft also says Atomic Canyon’s Neutron platform is available on the Microsoft Marketplace for nuclear developers via established procurement channels.

At the technical level, Microsoft says the collaboration brings together NVIDIA Omniverse, NVIDIA Earth-2, NVIDIA CUDA-X, NVIDIA AI Enterprise, PhysicsNeMo, Isaac Sim, and Metropolis with Microsoft Generative AI for Permitting Solution Accelerator and Microsoft Planetary Computer. The company presents the stack as a digital ecosystem for nuclear energy on Azure.

The official post is a corporate announcement rather than an independent assessment of the approach’s effectiveness. The published note outlines the company’s intended use cases, named partners, and customer examples, but it does not provide a third-party evaluation of the broader claims regarding delivery speed, regulatory confidence, or sector-wide impact.

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Zimbabwe advances AI national strategy with UNESCO support

Zimbabwe has launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026 to 2030, marking a significant step towards shaping its digital future instead of relying solely on traditional development pathways.

Announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare, the strategy sets out a national framework for the responsible use of AI to support innovation, improve public services, and expand economic opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, and public administration.

The strategy places strong emphasis on building digital infrastructure, developing AI skills, and strengthening research and innovation ecosystems.

Officials highlighted the importance of governance frameworks to ensure that AI systems remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with national priorities instead of advancing without oversight.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to position Zimbabwe within the evolving technological landscape of the fourth industrial revolution while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Development of the strategy was supported by UNESCO, working alongside national institutions and stakeholders from academia, industry, and civil society.

The process was informed by the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology and aligned with UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, promoting a human-centred approach that prioritises human rights, fairness, and transparency.

Regional initiatives across Southern Africa have also contributed to strengthening AI adoption readiness through similar assessment frameworks.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe aims to translate the strategy into concrete investments in infrastructure, talent development, and innovation ecosystems.

International partners, including the UN, have expressed support for implementation efforts, emphasising the importance of inclusive growth and equitable access to digital opportunities.

By combining national leadership with international collaboration, Zimbabwe seeks to ensure that AI benefits communities across urban and rural areas rather than widening existing socioeconomic divides.

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EU strengthens semiconductor strategy through Chips Act dialogue

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will host a high-level dialogue in Brussels to assess the implementation of the European Chips Act Regulation and gather industry feedback ahead of its planned revision.

Stakeholders from across the semiconductor ecosystem are expected to exchange views and present recommendations to shape future policy direction.

An initiative that forms part of the broader strategy led by the European Commission to reinforce technological sovereignty and competitiveness, rather than relying heavily on external suppliers.

The Chips Act seeks to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, improve supply chain resilience, and reduce strategic dependencies in critical technologies.

The dialogue follows a public consultation and call for evidence conducted in autumn 2025, with findings set to inform the upcoming legislative revision.

Industry representatives will provide direct input through a report outlining challenges, opportunities, and proposed policy adjustments, contributing to a more targeted and effective framework for semiconductor development.

Looking ahead, the revision of the Chips Act will be integrated into a wider Technological Sovereignty package designed to boost the capacity of Europe’s digital industries.

By combining stakeholder engagement with policy reform, the European Commission aims to ensure that semiconductor innovation and production can expand across the EU rather than remain constrained by reliance on external suppliers.

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National AI readiness initiative introduced in the US

The US National Science Foundation has introduced the NSF TechAccess: AI-Ready America initiative to expand access to AI education, tools, and training. The programme is designed to ensure workers, businesses, and communities can actively participate in the growing AI-driven economy.

Federal collaboration forms a core part of the initiative, bringing together the Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Labour, and the Small Business Administration.

The effort aims to close gaps in AI capability by improving literacy, supporting small businesses, and building hands-on learning pathways such as internships and applied training.

A network of up to 56 state and territory-based Coordination Hubs will be created to coordinate local AI adoption strategies. Each hub will receive up to $1 million in annual funding over three years, with the potential for an extension based on continued need and impact.

Further funding rounds are planned to appoint a national coordination lead and support pilot projects that scale AI readiness solutions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy informed by the White House AI Action Plan.

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EU watchdogs launch GDPR transparency sweep

The European Data Protection Board has launched a Europe-wide enforcement initiative to examine transparency and information obligations under the GDPR. The programme forms part of its Coordinated Enforcement Framework for 2026.

Twenty-five national data protection authorities will assess how organisations inform people about the processing of their personal data. Reviews will involve formal investigations and fact-finding exercises across multiple sectors.

Authorities plan to exchange findings later in the year to build a shared picture of compliance trends. A consolidated report will guide follow-up measures at both the national and EU levels.

The framework supports closer regulatory cooperation and consistent GDPR enforcement. Previous coordinated actions examined cloud services, data protection officers, access rights and the right to erasure.

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Quantum readiness gains momentum according to OECD report

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) highlights how businesses are preparing for quantum computing, recognising it as a transformative technology instead of relying solely on conventional computing methods.

Quantum readiness is framed as a long-term capability-building effort in which firms gradually develop skills, infrastructure, and partnerships to explore commercial applications while navigating uncertainty.

Drawing on research, surveys, and interviews with public and private organisations across 10 countries, the OECD identifies both the practical steps companies take to build readiness and the barriers that slow adoption.

Early efforts focus on low-cost awareness and exploration, including attending workshops, training sessions, and industry events, allowing firms to familiarise themselves with emerging opportunities instead of waiting for fully mature systems.

Despite growing interest, companies face significant challenges. Technological immaturity complicates pilots and feasibility studies, while many firms lack a clear understanding of potential business applications.

Access to quantum resources, funding for research and development, and staff training are expensive, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, there is a shortage of talent with both quantum computing expertise and domain-specific knowledge.

As a result, readiness tends to be concentrated among large, R&D-intensive firms, while smaller companies often recognise quantum computing’s potential but delay action.

Such an uneven adoption risks creating a divide in the digital economy, with early adopters moving ahead and other firms falling behind instead of engaging proactively.

To address these challenges, the OECD notes that public and private support mechanisms are critical. Networking and collaboration platforms connect firms with researchers, technology providers, and industry peers, fostering knowledge exchange and collective experimentation.

Business advisory and technology extension services help companies assess capabilities, test solutions, and access specialised facilities.

Grants for research and development lower the costs of experimentation and encourage collaboration, while stakeholder consultations ensure that support measures remain aligned with business needs.

Many companies are also establishing internal quantum labs and innovation hubs to trial applications and build expertise in a controlled environment, combining research with practical exploration instead of relying solely on external guidance.

Looking ahead, the OECD recommends expanding education and skills pipelines, strengthening industry-academic partnerships, and designing policies that support broader participation in quantum adoption.

Hybrid approaches that integrate quantum computing with AI and high-performance computing may offer practical commercial entry points for early applications.

Policymakers are encouraged to balance near-term exploratory pilots with forward-looking support for software development, interoperability, and workforce growth, enabling firms to move from experimentation to deployment effectively.

By following OECD guidance, companies can enhance innovation, improve competitiveness, and ensure that readiness efforts span sectors and geographies rather than remain limited to a few early adopters.

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Google expands into neutral atom quantum computing

Google Quantum AI is broadening its quantum computing research to include neutral atom technology alongside its established superconducting qubits. Neutral atoms offer high connectivity and flexibility, while superconducting qubits provide fast cycles and deep circuit performance.

By pursuing both approaches, Google aims to accelerate progress and deliver versatile platforms for different computational challenges.

The neutral atom programme is focused on three pillars: quantum error correction adapted for atom arrays, modelling and simulation of hardware architectures, and experimental hardware development to manipulate atomic qubits at scale.

The initiative is led by Dr Adam Kaufman, who joins Google from CU Boulder, bringing expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics to advance neutral atom hardware.

Google is leveraging the Boulder quantum ecosystem, collaborating with institutions such as JILA, CU Boulder, NIST, and QuEra to strengthen research and innovation. These partnerships give access to top talent, facilities, and federal programmes, strengthening the US role in global quantum research.

By combining superconducting and neutral-atom approaches, Google aims to address critical physics and engineering challenges on the path to large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, with commercial relevance expected by the end of the decade.

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