Internet of things Archives | Page 3 of 44

AI chatbots raise risks as EU urged to enforce DSA rules

Concerns are growing over the risks posed by AI chatbots, particularly for minors, as evidence suggests these systems can facilitate harmful behaviour. A recent case in Finland, where a teenager planned a violent attack after interacting with an AI chatbot, has intensified calls for stronger oversight.

A report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that most leading AI chatbots assisted when prompted about violent acts. Researchers reported that eight out of ten systems tested generated harmful information or encouraged violence, highlighting gaps in existing safeguards.

The findings have renewed focus on how the Digital Services Act (DSA) could be applied to AI chatbots. Currently, the regulation primarily covers generative AI when integrated into large online platforms, leaving standalone chatbots in a regulatory grey area. Meanwhile, the AI Act focuses on model-level risks rather than user-facing systems.

Experts argue that this split leaves accountability unclear, as chatbot providers can avoid full responsibility by operating between regulatory frameworks. Proposals to delay elements of the AI Act or allow companies to self-assess risk levels have raised concerns about weakening safeguards at a critical moment for AI deployment.

Applying the DSA to chatbots could introduce obligations such as risk assessments, transparency requirements, and protections for minors. In the short term, chatbots could be treated as hosting services, requiring them to remove illegal content and respond to regulatory orders.

However, analysts warn that such measures would not fully address the risks. In the long term, they argue that the EU should create a dedicated regulatory category for AI chatbots, enabling stronger oversight similar to that applied to online platforms.

Stronger enforcement could also address harmful design features, such as systems that encourage prolonged engagement or escalate user prompts. Measures targeting manipulative interfaces and improving safeguards for minors could reduce the likelihood of harmful interactions.

As AI chatbots become more widely used for information, communication, and decision-making, policymakers face increasing pressure to act. Calls are growing for the EU to enforce existing rules while adapting its legal framework to ensure accountability keeps pace with technological change.

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US senators question Meta facial recognition in smart glasses

Three Democratic senators have raised concerns about Meta’s reported exploration of facial recognition in its smart glasses, warning that it could normalise public surveillance. In a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Senators Edward Markey, Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley asked about consent, biometric data, and the risks of misuse.

The lawmakers said the proposed feature ‘risks normalising mass surveillance at a moment when the federal government is using similar tools to intimidate protesters and chill speech. Although facial recognition may offer real benefits for blind and visually impaired users, Meta’s history of failing to protect user privacy raises serious questions about its plan to deploy this technology in its smart glasses.’

‘Americans do not consent to biometric data collection simply by walking down a public street, entering a café, or standing in a crowd,’ the senators added. ‘Yet, the deployment of this technology would appear to do exactly that – subjecting countless individuals to covert identification without notice, without consent, and without any meaningful opportunity to opt out.’ They warned that such practices would erode longstanding expectations of privacy in public spaces, effectively eliminating public anonymity.’

Concerns grew after reports of US Border Patrol and ICE agents using Meta smart glasses. While there is no evidence of facial recognition use, senators argue that adding identification tools to eyewear could expand undetectable surveillance. The letter questions if Meta might link facial data with information from its platforms, enabling real-time identification tied to profiles. Lawmakers warn that this could increase the risks of harassment and targeting.

Meta had previously discontinued facial recognition on Facebook in 2021, citing societal concerns. The senators argue that reintroducing similar technology in wearable devices suggests a shift rather than a retreat. ‘Five years later, Meta appears less worried about those societal concerns and is reportedly planning to deploy facial recognition technology in one of the most dangerous possible settings,’ they wrote.

‘Moreover,’ they continued, ‘Meta is apparently aware of the risks with this technology,’ noting that ‘an internal memo recommended launching the product ‘during a dynamic political environment where many civil society groups that we would expect to attack us would have their resources focused on other concerns.’

‘In other words,’ the senators added, ‘Meta appears to recognise the serious privacy and civil liberties risks of facial recognition but thinks it can avoid attention by slipping the once-abandoned, ethically fraught product back onto the market while the world is distracted by the Trump administration’s daily chaos.’

The senators have asked Meta to clarify how it would obtain consent from both users and bystanders, how long it would retain biometric data, whether it would use it to train AI models, and whether it could share it with law enforcement, including the Department of Homeland Security. The company has been given until 6 April to respond.

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Exchange Online outage affecting Outlook access resolved by Microsoft

Microsoft has addressed an Exchange Online outage that disrupted access to email and calendar services for users worldwide. The issue affected multiple connection methods, including Outlook on the web, Outlook desktop, and Exchange ActiveSync.

The company first acknowledged the problem early in the day, saying it was investigating reports of users being unable to access their mailboxes. According to a Microsoft 365 admin centre update, several Exchange Online connection protocols were impacted during the outage.

Although Microsoft later reported that telemetry indicated the issue was no longer occurring for most users, some customers continued to experience access problems. At one point, the Office.com portal also displayed an error message, preventing users from logging in.

Microsoft linked the disruption to an issue within its supporting network infrastructure, which affected how traffic was processed. Engineers implemented configuration changes to restore normal service and continue monitoring the platform to ensure stability.

In a later update, Microsoft confirmed that the Exchange Online outage had been mitigated and that services had been restored. The company said it is still investigating the root cause and will provide further details in a post-incident report, while a separate issue affecting Microsoft 365 C o pilot web access remains under review.

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UN calls for global action against online scam networks

Online scam networks operating across Southeast Asia are defrauding victims worldwide, using AI, impersonation techniques, and complex cyber tools to steal billions of dollars.

At the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and IN T ERPOL brought together governments, law enforcement, and private-sector actors to strengthen international cooperation against these crimes.

Victims include individuals from diverse backgrounds, often highly educated and financially experienced. One Australian couple, Kim and Allan Sawyer, lost more than $2.5 million after engaging with what appeared to be a legitimate investment opportunity. ‘The scammer was extraordinarily believable,’ Kim Sawyer said. ‘He had a British accent, used all the right financial market terms and knew how to induce us by appearing credible every time.’

UNODC officials warn that these operations extend beyond fraud, forming part of a broader criminal ecosystem driven by organised scam networks, involving human trafficking, corruption, and money laundering.

‘We need to be looking into prosecuting high-level criminals, following the money through financial investigations and identifying the giant networks that operate behind these operations,’ said Delphine Schantz, UNODC’s regional representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Authorities say the scale and complexity of these crimes require a coordinated global response to dismantle scam networks effectively. ‘The complexity of these crimes requires an equally complex, whole-of-government approach and enhanced coordination among governments, financial intelligence units and digital banks,’ Schantz added.

Investigations in countries such as the Philippines and Cambodia have revealed how scam networks operate on the ground. In Manila, a former scam compound uncovered facilities used to control trafficked workers and evidence of corruption linked to local officials. ‘How do you prove a cybercrime in 36 hours? It is not possible,’ said the Philippines’ Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) operations director, recalling the challenges investigators faced during early raids.

In Cambodia, international prosecutors and investigators have focused on improving cooperation mechanisms, including extradition, asset recovery, and the handling of digital evidence. These efforts are seen as critical in addressing the cross-border nature of scam networks.

Despite increased enforcement efforts, these networks continue to adapt and relocate, maintaining a global reach. At recent international meetings, including a summit in Bangkok involving nearly 60 countries and major technology firms, officials agreed on the need for shared intelligence, joint investigations and coordinated prosecutions.

Victims continue to call for stronger responses. ‘The scammer works twice: they take your money, and they take your soul. They really do. They take your self-worth. And then, you feel like you’re being scammed again, by the authorities’ lack of response,’ Sawyer said.

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ECA Digital law raises pressure on Big Tech in Brazil

Brazil is set to enforce a new law aimed at strengthening protections for children online, marking a significant shift in how digital platforms are regulated in the country. The legislation, known as ECA Digital, introduces stricter rules for technology companies and will test whether stronger oversight can translate into real-world impact.

The law, which takes effect this week, allows authorities to impose warnings and fines of up to $10 million for violations. In severe cases, courts may order the suspension or banning of platforms operating in B razil. The measure was passed rapidly following public outrage over online content involving the sexualisation of minors.

ECA Digital builds on Brazil’s existing child protection framework and adapts it to the digital environment. It introduces obligations such as age verification, stricter content moderation, and mechanisms to remove harmful material involving minors without requiring a court order.

The law also targets platform design, requiring companies to limit features that may encourage compulsive use among children. This includes restrictions on excessive notifications, profiling for targeted advertising, and design elements that prolong user engagement.

Enforcement of ECA Digital will be led by Brazil’s data protection authority, ANPD, alongside a new screening centre within the Federal Police. However, implementation challenges remain, including limited regulatory capacity and the short timeline between the law’s approval and enforcement.

Experts say the law reflects a broader global trend, with dozens of countries considering similar measures. While technology companies have introduced tools such as age verification and parental controls, critics argue that bigger changes to platform design and content moderation are still needed.

Brazil’s experience may serve as a test case for how governments balance child protection, platform responsibility, and enforcement capacity. The effectiveness of ECA Digital will depend not only on its legal framework but also on how rigorously it is applied in practice.

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AI tool could help detect domestic violence risk years earlier

Researchers in the United States have developed an AI system designed to help doctors identify patients who may be at risk of intimate partner violence. The tool analyses hospital data to detect patterns associated with abuse, potentially enabling healthcare professionals to intervene earlier.

Intimate partner violence refers to abuse from current or former partners and can lead to serious injuries, chronic pain, and long-term mental health problems. According to the European Commission, 18 percent of women who have had a partner reported experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner in 2021.

The study, published in the journal Nature, examined hospital records from nearly 850 women who had experienced intimate partner violence and more than 5,200 similar patients in a control group. Researchers used the data to train three different machine learning systems to detect patterns associated with abuse.

One model analysed structured hospital data, such as age and medical history. A second model examined written clinical notes, including doctors’ observations and radiology reports. A third system combined both data types and achieved the strongest results, correctly identifying risk in 88 percent of cases.

Researchers found that the system could flag potential abuse more than three years before some patients later entered hospital-based intervention programmes. By analysing large datasets, the tool can detect patterns of physical trauma linked to abuse and alert clinicians so they can approach the issue carefully and offer support.

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AI network management systems deployed for BTS concert in Seoul

South Korea’s three major telecommunications operators plan to deploy advanced network technologies during the BTS comeback concert scheduled for 21 March at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The initiative aims to bolster network management, prevent congestion, and ensure stable connectivity as large crowds gather in a confined space.

SK Telecom said it will introduce its proprietary AI-powered network management system, A-One, at the event. The technology can recommend optimal equipment placement, predict traffic demand, and monitor real-time network performance to maintain service stability.

To manage heavy data usage during the concert, the company will operate multiple network systems across the venue’s different zones. The setup is designed to allow attendees inside the square to upload photos and videos quickly while enabling viewers outside the venue to stream the concert without interruptions. Additional equipment will also be installed in areas expected to attract international visitors.

KT will deploy its AI-based autonomous traffic management system, W-SDN, which monitors network usage in real time and automatically adjusts traffic flows if congestion is detected. The company will activate an emergency network control mode during the event and deploy about 80 engineers and portable base stations on site.

LG Uplus will also apply its autonomous network management technology, which predicts traffic changes and distributes network loads across nearby base stations. The South Korea-based operator said the system will help ensure uninterrupted connectivity for concertgoers throughout the event.

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AI-powered browsing arrives in Chrome for India New Zealand and Canada

Chrome is bringing its advanced AI features to users in India, New Zealand and Canada, aiming to simplify daily browsing tasks and provide instant support. The updates include the integration of Gemini in Chrome and support for over 50 languages.

Users can now interact with a personalised browsing assistant without switching tabs, receiving instant answers, summaries or creative suggestions. Gemini in Chrome allows multitasking and remembers previously visited pages for easier navigation.

Integrations with Google apps such as Gmail, Maps and YouTube enhance productivity directly from the browser. Users can draft emails, schedule meetings, or extract key points from videos without leaving their current page.

Chrome’s AI can also consolidate information from multiple open tabs, streamlining tasks like research or shopping. Nano Banana 2 allows users to transform images on the web in real time, without uploading files or switching windows.

Security remains a priority, with Chrome designed to detect threats and require confirmations for sensitive actions. Gemini in Chrome benefits from automated testing and updates to maintain robust protection as users explore new AI features.

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Deepfake attacks push organisations to rethink cybersecurity strategies

Organisations are strengthening their cybersecurity strategies as deepfake attacks become more convincing and easier to produce using generative AI.

Security experts alert that enterprises must move beyond basic detection tools and adopt layered security strategies to defend against the growing threat of deepfake attacks targeting communications and digital identity.

Many existing tools for identifying manipulated media are still imperfect. Digital forensics expert Hany Farid estimates that some systems used to detect deepfake attacks are only about 80 percent effective and often fail to explain how they determine whether an image, video, or audio recording is authentic. The lack of explainability also raises challenges for legal investigations and public verification of suspicious media.

Cybersecurity companies are creating new technologies to improve the detection of deepfake attacks by analysing slight signals that are difficult for humans to notice. Firms such as GetReal Security, Reality Defender, Deep Media, and Sensity AI examine lighting consistency, shadow angles, voice patterns, and facial movements. Environmental indicators such as device location, metadata, and IP information can also help security teams spot potential deepfake attacks.

However, experts say detection alone cannot fully protect organisations from deepfake attacks. Companies are increasingly conducting internal red-team exercises that simulate impersonation scenarios to expose weaknesses in verification procedures. Multi-factor authentication techniques can reduce the risk of employees responding to fraudulent communications.

Another emerging defence involves digital provenance systems designed to track the origin and modification history of digital content. Initiatives such as the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) embed cryptographically signed metadata into media files, allowing organisations to verify whether content linked to suspected deepfake attacks has been altered.

Recent experiments highlight how testing these threats can be. In February, cybersecurity company Reality Defender conducted an exercise with NATO by introducing deepfake media into a simulated military scenario. The findings showed how easily even experienced officials can struggle to identify manipulated communications, reinforcing calls for automated systems capable to detecting deepfake attacks across critical infrastructure.

As generative AI tools continue to advance, organisations are expected to combine detection technologies, stronger verification procedures, and provenance tracking to reduce the risks posed by deepfake attacks.

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Hackers target WhatsApp and Signal in global encrypted messaging attacks

Foreign state-backed hackers are targeting accounts on WhatsApp and Signal used by government officials, diplomats, military personnel, and other high-value individuals, according to a security alert issued by the Portuguese Security Intelligence Service (SIS).

Portuguese authorities described the activity as part of a global cyber-espionage campaign aimed at gaining access to sensitive communications and extracting privileged information from Portugal and allied countries. The advisory did not identify the origin of the suspected attackers.

The warning follows similar alerts from other European intelligence agencies. Earlier this week, Dutch authorities reported that hackers linked to Russia were conducting a global campaign targeting the messaging accounts of officials, military personnel, and journalists.

Security agencies say the attackers are not exploiting vulnerabilities in the messaging platforms themselves. Both WhatsApp and Signal rely on end-to-end encryption designed to protect the content of messages from interception.

Instead, the campaign focuses on social engineering tactics that trick users into granting access to their accounts. According to the SIS report, attackers use phishing messages, malicious links, fake technical support requests, QR-code lures, and impersonation of trusted contacts.

The agency also warned that AI tools are increasingly being used to make such attacks more convincing. AI can help impersonate support staff, mimic familiar voices or identities, and conduct more realistic conversations through messages, phone calls, or video.

Once attackers gain access to an account, they may be able to read private messages, group chats, and shared files via WhatsApp and Signal. They can also impersonate the compromised user to launch additional phishing attacks targeting the victim’s contacts.

The alert echoes a previous warning issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which reported that encrypted messaging apps are increasingly being used as entry points for spyware and phishing campaigns targeting high-value individuals.

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