Meta has stated that the update allows the platform to monitor messages while maintaining standard privacy safeguards.
End-to-end encryption had been the default for several messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and other Meta services.
The company first signalled its intent to expand encryption across Instagram and Messenger in 2019, implementing it in 2023. The plan was met with objections from organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation and the Virtual Global Taskforce.
These groups highlighted potential risks in preventing the timely detection of harmful content, particularly child sexual abuse material.
Meta’s shift reflects a compromise between privacy, platform security, and online child safety. The company has not provided further details on changes to encryption policies beyond Instagram’s private messaging service.
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Debate over proposed UK digital market rules is intensifying, with Google outlining its position and emphasising the need to balance competition with user experience and platform integrity. The company said it supports the objectives of the Competition and Markets Authority but warned that some proposals could introduce risks for users.
Google argued that maintaining fair and relevant search results remains a priority, stating that its ranking systems are designed to prioritise quality rather than favour its own services. It cautioned that certain third-party proposals could expose its systems to manipulation, potentially weakening protections against spam and reducing the pace of product improvements.
The company also addressed user choice on Android devices, noting that existing options already allow users to select preferred services. It suggested that adding frequent mandatory choice screens could disrupt user experience, proposing instead a permanent settings-based option to change defaults without repeated prompts.
Regarding publisher relations, Google highlighted efforts to increase control over how content is used, particularly with generative AI features such as AI Overviews. It said new tools are being developed to allow publishers to opt out of specific AI functionalities while maintaining visibility in search results.
Google said it would continue engaging with UK regulators to shape rules that support users, publishers, and businesses, while ensuring that innovation and service quality are not compromised.
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The European Union has been unable to reach an agreement on extending temporary rules that allow online platforms to detect child sexual abuse material, leaving the current framework set to expire in April.
Discussions between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union concluded without reaching a consensus on how to proceed with such measures.
The existing rules permit technology companies to voluntarily scan their services for harmful content, supporting efforts to identify and remove illegal material.
The European Commission had proposed a temporary extension while negotiations continue on a permanent framework under the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation, but differing views on scope and safeguards prevented agreement.
Stakeholders across sectors have highlighted the importance of maintaining effective tools to address online harms, while also emphasising the need to respect fundamental rights.
Previous periods of legal uncertainty have shown that detection capabilities may be affected when such frameworks are absent, although assessments of effectiveness remain subject to ongoing debate.
At the same time, concerns have been raised regarding the broader implications of monitoring digital communications. Some perspectives stress that any approach should carefully consider privacy protections, particularly in relation to secure and encrypted services.
Attention now turns to ongoing negotiations on a long-term regulatory solution.
The outcome will shape how the EU approaches the challenge of addressing harmful online content while safeguarding rights and ensuring proportional and transparent enforcement.
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South Korea is seeking international support for a proposed global AI hub to advance cooperation on technology and governance. The initiative was discussed during talks with Switzerland’s leadership.
Officials in Switzerland met with South Korea’s prime minister to strengthen bilateral ties and support the project. The programme is intended to promote collaboration on AI rules, education and innovation.
The government of South Korea has also engaged several UN agencies to support the initiative. Agreements outline cooperation to help establish the hub and expand global dialogue on AI development.
Leaders in South Korea say the country aims to contribute its strong information technology capabilities to the project. The initiative reflects broader efforts to position the nation as a key player in global AI policy and innovation.
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A new 110MW data centre microgrid has been launched in Dublin to support rising AI-driven energy demand. The system is designed to provide reliable power during early development stages before full grid connection.
The project combines energy generation, battery storage and heat recovery to improve efficiency and resilience. Developers say the system can help address power constraints affecting large-scale cloud and AI facilities.
Industry leaders in Dublin say the microgrid offers a model for integrating renewable energy with traditional infrastructure. The approach could be replicated in other European markets facing similar grid limitations.
Experts say the system also enables future innovations such as hydrogen integration and district heating. The project reflects a broader shift towards treating energy as a strategic asset in the expansion of AI infrastructure.
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Business leaders in Cyprus are increasingly concerned about whether their organisations are adapting quickly enough to AI-driven change. A recent PwC survey shows many executives feel the pace of transformation is too slow.
Despite growing interest, most companies have yet to see significant financial returns from AI. Only a minority reported increased revenue or reduced costs, while many said the impact remains limited. These returns are not limited to Cyprus, but are also seen around the world.
Companies in Cyprus are still building the foundations for wider AI adoption. The challenges include limited investment, difficulty attracting skilled talent and uncertainty about organisational readiness.
Executives expect AI to affect junior roles more than senior positions over the coming years. Leaders emphasise the need for clear strategy, workforce development and stronger alignment between technology and business goals.
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Concerns over data protection have intensified as the European Commission calls on major technology companies to apply the EU standards when handling sensitive staff information linked to digital regulation.
Pressure follows requests from the US House Judiciary Committee seeking access to communications between US firms and the EU officials involved in enforcing laws such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act.
The EU officials emphasise that formal exchanges with companies take place through official channels, including documented correspondence, rather than informal messaging platforms. Internal communication practices may involve encrypted tools, reflecting growing concerns about data security and external scrutiny.
Debate surrounding the issue reflects wider tensions between the EU and the US over digital governance, privacy protections and regulatory authority. Questions over jurisdiction and access to sensitive communications are likely to remain central as transatlantic tech policy evolves.
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Debate over potential updates to the GDPR is intensifying, as Marina Kaljurand advocates a focused ‘fitness check’ rather than sweeping legislative changes in an omnibus package.
Concerns raised in the European Parliament highlight risks associated with altering foundational elements of the regulation, particularly its definitions to personal data. Preserving these core principles is seen as essential to maintaining the integrity of the EU’s data protection framework.
Ongoing discussions reflect broader policy tensions within the EU, where efforts to reduce regulatory complexity must be balanced against the need to uphold strong privacy safeguards. Proposals for simplification are therefore facing scrutiny from lawmakers prioritising stability and legal clarity.
Future developments are likely to shape how the EU adapts its data protection rules to evolving digital markets, while ensuring that existing protections remain effective in a rapidly changing technological environment.
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A major international effort to tackle fraud is set to take place in Vienna, as global leaders gather for the Global Fraud Summit 2026 on 16–17 March. The event will highlight emerging challenges in cross-border and digital fraud, bringing global attention to the need for stronger cooperation.
The meeting is organised by the UNODC in partnership with INTERPOL, bringing together government officials, law enforcement authorities, private sector representatives, civil society and academics to discuss emerging fraud trends.
Fraud is increasingly seen as a cross-border and digitally driven threat, making coordination between countries more important than ever. Discussions among leaders and other representatives are expected to focus on how fraud operates across jurisdictions, examine current and emerging fraud trends, why detection remains difficult, and what practical steps can improve both prevention and enforcement.
Particular attention will be given to how institutions and their leaders can enhance information sharing and cooperation. Stronger partnerships between public and private actors are seen as key to responding more effectively, especially as fraud schemes grow more sophisticated.
Beyond immediate enforcement, the summit aims to strengthen long-term capacity and build more resilient systems. Greater alignment between states and organisations could play a decisive role in addressing fraud globally.
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Efforts to improve the security of Europe’s digital infrastructure have advanced as the European Commission opens a €180 million funding call to support backup systems for subsea internet cables.
Investment by the EU will focus on developing alternative routes and redundancy mechanisms, ensuring continuity of connectivity in the event of disruptions affecting critical undersea networks that carry global data traffic.
Growing concerns around infrastructure vulnerability have increased attention on subsea cables, which play a central role in international communications. Strengthening resilience is therefore becoming a priority within broader European strategies on technological sovereignty and security.
Planned projects are expected to enhance reliability across the region, reducing risks associated with outages or potential external threats to essential telecommunications infrastructure.
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