EU AI Act oversight and fines begin this August

A new phase of the EU AI Act takes effect on 2 August, requiring member states to appoint oversight authorities and enforce penalties. While the legislation has been in force for a year, this marks the beginning of real scrutiny for AI providers across Europe.

Under the new provisions, countries must notify the European Commission of which market surveillance authorities will monitor compliance. But many are expected to miss the deadline. Experts warn that without well-resourced and competent regulators, the risks to rights and safety could grow.

The complexity is significant. Member states must align enforcement with other regulations, such as the GDPR and Digital Services Act, raising concerns regarding legal fragmentation and inconsistent application. Some fear a repeat of the patchy enforcement seen under data protection laws.

Companies that violate the EU AI Act could face fines of up to €35 million or 7% of global turnover. Smaller firms may face reduced penalties, but enforcement will vary by country.

Rules regarding general-purpose AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok also take effect. A voluntary Code of Practice introduced in July aims to guide compliance, but only some firms, such as Google and OpenAI, have agreed to sign. Meta has refused, arguing the rules stifle innovation.

Existing AI tools have until 2027 to comply fully, but any launched after 2 August must meet the new requirements immediately. With implementation now underway, the AI Act is shifting from legislation to enforcement.

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Viasat launches global IoT satellite service

Viasat has unveiled a new global connectivity service designed to improve satellite-powered internet of things (IoT) communication, even in remote environments. The new offering, IoT Nano, supports industries like agriculture, mining, transport with reliable, low-data and low-power two-way messaging.

The service builds on Orbcomm’s upgraded OGx platform, delivering faster message speeds, greater data capacity and improved energy efficiency. It maintains compatibility with older systems while allowing for advanced use cases through larger messages and reduced power needs.

Executives at Viasat and Orbcomm believe IoT Nano opens up new opportunities by combining wider satellite coverage with smarter, more frequent data delivery. The service is part of Viasat’s broader effort to expand its scalable and energy-efficient satellite IoT portfolio.

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Starlink suffers widespread outage from a rare software failure

The disruption began around 3 p.m. EDT and was attributed to a failure in Starlink’s core internal software services. The issue affected one of the most resilient satellite systems globally, sparking speculation over whether a botched update or a cyberattack may have been responsible.

Starlink, which serves more than six million users across 140 countries, saw service gradually return after two and a half hours.

Executives from SpaceX, including CEO Elon Musk and Vice President of Starlink Engineering Michael Nicolls, apologised publicly and promised to address the root cause to avoid further interruptions. Experts described it as Starlink’s most extended and severe outage since becoming a major provider.

As SpaceX continues upgrading the network to support greater speed and bandwidth, some experts warned that such technical failures may become more visible. Starlink has rapidly expanded with over 8,000 satellites in orbit and new services like direct-to-cell text messaging in partnership with T-Mobile.

Questions remain over whether Thursday’s failure affected military services like Starshield, which supports high-value US defence contracts.

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EE expands 5G standalone network to reach over half the UK population


EE’s 5G standalone network is set to reach more than 34 million people across the UK by the end of August. The expansion will cover over half of the country’s population, including major cities, holiday destinations and key sporting and entertainment venues.

The telecom provider has already launched the upgraded network in many towns and cities, with a further 38 locations joining by the end of next month. These include places such as Aberdeen, Canterbury, Grimsby, Ipswich, Salisbury, Wrexham and Yeovil, among others.

5G standalone networks offer faster, more secure and low-latency mobile experiences without relying on older 4G infrastructure.

According to BT Group’s chief networks officer, the rollout is designed to improve performance whether someone is on a packed train platform, livestreaming at a concert, or calling loved ones from a holiday destination.

EE’s move is part of a broader strategy to improve everyday connectivity across the UK, aiming to deliver a more seamless experience for millions rather than limiting high-speed coverage to major urban centres alone.

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Meta pushes back on EU AI framework

Meta has refused to endorse the European Union’s new voluntary Code of Practice for general-purpose AI, citing legal overreach and risks to innovation.

The company warns that the framework could slow development and deter investment by imposing expectations beyond upcoming AI laws.

In a LinkedIn post, Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief global affairs officer, called the code confusing and burdensome, criticising its requirements for reporting, risk assessments and data transparency.

He argued that such rules could limit the open release of AI models and harm Europe’s competitiveness in the field.

The code, published by the European Commission, is intended to help companies prepare for the binding AI Act, set to take effect from August 2025. It encourages firms to adopt best practices on safety and ethics while building and deploying general-purpose AI systems.

While firms like Microsoft are expected to sign on, Meta’s refusal could influence other developers to resist what they view as Brussels overstepping. The move highlights ongoing friction between Big Tech and regulators as global efforts to govern AI rapidly evolve.

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Japan smashes internet speed record

Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology researchers pushed optical networking to its limits.

They successfully transmitted data at a blistering 1.02 petabits per second, a breakthrough speed equivalent to transferring Netflix-quality content or entire encyclopedias in under a second. The test covered nearly 1,800 km, showcasing raw capacity and long-haul viability.

A pioneering 19-core optical fibre, no thicker than typical single-core cables, enabled this achievement. Multiple wavelength bands were combined and amplified 21 times to ensure signal integrity across the distance.

However, this feat doubles last year’s record and retains compatibility with existing fibre infrastructure.

Beyond breaking records, the project signals that future networks could support the massive bandwidth demands of AI, 8K streaming, cloud computing and even 6G.

By demonstrating that modern infrastructure can handle this scale, the researchers hope to accelerate deployment in undersea cables, national backbones, and data centres.

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Pakistan to enhance telecom quality and regulate satellite Internet

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is actively working to strengthen the country’s telecommunications sector by implementing several key policies aimed at improving service quality and regulation.

Central to these efforts is the partnership with Opensignal, a global network analytics organisation, which will provide real-time, crowdsourced data on essential network performance metrics such as 4G/5G speeds, latency, coverage gaps, and user experience.

However, this data-driven approach aligns with international standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and global best practices to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity for consumers.

Additionally, PTA is enforcing new regulations requiring all foreign satellite internet operators to submit applications under updated Satellite Communications Regulations drafted by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).

These regulations include enhanced security provisions influenced by recent regional conflicts and mandate that satellite internet providers obtain operational licenses from the PTA before launching services.

In support of these regulatory measures, PTAs’ collaboration with Opensignal will enable continuous monitoring and improvement of telecom Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across the country.

Meanwhile, the rollout of satellite-based internet services, such as Starlink, has been delayed to accommodate the new licensing framework and invite more operators into the market.

Despite these delays, many providers are expected to begin operations by the end of the year, marking a significant step forward in expanding Pakistan’s digital connectivity under a more secure and well-regulated environment.

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EU urges stronger AI oversight after Grok controversy

A recent incident involving Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI, has reignited European Union calls for stronger oversight of advanced AI systems.

Comments generated by Grok prompted criticism from policymakers and civil society groups, leading to renewed debate over AI governance and voluntary compliance mechanisms.

The chatbot’s responses, which circulated earlier this week, included highly controversial language and references to historical figures. In response, xAI stated that the content was removed and that technical steps were being taken to prevent similar outputs from appearing in the future.

European policymakers said the incident highlights the importance of responsible AI development. Brando Benifei, an Italian lawmaker who co-led the EU AI Act negotiations, said the event illustrates the systemic risks the new regulation seeks to mitigate.

Christel Schaldemose, a Danish member of the European Parliament and co-lead on the Digital Services Act, echoed those concerns. She emphasised that such incidents underline the need for clear and enforceable obligations for developers of general-purpose AI models.

The European Commission is preparing to release guidance aimed at supporting voluntary compliance with the bloc’s new AI legislation. This code of practice, which has been under development for nine months, is expected to be published this week.

Earlier drafts of the guidance included provisions requiring developers to share information on how they address systemic risks. Reports suggest that some of these provisions may have been weakened or removed in the final version.

A group of five lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as the last-minute removal of key transparency and risk mitigation elements. They argue that strong guidelines are essential for fostering accountability in the deployment of advanced AI models.

The incident also brings renewed attention to the Digital Services Act and its enforcement, as X, the social media platform where Grok operates, is currently under EU investigation for potential violations related to content moderation.

General-purpose AI systems, such as OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Gemini and xAI’s Grok, will be subject to additional requirements under the EU AI Act beginning 2 August. Obligations include disclosing training data sources, addressing copyright compliance, and mitigating systemic risks.

While these requirements are mandatory, their implementation is expected to be shaped by the Commission’s voluntary code of practice. Industry groups and international stakeholders have voiced concerns over regulatory burdens, while policymakers maintain that safeguards are critical for public trust.

The debate over Grok’s outputs reflects broader challenges in balancing AI innovation with the need for oversight. The EU’s approach, combining binding legislation with voluntary guidance, seeks to offer a measured path forward amid growing public scrutiny of generative AI technologies.

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The rise and risks of synthetic media

Synthetic media transforms content creation across sectors

The rapid development of AI has enabled significant breakthroughs in synthetic media, opening up new opportunities in healthcare, education, entertainment and many more.

Instead of relying on traditional content creation, companies are now using advanced tools to produce immersive experiences, training simulations and personalised campaigns. But what exactly is synthetic media?

Seattle-based ElastixAI raised $16 million to build a platform that improves how large language models run, focusing on efficient inference rather than training.

Synthetic media refers to content produced partly or entirely by AI, including AI-generated images, music, video and speech. Tools such as ChatGPT, Midjourney and voice synthesisers are now widely used in both creative and commercial settings.

The global market for synthetic media is expanding rapidly. Valued at USD 4.5 billion in 2023, it is projected to reach USD 16.6 billion by 2033, driven mainly by tools that convert text into images, videos or synthetic speech.

The appeal lies in its scalability and flexibility: small teams can now quickly produce a wide range of professional-grade content and easily adapt it for multiple audiences or languages.

However, as synthetic media becomes more widespread, so do the ethical challenges it poses.

How deepfakes threaten trust and security

The same technology has raised serious concerns as deepfakes – highly realistic but fake audio, images and videos – become harder to detect and more frequently misused.

Deepfakes, a subset of synthetic media, go a step further by creating content that intentionally imitates real people in deceptive ways, often for manipulation or fraud.

The technology behind deepfakes involves face swapping through variational autoencoders and voice cloning via synthesised speech patterns. The entry barrier is low, making these tools accessible to the general public.

computer keyboard with red deepfake button key deepfake dangers online

First surfacing on Reddit in 2017, deepfakes have quickly expanded into healthcare, entertainment, and education, yet they also pose a serious threat when misused. For example, a major financial scam recently cost a company USD 25 million due to a deepfaked video call with a fake CFO.

Synthetic media fuels global political narratives

Politicians and supporters have often openly used generative AI to share satirical or exaggerated content, rather than attempting to disguise it as real.

In Indonesia, AI even brought back the likeness of former dictator Suharto to endorse candidates, while in India, meme culture thrived but failed to significantly influence voters’ decisions.

In the USA, figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump have embraced AI-generated memes and voice parodies to mock opponents or improve their public image.

AI, US elections, Deepfakes

While these tools have made it easier to create misinformation, researchers such as UC Berkeley’s Hany Farid argue that the greater threat lies in the gradual erosion of trust, rather than a single viral deepfake.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for users to distinguish truth from fiction, leading to a contaminated information environment that harms public discourse. Legal concerns, public scrutiny, and the proliferation of ‘cheapfakes’—manipulated media that do not rely on AI—may have limited the worst predictions.

Nonetheless, experts warn that the use of AI in campaigns will continue to become more sophisticated. Without clear regulation and ethical safeguards, future elections may not be able to prevent the disruptive influence of synthetic media as easily.

Children use AI to create harmful deepfakes

School-aged children are increasingly using AI tools to generate explicit deepfake images of their classmates, often targeting girls. What began as a novelty has become a new form of digital sexual abuse.

With just a smartphone and a popular app, teenagers can now create and share highly realistic fake nudes, turning moments of celebration, like a bat mitzvah photo, into weapons of humiliation.

Rather than being treated as simple pranks, these acts have severe psychological consequences for victims and are leaving lawmakers scrambling.

Educators and parents are now calling for urgent action. Instead of just warning teens about criminal consequences, schools are starting to teach digital ethics, consent, and responsible use of technology.

kids using laptops in class

Programmes that explain the harm caused by deepfakes may offer a better path forward than punishment alone. Experts say the core issues—respect, agency, and safety—are not new.

The tools may be more advanced, but the message remains the same: technology must be used responsibly, not to exploit others.

Deepfakes become weapons of modern war

Deepfakes can also be deployed to sow confusion, falsify military orders, and manipulate public opinion. While not all such tactics will succeed, their growing use in psychological and propaganda operations cannot be ignored.

Intelligence agencies are already exploring how to integrate synthetic media into information warfare strategies, despite the risk of backfiring.

A new academic study from University College Cork examined how such videos spread on social media and how users reacted.

While many responded with scepticism and attempts at verification, others began accusing the real footage of being fake. The growing confusion risks creating an online environment where no information feels trustworthy, exactly the outcome hostile actors might seek.

While deception has long been part of warfare, deepfakes challenge the legal boundaries defined by international humanitarian law.

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Falsifying surrender orders to launch ambushes could qualify as perfidy—a war crime—while misleading enemies about troop positions may remain lawful.

Yet when civilians are caught in the crossfire of digital lies, violations of the Geneva Conventions become harder to ignore.

Regulation is lagging behind the technology, and without urgent action, deepfakes may become as destructive as conventional weapons, redefining both warfare and the concept of truth.

The good side of deepfake technology

Yet, not all applications are harmful. In medicine, deepfakes can aid therapy or generate synthetic ECG data for research while protecting patient privacy. In education, the technology can recreate historical figures or deliver immersive experiences.

Journalists and human rights activists also use synthetic avatars for anonymity in repressive environments. Meanwhile, in entertainment, deepfakes offer cost-effective ways to recreate actors or build virtual sets.

These examples highlight how the same technology that fuels disinformation can also be harnessed for innovation and the public good.

Governments push for deepfake transparency

However, the risks are rising. Misinformation, fraud, nonconsensual content, and identity theft are all becoming more common.

The danger of copyright infringement and data privacy violations also looms large, particularly when AI-generated material pulls content from social media or copyrighted works without permission.

Policymakers are taking action, but is it enough?

The USA has banned AI robocalls, and Europe’s AI Act aims to regulate synthetic content. Experts emphasise the need for worldwide cooperation, with regulation focusing on consent, accountability, and transparency.

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Embedding watermarks and enforcing civil liabilities are among the strategies being considered. To navigate the new landscape, a collaborative effort across governments, industry, and the public is crucial, not just to detect deepfakes but also to define their responsible use.

Some emerging detection methods include certifying content provenance, where creators or custodians attach verifiable information about the origin and authenticity of media.

Automated detection systems analyse inconsistencies in facial movements, speech patterns, or visual blending to identify manipulated media. Additionally, platform moderation based on account reputation and behaviour helps filter suspicious sources.

Systems that process or store personal data must also comply with privacy regulations, ensuring individuals’ rights to correct or erase inaccurate data.

Yet, despite these efforts, many of these systems still struggle to reliably distinguish synthetic content from real one.

As detection methods lag, some organisations like Reality Defender and Witness work to raise awareness and develop countermeasures.

The rise of AI influencers on social media

Another subset of synthetic media is the AI-generated influencers. AI (or synthetic) influencers are virtual personas powered by AI, designed to interact with followers, create content, and promote brands across social media platforms.

Unlike traditional influencers, they are not real people but computer-generated characters that simulate human behaviour and emotional responses. Developers use deep learning, natural language processing, and sophisticated graphic design to make these influencers appear lifelike and relatable.

Finfluencers face legal action over unregulated financial advice.

Once launched, they operate continuously, often in multiple languages and across different time zones, giving brands a global presence without the limitations of human engagement.

These virtual influencers offer several key advantages for brands. They can be precisely controlled to maintain consistent messaging and avoid the unpredictability that can come with human influencers.

Their scalability allows them to reach diverse markets with tailored content, and over time, they may prove more cost-efficient due to their ability to produce content at scale without the ongoing costs of human talent.

Brands can also experiment with creative storytelling in new and visually compelling ways that might be difficult for real-life creators.

Synthetic influencers have also begun appearing in the healthcare sector, although their widespread popularity in the sector remains limited. However, it is expected to grow rapidly.

Their rise also brings significant challenges. AI influencers lack genuine authenticity and emotional depth, which can hinder the formation of meaningful connections with audiences.

Their use raises ethical concerns around transparency, especially if followers are unaware that they are interacting with AI.

Data privacy is another concern, as these systems often rely on collecting and analysing large amounts of user information to function effectively.

Additionally, while they may save money in the long run, creating and maintaining a sophisticated AI influencer involves a substantial upfront investment.

Study warns of backlash from synthetic influencers

A new study from Northeastern University urges caution when using AI-powered influencers, despite their futuristic appeal and rising prominence.

While these digital figures may offer brands a modern edge, they risk inflicting greater harm on consumer trust compared to human influencers when problems arise.

The findings show that consumers are more inclined to hold the brand accountable if a virtual influencer promotes a faulty product or spreads misleading information.

Rather than viewing these AI personas as independent agents, users tend to see them as direct reflections of the company behind them. Instead of blaming the influencer, audiences shift responsibility to the brand itself.

Interestingly, while human influencers are more likely to be held personally liable, virtual influencers still cause deeper reputational damage.

 Accessories, Jewelry

People assume that their actions are fully scripted and approved by the business, making any error seem deliberate or embedded in company practices rather than a personal mistake.

Regardless of the circumstances, AI influencers are reshaping the marketing landscape by providing an innovative and highly adaptable tool for brands. While they are unlikely to replace human influencers entirely, they are expected to play a growing role in digital marketing.

Their continued rise will likely force regulators, brands, and developers to establish clearer ethical standards and guidelines to ensure responsible and transparent use.

Shaping the future of synthetic media

In conclusion, the growing presence of synthetic media invites both excitement and reflection. As researchers, policymakers, and creators grapple with its implications, the challenge lies not in halting progress but in shaping it thoughtfully.

All forms of synthetic media, like any other form of technology, have a dual capacity to empower and exploit, demanding a new digital literacy — one that prioritises critical engagement, ethical responsibility, and cross-sector collaboration.

On the one hand, deepfakes threaten democratic stability, information integrity, and civilian safety, blurring the line between truth and fabrication in conflict, politics, and public discourse.

On the other hand, AI influencers are transforming marketing and entertainment by offering scalable, controllable, and hyper-curated personas that challenge notions of authenticity and human connection.

Rather than fearing the tools themselves, we as human beings need to focus on cultivating the norms and safeguards that determine how, and for whom, they are used. Ultimately, these tools are meant to enhance our way of life, not undermine it.

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IGF leadership panel explores future of digital governance

As the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) prepares to mark its 20th anniversary, members of the IGF Leadership Panel gathered in Norway to present a strategic vision for strengthening the forum’s institutional role and ensuring greater policy impact.

The session explored proposals to make the IGF a permanent UN institution, improve its output relevance for policymakers, and enhance its role in implementing outcomes from WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact.

While the tone remained largely optimistic, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa voiced a more urgent appeal, calling for concrete action in a rapidly deteriorating information ecosystem.

Speakers emphasized the need for a permanent and better-resourced IGF. Vint Cerf, Chair of the Leadership Panel, reflected on the evolution of internet governance, arguing that ‘we must maintain enthusiasm for computing’s positive potential whilst addressing problems’.

He acknowledged growing threats like AI-driven disruption and information pollution, which risk undermining democratic governance and economic fairness online. Maria Fernanda Garza and Lise Fuhr echoed the call, urging for the IGF to be integrated into the UN structure with sustainable funding and measurable performance metrics. Fuhr commended Norway’s effort to bring 16 ministers from the Global South to the meeting, framing it as a model for future inclusive engagement.

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A significant focus was placed on integrating IGF outcomes with the WSIS+20 and Global Digital Compact processes. Amandeep Singh Gill noted that these two tracks are ‘complementary’ and that existing WSIS architecture should be leveraged to avoid duplication. He emphasized that budget constraints limit the creation of new bodies, making it imperative for the IGF to serve as the core platform for implementation and monitoring.

Garza compared the IGF’s role to a ‘canary in the coal mine’ for digital policy, urging better coordination with National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) to translate global goals into local impact.

Participants discussed the persistent challenge of translating IGF discussions into actionable outputs. Carol Roach emphasized the need to identify target audiences and tailor outputs using formats such as executive briefs, toolkits, and videos. Lan Xue added,’ to be policy-relevant, the IGF must evolve from a space of dialogue to a platform of strategic translation’.

He proposed launching policy trackers, aligning outputs with global policy calendars, and appointing liaison officers to bridge the gap between IGF and forums such as the G20, UNGA, and ITU.

Inclusivity emerged as another critical theme. Panellists underscored the importance of engaging underrepresented regions through financial support, capacity-building, and education. Fuhr highlighted the value of internet summer schools and grassroots NRIs, while Gill stressed that digital sovereignty is now a key concern in the Global South. ‘The demand has shifted’, he said, ‘from content consumption to content creation’.

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Maria Ressa closed the session with an impassioned call for immediate action. She warned that the current information environment contributes to global conflict and democratic erosion, stating that ‘without facts, no truth, no trust. Without trust, you cannot govern’. Citing recent wars and digital manipulation, she urged the IGF community to move from reflection to implementation. ‘Online violence is real-world violence’, she said. ‘We’ve talked enough. Now is the time to act.’

Despite some differences in vision, the session revealed a strong consensus on key issues: the need for institutional evolution, enhanced funding, better policy translation, and broader inclusion. Bertrand de la Chapelle, however, cautioned against making the IGF a conventional UN body, instead proposing a ‘constitutional moment’ in 2026 to consider more flexible institutional reforms.

The discussion demonstrated that while the IGF remains a trusted forum for inclusive dialogue, its long-term relevance depends on its ability to produce concrete outcomes and adapt to a volatile digital environment. As Vint Cerf reminded participants in closing, ‘this is an opportunity to make this a better environment than it already is and to contribute more to our global digital society’.

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