Network security

Bitcoin moves closer to quantum resistance with BIP-360

BTQ Technologies has deployed Bitcoin Improvement Proposal BIP-360 on its Bitcoin Quantum Testnet v0.3.0, marking the first live test of the proposal. The upgrade introduces a quantum-resistant transaction model, Pay-to-Merkle-Root, designed to strengthen Bitcoin’s long-term security.

BIP-360 focuses on mitigating a vulnerability linked to Taproot’s key-path spending mechanism, which can expose public keys on-chain. Such exposure may become a risk if future quantum computers are capable of exploiting cryptographic weaknesses using advanced algorithms.

The testnet adds new consensus rules, post-quantum signatures, and full transaction lifecycle testing. Faster one-minute block times and adjusted fee structures have been introduced to accommodate larger and more complex signatures.

Growing global attention on quantum threats adds urgency to the development. US, EU, and Canadian authorities are setting timelines for post-quantum cryptography to protect future system security.

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EU scrutiny intensifies over Broadcom VMware licensing dispute

Broadcom is facing increased regulatory pressure in the EU following a formal antitrust complaint concerning changes to VMware licensing practices.

The complaint highlights growing tensions between large technology providers and European cloud infrastructure firms.

The filing, submitted by Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe, raises concerns that revised licensing models could significantly alter market dynamics.

European providers argue that the changes may limit flexibility, increase costs, and affect their ability to compete effectively in the cloud services sector.

At the centre of the dispute lies the broader issue of market concentration and control over critical digital infrastructure.

Industry stakeholders suggest that restrictive licensing conditions could reshape access to essential virtualisation technologies, which underpin a wide range of cloud and enterprise services across the EU.

Regulatory attention is expected to focus on whether such practices align with the EU competition rules, particularly regarding fair access and market neutrality.

The case emerges at a time when European policymakers are intensifying oversight of dominant technology firms and seeking to strengthen digital sovereignty across strategic sectors.

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UK drops AI copyright opt-out plan amid growing industry divide

The UK Government has abandoned its previous preference for an AI copyright opt-out model, signalling a shift in policy following strong opposition from creative industries.

Ministers now acknowledge that there is no clear consensus on how AI developers should access copyrighted material.

Concerns from writers, artists and rights holders focused on the use of their work in training AI systems without permission.

Liz Kendall confirmed that extensive consultation exposed significant disagreement, prompting the government to step back from its earlier position that would have allowed the use of copyrighted content unless creators opted out.

A joint report from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport states that further evidence is required before any legislative change.

Policymakers in the UK will assess how copyright frameworks influence AI development, while also examining international regulation, licensing models and ongoing legal disputes.

Government strategy now centres on balancing innovation with fair compensation.

Officials emphasise that creators must retain control over how their work is used, while AI developers require access to high-quality data to remain competitive. Potential measures include labelling AI-generated content to reduce risks linked to disinformation and deepfakes.

No timeline has been set for reform, reflecting the complexity of aligning economic growth with intellectual property protection.

The debate unfolds alongside broader ambitions outlined by Rachel Reeves, who has identified AI as a central driver of future economic expansion, with the UK aiming to lead adoption across the G7.

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Amazon upgrades Alexa with AI features

Amazon is rolling out an AI upgrade to its Alexa assistant, aiming to make interactions more conversational and responsive. The new version is designed to follow the context and respond more naturally.

The update comes as Amazon seeks to compete with advanced AI chatbots that have gained popularity in recent years. Critics have argued that smart speakers have fallen behind newer AI tools.

Users in the UK are expected to notice more personalised and proactive responses from the upgraded assistant. This will be based on user and customer personal data. The service will be included with Prime subscriptions or offered as a standalone monthly option.

Analysts say the update could help Amazon gather even more user data and improve engagement by picking up on customers’ habits through conversations. However, questions remain about whether the changes will drive revenue or revive interest in smart speakers.

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Quantum cryptography pioneers win top computing prize

Two researchers have been awarded the Turing Award for pioneering work in quantum cryptography. Their research laid the foundations for a new form of secure communication based on quantum physics.

The method, developed in the 1980s, enables encryption keys that cannot be copied without detection. Any attempt to intercept the data alters its physical properties, revealing interference.

Experts say the approach could become vital as quantum computing advances. Traditional encryption methods may become vulnerable as computing power increases.

The award highlights the growing importance of secure data transmission in a digital world. Researchers believe quantum cryptography could play a central role in encrypting and protecting future communications.

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EU advances AI simplification effort ahead of further negotiations

A committee within the European Parliament has approved a proposal to simplify aspects of AI regulation, marking a step forward in efforts to refine the implementation of the AI Act.

An initiative that seeks to adjust certain requirements to support clearer compliance, particularly for industry stakeholders.

The proposal focuses on technical and procedural elements linked to how AI rules are applied in practice.

Lawmakers aim to ensure that regulatory obligations remain proportionate while maintaining existing safeguards. Part of the discussion includes how specific categories of AI systems should be addressed within the broader framework.

Some elements of the proposal may require further discussion in upcoming negotiations with the Council of the European Union. Areas under consideration include the treatment of sensitive AI applications and the balance between regulatory clarity and enforcement effectiveness.

The development reflects ongoing efforts within the EU to refine its approach to AI governance. As discussions continue, policymakers are expected to assess how adjustments can support innovation while maintaining consistency with existing legal principles.

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Meta to end Instagram private message encryption after May 8

The US tech giant, Meta, has announced that end-to-end encryption for private messages on Instagram will no longer be supported after 8 May.

Previously, such a technology ensured that only intended recipients could read messages, preventing even Meta from accessing their contents.

The decision follows concerns from law enforcement and child protection organisations, which argued that encrypted messages can make it harder to identify harmful content involving children.

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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EU child safety rules lapse amid ongoing debate over privacy and enforcement

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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UNESCO launches research on harmful online content governance in South Africa

A new research initiative led by UNESCO is examining the governance of harmful online content in South Africa, bringing together actors from government, academia, civil society and technology platforms to strengthen digital governance frameworks.

Conducted under the Social Media 4 Peace programme and supported by the EU, the study investigates the spread and impact of hate speech and disinformation while assessing existing regulatory approaches and platform governance systems.

Emphasis is placed on identifying structural gaps and developing practical responses suited to the country’s socio-political context.

Stakeholder engagement has shaped the research design to reflect local realities, with the aim of producing actionable and rights-based recommendations. As noted by a researcher involved in the project,

‘At Research ICT Africa, we don’t want this study to end with generic recommendations. We are aiming for grounded insights into how social media is shaping information integrity in our context, alongside practical guidance that regulators, platforms, and civil society can apply.‘

Kola Ijasan, a researcher at Research ICT Africa

Regulatory perspectives also highlight the importance of understanding emerging risks. As one regulator stated,

‘We are particularly interested in identifying regulatory gaps – areas where current laws and frameworks fall short in addressing emerging digital risks.‘

Nomzamo Zondi, a regulator in South Africa.

Findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based policymaking, strengthen platform accountability and safeguard freedom of expression and access to information.

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AI fuels rise in cyber scams

Cybercrime incidents have surged as AI tools enable more convincing scams, leading to sharply rising losses in Estonia. Authorities reported thousands of phishing and fraud cases affecting individuals and businesses.

Criminals are using AI to generate fluent messages in Estonian, removing a key warning sign that once helped people detect scams. Experts say language accuracy has made fraudulent calls and messages harder to identify.

Growing awareness of scams is also fuelling public anxiety, with some users considering abandoning digital services. Officials warn that loss of trust could undermine confidence in digital systems.

Authorities are urging stronger safeguards and public education to counter the cybersecurity threats. Banks, telecom firms and digital identity providers are introducing new protections while campaigns aim to improve digital awareness.

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