Online education

Generative AI use grows across the EU

In 2025, nearly a third of people aged 16–74 across the European Union reported using generative AI tools, according to Eurostat. Most respondents used AI for personal tasks, while fewer applied it for work or education.

The survey data illustrate how generative AI is becoming a part of daily life for millions of Europeans, offering new ways to interact with technology and access creative tools that were once limited to specialists.

Generative AI tools are capable of producing new content, including text, images, videos, programming code, or other forms of data, based on patterns learned from existing examples. Users provide input or prompts, such as instructions or questions, which the AI then uses to generate tailored outputs.

This accessibility is helping people across the EU experiment with technology for both practical and recreational purposes, from drafting documents to designing visuals or exploring creative ideas, demonstrating the growing influence of AI on digital culture and personal productivity.

Adoption of generative AI varies significantly across the EU. Denmark, Estonia, and Malta recorded the highest usage, with nearly half of residents actively engaging with these tools, while Romania, Italy, and Bulgaria showed the lowest uptake, with fewer than a quarter of the population using AI.

These differences may reflect variations in digital infrastructure, education, and public awareness, as well as cultural attitudes toward emerging technologies.

Overall, the Eurostat data provide a snapshot of a digital landscape in transition, reflecting how Europeans are adapting to a new era of intelligent technology.

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OpenAI’s GPT-5 shows a breakthrough in wet lab biology

New research has been published by OpenAI, examining whether advanced AI models can accelerate biological research within the wet lab, rather than just supporting theoretical science.

Working with biosecurity firm Red Queen Bio, researchers tested GPT-5 within a tightly controlled molecular cloning system designed to measure practical laboratory improvements.

Across multiple experimental rounds, GPT-5 independently proposed protocol modifications, analysed results and refined its approach using experimental feedback.

The model introduced a previously unexplored enzymatic mechanism that combines RecA and gp32 proteins, along with adjustments to reaction timing and temperature, resulting in a 79-fold increase in cloning efficiency compared to the baseline protocol.

OpenAI emphasises that all experiments were carried out under strict biosecurity safeguards and still relied on human scientists to execute laboratory work.

Even so, the findings suggest AI systems could work alongside researchers to reduce costs, accelerate experimentation and improve scientific productivity while informing future safety and governance frameworks.

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OpenAI upgrades ChatGPT with faster AI images

The US tech company OpenAI has rolled out a significant update to ChatGPT with the launch of GPT Images 1.5, strengthening its generative image capabilities.

A new model that produces photorealistic images using text prompts at speeds up to four times faster than earlier versions, reflecting OpenAI’s push to make visual generation more practical for everyday use.

Users can upload existing photos and modify them through natural language instructions, allowing objects to be added, removed, combined or blended with minimal effort.

OpenAI highlights applications such as clothing and hairstyle try-ons, alongside stylistic filters designed to support creative experimentation while preserving realistic visual quality.

The update also introduces a redesigned ChatGPT interface, including a dedicated Images section available via the sidebar on both mobile apps and the web.

GPT Images 1.5 is now accessible to regular users, while Business and Enterprise subscribers are expected to receive enhanced access and additional features in the coming weeks.

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Libraries lead UK government push to improve digital inclusion and AI confidence

Libraries Connected, supported by a £310,400 grant from the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund administered by the Department for Science, Industry and Technology (DSIT), is launching Innovating in Trusted Spaces: Libraries Advancing the Digital Inclusion Action Plan.

The programme will run from November 2025 to March 2026 across 121 library branches in Newcastle, Northumberland, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, targeting older people, low-income families and individuals with disabilities to ensure they are not left behind amid rapid digital and AI-driven change.

Public libraries are already a leading provider of free internet access and basic digital skills support, offering tens of thousands of public computers and learning opportunities each year. However, only around 27 percent of UK adults currently feel confident in recognising AI-generated content online, underscoring the need for improved digital and media literacy.

The project will create and test a new digital inclusion guide for library staff, focusing on the benefits and risks of AI tools, misinformation and emerging technologies, as well as building a national network of practice for sharing insights.

Partners in the programme include Good Things Foundation and WSA Community, which will help co-design materials and evaluate the initiative’s impact to inform future digital inclusion efforts across communities.

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Google boosts Translate with Gemini upgrades

Google is rolling out a major Translate upgrade powered by Gemini to improve text and speech translation. The update enhances contextual understanding so idioms, tone and intent are interpreted more naturally.

A beta feature for live headphone translation enables real-time speech-to-speech output. Gemini processes audio directly, preserving cadence and emphasis to improve conversations and lectures. Android users in the US, Mexico and India gain early access, with wider availability planned for 2026.

Translate is also gaining expanded language-learning tools for speaking practice and progress tracking. Additional language pairs, including English to German and Portuguese, broaden support for learners worldwide.

Google aims to reduce friction in global communication by focusing on meaning rather than literal phrasing. Engineers expect user feedback to shape the AI live translation beta across platforms.

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Universities back generative AI but guidance remains uneven

A majority of leading US research universities are encouraging the use of generative AI in teaching, according to a new study analysing institutional policies and guidance documents across higher education.

The research reviewed publicly available policies from 116 R1 universities and found that 63 percent explicitly support the use of generative AI, while 41 percent provide detailed classroom guidance. More than half of the institutions also address ethical considerations linked to AI adoption.

Most guidance focuses on writing-related activities, with far fewer references to coding or STEM applications. The study notes that while many universities promote experimentation, expectations placed on faculty can be demanding, often implying significant changes to teaching practices.

US researchers also found wide variation in how universities approach oversight. Some provide sample syllabus language and assignment design advice, while others discourage the use of AI-detection tools, citing concerns around reliability and academic trust.

The authors caution that policy statements may not reflect real classroom behaviour and say further research is needed to understand how generative AI is actually being used by educators and students in practice.

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OpenAI launches GPT‑5.2 for professional knowledge work

OpenAI has introduced GPT‑5.2, its most advanced model series to date, designed to enhance professional knowledge work. Users report significant time savings, with daily reductions of 40-60 minutes and more than 10 hours per week for heavy users.

The new model excels at generating spreadsheets, presentations, and code, while also handling complex, multi-step projects with improved speed and accuracy.

Performance benchmarks show GPT‑5.2 surpasses industry professionals on GDPval tasks across 44 occupations, producing outputs over eleven times faster and at a fraction of the cost.

Coding abilities have also reached a new standard, encompassing debugging, refactoring, front-end UI work, and multi-language software engineering tasks, providing engineers with a more reliable daily assistant.

GPT‑5.2 Thinking improves long-context reasoning, vision, and tool-calling capabilities. It accurately interprets long documents, charts, and graphical interfaces while coordinating multi-agent workflows.

The model also demonstrates enhanced factual accuracy and fewer hallucinations, making it more dependable for research, analysis, and decision-making.

The rollout includes ChatGPT Instant, Thinking, and Pro plans, as well as API access for developers. Early tests show GPT‑5.2 accelerates research, solves complex problems, and improves professional workflows, setting a new benchmark for real-world AI tasks.

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Reddit challenges Australia’s teen social media ban

The US social media company, Reddit, has launched legal action in Australia as the country enforces the world’s first mandatory minimum age for social media access.

Reddit argues that banning users under 16 prevents younger Australians from taking part in political debate, instead of empowering them to learn how to navigate public discussion.

Lawyers representing the company argue that the rule undermines the implied freedom of political communication and could restrict future voters from understanding the issues that will shape national elections.

Australia’s ban took effect on December 10 and requires major platforms to block underage users or face penalties that can reach nearly 50 million Australian dollars.

Companies are relying on age inference and age estimation technologies to meet the obligation, although many have warned that the policy raises privacy concerns in addition to limiting online expression.

The government maintains that the law is designed to reduce harm for younger users and has confirmed that the list of prohibited platforms may expand as new safety issues emerge.

Reddit’s filing names the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells. The minister’s office says the government intends to defend the law and will prioritise the protection of young Australians, rather than allowing open access to high-risk platforms.

The platform’s challenge follows another case brought by an internet rights group that claims the legislation represents an unfair restriction on free speech.

A separate list identifies services that remain open for younger users, such as Roblox, Pinterest and YouTube Kids. At the same time, platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit and X are blocked for those under sixteen.

The case is expected to shape future digital access rights in Australia, as online communities become increasingly central to political education and civic engagement among emerging voters.

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EU survey shows strong public backing for digital literacy in schools

A new Eurobarometer survey finds that Europeans want digital skills to hold the same status in schools as reading, mathematics and science.

Citizens view digital competence as essential for learning, future employment and informed participation in public life.

Nine in ten respondents believe that schools should guide pupils on how to handle the harmful effects of digital technologies on their mental health and well-being, rather than treating such issues as secondary concerns.

Most Europeans also support a more structured approach to online information. Eight in ten say digital literacy helps them avoid misinformation, while nearly nine in ten want teachers to be fully prepared to show students how to recognise false content.

A majority continues to favour restrictions on smartphones in schools, yet an even larger share supports the use of digital tools specifically designed for learning.

More than half find that AI brings both opportunities and risks for classrooms, which they believe should be examined in greater depth.

Almost half want the EU to shape standards for the use of educational technologies, including rules on AI and data protection.

The findings will inform the European Commission’s 2030 Roadmap on digital education and skills, scheduled for release next year as part of the Union of Skills initiative.

A survey carried out across all member states reflects a growing expectation that digital education should become a central pillar of Europe’s teaching systems, rather than an optional enhancement.

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AI teachers and deepfakes tested to ease UK teacher shortages

Amid a worsening recruitment and retention crisis in UK education, some schools are trialling AI-based teaching solutions, including remote teachers delivered via video links and even proposals for deepfake avatars to give lessons.

These pilots are part of efforts to maintain educational provision where qualified staff are scarce, with proponents arguing that technology can help reduce teacher workload and address gaps in core subjects, such as mathematics.

However, many teachers and unions remain sceptical or critical. Some educators argue that remote or AI-led instruction cannot replace the human presence, interpersonal support and contextual knowledge provided by in-room teachers.

Union activity and petitions opposing virtual teaching arrangements reflect broader concerns about the implications for job security, education quality and the potential de-professionalisation of teaching.

The BBC’s reporting highlighted specific examples, such as a Lancashire secondary school bringing in a remote maths teacher based hundreds of miles away, a move that sparked debate among local teachers who emphasise the irreplaceable role of in-person interaction in effective teaching.

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