Dapr, the open-source microservices runtime introduced by Microsoft in 2019, has added new capabilities to support AI agents, broadening its appeal to developers creating scalable distributed applications.
Initially designed to simplify microservice-based app development, Dapr’s new functionality builds on its existing concept of virtual actors, making it easier to incorporate AI agents into systems.
The newly launched Dapr Agents offer developers a framework to efficiently run AI agents at scale with statefulness, making it ideal for applications involving large language models (LLMs).
However, this update allows seamless integration with popular AI providers, such as AWS Bedrock, OpenAI, and Hugging Face. Developers also benefit from Dapr’s orchestration and resource-efficient model, ensuring agents can spin up quickly when needed and retain state after tasks are completed.
Dapr Agents currently support Python, with plans for .NET and other languages like Java and Go coming soon.
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Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has been using ChatGPT to seek advice on media appearances and to define technical terms related to his role.
His records, obtained by New Scientist through freedom of information laws, reveal that he asked the AI tool for recommendations on which podcasts to feature and for explanations of terms like ‘digital inclusion’ and ‘anti-matter.’
ChatGPT suggested The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists due to their broad reach and scientific focus.
Kyle also inquired why small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have been slow to adopt AI. The chatbot pointed to factors such as a lack of awareness about government initiatives, funding limitations, and concerns over data protection regulations like GDPR.
While AI adoption remains a challenge, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has praised its potential, arguing that the UK government should embrace AI more to improve efficiency.
Despite Kyle’s enthusiasm for AI, he has faced criticism for allegedly prioritising the interests of Big Tech over Britain’s creative industries. Concerns have been raised over a proposed policy that could allow tech firms to train AI on copyrighted material without permission unless creators opt out.
His department defended his use of AI, stating that while he utilises the tool, it does not replace expert advice from officials.
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Google has announced an update to its Gemini AI assistant, enhancing personalisation to better anticipate user needs and deliver responses that feel more like those of a personal assistant.
The feature, initially available on desktop before rolling out to mobile, allows Gemini to offer tailored recommendations, such as travel ideas, based on search history and, in the future, data from apps like Photos and YouTube.
Users can opt in to the new personalisation features, sharing details like dietary preferences or past conversations to refine responses further.
Google assures that users must explicitly grant permission for Gemini to access search history and other services, and they can disconnect at any time.
However, this level of contextual awareness could give Google an advantage over competitors like ChatGPT by leveraging its vast ecosystem of user data.
The update signals a shift in how users interact with AI, bringing it closer to traditional search while raising questions for publishers and SEO professionals.
As Gemini increasingly provides direct, personalised answers, it may reduce the need for users to visit external websites. While currently experimental, the potential for Google to push broader adoption of AI-driven personalisation could reshape digital content discovery and search behaviour in the future.
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced HQC, a backup encryption algorithm designed to protect sensitive data from potential threats posed by future quantum computers.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, the agency selected HQC to complement the existing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standard, ML-KEM, in case quantum advancements compromise current encryption methods.
HQC relies on error-correcting codes, a mathematical approach used in data protection for decades, including in NASA missions.
The algorithm is larger than ML-KEM and requires more computing power, but experts determined it to be a secure and reliable alternative. A draft standard for HQC is expected within a year, with final approval anticipated by 2027.
NIST has been working to prepare for the so-called ‘Q day,’ when quantum computers could break conventional encryption. Three PQC algorithms were finalized in 2024, including ML-KEM and two digital signature standards.
In addition to announcing HQC, NIST is preparing to release a draft standard for the FALCON algorithm, further strengthening protections against future cyber threats.
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OpenAI has unveiled new tools to help developers and businesses build AI agents, which are automated systems that can independently perform tasks. These tools are part of OpenAI’s new Responses API, allowing enterprises to create custom AI agents that can search the web, navigate websites, and scan company files, similar to OpenAI’s existing Operator product. The company plans to phase out its older Assistants API by 2026, replacing it with the new capabilities.
The Responses API provides developers with access to powerful AI models, such as GPT-4o search and GPT-4o mini search, which are designed for high factual accuracy. OpenAI claims these models can offer more reliable answers than previous versions, with GPT-4o search achieving a 90% accuracy rate. Additionally, the platform includes a file search feature to help companies quickly retrieve information from their databases. The CUA model, which automates tasks like data entry, is also available, allowing developers to automate workflows with more precision.
Despite its promise, OpenAI acknowledges that there are still challenges to address, such as AI hallucinations and occasional errors in task automation. However, the company continues to improve its models, and the introduction of the Agents SDK gives developers the tools they need to build, debug, and optimise AI agents. OpenAI’s goal is to move beyond demos and create impactful tools that will shape the future of AI in enterprise applications.
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Spain’s government has approved a bill imposing heavy fines on companies that fail to label AI-generated content, aiming to combat the spread of deepfakes.
The legislation, which aligns with the European Union’s AI Act, classifies non-compliance as a serious offence, with penalties reaching up to €35 million or 7% of a company’s global revenue.
Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez stressed that AI can be a force for good but also a tool for misinformation and threats to democracy.
The bill also bans manipulative AI techniques, such as subliminal messaging targeting vulnerable groups, and restricts the use of AI-driven biometric profiling, except in cases of national security.
Spain is one of the first EU nations to implement these strict AI regulations, going beyond the looser US approach, which relies on voluntary compliance.
A newly established AI supervisory agency, AESIA, will oversee enforcement, alongside sector-specific regulators handling privacy, financial markets, and law enforcement concerns.
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The Trump administration has cut funding for two key cybersecurity initiatives, including one supporting election security, sparking concerns over potential vulnerabilities in future US elections.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced it would end around $10 million in annual funding to the non-profit Center for Internet Security, which manages election-related cybersecurity programmes.
However, this move comes as part of a broader review of CISA’s election-related work, during which over a dozen staff members were placed on administrative leave.
The decision follows another controversial step by the administration to dismantle an FBI task force that investigated foreign influence in US elections.
Critics warn that reducing government involvement in election security weakens safeguards against interference, with Larry Norden from the Brennan Center for Justice calling the cuts a serious risk for state and local election officials.
The National Association of Secretaries of State is now seeking clarification on CISA’s decision and its wider implications.
CISA has faced Republican criticism in recent years for its role in countering misinformation related to the 2020 election and the coronavirus pandemic. However, previous leadership maintained that the agency’s work was limited to assisting states in identifying and addressing misinformation.
While CISA argues the funding cuts will streamline its focus on critical security areas, concerns remain over the potential impact on election integrity and cybersecurity protections across local and state governments.
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ServiceNow has struck a significant deal, acquiring AI firm Moveworks for $2.85 billion in cash and stock, marking its largest-ever acquisition. This move comes as companies are increasingly investing in generative AI to streamline operations. ServiceNow, which is based in Santa Clara, California, US, plans to integrate Moveworks’ AI technology into its own platform, further enhancing its IT operations offerings.
Moveworks, known for its AI solutions that help resolve employee issues through chat, has a strong customer base, including companies like Broadcom, Palo Alto Networks, and Pinterest. The deal will bring more than 500 employees from Moveworks into ServiceNow, with no layoffs anticipated.
Despite the deal’s size, ServiceNow does not expect regulatory challenges to hinder the transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Following the announcement, ServiceNow’s shares saw a 7% dip. Moveworks had previously raised $315 million, reaching a valuation of $2.1 billion before this acquisition.
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A new electronic health file system is launching on Tuesday in a preliminary form, aiming to provide doctors with an easier, safer, and more reliable way to access Greek patients’ medical histories.
The platform, expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, will store comprehensive records for every patient with a social security number (AMKA).
Once completed, the system will compile detailed medical histories, including hospital admissions, surgeries, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, vaccinations, allergies, and treatment protocols.
Upgrade like this one will significantly streamline healthcare access for both doctors and patients.
The enhanced MyHealth app will eliminate the need for patients to carry test results or verbally summarise their medical history.
It is particularly expected to benefit people with disabilities, as the entire process of claiming benefits will be handled electronically, removing the need for in-person evaluations by specialist committees.
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New York State has taken legal action against Allstate, accusing its National General unit of mishandling customer data security and failing to report a breach that exposed sensitive information.
The state’s Attorney General, Letitia James, filed the lawsuit in Manhattan, claiming that the breaches, which occurred in 2020 and 2021, resulted in hackers accessing the driver’s license numbers of over 360,000 people.
According to the lawsuit, National General did not notify affected drivers or state agencies about the first breach, which occurred between August and November 2020.
The second, larger breach, was discovered three months later in January 2021. James alleges that National General violated the state’s Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act by failing to protect customer information adequately.
In response, Allstate defended its actions, stating that it had resolved the issue years ago, secured its systems, and offered free credit monitoring to affected consumers.
The lawsuit seeks civil fines of $5,000 per violation, in addition to other remedies. This legal action follows similar penalties imposed on other US companies for data security lapses, including fines for Geico and Travelers.
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