Privacy and data protection

Singapore and the EU advance their digital partnership

The European Union met Singapore in Brussels for the second Digital Partnership Council, reinforcing a joint ambition to strengthen cooperation across a broad set of digital priorities.

Both sides expressed a shared interest in improving competitiveness, expanding innovation and shaping common approaches to digital rules instead of relying on fragmented national frameworks.

Discussions covered AI, cybersecurity, online safety, data flows, digital identities, semiconductors and quantum technologies.

Officials highlighted the importance of administrative arrangements in AI safety. They explored potential future cooperation on language models, including the EU’s work on the Alliance for Language Technologies and Singapore’s Sea-Lion initiative.

Efforts to protect consumers and support minors online were highlighted, alongside the potential role of age verification tools.

Further exchanges focused on trust services and the interoperability of digital identity systems, as well as collaborative research on semiconductors and quantum technologies.

Both sides emphasised the importance of robust cyber resilience and ongoing evaluation of cybersecurity risks, rather than relying on reactive measures. The recently signed Digital Trade Agreement was welcomed for improving legal certainty, building consumer trust and reducing barriers to digital commerce.

The meeting between the EU and Singapore confirmed the importance of the partnership in supporting economic security, strengthening research capacity and increasing resilience in critical technologies.

It also reflected the wider priorities outlined in the European Commission’s International Digital Strategy, which placed particular emphasis on cooperation with Asian partners across emerging technologies and digital governance.

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Poetic prompts reveal gaps in AI safety, according to study

Researchers in Italy have found that poetic language can weaken the safety barriers used by many leading AI chatbots.

A work by Icaro Lab, part of DexAI, that examined whether poems containing harmful requests could provoke unsafe answers from widely deployed models across the industry. The team wrote twenty poems in English and Italian, each ending with explicit instructions that AI systems are trained to block.

The researchers tested the poems on twenty-five models developed by nine major companies. Poetic prompts produced unsafe responses in more than half of the tests.

Some models appeared more resilient than others. OpenAI’s GPT-5 Nano avoided unsafe replies in every case, while Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro generated harmful content in all tests. Two Meta systems produced unsafe responses to twenty percent of the poems.

Researchers also argue that poetic structure disrupts the predictive patterns large language models rely on to filter harmful material. The unconventional rhythm and metaphor common in poetry make the underlying safety mechanisms less reliable.

Additionally, the team warned that adversarial poetry can be used by anyone, which raises concerns about how easily safety systems may be manipulated in everyday use.

Before releasing the study, the researchers contacted all companies involved and shared the full dataset with them.

Anthropic confirmed receipt and stated that it was reviewing the findings. The work has prompted debate over how AI systems can be strengthened as creative language becomes an increasingly common method for attempting to bypass safety controls.

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Coupang breach prompts scrutiny from South Korean regulators

South Korea is examining a significant data breach at Coupang after the retailer confirmed exposure of personal details linked to millions of users. Officials say the incident involves only domestic accounts. Regulators have opened a formal investigation.

Coupang first reported a small number of affected users, then revised its estimate to 33.7 million. The firm states that the leaked data includes names and contact details. It maintains that passwords and payment information remain secure.

Authorities believe the breach may date back several months and may involve an overseas server. Local media reports suspicion of a former employee in China. Investigators are assessing whether safety rules were breached.

The incident adds to a series of cyberattacks on major firms in South Korea this year. Commentators say repeated lapses point to structural weaknesses. Previous breaches at SK Telecom and Lotte Card remain fresh in public memory.

Coupang has apologised and warned customers to watch for scams using stolen information. Regulators pledge to enforce swiftly if violations are confirmed. The case has reignited debate over corporate safeguards and national cyber resilience.

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South Korea retailer admits worst-ever data leak

Coupang disclosed a major data breach on 30 November 2025 that exposed 33.7 million customer accounts. The leaked data includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping addresses and some order history but excludes payment or login credentials.

The company said it first detected unauthorised access on 18 November. Subsequent investigations revealed that attacks likely began on 24 June through overseas servers and may involve a former employee’s still-active authentication key.

South Korean authorities launched an emergency probe to determine if Coupang violated data-protection laws. The government warned customers to stay alert to phishing and fraud attempts using the leaked information.

Cybersecurity experts say the breach may be one of the worst personal-data leaks in Korean history. Critics claim the incident underlines deep structural weaknesses in corporate cybersecurity practices.

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Fraud and scam cases push FIDReC workloads to new highs

FIDReC recorded 4,355 claims in FY2024/2025, marking its highest volume in twenty years and a sharp rise from the previous year. Scam activity and broader dispute growth across financial institutions contributed to the increase. Greater public awareness of the centre’s role also drove more filings.

Fraud and scam disputes climbed to 1,285 cases, up more than 50% and accounting for nearly half of all claims. FIDReC accepted 2,646 claims for handling, with early resolution procedures reducing formal caseload growth. The phased approach encourages direct negotiation between consumers and providers.

Chief Executive Eunice Chua said rising claim volumes reflect fast-evolving financial risks and increasingly complex products. National indicators show similar pressures, with Singapore ranked second globally for payment card scams. Insurance fraud reports also continued to grow during the year.

Compromised credentials accounted for most scam-related cases, often involving unauthorised withdrawals or card charges. Consumers reported incidents without knowing how their details were obtained. The share of such complaints rose markedly compared with the previous year.

Banks added safeguards on large digital withdrawals as part of wider anti-scam measures. Regulators introduced cooling-off periods, stronger information sharing and closer monitoring of suspicious activity. Authorities say the goal is to limit exposure to scams and reinforce public confidence.

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UK to require crypto traders to report details from 2026

The UK government has confirmed that cryptocurrency traders will be required to report personal details to trading platforms from 1 January 2026. The move forms part of the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CAFR), aligned with an OECD agreement, and aims to improve compliance with existing tax rules.

Under the framework, exchanges must provide HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) with customer information, including cryptocurrency transactions and tax reference numbers.

Traders who fail to supply required details could face fines of up to £300, while platforms may be fined the same amount per unreported customer. HMRC expects to raise up to £315 million by 2030 from the new reporting rules.

Experts warn exchanges may face challenges collecting accurate information, potentially passing compliance costs onto users. Some investors may initially turn to noncompliant platforms, but international standards are expected to drive global alignment over time.

The 2025 Budget also addressed the taxation of DeFi activities such as lending and staking. HMRC appears to favour taxing gains only when they are realised, although no final decision has been made and consultations with stakeholders will continue.

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Vanity Fair publisher penalised for cookie breaches

France’s data regulator fined Les Publications Condé Nast €750,000 for unlawful cookie practices on vanityfair.fr. Investigators found consent-based cookies loading immediately when visitors landed on the site.

CNIL officials also noted unclear information describing several trackers as strictly necessary without explaining their true purposes. Users faced further issues when refusal tools failed to block or halt consent-based cookies.

Repeated non-compliance weighed heavily, as the company had already received a formal order in 2021. Earlier proceedings had been closed after corrective steps, yet later inspections showed renewed breaches.

The French regulator stated that millions of visitors were potentially affected by the unlawful tracking activity. The case highlights continuing enforcement efforts under Article 82 of France’s Data Protection Act.

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ByteDance launches AI voice assistant for phones

ByteDance unveiled a new AI voice assistant that will debut on ZTE’s Nubia M153 smartphone. The tool uses the Doubao large language model to handle spoken tasks such as content searches and ticket bookings.

ZTE’s shares jumped after the announcement, helped by strong interest in the device and recent 5G contract wins in Vietnam. The prototype handset is priced at 3,499 yuan and can be pre-ordered in limited quantities.

ByteDance confirmed discussions with multiple manufacturers to integrate the assistant into future smartphones. The firm stated it has no intention of developing its own hardware.

The assistant enters a competitive market led by Huawei and Xiaomi, while Apple has yet to introduce Apple Intelligence in China. Doubao remains China’s most popular consumer AI app, with 159 million monthly active users.

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Concerns grow over WhatsApp rules as Italy probes Meta AI practices

Italy’s competition authority has launched an investigation into Meta over potential dominance in AI chatbots. Regulators are reviewing the new WhatsApp Business terms and upcoming Meta AI features. They say the changes could restrict rivals’ access to the platform.

Officials in Italy warn that the revised conditions may limit innovation and reduce consumer choice in emerging AI services. The concerns fall under Article 102 TFEU. The authority states that early action may be necessary to prevent distortions.

The case expands an existing Italian investigation into Meta and its regional subsidiaries. Regulators say technical integration of Meta AI could strengthen exclusionary effects. They argue that WhatsApp’s scale gives Meta significant structural advantages.

Low switching rates among users may entrench Meta’s market position further in Italy and beyond. Officials say rival chatbot providers would struggle to compete if access is constrained. They warn that competition could be permanently harmed.

Meta has announced significant new AI investments in the United States. Italian regulators say this reflects the sector’s growing influence. They argue that strong oversight is needed to ensure fair access to key platforms.

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Salesforce expands investment in Greece with Greek AgentForce

The presence in Greece is expanding as Salesforce increases its investment and introduces AgentForce in the Greek language.

Salesforce works with major Greek groups such as Motor Oil and OPAP and plans to enter more sectors, including banking and insurance. Senior executives view Greece as a market with strong potential for broader adoption of AI tools.

Executives at the company highlighted growing interest among Greek firms that are already testing or deploying AI agents to support customer services and internal operations.

Robin Fisher, Senior Vice President for the EMEA Growth Markets, noted that the organisation has doubled the number of staff supporting the Greek market over the past two years and intends to continue increasing its investment every three years or sooner.

He also pointed to the presence of Energy Cloud in Greek enterprises and the rapid development of new AI agents for local clients.

The introduction of AgentForce in the Greek language is expected to help companies manage processes more efficiently and support a more profound digital transformation. The initial release covers AgentForce Service and Employee Agent, with broader availability planned for the future.

AgentForce Service operates as a constantly available customer service platform that can be adapted to any sector, offering faster issue resolution and more personalised assistance based on real-time data.

Its design enables full cooperation between employees and AI agents, providing a more effective service model.

Employee Agent functions as a proactive digital assistant that supports staff with daily tasks inside familiar environments, such as Slack or mobile devices. It can manage meetings, assist with onboarding, access internal knowledge and prepare summaries before client discussions.

Salesforce emphasises that the broader rollout of Greek language support will help organisations improve productivity and achieve greater efficiency by combining human expertise with automated capabilities.

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