Telecommunications infrastructure

NVIDIA AI transforms smart cities

Cities worldwide face increasing operational challenges as populations grow and infrastructure becomes strained. Traffic congestion, emergency response coordination, and fragmented data pipelines make it difficult for local authorities to obtain real-time insights for effective decision-making.

NVIDIA’s Blueprint for smart city AI, combined with OpenUSD digital twins, allows cities to simulate complex scenarios and generate accurate sensor data.

These digital twins enable authorities to test urban systems, train vision AI models, and deploy real-time AI agents for tasks such as video analytics, emergency response, and traffic monitoring.

Several cities and organisations have adopted these technologies with measurable results. Kaohsiung City reduced incident response times by 80%, Raleigh achieved 95% vehicle detection accuracy, and French rail networks cut energy use by 20%.

Applications range from optimising rail operations to automating street inspections and video review.

By integrating AI-driven insights into city management, authorities can shift from reactive measures to proactive operations. Simulation, monitoring, and analysis tools improve infrastructure planning, enhance efficiency, and allow urban systems to respond dynamically to emerging situations.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Rising data demand powers India’s 5G surge

India is forecast to surpass one billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2031. Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report highlights the rapid uptake in a market that is already leading global data consumption.

The study estimates that there will be approximately 394 million Indian 5G subscriptions by the end of 2025, roughly one-third of all connections. The average monthly mobile data usage per smartphone is expected to increase from 36GB today to 65GB by 2031.

Ericsson expects global 5G subscriptions to reach 6.4 billion by 2031, accounting for around two-thirds of all mobile lines. Affordable 5G phones, expanding networks and fixed wireless access services are credited with driving worldwide adoption.

Industry leaders say 5G already underpins key digital services, from streaming platforms to industrial automation and remote education. Analysts predict rising data use will spur further investment in Indian telecom infrastructure and cloud-based services.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

OpenAI unveils new global group chat experience

Since yesterday, OpenAI has launched group chats worldwide for all ChatGPT users on Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans instead of limiting access to small trial regions.

The upgrade follows a pilot in Japan and New Zealand and marks a turning point in how the company wants people to use AI in everyday communication.

Group chats enable up to twenty participants to collaborate in a shared space, where they can plan trips, co-write documents, or settle disagreements through collective decision-making.

ChatGPT remains available as a partner that contributes when tagged, reacts with emojis and references profile photos instead of taking over the conversation. Each participant keeps private settings and memory, which prevents personal information from being shared across the group.

Users start a session by tapping the people icon and inviting others directly or through a link. Adding someone later creates a new chat, rather than altering the original, which preserves previous discussions intact.

OpenAI presents the feature as a way to turn the assistant into a social environment rather than a solitary tool.

The announcement arrives shortly after the release of GPT-5.1 and follows the introduction of Sora, a social app that encourages users to create videos with friends.

OpenAI views group chats as the first step toward a more active role for AI in real human exchanges where people plan, create and make decisions together.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

KT launches secure public cloud with Microsoft for South Korean enterprises

The telco firm, KT Corp, has introduced a Secure Public Cloud service in partnership with Microsoft, designed to meet South Korea’s stringent data sovereignty demands instead of relying solely on global cloud platforms.

Built on Microsoft Azure, the platform targets sectors such as finance and manufacturing, offering high-performance computing while ensuring all data remains stored and processed domestically.

A service that is based on three pillars: end-to-end data protection, enhanced enterprise control over cloud resources, and strict compliance with the residency requirements of South Korea.

Confidential computing encrypts data even during in-memory execution, while a managed hardware security module allows customers to fully own and manage encryption keys, enabling true end-to-end protection.

KT said the platform is particularly suitable for AI training, transaction-heavy applications, and operational workloads where data exposure could pose major risks.

By combining domestic governance with the flexibility and scalability of Azure, the company aims to give enterprises a reliable cloud solution without compromising performance or compliance.

The launch also strengthens KT’s broader cloud ecosystem, which includes KT Cloud and managed global cloud services like AWS.

KT plans to expand the Secure Public Cloud gradually across industries, responding to rising demand from organizations that need robust domestic data controls instead of facing the risks of cross-border data exposure.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Foxconn and OpenAI strengthen US AI manufacturing

OpenAI has formed a new partnership with Foxconn to prepare US manufacturing for a fresh generation of AI infrastructure hardware.

The agreement centres on design support and early evaluation instead of immediate purchase commitments, which gives OpenAI a path to influence development while Foxconn builds readiness inside American facilities.

Both companies expect rapid advances in AI capability to demand a new class of physical infrastructure. They plan to co-design several generations of data centre racks that can keep pace with model development instead of relying on slower single-cycle upgrades.

OpenAI will share insight into future hardware needs while Foxconn provides engineering knowledge and large-scale manufacturing capacity across the US.

A key aim is to strengthen domestic supply chains by improving rack architecture, widening access to domestic chip suppliers and expanding local testing and assembly. Foxconn intends to produce essential data centre components in the US, including cabling, networking, cooling and power systems.

The companies present such an effort as a way to support faster deployment, create more resilient infrastructure and bring economic benefits to American workers.

OpenAI frames the partnership as part of a broader push to ensure that critical AI infrastructure is built within the US instead of abroad. Company leaders argue that a robust domestic supply chain will support American leadership in AI and keep the benefits widely shared across the economy.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Ucom completes nationwide 5G rollout in Armenia

Ucom has completed nationwide 5G deployment across Armenia, reaching 48 cities and hundreds of communities. The operator states that more than 94% of the population now has access to high-speed mobile internet.

The rollout began in November 2024 and was completed within one year, covering all major settlements. Coverage also includes Myler Mountain Resort, the Yerevan-Dilijan highway and border crossings at Bagratashen, Bavra and Agarak.

General director Ralph Yirikian says expanding 5G is central to delivering modern, stable connectivity nationwide. Earlier work with Nokia to modernise the mobile network laid the foundations for the nationwide upgrade.

Armenian subscribers can now benefit from faster speeds, low latency and more reliable, internationally compliant connections. 5G enables higher quality video calls, real-time data transfers and innovative services, although Dastakert still lacks coverage.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

UAE and China deepen ties with mBridge launch

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has overseen a digital currency payment between the UAE and China. The transfer used the ‘mBridge’ central bank digital currency platform to settle funds directly. Officials say the move marks the formal launch of ‘mBridge’ for cross-border payments.

Ceremonies in Abu Dhabi also launched the first ‘Jaywan-UnionPay’ multi-scheme prepaid card. The product links Jaywan’s domestic network with UnionPay’s global acceptance in more than 180 countries.

Transactions inside the UAE are processed locally, while overseas spending routes through UnionPay’s international infrastructure. Officials say the projects highlight partnerships between the UAE and China and strengthen the Emirates’ role in digital finance.

Sheikh Mansour and Pan Gongsheng also signed a memorandum on future cross-border payment cooperation. Further expansion of the ‘mBridge‘ network and domestic Digital Dirham pilots is planned from 2026.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

Kremlin launches new push for domestic AI development

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the creation of a national task force to accelerate the development of domestic generative AI systems, arguing that homegrown models are essential to safeguarding the country’s technological and strategic sovereignty. Speaking at AI Journey, Russia’s flagship AI forum, he warned that foreign large-language models shape global information flows and can influence entire populations, making reliance on external technologies unacceptable.

Putin said the new task force will prioritise expanding data-centre infrastructure and securing reliable energy supplies, including through small-scale nuclear power stations. Russia still trails global leaders like the United States and China, but local companies have produced notable systems such as Sberbank’s Gigachat and Yandex’s GPT.

Sberbank unveiled a new version of Gigachat and showcased AI-powered tools, ranging from humanoid robots to medical-scanning ATMs. However, recent public demonstrations have drawn unwanted attention, including an incident in which a Russian AI robot toppled over on stage.

The Kremlin aims for AI technologies to contribute more than 11 trillion roubles ($136 billion) to Russia’s economy by 2030. Putin urged state bodies and major companies to adopt AI more aggressively while cautioning against overly strict regulation.

However, he stressed that only Russian-made AI systems should be used for national security to prevent sensitive data from flowing abroad. Western sanctions, which restrict access to advanced hardware, particularly microchips, continue to hinder Russia’s ambitions.

The push for domestic AI comes as Ukraine warns that Russia is developing a new generation of autonomous, AI-driven drones capable of operating in coordinated swarms and striking targets up to 62 miles away, underscoring the growing military stakes of the AI race.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

EU introduces plan to strengthen consumer protection

The European Commission has unveiled the 2030 Consumer Agenda, a strategic plan to reinforce protection, trust, and competitiveness across the EU.

With 450 million consumers contributing over half of the Union’s GDP, the agenda aims to simplify administrative processes for businesses, rather than adding new burdens, while ensuring fair treatment for shoppers.

The agenda sets four priorities to adapt to rising living costs, evolving online markets, and the surge in e-commerce. Completing the Single Market will remove cross-border barriers, enhance travel and financial services, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Geo-Blocking Regulation.

A planned Digital Fairness Act will address harmful online practices, focusing on protecting children and strengthening consumer rights.

Sustainable consumption takes a central focus, with efforts to combat greenwashing, expand access to sustainable goods, and support circular initiatives such as second-hand markets and repairable products.

The Commission will also enhance enforcement to tackle unsafe or non-compliant products, particularly from third countries, ensuring that compliant businesses are shielded from unfair competition.

Implementation will be overseen through the Annual Consumer Summit and regular Ministerial Forums, which will provide political guidance and monitor progress.

The 2030 Consumer Agenda builds on prior achievements and EU consultations, aiming to modernise consumer protection instead of leaving gaps in a rapidly changing market.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU proposal sparks alarm over weakened privacy rules

The Digital Omnibus has been released by the European Commission, prompting strong criticism from privacy advocates. Campaigners argue the reforms would weaken long-standing data protection standards and introduce sweeping changes without proper consultation.

Noyb founder Max Schrems claims the plan favours large technology firms by creating loopholes around personal data and lowering user safeguards. Critics say the proposals emerge despite limited political support from EU governments, civil society groups and several parliamentary factions.

The Omnibus is welcomed by industry which have called for simplification and changes to be made for quite a number of years. These changes should make carrying out business activities simpler for entities which do process vast amounts of data.

The Commission is also accused of rushing (errors can be found in the draft, including references to the GDPR) the process under political pressure, abandoning impact assessments and shifting priorities away from widely supported protections. View our analysis on the matter for a deep dive on the matter.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!