Telecommunications infrastructure

South Korean firm unveils faster AI data centre architecture with CXL-over-Xlink

South Korean company Panmnesia has introduced a new architecture for AI data centres aimed at improving speed and efficiency.

Instead of using only PCIe or RDMA-based systems, its CXL-over-Xlink approach combines Compute Express Link (CXL) with fast accelerator links such as UALink and NVLink.

The company claims this design can deliver up to 5.3 times faster AI training and reduce inference latency sixfold. By allowing CPUs and GPUs to access large shared memory pools via the CXL fabric, AI workloads are no longer restricted by the fixed memory limits inside each GPU.

It will enable data centres to scale compute and memory independently, adapting to changing workload demands without hardware overprovisioning.

Panmnesia’s system also reduces communication overhead using accelerator-optimised links for CXL traffic, helping maintain high throughput with sub-100ns latency.

The architecture incorporates a hierarchical memory model blending local high-bandwidth memory with pooled CXL memory, alongside scalable CXL 3.1 switches that connect hundreds of devices efficiently without bottlenecks.

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China deploys new malware tool for border phone searches

Chinese authorities reportedly use a powerful new malware tool called Massistant to extract data from seized Android phones. Developed by Xiamen Meiya Pico, the tool enables police to access messages, photos, locations, and app data once they have physical access to a device.

Cybersecurity firm Lookout revealed that Massistant operates via a desktop-connected tower, requiring unlocked devices but no advanced hacking techniques. Researchers said affected users include Chinese citizens and international travellers whose phones may be searched at borders.

The malware leaves traces on compromised phones, allowing for post-infection removal, but authorities already have the data by then. Forums in China have shown increasing user complaints about malware following police interactions.

Massistant is seen as the successor to an older tool, MSSocket, with Meiya Pico now controlling 40% of China’s digital forensics market. They previously sanctioned the firm for its surveillance tech links to the Chinese government’s use.

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Military-trained hacker brought down in telecom data theft

A former US Army Private admitted in court to a sweeping cybercrime operation targeting major telecom providers AT&T and Verizon between April 2023 and December 2024.

Operating as ‘kiberphant0m,’ he infiltrated at least ten corporate networks, stealing login credentials and sensitive call logs, including those of senior officials.

Prosecutors revealed a sophisticated scheme: the hacker used brute‑force SSH attacks, coordinated with online accomplices via Telegram, and attempted extortion valued at over US$1 million. Stolen call records were posted and sold on dark‑web platforms such as BreachForums.

Wagenius pleaded guilty to charges including wire fraud conspiracy, computer extortion, and aggravated identity theft. He faces a combined sentence of up to 27 years, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for 6 October 2025.

Security analysts note this case highlights the increasing threat of insiders exploiting privileged access and illustrates how even service‑level employees can orchestrate wide‑scale cyber intrusions and extortion campaigns.

It also underscores the strategic role of public-private coordination in dismantling online illicit economies.

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Pakistan to enhance telecom quality and regulate satellite Internet

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is actively working to strengthen the country’s telecommunications sector by implementing several key policies aimed at improving service quality and regulation.

Central to these efforts is the partnership with Opensignal, a global network analytics organisation, which will provide real-time, crowdsourced data on essential network performance metrics such as 4G/5G speeds, latency, coverage gaps, and user experience.

However, this data-driven approach aligns with international standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and global best practices to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity for consumers.

Additionally, PTA is enforcing new regulations requiring all foreign satellite internet operators to submit applications under updated Satellite Communications Regulations drafted by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB).

These regulations include enhanced security provisions influenced by recent regional conflicts and mandate that satellite internet providers obtain operational licenses from the PTA before launching services.

In support of these regulatory measures, PTAs’ collaboration with Opensignal will enable continuous monitoring and improvement of telecom Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across the country.

Meanwhile, the rollout of satellite-based internet services, such as Starlink, has been delayed to accommodate the new licensing framework and invite more operators into the market.

Despite these delays, many providers are expected to begin operations by the end of the year, marking a significant step forward in expanding Pakistan’s digital connectivity under a more secure and well-regulated environment.

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EXA to boost European connectivity with new fibre route and subsea cable

EXA Infrastructure has launched a strategic 1,200 km high-capacity fibre route connecting London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels (FLAP cities), featuring the first new subsea cable in the North Sea corridor in 25 years.

The new deployment includes 1,085 km of low-loss terrestrial fibre and a 115 km subsea segment using ultra-low-loss G.654C cable, running between Margate (UK) and Ostend (Belgium).

The project also introduces two new landing stations, EXA’s 21st and 22nd globally, enhancing its infrastructure across the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These efforts complement EXA’s prior investments in the Channel Tunnel route, including upgrades to in-line amplifier (ILA) facilities and modern, high-fibre-count cables.

The new route is part of EXA’s broader push to improve Europe’s digital infrastructure with ultra-low latency, high-bandwidth, and scalable fibre paths between key hubs.

Over 65,000 km of its network is now 400G-enabled, supporting future scalability demands. EXA’s network spans 155,000 km across 37 countries, including six transatlantic cables. Among them is EXA Express, which offers the lowest latency link between Europe and North America.

The network serves a range of mission-critical functions, including hyperscale infrastructure for global enterprises, government networks, and specialised solutions for latency-sensitive industries like finance, gaming, and broadcasting.

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LatAm moves to speed up telecom infrastructure deployment

The LatAm region is actively implementing policies to streamline permitting and environmental licensing processes to facilitate the deployment of telecom infrastructure.

El Salvador recently approved a decree to accelerate permitting for passive infrastructure, including towers and low-income housing, requiring companies to submit applications through a single platform with unified fees.

Peru’s transport and communications ministry is drafting proposals to exempt more low-impact projects from submitting environmental technical reports, update criteria for environmental impact assessments to reduce approval times, simplify ecological regulations, and extend deadlines for adapting existing projects.

In Chile, a newly approved law aims to reduce processing times for telecom permits by 30 to 70 percent, simplify procedures based on associated risks, and introduce ‘positive administrative silence,’ meaning permits are automatically granted if authorities do not respond within a specified period.

The LatAm judicial landscape is evolving to support telecom infrastructure deployment. Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that only the federal government can tax permits for telecom installations, settling conflicts with municipalities.

In Argentina, courts have invalidated local rules and actions that block infrastructure projects, promoting smoother cross-jurisdictional telecom services.

LatAm governments have also encouraged infrastructure sharing to tackle network deployment challenges, especially in remote areas. Brazil introduced mandatory tower sharing in 2009 but abolished it in 2021.

Tower Group Abrintel opposes this repeal, citing risks to competition, consumer costs, and smaller providers. These legal and policy shifts highlight the region’s push to improve telecom connectivity.

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US House passes NTIA cyber leadership bill after Salt Typhoon hacks

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that would officially designate the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as the federal lead for cybersecurity across communications networks.

The move follows last year’s Salt Typhoon hacking spree, described by some as the worst telecom breach in US history.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, introduced by Representatives Jay Obernolte and Jennifer McClellan, cleared the House on Monday and now awaits Senate approval.

The bill would rebrand an NTIA office to focus on both policy and cybersecurity, while codifying the agency’s role in coordinating cybersecurity responses alongside other federal departments.

Lawmakers argue that recent telecom attacks exposed major gaps in coordination between government and industry.

The bill promotes public-private partnerships and stronger collaboration between agencies, software developers, telecom firms, and security researchers to improve resilience and speed up innovation across communications technologies.

With Americans’ daily lives increasingly dependent on digital services, supporters say the bill provides a crucial framework for protecting sensitive information from cybercriminals and foreign hacking groups instead of relying on fragmented and inconsistent measures.

Zuckerberg unveils Meta’s multi-gigawatt AI data clusters

Meta Platforms is building several of the world’s largest data centres to power its AI ambitions, with the first facility expected to go online in 2026.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Threads that the site, called Prometheus, will be the first of multiple ‘titan clusters’ designed to support AI development instead of relying on existing infrastructure.

Frustrated by earlier AI efforts, Meta is investing heavily in talent and technology. The company has committed up to $72 billion towards AI and data centre expansion, while Zuckerberg has personally recruited high-profile figures from OpenAI, DeepMind, and Apple.

That includes appointing Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang as chief AI officer through a $14.3 billion stake deal and securing Ruoming Pang with a compensation package worth over $200 million.

The facilities under construction will have multi-gigawatt capacity, placing Meta ahead of rivals such as OpenAI and Oracle in the race for large-scale AI infrastructure.

One supercluster in Richland Parish, Louisiana, is said to cover an area nearly the size of Manhattan instead of smaller conventional data centre sites.

Zuckerberg confirmed that Meta is prepared to invest ‘hundreds of billions of dollars’ into building superintelligence capabilities, using revenue from its core advertising business on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to fund these projects instead of seeking external financing.

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Children turn to AI chatbots instead of real friends

A new report warns that many children are replacing real friendships with conversations through AI chatbots instead of seeking human connection.

Research from Internet Matters found that 35% of children aged nine to seventeen feel that talking to AI ‘feels like talking to a friend’, while 12% said they had no one else to talk to.

The report highlights growing reliance on chatbots such as ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Snapchat’s MyAI among young people.

Researchers posing as vulnerable children discovered how easily chatbots engage in sensitive conversations, including around body image and mental health, instead of offering only neutral, factual responses.

In some cases, chatbots encouraged ongoing contact by sending follow-up messages, creating the illusion of friendship.

Experts from Internet Matters warn that such interactions risk confusing children, blurring the line between technology and reality. Children may believe they are speaking to a real person instead of recognising these systems as programmed tools.

With AI chatbots rapidly becoming part of childhood, Internet Matters urges better awareness and safety tools for parents, schools, and children. The organisation stresses that while AI may seem supportive, it cannot replace genuine human relationships and should not be treated as an emotional advisor.

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AI fake news surge tests EU Digital Services Act

Europe is facing a growing wave of AI-powered fake news and coordinated bot attacks that overwhelm media, fact-checkers, and online platforms instead of relying on older propaganda methods.

According to the European Policy Centre, networks using advanced AI now spread deepfakes, hoaxes, and fake articles faster than they can be debunked, raising concerns over whether EU rules are keeping up.

Since late 2024, the so-called ‘Overload’ operation has doubled its activity, sending an average of 2.6 fabricated proposals each day while also deploying thousands of bot accounts and fake videos.

These efforts aim to disrupt public debate through election intimidation, discrediting individuals, and creating panic instead of open discussion. Experts warn that without stricter enforcement, the EU’s Digital Services Act risks becoming ineffective.

To address the problem, analysts suggest that Europe must invest in real-time threat sharing between platforms, scalable AI detection systems, and narrative literacy campaigns to help citizens recognise manipulative content instead of depending only on fact-checkers.

Publicly naming and penalising non-compliant platforms would give the Digital Services Act more weight.

The European Parliament has already acknowledged widespread foreign-backed disinformation and cyberattacks targeting EU countries. Analysts say stronger action is required to protect the information space from systematic manipulation instead of allowing hostile narratives to spread unchecked.

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