Telecommunications infrastructure

Gmail adds automatic AI summaries

Gmail on mobile now displays AI-generated summaries by default, marking a shift in how Google’s Gemini assistant operates within inboxes.

Instead of relying on users to request a summary, Gemini will now decide when it’s useful—typically for long email threads with multiple replies—and present a brief summary card at the top of the message.

These summaries update automatically as conversations evolve, aiming to save users from scrolling through lengthy discussions.

The feature is currently limited to mobile devices and available only to users with Google Workspace accounts, Gemini Education add-ons, or a Google One AI Premium subscription. For the moment, summaries are confined to emails written in English.

Google expects the rollout to take around two weeks, though it remains unclear when, or if, the tool will extend to standard Gmail accounts or desktop users.

Anyone wanting to opt out must disable Gmail’s smart features entirely—giving up tools like Smart Compose, Smart Reply, and package tracking in the process.

While some may welcome the convenience, others may feel uneasy about their emails being analysed by large language models, especially since this process could contribute to further training of Google’s AI systems.

The move reflects a wider trend across Google’s products, where AI is becoming central to everyday user experiences.

Additional user controls and privacy commitments

According to Google Workspace, users have some control over the summary cards. They can collapse a Gemini summary card, and it will remain collapsed for that specific email thread.

In the near future, Gmail will introduce enhancements, such as automatically collapsing future summary cards for users who consistently collapse them, until the user chooses to expand them again. For emails that don’t display automatic summaries, Gmail still offers manual options.

Users can tap the ‘summarise this email’ chip at the top of the message or use the Gemini side panel to trigger a summary manually. Google also reaffirms its commitment to data protection and user privacy. All AI features in Gmail adhere to its privacy principles, with more details available on the Privacy Hub.

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ZTE and XLSMART partner to boost Indonesia’s digital future

ZTE Corporation and XLSMART partnered to accelerate Indonesia’s digital transformation by building a future-ready network infrastructure. Formed after the merger of PT XL Axiata Tbk and PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk, XLSMART aims to enhance connectivity, sustainability, and customer experience across the country, in line with the government’s digital growth vision.

At the core of this collaboration is ZTE’s commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions, particularly in wireless and energy infrastructure. The company will play a key role in developing reliable 5G networks and implementing green, energy-efficient technologies to support the modernisation of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem.

To ensure a smooth post-merger network integration for XLSMART, ZTE will provide a reliable supply chain, rapid delivery of network equipment, and tailored technological innovations. The company will also lead the engineering, implementation, and comprehensive network planning required to optimise performance and investment value.

Together, ZTE and XLSMART are laying the groundwork for a robust and scalable digital infrastructure capable of meeting Indonesia’s current and future connectivity needs.

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Thailand advances satellite rules

The Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has recently proposed a draft regulation titled ‘Criteria for Authorisation to Use Frequency Bands for Land, Aeronautical, and Maritime Earth Stations in FSS Services’. The regulation specifically targets the operation of Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), which include land-based stations on vehicles, aeronautical stations on aircraft, and maritime stations on ships and offshore platforms.

It defines dedicated frequency bands for both geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellites, aligning closely with international best practices and recommendations from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The primary objective of this draft is to streamline the process for using specific radio frequencies by removing the need for individual frequency allocation for each ESIM deployment.

That approach aims to simplify and accelerate the rollout of high-speed satellite internet services for mobile users across various sectors, thus promoting innovation and economic development by facilitating faster and broader adoption of advanced satellite communications. Overall, the NBTC’s initiative underscores the critical importance for regulators worldwide to continually update their spectrum management frameworks.

Why does it matter?

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, outdated or rigid regulations can obstruct innovation and economic growth. Effective spectrum management must strike a balance between preventing harmful interference and supporting the deployment of cutting-edge communication technologies like satellite-based internet services.

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IHS Nigeria and NSCDC partner to secure telecom infrastructure

IHS Nigeria and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have partnered to enhance the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria.

The partnership is grounded in national policies that classify telecommunications assets, such as towers and fibre optic networks, as critical national information infrastructure, requiring legal protection and proactive security enforcement.

By addressing issues such as theft, vandalism, and sabotage, the partnership aims to strengthen the reliability and security of telecom services that millions of Nigerians rely on daily.

The NSCDC will provide critical support to IHS Nigeria in essential operational areas including site surveillance, emergency response, incident reporting, and tower decommissioning.

Additionally, the Corps will take an active role in investigating, apprehending, and prosecuting those who violate laws protecting telecommunications infrastructure.

Commenting on the partnership, IHS Nigeria CEO highlighted the importance of working closely with law enforcement to create a safer environment for operations and improve service quality.

He described the initiative as a major step toward enhancing the resilience and availability of connectivity in Nigeria. Similarly, NSCDC Commandant underscored the Corps’ responsibility to protect national infrastructure and described IHS Nigeria as a strategic partner in achieving that mission.

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UK and EU strengthen maritime and cyber security

The UK and the EU have agreed to step up cooperation on cybersecurity as part of a wider defence and security pact.

The new framework, signed on 19 May, marks a major shift towards joint efforts in countering digital threats and hybrid warfare.

Instead of managing these challenges separately, the UK and EU will hold structured dialogues to address cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other forms of foreign interference.

The deal outlines regular exchanges between national security officials, supported by thematic discussions focused on crisis response, infrastructure protection, and online misinformation.

A key aim is to boost resilience against hostile cyber activity by working together on detection, defence, and prevention strategies. The agreement encourages joint efforts to safeguard communication networks, protect energy grids, and strengthen public awareness against information manipulation.

The cooperation is expected to extend into coordinated drills and real-time threat sharing.

While the UK remains outside the EU’s political structure, the agreement positions it as a close cyber security partner.

Future plans include exploring deeper collaboration through EU defence projects and potentially forming a formal link with the European Defence Agency, ensuring that both sides can respond more effectively to emerging digital threats.

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Opera unveils AI-first Neon browser

Opera has unveiled a new AI-powered web browser called Neon, describing it as an ‘agentic browser’ designed to carry out internet tasks on the user’s behalf.

Unlike traditional browsers, Neon offers contextual awareness and cloud-based AI agents that can research, design, and build content automatically.

Although Opera introduced a browser called Neon in 2017 that failed to gain traction, the company is giving the name a second chance, now with a more ambitious AI focus. According to Opera’s Henrik Lexow, the rise of AI marks a fundamental shift in how users interact with the web.

Among its early features, Neon includes an AI engine capable of interpreting user requests and generating games, code, reports, and websites—even when users are offline.

It also includes tools like a chatbot for web searches, contextual page insights, and automation for online tasks such as form-filling and booking services.

The browser is being positioned as a premium subscription product, though Opera has yet to reveal pricing or launch dates. Neon will become the fifth browser in Opera’s line-up, following the mindfulness-focused Air browser announced in February.

Interested users can join the waitlist, but for now, full capabilities remain unverified.

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Taiwan rebuffs China’s hacking claims as disinformation

Taiwan has rejected accusations from Beijing that its ruling party orchestrated cyberattacks against Chinese infrastructure. Authorities in Taipei instead accused China of spreading false claims in an effort to manipulate public perception and escalate tensions.

On Tuesday, Chinese officials alleged that a Taiwan-backed hacker group linked to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had targeted a technology firm in Guangzhou.

They claimed more than 1,000 networks, including systems tied to the military, energy, and government sectors, had been compromised across ten provinces in recent years.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau responded on Wednesday, stating that the Chinese Communist Party is manipulating false information to mislead the international community.

Rather than acknowledging its own cyber activities, Beijing is attempting to shift blame while undermining Taiwan’s credibility, the agency said.

Taipei further accused China of long-running cyberattacks aimed at stealing funds and destabilising critical infrastructure. Officials described such campaigns as part of cognitive warfare designed to widen social divides and erode public trust within Taiwan.

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OpenAI expands in Asia with new Seoul branch

OpenAI is set to open a new office in Seoul, responding to surging demand for its AI tools in South Korea—the country with the second-highest number of paid ChatGPT subscribers after the US.

The move follows the establishment of a South Korean unit and marks OpenAI’s third office in Asia, following Tokyo and Singapore.

Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief strategy officer, said Koreans are not only early adopters of ChatGPT but also influential in how the technology is being applied globally. Instead of just expanding user numbers, OpenAI aims to engage local talent and governments to tailor its tools for Korean users and developers.

The expansion builds on existing partnerships with local firms like Kakao, Krafton and SK Telecom. While Kwon did not confirm plans for a South Korean data centre, he is currently touring Asia to strengthen AI collaborations in countries including Japan, India, and Australia.

OpenAI’s global growth strategy includes infrastructure projects like the Stargate data centre in the UAE, and its expanding footprint in Asia-Pacific follows similar moves by Google, Microsoft and Meta.

The initiative has White House backing but faces scrutiny in the US over potential exposure to Chinese rivals.

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EU extends cybersecurity deadline for wireless devices

The European Commission has extended the deadline for mandatory cybersecurity requirements targeting wireless and connected devices sold within the EU.

Under the Delegated Act (2022/30) of the Radio Equipment Directive, manufacturers must embed robust security features to guard against risks such as unauthorised access and data breaches. The rules will now take effect from 1 August 2025.

A broad range of products will be affected, including mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and telecommunications devices using radio signals.

Internet of Things (IoT) items—such as baby monitors, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and connected industrial machinery—also fall within the scope. Any device capable of transmitting or receiving data wirelessly may be subject to the new requirements.

The deadline extension aims to give manufacturers additional time to adopt harmonised standards and integrate cybersecurity into product design. The Commission emphasised the importance of early action to avoid compliance issues when the rules become binding.

Despite the grace period, businesses are urged to act now by reviewing development cycles and addressing potential vulnerabilities well ahead of the implementation date.

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NTIA to call for streamlined FCC submarine cable rules

The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has issued a series of policy recommendations in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposed rule changes concerning submarine cable security. First, the NTIA urges the FCC to avoid imposing redundant licensing and reporting requirements that are already addressed through existing interagency mechanisms, particularly those managed by the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the US Telecommunications Services Sector.

It recommends that the FCC rely on existing security review processes, streamline reporting obligations, and adopt a more efficient certification model, such as allowing ‘no-change’ certifications for licensees when no material updates have occurred since the previous review. The NTIA also strongly advises against shortening the current 25-year license term for submarine cables.

Reducing it to 15 years would not only create regulatory uncertainty but could also harm investment incentives and deter long-term infrastructure development in the US. The agency further warns that increasing the frequency and scope of periodic reviews, such as the FCC’s proposal for a three-year reporting requirement, could place a significant compliance burden on US firms without providing proportional national security benefits.

In terms of regulatory language, the NTIA recommends that the FCC use more legally precise terms, suggesting ‘areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction’ instead of ‘international waters,’ in alignment with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Additionally, NTIA calls for a whole-of-government approach to the oversight of submarine cables, encouraging better coordination between the FCC, Team Telecom, and other executive branch agencies.

NTIA’s recommendations aim to protect national security without hindering innovation or growth. Acting as a key link between government and industry, it supports streamlined, consensus-based policies that enhance security while encouraging investment.

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