Telecommunications infrastructure

Google unveils Veo 3 with audio capabilities

Google has introduced Veo 3, its most advanced video-generating AI model to date, capable of producing sound effects, ambient noise and dialogue to accompany the footage it creates.

Announced at the Google I/O 2025 developer conference, Veo 3 is available through the Gemini chatbot for those subscribed to the $249.99-per-month AI Ultra plan. The model accepts both text and image prompts, allowing users to generate audiovisual scenes rather than silent clips.

Unlike other AI tools, Veo 3 can analyse raw video pixels to synchronise audio automatically, offering a notable edge in an increasingly crowded field of video-generation platforms. While sound-generating AI isn’t new, Google claims Veo 3’s ability to match audio precisely with visual content sets it apart.

The progress builds on DeepMind’s earlier work in ‘video-to-audio’ AI and may rely on training data from YouTube, though Google hasn’t confirmed this.

To help prevent misuse, such as the creation of deepfakes, Google says Veo 3 includes SynthID, its proprietary watermarking technology that embeds invisible markers in every generated frame. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain within the creative industry.

Artists fear tools like Veo 3 could replace thousands of jobs, with a recent study predicting over 100,000 roles in film and animation could be affected by AI before 2026.

Alongside Veo 3, Google has also updated Veo 2. The earlier model now allows users to edit videos more precisely, adding or removing elements and adjusting camera movements. These features are expected to become available soon on Google’s Vertex AI API platform.

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Half of young people would prefer life without the internet

Nearly half of UK youths aged 16 to 21 say they would prefer to grow up without the internet, a new survey reveals. The British Standards Institution found that 68% feel worse after using social media and half would support a digital curfew past 10 p.m.

These findings come as the government considers app usage limits for platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The study also showed that many UK young people feel compelled to hide their online behaviour: 42% admitted lying to parents, and a similar number have fake or burner accounts.

More worryingly, 27% said they have shared their location with strangers, while others admitted pretending to be someone else entirely. Experts argue that digital curfews alone won’t reduce exposure to online harms without broader safeguards in place.

Campaigners and charities are calling for urgent legislation that puts children’s safety before tech profits. The Molly Rose Foundation stressed the danger of algorithms pushing harmful content, while the NSPCC urged a shift towards less addictive and safer online spaces.

The majority of young people surveyed want more protection online and clearer action from tech firms and policymakers.

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Microsoft confirms BitLocker issues after update

Microsoft has confirmed that the May 2025 Windows 10 update is causing issues on systems with certain Intel processors. Affected users have reported unexpected BitLocker recovery screens and repeated repair loops after installing the update.

Microsoft has traced the issue to Intel Trusted Execution Technology on 10th generation or newer vPro chips. When the update is installed, the system process lsass.exe may crash, triggering Automatic Repair and prompting BitLocker recovery key entry.

Some devices repeatedly attempt to install the update, fail, and then roll back, while others enter an error loop requiring manual intervention.

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue on its Windows Release Health page and is urgently working on a fix, though no timeframe has been given.

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Why ITU’s legacy still shapes our digital world

On 17 May 1865, 20 European countries came together to create the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a response to the tedious and inefficient telegraph system that required messages to be rewritten at every border. This practical move—born not from idealism but necessity—paved the way for a global communications framework that continues to underpin today’s digital world.

From the first bilateral agreements to modern platforms like Instagram and AI tools like ChatGPT, the same core principle remains: international cooperation is essential to seamless communication. Despite revolutionary advances in technology, diplomacy has changed slowly.

Yet ITU’s mission—to balance national interests with shared global connectivity—has remained constant. For instance, debates over digital privacy and cybersecurity today echo those from the 19th century over telegraph regulation.

Even as US policies toward multilateralism shift, its consistent support for the ITU showcases how diplomacy can maintain continuity across centuries of change. As Jovan Kurbalija notes in his recent blog post, understanding this long arc of diplomatic history is essential for making sense of today’s tech governance debates.

Crises often trigger breakthroughs in multilateral governance. The Titanic disaster, for example, catalysed swift international regulation of radio communication after years of stagnation. In our interconnected AI-driven era, similar ‘Titanic moments’ could once again force urgent global agreements.

That is especially pressing as technology continues to reshape power structures, favouring innovators and standard-setters, and reviving the age-old race between digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’

Why does it matter?

ITU’s 160-year legacy is a testament to the endurance of diplomacy amid technological disruption. While tools evolve—from telegraphs to AI—the diplomatic mission to resolve conflicts and foster cooperation remains unchanged. The story of ITU, as Kurbalija reflects, is not just about commemorating the past, but recognising the urgent need for global cooperation in shaping our digital future.

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China launches first AI satellites in orbital supercomputer network

China has launched the first 12 satellites in a planned network of 2,800 that will function as an orbiting supercomputer, according to Space News.

Developed by ADA Space in partnership with Zhijiang Laboratory and Neijang High-Tech Zone, the satellites can process their own data instead of relying on Earth-based stations, thanks to onboard AI models.

Each satellite runs an 8-billion parameter AI model capable of 744 tera operations per second, with the group already achieving 5 peta operations per second in total. The long-term goal is a constellation that can reach 1,000 POPS.

The network uses high-speed laser links to communicate and shares 30 terabytes of data between satellites. The current batch also carries scientific tools, such as an X-ray detector for studying gamma-ray bursts, and can generate 3D digital twin data for uses like disaster response or virtual tourism.

The space-based computing approach is designed to overcome Earth-based limitations like bandwidth and ground station availability, which means less than 10% of satellite data typically reaches the surface.

Experts say space supercomputers could reduce energy use by relying on solar power and dissipating heat into space. The EU and the US may follow China’s lead, as interest in orbital data centres grows.

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UAE to host world’s biggest AI site outside the US

The United Arab Emirates will build the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure outside the United States, following a high-level meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Trump in Abu Dhabi.

It will be constructed by G42 and involve US firms under the newly established US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership. Spanning 10 square miles in Abu Dhabi, the AI campus will run on a mix of nuclear, solar and gas energy to limit emissions and will feature a dedicated science park to drive innovation.

A 5GW capacity will enable it to serve half the global population, offering US cloud providers a vital regional hub. As part of the agreement, the UAE has pledged to align its national security rules with US standards, including strict technology safeguards and tighter access controls for computing power.

The UAE may also be permitted to purchase up to 500,000 Nvidia AI chips annually starting this year.

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TRAI to launch property rating framework for Digital Connectivity

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is enhancing digital infrastructure in the real estate sector through the introduction of the ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024.’ To implement this framework, TRAI released a draft manual on 13 May 2025, following its earlier recommendations from February 2023.

That initiative aims to integrate digital connectivity as a core component of property development. The draft manual provides a standardised methodology for Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) to evaluate properties and offers guidance for Property Managers (PMs) to plan and build Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI).

It also promotes a collaborative approach among all stakeholders, including service providers, to ensure consistent and transparent assessments. The rating system addresses the growing importance of in-building digital connectivity, as most data usage occurs indoors and high-frequency 4G/5G signals often struggle to penetrate walls.

Properties will be evaluated on factors such as fibre readiness, mobile network availability, Wi-Fi infrastructure, and service performance, enabling prospective tenants and buyers to compare properties based on digital connectivity. Well-rated properties are expected to attract more users, buyers, and investors, increasing their market value.

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Japan approves preemptive cyberdefence law

Japan’s parliament has passed a new law enabling active cyberdefence measures, allowing authorities to legally monitor communications data during peacetime and neutralise foreign servers if cyberattacks occur.

Instead of reacting only after incidents, this law lets the government take preventive steps to counter threats before they escalate.

Operators of vital infrastructure, such as electricity and railway companies, must now report cyber breaches directly to the government. The shift follows recent cyber incidents targeting banks and an airline, prompting Japan to put a full framework in place by 2027.

Although the law permits monitoring of IP addresses in communications crossing Japanese borders, it explicitly bans surveillance of domestic messages and their contents.

A new independent panel will authorise all monitoring and response actions beforehand, instead of leaving decisions solely to security agencies.

Police will handle initial countermeasures, while the Self-Defense Forces will act only when attacks are highly complex or planned. The law, revised to address opposition concerns, includes safeguards to ensure personal rights are protected and that government surveillance remains accountable.

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FBI warns against AI-powered text scams

The FBI has issued a fresh warning urging the public not to trust unsolicited texts or voice messages, even if they appear to come from senior officials. A new wave of AI-powered attacks is reportedly so convincing that traditional signs of fraud are almost impossible to spot.

These campaigns involve voice and text messages crafted with AI, mimicking the voices of known individuals and spoofing phone numbers of trusted contacts or organisations. US victims are lured into clicking malicious links, often under the impression that the messages are urgent or official.

The FBI advises users to verify all communications independently, avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, and listen for unnatural speech patterns or visual anomalies in videos and images.

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Trump seals $200 billion UAE AI deal

US President Donald Trump has secured €179 billion ($200 billion) in deals with the United Arab Emirates, capping his Persian Gulf tour with plans for the world’s largest AI campus outside the US.

Located in Abu Dhabi and spanning 10 square miles, the facility will be built by UAE-based firm G42 in partnership with American companies, aimed at boosting regional computing capacity while supporting the Global South.

Instead of focusing solely on energy, Trump’s trip saw investments broaden to include AI, aviation, and industrial sectors. In total, his visit to the Gulf states yielded €1.3 trillion ($1.4 trillion) in investment pledges, including major agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Gulf leaders are using AI as a vehicle to diversify their economies, while Trump is turning foreign capital into support for US manufacturing and tech exports.

The UAE deal includes plans to import up to 500,000 Nvidia H100 AI chips annually through 2027, with 20% allocated to G42. US officials, however, continue to express concern over potential Chinese access to advanced American technology.

The US Department of Commerce insists that strict safeguards are in place to prevent any misuse or diversion of AI hardware.

Other agreements include a $14.5 billion aircraft purchase by Etihad Airways from Boeing and GE Aerospace, a $60 billion energy partnership with ADNOC, and aluminium and gallium production deals with Emirates Global Aluminum.

Trump’s push to expand American business influence in the Gulf appears to be paying off, instead of letting China or Europe dominate future AI and industrial markets.

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