Telecommunications infrastructure

TikTok adds AI tool to animate photos with realistic effects

TikTok has launched a new feature called AI Alive, allowing users to turn still images into dynamic, short videos. Instead of needing advanced editing skills, creators can now use AI to generate movement and effects with a few taps.

By accessing the Story Camera and selecting a static photo, users can simply type how they want the image to change — such as making the subject smile, dance, or tilt forward. AI Alive then animates the photo, using creative effects to produce a more engaging story.

TikTok says its moderation systems review the original image, the AI prompt, and the final video before it’s shown to the user. A second check occurs before a post is shared publicly, and every video made with AI Alive will include an ‘AI-generated’ label and C2PA metadata to ensure transparency.

The feature stands out as one of the first built-in AI image-to-video tools on a major platform. Snapchat and Instagram already offer AI image generation from text, and Snapchat is reportedly developing a similar image-to-video feature.

Meanwhile, TikTok is also said to be working on adding support for sending photos and voice messages via direct message — something rival apps have long supported.

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

BEREC updates VHCN guidelines to reflect 5G and Network Advances

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) is updating its guidelines on what qualifies as a Very High Capacity Network (VHCN) under Article 82 of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC).

The revision reflects technological developments, especially in mobile and 5G networks, and aims to ensure consistent classification across EU Member States. The draft was open for public consultation until 30 April 2025, with the final version expected by 31 December 2025.

For fixed networks, BEREC confirms that the original 2020 performance thresholds remain appropriate. These networks must include fibre components at least to the distribution point and meet high standards in bandwidth, latency, jitter, and resilience under normal peak conditions.

Technologies like G.fast (212 MHz) and DOCSIS 3.1 remain valid benchmarks, as no significant advancements have been observed since 2020.

For mobile networks, especially 5G, BEREC proposes adjusted thresholds to ensure they can be considered technically equivalent to fixed VHCNs.

The updated criteria include fibre backhaul to base stations and require performance parity with fixed networks under peak conditions.

Based on 2022 data from 19 countries, BEREC assessed both current commercial deployments and high-performance pilot setups, adopting a cautious approach by focusing on realistic, existing mobile infrastructure capabilities.

The changes carry regulatory implications for national authorities, who must apply these updated criteria in their markets.

Key consultation issues include the proportionality of raising the downlink threshold to 350 Mbps, especially given urban-rural digital divides, and the need for a harmonized definition of ‘normal peak conditions.’

Coordination with the EU Digital Decade 2030 goals is also essential to ensure regulatory clarity and alignment with long-term connectivity targets.

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

ATCON calls for unified regulation and telecom reform

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is leading efforts to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector, beginning with calls for a unified regulatory framework to eliminate overlapping and conflicting regulations from multiple government agencies.

At the 2025 General Meeting, ATCON announced the formation of an Industry Think Tank Committee to coordinate advocacy and streamline policy engagement.

The association also highlighted internal industry issues such as fragmentation and price wars, which weaken the collective bargaining power of operators. Stakeholders stressed the importance of greater unity to strengthen the sector’s negotiating position and overall influence.

To tackle the sector’s talent shortage and reduce reliance on foreign expertise, ATCON launched the ATCON Academy, designed to train Nigerian youth in essential telecom technical skills.

Telecom companies committed to expanding internship programs and partnering with universities to enhance practical training and update ICT curricula.

Despite these efforts, institutions like the Digital Bridge Institute have underperformed, prompting calls for stronger government investment in human capital and the creation of a national ICT Think Tank, inspired by successful models from India and Singapore.

ATCON prioritizes protecting telecom infrastructure and will push for full CNII enforcement. President Emoekpere aims to strengthen regulation, talent, and infrastructure for sustainable sector growth.

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

Apple opens NFC chip, PayPal taps into it

PayPal has launched its tap-to-pay feature for iPhone users in Germany, allowing contactless payments at terminals that support Mastercard.

The rollout follows pressure from the European Union under the Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to open up its NFC chip to third-party apps.

Currently, the feature is exclusive to iPhones and does not support Apple Watch. It mirrors earlier moves by other apps like Norway’s Vipps, which began using Apple’s newly accessible NFC hardware late last year.

Apple has also started expanding NFC access globally, enabling developers to integrate in-app payments and allowing businesses to accept contactless payments via iPhones using third-party apps like Venmo and PayPal Zettle.

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

Android adds new scam protection for phone calls

Google is introducing new protections on Android devices to combat phone call scams, particularly those involving screen-sharing and app installations. Users will see warning messages if they attempt to change settings during a call and Android will also block the deactivation of Play Protect features.

The system will now block users from sideloading apps or granting accessibility permissions while on a call with unknown contacts.

The new tools are available on devices running Android 16 and select protections are also rolling out to older versions, starting with Android 11

A separate pilot in the UK will alert users trying to open banking apps during a screen-sharing call, prompting them to end the call or wait before proceeding.

These features expand Android’s broader efforts to prevent fraud, which already include AI-based scam detection for phone calls and messages.

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

Amazon to invest in Saudi AI Zone

Amazon has announced a new partnership with Humain, an AI company launched by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to invest over $5 billion in creating an ‘AI Zone’ in the kingdom.

The project will feature Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, including servers, networks, and training programmes, while Humain will develop AI tools using AWS and support Saudi startups with access to resources.

A move like this adds Amazon to a growing list of tech firms—such as Nvidia and AMD—that are working with Humain, which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. American companies like Google and Salesforce have also recently turned to the PIF for funding and AI collaborations.

Under a new initiative supported by former US President Donald Trump, US tech firms can now pursue deals with Saudi-based partners more freely.

Instead of relying on foreign data centres, Saudi Arabia has required AI providers to store data locally, prompting companies like Google, Oracle, and now Amazon to expand operations within the region.

Amazon has already committed $5.3 billion to build an AWS region in Saudi Arabia by 2026, and says the AI Zone partnership is a separate, additional investment.

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

iOS 18.5: Satellite SOS, Screen Time alerts, and bug fixes

Apple has released iOS 18.5, bringing its life-saving satellite emergency features to iPhone 13 models for the first time. Previously available only on iPhone 14 and newer, the feature allows users to connect with emergency services via satellite when cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.

The update expands access to satellite services provided by mobile carriers, including those like T-Mobile working with Starlink. iPhone 13 users can check for availability by visiting the Cellular menu in Settings.

The satellite feature has already been credited with multiple life-saving interventions, including rescuing hikers, wildfire victims, and others in remote areas. With this update, a wider group of users can now benefit from the added layer of safety.

Alongside the satellite expansion, iOS 18.5 introduces several smaller but notable features. Screen Time now alerts parents if a child successfully guesses the parental passcode to override restrictions. The Mail app has been updated with a dedicated ‘All Mail’ tab for easier navigation.

Other changes include a new Pride wallpaper, a simplified method for subscribing to Apple TV content on smart TVs, and a fix for a bug that caused Apple Vision Pro to launch with a black screen. The update also resolves issues with Siri, enterprise app performance, and other minor bugs.

iOS 18.5 launched alongside updates for iPadOS (18.5), watchOS (11.5), visionOS (2.5), and security patches for macOS Ventura and Sonoma.

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

US scraps Biden AI chip export rule

The US Department of Commerce has scrapped the Biden administration’s Artificial Intelligence Diffusion Rule just days before it was due to come into force.

Introduced in January, the rule would have restricted the export of US-made AI chips to many countries for the first time, while reinforcing existing controls.

Rather than enforcing broad restrictions, the Department now intends to pursue direct negotiations with individual countries.

The original rule divided the world into three tiers, with countries like Japan and South Korea spared restrictions, middle-tier countries such as Mexico and Portugal facing new limits, and nations like China and Russia subject to tighter controls.

According to Bloomberg, a replacement rule is expected at a later date.

Instead of issuing immediate new regulations, officials released industry guidance warning companies against using Huawei’s Ascend AI chips and highlighted the risks of allowing US chips to train AI in China.

Secretary Jeffrey Kessler criticised the Biden-era policy, promising a ‘bold, inclusive’ AI strategy that works with allies while limiting access for adversaries.

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

Apple explores AI search as Google deal faces questions

Apple is reportedly exploring a move towards integrating AI-powered search within its Safari browser, as questions mount over the future of its partnership with Google. Cue made the comments during his testimony in the US Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

Senior Vice President Eddy Cue revealed the company is considering collaborations with AI search leaders such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity, amid a broader shift in user behaviour towards AI tools.

Safari recently experienced its first decline in search usage, a trend attributed to users adopting AI-driven search solutions. While Apple currently integrates ChatGPT into Siri and plans to add Google’s Gemini, the company remains cautious about replacing Google as the default search engine.

Cue acknowledged the financial benefits of the $20 billion annual deal with Google and expressed concerns over jeopardising the partnership. Discussions continue as Apple balances innovation with maintaining its lucrative search agreement with Google.

Despite this, Cue predicts AI search engines could eventually surpass traditional models. Apple has also evaluated other AI technologies, including DeepSeek and xAI’s Grok, highlighting its growing interest in generative AI.

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

Quantum leap: Cisco opens lab and introduces entanglement chip

Cisco has introduced a prototype chip designed to connect quantum computers and has opened a new laboratory in California to drive its ambitions in the emerging field.

The company revealed in a blog post that its quantum network entanglement chip produces pairs of entangled photons, allowing for instantaneous connections across any distance through quantum teleportation.

One of the chip’s key features is its compatibility with existing telecommunications infrastructure. By operating at standard telecom wavelengths, it can utilise current fibre networks, simplifying its potential integration.

Vijoy Pandey, SVP of Cisco’s Outshift innovation incubator, explained that while current quantum processors offer only hundreds of qubits, applications will require millions.

Cisco’s solution is to network smaller quantum computers together, forming larger, distributed systems rather than attempting to build a single large-scale processor.

‘Scaled-out quantum data centres, where processors work together through specialised networking, will be the practical and achievable path forward,’ Pandey said.

Although the chip remains a prototype, Cisco believes quantum processor makers will soon benefit from its networking technologies, which are intended to help scale quantum systems.

The formal launch of the Cisco Quantum Labs facility took place on 6 May. Pandey noted that the company has been working on the core elements of quantum networking for years.

Alongside the entanglement chip, the lab will research other critical components, including distribution protocols, a distributed computing compiler, and a network development kit.

Cisco joins major players such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in advancing quantum computing technologies, while Telefonica is building its own research centre to explore the future of the sector.

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