Adam Mosseri has denied long-standing rumours that the platform secretly listens to private conversations to deliver targeted ads. In a video he described as ‘myth busting’, Mosseri said Instagram does not use the phone’s microphone to eavesdrop on users.
He argued that such surveillance would not only be a severe breach of privacy but would also quickly drain phone batteries and trigger visible microphone indicators.
Instead, Mosseri outlined four reasons why adverts may appear suspiciously relevant: online searches and browsing history, the influence of friends’ online behaviour, rapid scrolling that leaves subconscious impressions, and plain coincidence.
According to Mosseri, Instagram users may mistake targeted advertising for surveillance because algorithms incorporate browsing data from advertisers, friends’ interests, and shared patterns across users.
He stressed that the perception of being overheard is often the result of ad targeting mechanics rather than eavesdropping.
Despite his explanation, Mosseri admitted the rumour is unlikely to disappear. Many viewers of his video remained sceptical, with some comments suggesting his denial only reinforced their suspicions about how social media platforms operate.
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Amazon has unveiled a refreshed lineup of devices in New York, designed to work with its new AI-powered assistant Alexa+. The showcase featured Echo speakers, Fire TV devices, a Kindle with a colour display and enhanced Ring and Blink cameras, all set to be released later this year.
After years of investment, the company is seeking to reignite interest in Alexa, adding AI to provide more personalisation and a natural conversational style instead of the more mechanical responses of earlier versions.
New silicon chips promise faster processing across Echo devices, while Ring cameras can now use AI to distinguish between a courier and a potential intruder.
Ring’s founder, Jamie Siminoff, who recently returned to Amazon, demonstrated how updated cameras can assist communities by helping to identify missing dogs through neighbourhood alerts. Siminoff described the effort as turning individual concerns into community action.
Ring devices will be priced between 60 and 350 dollars, depending on features, while Blink cameras now offer sharper resolution for indoor and outdoor monitoring.
Amazon’s device chief, Panos Panay, presented the new Kindle Scribe, a $630 tablet with stylus support, and the first Kindle with a colour screen, which offered a paper-like writing feel.
Updated Fire TV sets and a $40 streaming stick also integrate Alexa+, enabling users to search scenes or retrieve information about actors through voice commands instead of traditional menus.
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The University of Pennsylvania’s engineering team has made a breakthrough that could bring the quantum internet much closer to practical use. Researchers have demonstrated that quantum and classical networks can share the same backbone by transmitting quantum signals over standard fibre optic infrastructure using the same Internet Protocol (IP) that powers today’s web.
Their silicon photonics ‘Q-Chip’ achieved over 97% fidelity in real-world field tests, showing that the quantum internet does not necessarily require building entirely new networks from scratch.
That result, while highly technical, has far-reaching implications. Beyond physics and computer science, it raises urgent questions for governance, national infrastructures, and the future of digital societies.
Quantum signals were transmitted as packets with classical headers readable by conventional routers, while the quantum information itself remained intact.
Noise management
The chip corrected disturbances by analysing the classical header without disturbing the quantum payload. An interesting fact is that the test ran on a Verizon fibre link between two buildings, not just in a controlled lab.
That fact makes the experiment different from earlier advances focusing mainly on quantum key distribution (QKD) or specialised lab setups. It points toward a future in which quantum networking and classical internet coexist and are managed through similar protocols.
Implications for governance and society
Government administration
Governments increasingly rely on digital infrastructure to deliver services, store sensitive records, and conduct diplomacy. The quantum internet could provide secure e-government services resistant to espionage or tampering, protected digital IDs and voting systems, reinforcing democratic integrity, and classified communication channels that even future quantum computers cannot decrypt.
That positions quantum networking as a sovereignty tool, not just a scientific advance.
Healthcare
Health systems are frequent targets of cyberattacks. Quantum-secured communication could protect patient records and telemedicine platforms, enable safe data sharing between hospitals and research centres, support quantum-assisted drug discovery and personalised medicine via distributed quantum computing.
Here, the technology directly impacts citizens’ trust in digital health.
Critical infrastructure and IT systems
National infrastructures, such as energy grids, financial networks, and transport systems, could gain resilience from quantum-secured communication layers.
In addition, quantum-enhanced sensing could provide more reliable navigation independent of GPS, enable early-warning systems for earthquakes or natural disasters, and strengthen resilience against cyber-sabotage of strategic assets.
Citizens and everyday services
For ordinary users, the quantum internet will first be invisible. Their emails, bank transactions, and medical consultations will simply become harder to hack.
Over time, however, quantum-secured platforms may become a market differentiator for banks, telecoms, and healthcare providers.
Citizens and universities may gain remote access to quantum computing resources, democratising advanced research and innovation.
Building a quantum-ready society
The Penn experiment matters because it shows that quantum internet infrastructure can evolve on top of existing systems. For policymakers, this raises several urgent points.
Standardisation
International bodies (IETF, ITU-T, ETSI) will need to define packet structures, error correction, and interoperability rules for quantum-classical networks.
Strategic investment
Countries face a decision whether to invest early in pilot testbeds (urban campuses, healthcare systems, or government services).
Cybersecurity planning
Quantum internet deployment should be aligned with the post-quantum cryptography transition, ensuring coherence between classical and quantum security measures.
Public trust
As with any critical infrastructure, clear communication will be needed to explain how quantum-secured systems benefit citizens and why governments are investing in them.
Key takeaways for policymakers
Quantum internet is governance, not just science. The Penn breakthrough shows that quantum signals can run on today’s networks, shifting the conversation from pure research to infrastructure and policy planning.
Governments should treat the quantum internet as a strategic asset, protecting national administrations, elections, and critical services from future cyber threats.
Early adoption in health systems could secure patient data, telemedicine, and medical research, strengthening public trust in digital services.
International cooperation (IETF, ITU-T, ETSI) will be needed to define protocols, interoperability, and security frameworks before large-scale rollouts.
Policymakers should align quantum network deployment with the global transition to post-quantum encryption, ensuring coherence across digital security strategies.
Governments could start with small-scale testbeds (smart cities, e-government nodes, or healthcare networks) to build expertise and shape standards from within.
Why does it matter?
The University of Pennsylvania’s ‘Q-Chip’ is a proof-of-concept that quantum and classical networks can speak the same language. While technical challenges remain, especially around scaling and quantum repeaters, the political and societal questions can no longer be postponed.
The quantum internet is not just a scientific project. It is emerging as a strategic infrastructure for the digital state of the future. Governments, regulators, and international organisations must begin preparing today so that tomorrow’s networks deliver speed and efficiency, trust, sovereignty, and resilience.
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A global survey commissioned by Yubico suggests that younger workers are more vulnerable to phishing scams than older generations. Gen Z respondents reported the highest level of interaction with phishing messages, with 62 percent admitting they engaged with a scam in the past year.
The study gathered responses from 18,000 employed adults in nine countries, including the UK, US, France, and Japan. In the past twelve months, 44 percent of participants admitted to clicking on or replying to a phishing message.
AI is raising the stakes for cybersecurity. Seventy percent of those surveyed believe phishing has become more effective due to AI, and 78 percent said the attacks seem more sophisticated. More than half could not confidently identify a phishing email when shown one.
Despite growing risks, cyber defences remain patchy. Only 48 percent said their workplace used multi-factor authentication across all services, and 40 percent reported never receiving cybersecurity training from their employer.
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A £100m AI data centre has been approved for construction on the outskirts of Stockton, with developers Latos Data Centres pledging up to 150 new jobs.
The Preston Farms Industrial Estate site will feature two commercial units, plants, substations and offices, designed to support the growing demands of AI and advanced computing.
Work on the Neural Data Centre is set to begin at the end of the year, with full operations expected by 2028. The project has been welcomed by Industry Minister and Stockton North MP Chris McDonald, who described it as a significant investment in skills and opportunities for the future.
Latos managing director Andy Collin said the facility was intended to be ‘future proof’, calling it a purpose-built factory for the modern digital economy. Local leaders hope the investment will help regenerate Teesside’s industrial base, positioning the region as a hub for cutting-edge infrastructure.
The announcement follows the UK government’s decision to create an AI growth zone in the North East, covering sites in Northumberland and Tyneside. Teesworks in Redcar was not included in the initial allocation, but ministers said further proposals from Teesside were still under review.
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Greece hosted the European Researchers’ Night 2025 on Friday, 26 September at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, marking a significant celebration of science and technology.
The Centre coordinated it for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), which also celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Visitors experienced an extensive interactive technology exhibition featuring VR, autonomous robots and AI applications, alongside demonstrations across energy, digital systems and life sciences.
Attendees engaged directly with researchers and explored how cutting-edge research is transformed into practical innovations with societal and economic impact.
Contributions came from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Ioannina, the International Hellenic University, the Anna Papageorgiou STEM Centre, the Hellenic Agricultural Organisation – DIMITRA, and the Astronomy Friends Association.
The event showcased CERTH’s spin-offs and technology transfer initiatives, highlighting how advanced research evolves into market-ready products and services. The ‘European Corner’ also presented EU policies and opportunities for research and innovation.
In parallel, the online ‘Chat Lab’ brought together 51 researchers for public discussions on emerging scientific issues until 3 October.
With simultaneous events in Athens, Heraklion, Patras, Larissa and Rethymno, the European Researchers’ Night once again reinforced the role of Greece in connecting frontier research with society.
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Google is pushing AI deeper into its services, with AI Overviews already reaching billions of users and AI Mode now added to Search. Chrome is also being rebranded as an AI-first browser.
Not all users welcome these changes. Concerns remain about accuracy, intrusive design and Google’s growing control over how information is displayed. Unlike other features, AI elements in Search cannot be turned off directly, leaving users reliant on third-party solutions.
One such solution is the new ‘Bye Bye, Google AI’ extension, which hides AI-generated results and unwanted blocks such as sponsored links, shopping sections and discussion forums.
The extension works across Chromium-based browsers, though it relies on CSS and may break when Google updates its interface.
A debate that reflects wider unease about AI in Search.
While Google claims it improves user experience, critics argue it risks spreading false information and keeping traffic within Google’s ecosystem rather than directing users to original publishers.
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) have signed a new agreement to boost cooperation on digital development. The Memorandum of Understanding, announced in New York during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, focuses on building scalable, secure, and resilient internet infrastructure across the Arab States and beyond.
By combining UNDP’s development mandate with RIPE NCC’s technical expertise, the partnership aims to promote inclusive digital transformation and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNDP’s Abdallah Al Dardari stressed that digital transformation is now a ‘development imperative,’ while RIPE NCC CEO Hans Petter Holen highlighted that resilient internet systems are vital for innovation and growth.
The announcement took place as part of Digital@UNGA Week and came just ahead of UNDP’s High-Level Roundtable on Digital for Sustainable Development. At the roundtable, partners unveiled Morocco’s Digital for Sustainable Development Hub, underscoring the growing role of multi-stakeholder cooperation in shaping inclusive digital ecosystems worldwide.
US tech giant Meta is expanding its dedicated teen accounts to Facebook and Messenger users worldwide, extending a safety system on Instagram. The move introduces more parental controls and restrictions to protect younger users on Meta’s platforms.
The accounts, now mandatory for teens, include stricter privacy settings that limit contact with unknown adults. Parents can supervise how their children use the apps, monitor screen time, and view who their teens are messaging.
For younger users aged 13 to 15, parental permission is required before adjusting safety-related settings. Meta is also deploying AI tools to detect teens lying about their age.
Alongside the global rollout, Instagram is expanding a school partnership programme in the US, allowing middle and high schools to report bullying and problematic behaviour directly.
The company says early feedback from participating schools has been positive, and the scheme is now open to all schools nationwide.
An expansion that comes as Meta faces lawsuits and investigations over its record on child safety. By strengthening parental controls and school-based reporting, the company aims to address growing criticism while tightening protections for its youngest users.
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Using its largest-ever ICT Week, Uzbekistan is showcasing ambitions to become a regional centre for AI and digital transformation.
More than 20,000 participants, 300 companies, and delegations from over 50 countries gathered in Tashkent, signalling Central Asia’s growing role in the global technology landscape.
The country invests in AI projects across various sectors, including education, healthcare, banking, and industry, with more than 100 initiatives underway.
Officials emphasise that digitalisation must serve people directly, by improving services and creating jobs for Uzbekistan’s young and expanding population.
The demographic advantage is shaping a vision of AI that prioritises dignity, opportunity, and inclusive growth.
International recognition has followed. The UN’s International Telecommunication Union described Uzbekistan as ‘leading the way’ in the region, praising high connectivity, supportive policies, and progress in youth participation and gender equality.
Infrastructure is also advancing, with global investors like DataVolt building one of Central Asia’s most advanced data centres in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan’s private sector is also drawing attention. Fintech and e-commerce unicorn Uzum recently secured significant investment from Tencent and VR Capital, reaching a valuation above €1.3 billion.
Public policy and private investment are positioning the country as a credible AI hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
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