The Japanese Technology Corporation, NEC (Nippon Electric Company), is developing an AI technology designed to analyze and verify the trustworthiness of online information. The project, launched under Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, aims to help combat false and misleading content on the internet. The system will be tested by fact-checking organizations, including the Japan Fact-check Center and major media outlets, with the goal of making it widely available by 2025.
The AI uses Large Language Models (LLMs) to assess different types of content such as text, images, video, and audio, detecting whether they have been manipulated or are misleading. The system then evaluates the information’s reliability, looking for inconsistencies and ensuring accurate sources. These reports allow for user-driven adjustments, such as removing unreliable information or adding new details, to enhance fact-checking operations helping organizations streamline their verification processes.
As the project progresses, NEC hopes to refine its AI system to assist fact-checkers more effectively, ensuring that false information can be identified and addressed in real time. The technology could become a vital tool for media and fact-checking organizations, addressing the growing problem of misinformation online.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced new proposals to regulate AI-generated communications in telecommunications. That initiative, detailed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) released in August, seeks to define and manage the use of AI in outbound calls and text messages.
The NPRM proposes defining an ‘AI-generated call’ as one utilising AI technologies—such as machine learning algorithms or predictive models—to produce artificial or prerecorded voice or text content. The rules would require callers to disclose AI use and obtain specific consent from consumers, ensuring greater transparency and control over AI-generated communications.
In addition to defining and regulating AI-generated calls, the NPRM includes provisions to address the needs of individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. It proposes an exemption from certain TCPA requirements for AI-generated calls made by these individuals, provided such calls are not for telemarketing or advertising. That exemption aims to facilitate communication for those who depend on AI technologies for telephone interactions, balancing regulatory requirements with accessibility needs.
The NOI, on the other hand, seeks feedback on technologies designed to detect, alert, and block potentially fraudulent or AI-generated calls, exploring their development and privacy implications. It questions how these technologies handle call content data and whether current privacy laws are adequate.
The FCC also invites comments on the potential costs and benefits of the proposed rules and asserts that its authority to implement them is grounded in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). As the comment deadlines approach, the FCC anticipates a thorough discussion on these regulatory changes, which could significantly impact how AI technologies are managed in telecommunications.
BlackRock and Microsoft have announced plans to create a significant investment fund of over $30 billion to develop infrastructure for AI. The fund-Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership will focus on building data centres and energy projects to support the growing computational demands of AI technologies. As AI models, particularly those involved in deep learning and large-scale data processing, require immense processing power, these investments are critical to meet the rising energy and infrastructure needs.
The surge in demand for AI has driven tech companies to link thousands of chips together in large clusters to process massive amounts of data, fueling the necessity for specialised data centres. BlackRock and Microsoft’s partnership aims to strengthen AI supply chains and improve energy sourcing to support these advancements. Abu Dhabi-backed investment company MGX will also join as a general partner in the venture, while AI chip leader Nvidia will provide its technical expertise to guide the initiative.
The partnership can mobilise up to $100 billion in investment when debt financing is included. Most of this investment will be in the US, with the rest targeted in partner countries. This ambitious collaboration means a rapidly expanding need for AI infrastructure and the commitment from major global players to fuel its growth.
GSMA has launched its inaugural Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap, marking a significant step toward ethical AI practices across the telecom sector. That initiative represents the first sector-wide effort to unify approaches to responsible AI use, providing telecom operators with a structured framework to assess their current AI maturity and set clear goals for future improvement.
The roadmap integrates global standards and regulations from organisations such as the OECD and UNESCO, ensuring its guidelines are comprehensive and internationally recognised. This alignment supports the creation of a robust framework that promotes ethical AI practices throughout the industry.
GSMA and industry leaders emphasise the substantial economic potential of AI, with projections suggesting up to $680 billion in opportunities for the telecom sector over the next 15-20 years. The roadmap focuses on five core dimensions—vision and strategic goals, AI governance, technical controls, third-party collaboration, and change management—providing a comprehensive approach to responsible AI. That includes best practices such as fairness, privacy, safety, transparency, accountability, and environmental impact.
Why does this matter?
Statements from GSMA Director General Mats Granryd and Telefónica Chairman José María Álvarez-Pallete López highlight the need for ethical guidelines to manage AI’s rapid development and set a precedent for other industries to follow in adopting responsible AI practices.
Microsoft is enhancing its $30-per-user Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription with new AI-driven features across Office apps. Excel now integrates Python with Copilot for advanced data analysis, while PowerPoint offers improved AI-assisted narrative building, and Word benefits from more efficient AI-generated drafts. The Copilot AI will also assist with organising Outlook inboxes.
Excel’s Python integration allows users to perform complex data analysis, such as forecasting and machine learning, using natural language commands. PowerPoint’s AI features can now help draft slide decks using company templates, and Teams will summarise both spoken and written conversations in meetings, helping organisers track important questions.
Outlook users will soon benefit from AI-powered inbox prioritisation, with Copilot sorting emails based on personal preferences. Additionally, the AI will be able to track keywords or topics, marking related emails as high priority. Word and OneDrive will also see updates, allowing users to reference data from emails, meetings, and documents seamlessly.
Microsoft aims to attract more businesses to Copilot, with Vodafone signing up for 68,000 licenses after successful trials. Microsoft reports that 60% of Fortune 500 companies now use Copilot, with daily usage nearly doubling each quarter.
The company has announced a new $60 billion share buyback program, approved by its board, alongside a quarterly dividend increase to $0.83 per share, reflecting a 10% rise. The Tech Giant will host its yearly shareholders’ meeting on December 10th.
Amid growing AI investments, Microsoft revealed a significant 77.6% increase in capital spending in the quarter ending 30 June, largely attributed to AI infrastructure. Although its Azure cloud business has exhibited slower growth recently, the company anticipates an acceleration in the second half of fiscal 2025.
Big tech firms like Microsoft and Google are under pressure to justify their AI investments. Microsoft is one of the few companies that has reported AI’s contributions in its earnings. Its stock has risen about 15% this year and saw a slight increase in aftermarket trading following the news.
Italy is testing AI-assisted learning tools in selected schools to close the nation’s significant digital skills gap. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has introduced the initiative in 15 classrooms across four regions, aimed at supporting both students and teachers through virtual assistants.
The AI tools are designed to tailor education to individual needs, providing an improved learning environment. Though few details have been provided, officials remain optimistic that the experiment will offer insights into a potential wider rollout. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasised the importance of these digital advancements for future generations.
Italy currently lags behind most EU countries in basic digital skills, ranking near the bottom of the bloc. The government has also introduced a ban on mobile phones in classrooms, a move aimed at reducing distractions and promoting focus.
The trial will be carefully monitored throughout the year to assess its effectiveness and inclusiveness, with the hope of addressing past struggles to digitalise Italy’s education system.
Meta Platforms will soon start using public posts on Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models in the UK. The company had paused its plans after regulatory concerns from the Irish privacy regulator and Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The AI training will involve content such as photos, captions, and comments but will exclude private messages and data from users under 18.
Meta faced privacy-related backlash earlier in the year, leading to its decision to halt the AI model launch in Europe. The company has since engaged with UK regulators, resulting in a clearer framework that allows the AI training plans to proceed. The new strategy simplifies the way users can object to their data being processed.
From next week, Facebook and Instagram users in the UK will receive in-app notifications explaining how their public posts may be used for AI training. Users will also be informed on how to object to the use of their data. Meta has extended the window in which objections can be filed, aiming to address transparency concerns raised by both the ICO and advocacy groups.
Earlier in June, Meta’s AI plans faced opposition from privacy advocacy groups like NOYB, which urged regulators to intervene. These groups argued that Meta’s notifications did not fully meet the EU’s privacy and transparency standards. Meta’s latest updates are seen as an effort to align with these regulatory demands.
Dubai has introduced a pioneering AI security policy through the Dubai Electronic Security Center, led by H.E. Amer Sharaf. This landmark initiative is designed to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities associated with AI. The policy focuses on three critical pillars: data integrity, protection of critical infrastructure, and ethical AI usage.
By establishing robust guidelines and best practices, Dubai aims to ensure that AI systems are resilient against emerging threats and operate securely. This comprehensive approach not only sets a high standard for AI security but also positions Dubai as a global leader in digital innovation in accordance with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
As part of its broader strategy to drive digital transformation, Dubai has implemented a pioneering AI security policy that plays a crucial role in its ambition to become a leading global digital city. Integrating advanced security measures into its AI initiatives allows Dubai to mitigate risks while effectively creating an environment conducive to innovation. That policy underpins ambitious projects such as self-driving vehicles and smart health systems, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to fostering a secure and dynamic digital landscape that aligns with its forward-looking vision.
A new task force has been launched by the White House to address the growing demands of AI infrastructure. Led by the National Economic Council and the National Security Council, the group aims to balance AI development with national security, economic, and environmental goals. Senior US officials and executives from major technology companies, including OpenAI and Google, took part in the meeting on Thursday.
The focus of the discussion was on the power requirements for advanced AI systems. Leaders explored how to meet clean energy targets and infrastructure needs, particularly in the face of increasing demand from data centres. AI has raised both hopes for efficiency gains and concerns over potential misuse, with its energy consumption being a significant challenge.
The Biden administration is pushing tech firms to invest in eco-friendly power solutions. The AI industry’s energy needs could complicate the government’s ambition to decarbonise the power grid by 2035. Representatives from major agencies, including Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, were part of the conversation on tackling these issues.
AI infrastructure plays a crucial role in the future of the US economy, according to OpenAI. The company emphasised the importance of expanding data centres domestically, not only to support industrial growth but also to ensure that AI’s benefits reach all corners of society.
