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China creates brain-inspired AI model

Chinese scientists have unveiled SpikingBrain1.0, the world’s first large-scale AI language model to replicate the human brain. The model reduces energy use and runs independently of Nvidia chips, departing from conventional AI architectures.

Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, SpikingBrain1.0 uses spiking neural networks to activate only the required neurons for each task, rather than processing all information simultaneously.

Instead of evaluating every word in parallel, it focuses on the most recent and relevant context, enabling faster and more efficient processing. Researchers claim the model operates 25 to 100 times faster than traditional AI systems while keeping accuracy competitive.

A significant innovation is hardware independence. SpikingBrain1.0 runs on China’s MetaX chip platform, reducing reliance on Nvidia GPUs. It also requires less than 2% of the data typically needed for pre-training large language models, making it more sustainable and accessible.

SpikingBrain1.0 could power low-energy, real-time applications such as autonomous drones, wearable devices, and edge computing. The model highlights a shift toward biologically-inspired AI prioritising efficiency and adaptability over brute-force computation.

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OpenAI moves to for-profit with Microsoft deal

Microsoft and OpenAI have agreed to new non-binding terms that will allow OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company, marking a significant shift in their long-standing partnership.

The agreement sets the stage for OpenAI to raise capital, pursue additional cloud partnerships, and eventually go public, while Microsoft retains access to its technology.

The previous deal gave Microsoft exclusive rights to sell OpenAI tools via Azure and made it the primary provider of compute power. OpenAI has since expanded its options, including a $300 billion cloud deal with Oracle and an agreement with Google, allowing it to develop its own data centre project, Stargate.

OpenAI aims to maintain its nonprofit arm, which will receive more than $100 billion from the projected $500 billion private market valuation.

Regulatory approval from the attorneys general of California and Delaware is required for the new structure, with OpenAI targeting completion by the end of the year to secure key funding.

Both companies continue to compete across AI products, from consumer chatbots to business tools, while Microsoft works on building its own AI models to reduce reliance on OpenAI technology.

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Albania names first AI-generated minister to fight corruption

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has unveiled the world’s first AI-generated minister, a virtual figure named Diella, who will oversee public tenders in an effort to eradicate corruption. The announcement was made as Rama presented his new cabinet following a decisive election victory in May.

Diella, meaning ‘Sun’ in Albanian, has already been active on the government’s e-Albania portal, where it has issued more than 36,000 digital documents and helped citizens access around 1,000 services.

Now, it will formally take on a cabinet role, marking what Rama described as a radical shift in governance where technology acts as a participant instead of a tool.

The AI will gradually take over responsibility for awarding government tenders, removing decisions from ministries and ensuring assessments are objective. Rama said the system would help Albania become ‘100 per cent corruption-free’ in procurement, a key area of concern in the country’s bid to join the EU by 2030.

Public tenders have long been linked to corruption scandals in Albania, a nation often cited as a hub for money laundering and organised crime. Supporters view Diella’s appointment as a bold step towards transparency, with local media calling it a major transformation in how state power is exercised.

Rama emphasised that the AI minister would have a special mandate to break down bureaucratic barriers and strengthen public trust in administration.

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FTC opens inquiry into AI chatbots and child safety

The US Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into AI chatbots that act as digital companions, raising concerns about their impact on children and teenagers.

Seven firms, including Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI and Snap, have been asked to provide information about how they address risks linked to ΑΙ chatbots designed to mimic human relationships.

Chairman Andrew Ferguson said protecting children online was a top priority, stressing the need to balance safety with maintaining US leadership in AI. Regulators fear minors may be particularly vulnerable to forming emotional bonds with AI chatbots that simulate friendship and empathy.

An inquiry that will investigate how companies develop AI chatbot personalities, monetise user interactions and enforce age restrictions. It will also assess how personal information from conversations is handled and whether privacy laws are being respected.

Other companies receiving orders include Character.AI and Elon Musk’s xAI.

The probe follows growing public concern over the psychological effects of generative AI on young people.

Last month, the parents of a 16-year-old who died by suicide sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT provided harmful instructions. The company later pledged corrective measures, admitting its chatbot does not always recommend mental health support during prolonged conversations.

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Nurabot to assist nurses with routine tasks

Global health care faces a severe shortage of workers, with WHO projecting a deficit of 4.5 million nurses by 2030. Around one-third of nurses already experience burnout, and high turnover rates exacerbate staffing pressures.

Foxconn’s new AI-powered nursing robot, Nurabot, is designed to assist with repetitive and physically demanding tasks, potentially reducing nurses’ workload by up to 30%.

Nurabot moves autonomously around hospital wards, delivers medication, and guides patients, using a combination of Foxconn’s Chinese large language model and NVIDIA’s AI platforms.

Built with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the robot was adapted and trained virtually to navigate hospital wards safely. Testing at Taichung Veterans General Hospital since April 2025 has shown promising results, with Foxconn planning a commercial launch in early 2026.

The ageing population and rising patient demand are straining health care systems worldwide. Experts say AI robots can boost efficiency and save the workforce, but issues remain, including patient preference, hospital design, safety, and data ethics.

Hospitals may need redesigns to accommodate free-moving humanoid robots effectively.

While robots like Nurabot cannot replace nurses, they can support staff by handling routine tasks and freeing professionals to provide critical patient care. The smart hospital market, worth $72.24 billion in 2025, shows rising investment in AI and robotics to address staff shortages and ageing populations.

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Egypt launches AI readiness report with EU support

Egypt has released its first AI Readiness Assessment Report, developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology with UNESCO Cairo and supported by the EU funding.

The report reviews Egypt’s legal, policy, institutional and technical environment, highlighting the strengths and gaps in the country’s digital transformation journey. It emphasises ensuring that AI development is human-centred and responsibly governed.

EU officials praised Egypt’s growing leadership in ethical AI governance and reiterated their support for an inclusive digital transition. Cooperation between Egypt and the EU is expected to deepen in digital policy and capacity-building areas.

The assessment aims to guide future investments and reforms, ensuring that AI strengthens sustainable development and benefits all segments of Egyptian society.

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California moves to regulate AI companion chatbots to protect minors

The California State Assembly passed SB 243, advancing legislation making the state the first in the USA to regulate AI companion chatbots. The bill, which aims to safeguard minors and vulnerable users, passed with bipartisan support and now heads to the state Senate for a final vote on Friday.

If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, SB 243 would take effect on 1 January 2026. It would require companies like OpenAI, Replika, and Character.AI to implement safety protocols for AI systems that simulate human companionship.

The law would prohibit such chatbots from engaging in conversations involving suicidal ideation, self-harm, or sexually explicit content. For minors, platforms must provide recurring alerts every three hours, reminding them they interact with AI and encouraging breaks.

The bill also introduces annual transparency and reporting requirements, effective 1 July 2027. Users harmed by violations could seek damages of up to $1,000 per incident, injunctive relief and attorney’s fees.

The legislation follows the suicide of teen Adam Raine after troubling conversations with ChatGPT, and amid mounting scrutiny of AI’s impact on children. Lawmakers nationwide and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are increasing pressure on AI companies to bolster safeguards in the USA.

Though earlier versions of the bill included stricter requirements, like banning addictive engagement tactics, those provisions were removed. Still, backers say the final bill strikes a necessary balance between innovation and public safety.

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Broadcom lands $10bn AI chip order

Broadcom has secured a $10 billion agreement to supply custom AI chips, with analysts pointing to OpenAI as the likely customer.

The US semiconductor firm announced the deal alongside better-than-expected third-quarter earnings, driven by growing demand for its ASICs. It forecast a strong fourth quarter as cloud providers seek alternatives to Nvidia, whose GPUs remain costly and supply-constrained.

Chief executive Hock Tan said Broadcom is collaborating with four potential new clients on chip development, adding to existing partnerships with major players such as Google and Meta.

The company recently introduced the Tomahawk Ultra and next-generation Jericho networking chips, further strengthening its position in the AI computing sector.

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AI and cyber priorities headline massive US defence budget bill

The US House of Representatives has passed an $848 billion defence policy bill with new provisions for cybersecurity and AI. Lawmakers voted 231 to 196 to approve the chamber’s version of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).

The bill mandates that the National Security Agency brief Congress on plans for its Cybersecurity Coordination Centre and requires annual reports from combatant commands on the levels of support provided by US Cyber Command.

It also calls for a software bill of materials for AI-enabled technology that the Department of Defence uses. The Pentagon will be authorised to create up to 12 generative AI projects to improve cybersecurity and intelligence operations.

An adopted amendment allows the NSA to share threat intelligence with the private sector to protect US telecommunications networks. Another requirement is that the Pentagon study the National Guard’s role in cyber response at the federal and state levels.

Proposals to renew the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program were excluded from the final text. The Senate is expected to approve its version of the NDAA next week.

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AI-generated film sparks copyright battle as it heads to Cannes

OpenAI has taken a significant step into entertainment by backing Critterz, the first animated feature film generated with GPT models.

Human artists sketch characters and scenes, while AI transforms them into moving images. The $30 million project, expected to finish in nine months, is far cheaper and faster than traditional animation and could debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.

Yet the film has triggered a fierce copyright debate in India and beyond. Under India’s Copyright Act of 1957, only human works are protected.

Legal experts argue that while AI can be used as a tool when human skill and judgement are clearly applied, autonomously generated outputs may not qualify for copyright at all.

The uncertainty carries significant risks. Producers may struggle to combat piracy or unauthorised remakes, while streaming platforms and investors could hesitate to support projects without clear ownership rights.

A recent case involving an AI tool credited as a co-author of a painting, later revoked, shows how untested the law remains.

Global approaches vary. The US and the EU require human creativity for copyright, while the UK recognises computer-generated works under certain conditions.

In India, lawyers suggest contracts provide the safest path until the law evolves, with detailed agreements on ownership, revenue sharing and disclosure of AI input.

The government has already set up an expert panel to review the Copyright Act, even as AI-driven projects and trailers rapidly gain popularity.

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