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EPO introduces AI captions to improve accessibility in digital patent proceedings

The European Patent Office (EPO) has introduced automated real-time captions for oral proceedings conducted via video conference (VICOs), aiming to improve accessibility for participants with hearing impairments.

The measure forms part of broader efforts to enhance inclusivity within digital public services.

A system that enables speech recognition-based captions during virtual hearings, with optional translation into official languages.

While activation requires prior request, the feature reflects a shift towards more accessible and adaptable procedural frameworks in digital legal environments.

The introduction of captions aligns with wider European accessibility and digitalisation objectives, supporting equitable participation in administrative and legal processes.

At the same time, the EPO notes that machine-generated captions may contain inaccuracies and are intended solely as a support tool during proceedings.

Such a development illustrates how AI-enabled tools are being integrated into institutional workflows to address accessibility barriers, while maintaining procedural safeguards and operational integrity.

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Brazil links AI and technical standards in competitiveness push

Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade said the integration of AI and technical standardisation should be treated as a strategic issue for the country’s competitiveness.

The position was presented during a meeting organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, which brought together public bodies and specialists to discuss AI governance and its effects on the productive sector and on the state.

Pedro Ivo, secretary for Competitiveness and Regulatory Policy at the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, said technical standards can help reduce costs, facilitate trade, and improve competitiveness. He also said linking that process to AI could support a more predictable regulatory environment.

According to the ministry, the discussion also highlighted the international dimension of the issue and Brazil’s efforts to expand its role in shaping AI-related standards and guidelines. The programme included discussions of global AI impacts, regulatory challenges, and the role of international organisations in technical regulation for information and communication technologies.

Tiago Munk, the ministry’s coordinator-general for quality infrastructure, said technical standards can play a central role in AI governance by defining criteria, requirements, and good practices for systems, products, and services. He added that Brazil should take an active role in developing international standards.

The meeting was presented as part of a broader government effort to strengthen coordination on AI, with attention to policy direction, institutional coordination, and the country’s position in the digital economy.

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Sussex police deploy AI cameras to detect traffic offences

Sussex Police has introduced AI cameras to detect drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts. The technology is being deployed to support enforcement and reduce road safety risks.

The rollout follows a 2024 trial by National Highways in Sussex, during which 458 offences were detected in 7 days. Most cases involved seatbelt violations, while others included mobile phone use or both offences combined.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said the cameras are intended to support policing rather than replace it. She added that AI cameras help monitor driver behaviour and enable action where necessary.

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the technology would strengthen enforcement and allow resources to be used more effectively. She noted that collisions linked to phone use and lack of seatbelts continue to cause injuries.

The cameras, supplied by Acusensus, will operate for several weeks before evaluation. Officials said the system will contribute to wider road safety efforts and ongoing monitoring initiatives.

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Nigeria Customs Service begins AI training

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun a capacity development programme focused on AI-driven processes, according to an official social media post. The initiative aims to strengthen operational efficiency in key areas.

The Nigeria Customs Service stated that the training covers revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation processes. AI tools are being introduced to improve accuracy and streamline financial operations.

The programme is part of broader efforts to enhance technical skills within the service and align operations with evolving digital practices. It reflects a focus on improving internal systems and data management.

The Nigeria Customs Service positions the initiative as a step towards modernising customs processes and strengthening institutional capacity in Nigeria.

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UK tests AI transcripts to improve access to justice and reduce court costs

The UK Ministry of Justice, alongside HM Courts & Tribunals Service, has launched a study examining how AI can be used to generate court transcripts more efficiently.

The initiative aims to reduce the cost and time required for accessing official court records.

Currently, transcript fees can be prohibitively expensive, limiting access for victims seeking clarity on court proceedings. The proposed use of AI-based systems, including in-house tools such as Justice Transcribe, could lower these barriers while maintaining required accuracy standards.

The policy forms part of broader efforts in the UK to modernise the justice system and enhance transparency. It aligns with legislative developments, including the Victims and Courts Bill, and plans to provide free access to sentencing remarks in Crown Court cases from 2027.

By improving access to legal records, the initiative seeks to strengthen accountability and support victims’ understanding of judicial processes, contributing to a more accessible and responsive justice system.

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South Korea deploys AI smart city pilots across Southeast Asia

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in South Korea has selected six pilot projects under the K-City Network Global Cooperation Program to deploy AI-based smart city models across Southeast Asia.

The initiative reflects efforts to extend tested domestic systems into international urban contexts.

Projects will be implemented in Brunei, Bacoor, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Surin and Penang, focusing on areas such as traffic optimisation, water management and disaster response. These pilots aim to assess the adaptability and performance of AI-enabled infrastructure in diverse environments.

The programme operates as a government-to-government cooperation mechanism, combining technical deployment with policy coordination. Selected projects were evaluated based on innovation, feasibility and potential for broader regional application.

By testing AI-driven urban systems in partner countries, the initiative by South Korea seeks to support digital transformation while contributing to more efficient, resilient and data-driven public services.

It also reflects wider trends in cross-border collaboration on smart city governance and infrastructure development.

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Azerbaijan advances digital diplomacy agenda

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has highlighted the growing role of AI and digital technologies in diplomacy, according to an official publication. The discussion reflects wider efforts to modernise diplomatic practices.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasised that digital tools are increasingly shaping communication, policy coordination and international engagement. AI is seen as part of this evolving diplomatic environment.

The publication underlines the importance of adapting institutional frameworks and skills to keep pace with technological changes such as AI developments. This includes strengthening digital capabilities within diplomatic services.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan presents these developments as part of broader efforts to integrate digital innovation into foreign policy in Azerbaijan.

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Hong Kong and China cyberspace authority sign AI and blockchain cooperation deal

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, met the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong to discuss cooperation in innovation and technology.

During the meeting, officials from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on innovation and technology development. The agreement covers areas including AI, cross-border data flow and blockchain.

The MOU aims to support the development of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre. It also focuses on strengthening cybersecurity cooperation and promoting the digital economy through technological development.

Officials said the agreement aligns with China’s national development plans and supports Hong Kong’s integration into broader economic strategies. It also highlights plans to enhance international exchanges and technology-driven economic growth.

The Chief Executive said Hong Kong will continue to expand its role as a technology and investment hub under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework. The CAC said the partnership will support long-term innovation and development goals.

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Canada launches hybrid AI weather model

Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced the launch of a hybrid AI weather forecasting model aimed at improving predictions of severe weather. The system combines AI with traditional physics-based forecasting methods.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the model uses AI to analyse large datasets while relying on established models to account for local weather factors such as temperature, wind and precipitation. This combination is expected to improve forecast accuracy.

The department states the system will enhance performance across all forecast timeframes and provide earlier warnings of major weather events. In some cases, forecasts could identify large systems more than 24 hours earlier than current capabilities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said the model has been extensively tested alongside existing systems and will support better preparedness and public safety as extreme weather events increase in Canada.

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US expands AI focus in schools

The US Department of Education has introduced a new supplemental priority focused on advancing AI in education, published in the Federal Register. The measure is intended for use in discretionary grant programmes.

According to the US Department of Education, the priority and related definitions may be applied across current and future funding competitions. The Secretary can adopt all or part of the priority depending on programme needs.

The initiative builds on earlier supplemental priorities covering areas such as literacy, educational choice, meaningful learning and workforce readiness. It forms part of a broader framework guiding federal education funding in the US.

Why does it matter?

The new priority will take effect in May 2026, expanding the role of AI in US education policy and grant allocation. This is a global shift in which AI is playing a more prominent role in education.

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