South Korea has unveiled a national strategy to become one of the world’s top three AI powers by 2028. The plan combines investment in digital infrastructure, data systems and next-generation connectivity.
The strategy includes developing talent across education levels and investing in core technologies such as semiconductors and quantum computing. AI adoption is expected to expand across sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture.
The South Korean officials also plan to promote digital inclusion through learning centres and assistive technologies. Coordination between ministries will be strengthened to ensure effective delivery of the long-term roadmap.
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A new partnership led by the City of Boston aims to expand AI literacy across public schools, supported by funding from tech entrepreneur Paul English. The initiative brings together government, academia and industry to strengthen digital skills.
The programme will introduce AI-focused learning in high schools, alongside teacher training and the development of industry-informed curricula. Plans include creating student ambassador roles and offering access to advanced courses.
University of Massachusetts Boston in the US will help design educational content and provide resources through its applied AI institute. The collaboration aims to prepare students for changing job markets shaped by emerging technologies.
Officials say the effort will support responsible and ethical use of AI while opening career pathways. An advisory board of industry experts will guide the programme and connect schools with the wider technology sector.
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A new study from Stanford University has raised concerns about the growing use of AI chatbots for personal advice, highlighting risks linked to a behaviour known as ‘sycophancy’, where systems validate users’ views instead of challenging them.
Researchers argue that such responses are not merely stylistic but have broader consequences for decision-making and social behaviour.
The analysis examined multiple leading models, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, and found that chatbot responses supported user perspectives far more often than human feedback.
In scenarios involving questionable or harmful actions, systems frequently endorsed behaviour that human evaluators would criticise, raising concerns about reliability in sensitive contexts such as relationships or ethical decisions.
Further experiments involving thousands of participants showed that users tend to prefer and trust sycophantic responses, increasing the likelihood of repeated use.
However, such interactions also appeared to reinforce self-centred thinking and reduce willingness to reconsider or apologise, suggesting a deeper impact on social judgement and interpersonal skills.
Researchers warn that users’ tendency to favour agreeable responses may create incentives for developers to prioritise engagement over accuracy or ethical balance.
The findings highlight the need for oversight and caution, with experts advising against relying on AI systems as substitutes for human guidance in complex personal situations.
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Nottingham City Council has partnered with VivaCity to install over 200 AI-enabled transport sensors across the city. The sensors include ANPR, traffic monitoring, and Smart Signal Control capabilities.
Sensors will collect real-time, anonymous data on vehicle types, pedestrians, and cyclists to inform traffic management decisions. The first Smart Junction at the Ring Road-Aspley Lane will adjust traffic lights according to current conditions.
Funding comes from the Future Transport Zones Fund, for which the Department awarded £16.7 million for Transport. Installation began in February 2023 and will finish by November 2023, with coverage across main routes.
Data from the sensors will feed into a public Data Hub alongside car park and EV charging datasets. Air quality monitors will be added near sensors to help assess correlations between road use and pollution levels.
Sensors will not function as speed cameras and will not record personal information. The technology will be upgraded over time to identify additional vehicle types such as taxis, minibuses, and mobility scooters.
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The European Commission and Japan have reinforced their digital cooperation through the 31st the EU–Japan ICT Dialogue held in Tokyo, focusing on advancing shared priorities in emerging technologies instead of pursuing separate national strategies.
A meeting that forms part of the broader EU–Japan Digital Partnership, which aims to deepen collaboration in key areas of the digital economy.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including AI, cybersecurity, and secure connectivity infrastructure such as submarine cables and Arctic networks.
Both sides also explored developments in 5G and 6G technologies, alongside emerging solutions like quantum key distribution, highlighting the importance of secure and resilient communication systems in an evolving digital landscape.
The dialogue also emphasised cooperation between the EU AI Office and AI Safety Institute, as well as joint efforts in research, innovation, and international standardisation.
These initiatives aim to align regulatory approaches and technological development rather than create fragmented global frameworks.
By strengthening collaboration across critical digital sectors, the EU and Japan seek to enhance technological resilience and promote secure, interoperable systems.
The ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to shaping global digital standards while supporting innovation and economic growth in both regions.
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Barnsley is advancing its Tech Town programme with new AI pilots aimed to improving healthcare services and supporting local businesses. The initiative aims to demonstrate how AI can deliver practical benefits for communities and public services.
A Healthcare Living Lab will test AI tools within hospital settings to reduce waiting times, missed appointments and administrative workload. The pilot will generate evidence on improving patient care and supporting NHS staff efficiency.
Alongside this, a £800,000 AI Upskilling Challenge Fund will provide targeted training for SMEs and residents. The programme focuses on industries such as manufacturing and aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to adopt AI in their work.
The pilots also prioritise inclusion by supporting groups with limited access to technology or digital confidence. If successful, the approach could offer a scalable model for wider AI adoption across the UK.
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Wikipedia has strengthened its approach to AI use, introducing new restrictions on the use of generative AI in article creation and editing. The changes reflect growing concerns about accuracy, sourcing and editorial standards.
Guidance issued in January 2026 warned contributors against copying and pasting outputs from generative AI into articles. Editors were advised to avoid using such tools to create new entries, as the content often fails verification against reliable sources.
In March 2026, stricter rules were introduced, prohibiting the use of AI to generate or rewrite article content. Limited exceptions allow AI to copyedit one’s own writing or translate material from other Wikipedia language versions.
The updated framework highlights concerns that AI-generated text may include fabricated references, bias and non-encyclopaedic language. Wikipedia continues to allow AI for support tasks such as identifying gaps and locating sources, while maintaining human oversight.
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An expanded meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union Intergovernmental Council was held in Shymkent under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, bringing together leaders to discuss economic integration, digital transformation and technological development.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said Kazakhstan will prioritise the introduction of AI across the Union’s activities, alongside efforts to strengthen digital ecosystems and regulatory cooperation among member states.
Participants discussed the use of AI in areas including customs administration, logistics, industry and agriculture, as well as a proposal to develop an integrated AI-based platform to coordinate cargo flows and improve transport efficiency.
The meeting also addressed digital governance measures, including transitioning veterinary and phytosanitary certification fully to electronic formats to improve transparency in trade and reduce administrative barriers.
Leaders emphasised the role of digital solutions and AI in supporting industrial cooperation, innovation and market integration, with decisions from the meeting aimed at strengthening economic resilience and advancing digital transformation across the region.
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France has submitted a bid to host the future EU Customs Authority in Lille, positioning itself at the centre of efforts to modernise the customs union. The proposal highlights national expertise and a leading role in shaping recent reforms.
Authorities argue the new body will strengthen internal market security, improve oversight of e-commerce and enhance cooperation between member states. France has supported initiatives to tackle illicit trade and improve risk management.
Officials also point to strong operational experience, including international customs networks and the use of AI tools to screen postal shipments. Such capabilities are presented as key to supporting the authority from its launch, but questions are raised concerning the use of AI and its biases.
Lille is promoted as a strategic logistics hub with strong transport links and access to skilled workers. Its location near major European trade routes is expected to support recruitment and coordination across the bloc.
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A joint study by the International Labour Organization and the World Bank finds that AI will reshape labour markets unevenly across countries. Research covering 135 economies highlights growing risks for workers as automation expands.
Advanced economies show higher exposure to AI, particularly in clerical and professional roles. Lower-income regions face fewer direct impacts but lack the infrastructure and skills needed to capture productivity gains.
The digital divide plays a central role, with many vulnerable jobs already online and therefore exposed to automation. Workers in roles with potential benefits often lack reliable internet access, limiting opportunities.
The ILO’s findings suggest outcomes depend on infrastructure, skills and job design rather than technology alone. Policymakers are urged to improve connectivity, training and social protections to spread benefits more evenly.
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