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European Commission launches copyright consultation focused on AI

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather views on whether EU copyright rules should be modernised in response to changes in the digital economy, including challenges linked to generative AI.

The consultation will assess the practical impact and effectiveness of the 2019 Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, which updated EU rules on the use of copyright-protected content across digital platforms and online services. The Commission will examine whether the directive has facilitated the use of protected content in digital environments, improved licensing practices and supported a fairer copyright marketplace.

Rapid technological and market developments are reshaping the creative economy, with the Commission seeking views on how generative AI affects licensing, enforcement and the use of protected works. The review also covers online piracy, particularly of live events, remuneration for performers and producers of recorded music played in the EU, and access to and re-use of works for research purposes.

The call for evidence is open until 25 June and invites contributions from relevant stakeholders on both the review of the 2019 directive and a possible targeted legislative initiative on copyright. The process will be supported by an external study and a stakeholder survey.

Why does it matter?

Generative AI has intensified long-running copyright tensions between technology developers, creators, publishers and platforms. The consultation could influence how the EU approaches licensing, enforcement and the use of protected works in AI systems, while also shaping wider debates on creator remuneration and digital rights in Europe’s creative economy.

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UK regulator updates online safety guidance on AI-generated intimate imagery

Ofcom has announced proposed measures intended to strengthen protections against illegal intimate image abuse online, including AI-generated explicit deepfakes and non-consensual image sharing.

The UK regulator said it is updating its Illegal Content Codes to recommend that certain online platforms use automated detection technologies to identify illegal intimate images.

According to Ofcom, hash matching systems convert images into digital identifiers that can help platforms detect repeated uploads of harmful content. Ofcom specifically referenced the StopNCII database as a recommended tool for platforms implementing the technology.

Ofcom said the measures are intended to improve protections against AI-generated intimate imagery and digitally manipulated sexual content.

The recommendations complement recent UK legislation addressing non-consensual intimate imagery and AI-enabled nudification tools.

Ofcom said the updated Illegal Content Codes are expected to enter into force in autumn 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The regulator also said additional online safety measures under consultation may be announced later in the year.

The measures form part of the UK’s implementation of the Online Safety Act and related online safety obligations for digital platforms.

Why does it matter?

AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic sexual imagery are rapidly becoming major online safety and digital rights concerns globally. Regulators increasingly fear that existing moderation systems cannot keep pace with the scale and speed of AI-generated abuse. Ofcom’s decision illustrates how governments are beginning to shift towards mandatory or strongly encouraged proactive detection systems, particularly for highly harmful content involving intimate imagery, harassment, and exploitation.

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South Korea expands industrial policy support for AI manufacturing technologies

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced plans to establish an industrial growth fund to support manufacturing AI transformation and other industrial policy initiatives over the next three years.

According to the ministry, private banks managing government research and development funds pledged combined anchor investments of 1.1 trillion won for the initiative, including 620 billion won from Hana Bank. The ministry said additional private-sector investment is expected to support the fund.

A M.AX innovation fund established under the initiative will support projects related to manufacturing AI transformation, including robotics, AI factories, mobility technologies, and autonomous vessels. According to the ministry, the government aims to raise 500 billion won for the sub-fund based on an initial 100 billion won anchor investment.

The ministry also signed a cooperation agreement with banks and related agencies to provide 700 billion won in financial support programmes, including technology guarantees and trade insurance, for companies participating in research and development projects.

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China pushes deeper AI integration with advanced manufacturing

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper integration between AI and advanced manufacturing as China seeks to accelerate the intelligent upgrading of its industrial economy.

Li made the remarks during an inspection tour of technology companies in Beijing, where he was briefed on innovation and industrial development in intelligent robotics. He described intelligent robots as a key vehicle for integrating AI with advanced manufacturing.

The premier called for stronger basic research, breakthroughs in core technologies and further exploration at the frontier of intelligent robotics. He also urged faster innovation in complete machines, key components, and intelligent decision-making and control systems to support high-quality industrial development.

Li said China should make use of its large domestic market, complete industrial chains and wide range of application scenarios to expand the intelligent robotics sector. He also said enterprises should play a leading role in industrial transformation.

Companies were encouraged to advance intelligent upgrades across the full production process, including research and development, design, manufacturing, operations management and after-sales services.

Why does it matter?

The remarks show how China is positioning AI as part of industrial modernisation, not only as a digital services technology. By linking AI with robotics, manufacturing processes and enterprise-led upgrading, Beijing is reinforcing the role of intelligent systems in productivity, competitiveness and high-quality industrial growth.

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UK financial regulators highlight operational risks linked to frontier AI

Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury have issued a joint statement warning regulated firms about escalating cybersecurity risks associated with frontier AI models.

The authorities said current frontier AI systems already possess cyber capabilities that may exceed those of skilled practitioners in some areas while operating at greater speed and scale. According to the statement, malicious use of these capabilities could increase risks to financial stability, market integrity, customers, and firms’ operational resilience.

UK regulators warned that firms underinvesting in cybersecurity protections may face increased exposure as more advanced AI systems emerge. The statement said regulated firms and financial market infrastructures should strengthen resilience against AI-driven cyber threats.

The guidance highlighted several priority areas, including governance, vulnerability management, third-party and supply-chain risks, data protection, network security, and recovery planning. The authorities urged boards and senior management teams to improve their understanding of frontier AI cyber risks.

Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury also warned that frontier AI models could rapidly identify and exploit vulnerabilities across complex technology estates, forcing firms to accelerate patching, remediation, and threat-detection processes. Firms were encouraged to deploy automation and AI-enabled defensive tools capable of responding at a comparable speed to emerging AI-driven attacks.

The statement additionally emphasised growing risks linked to third-party providers, open-source software dependencies, and supply-chain exposure. Regulators said firms should strengthen capabilities to identify, monitor, and manage vulnerabilities linked to third-party providers and software dependencies.

The authorities confirmed they will continue monitoring AI developments and coordinating with industry through the Cross Market Operational Resilience Group.

Why does it matter?

The financial sector increasingly depends on interconnected digital infrastructure, cloud services, AI systems, and third-party software supply chains. Frontier AI could dramatically accelerate both offensive cyber capabilities and defensive security operations, creating a rapidly evolving threat environment where traditional cybersecurity practices may no longer be sufficient.

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South Korea expands international outreach on AI copyright guidance

South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has released an English version of its guide on fair use for training generative AI models. The document outlines how copyrighted materials may be used under existing legal frameworks for AI training purposes.

The guide outlines four legal factors used to assess fair use, including purpose, type of work, amount used, and market impact. According to the guide, AI training may qualify as fair use in some cases where it creates new value and does not negatively affect existing markets.

The guide provides examples of uses that may or may not qualify as fair use under current copyright rules. According to the guide, systems that reproduce substantial copyrighted content without transformation are less likely to qualify as fair use.

The ministry said it plans to discuss the guide internationally, including through cooperation initiatives linked to the World Intellectual Property Organization, as part of broader policy engagement efforts in Seoul, South Korea.

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Indian science ministry outlines AI and quantum technology priorities

India’s Ministry of Science and Technology has outlined a strategy placing AI and quantum sovereignty at the centre of future growth, according to statements by Jitendra Singh. The announcement was made during a programme hosted by the Technology Development Board.

Minister Jitendra Singh said long-term progress in deep technology depends on a coordinated national approach. The minister linked the strategy to the Research, Development and Innovation Fund scheme, which aims to expand private-sector participation in research and innovation.

According to officials, five projects were approved under the scheme in areas including battery technology, satellite systems, healthcare, and unmanned aerial systems. Initial funding disbursement has begun, alongside the release of progress reports and outlining a national quantum safe ecosystem.

Officials said post-quantum cryptography and secure digital infrastructure are emerging priorities under the National Quantum Mission. The announcements were made during a programme hosted by the Technology Development Board in New Delhi, India.

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SAIFA project launched to support AI and high-performance computing in Serbia

The School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade has announced the launch of SAIFA, the Serbian Artificial Intelligence Factory Antenna, supported by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. According to the organisers, the project forms part of a broader EU initiative focused on interconnected AI and high-performance computing environments.

SAIFA is intended to expand access to AI and computing resources for academia, public administration, startups, and industry. It also aims to integrate national expertise into the broader European AI ecosystem through collaboration, application development, and knowledge exchange.

Project leadership highlighted SAIFA as both a continuation of ongoing work in advanced computing and a step towards stronger regional cooperation within the EU. The initiative includes partners from research, innovation, and government sectors.

A consortium of institutions, including research institutes and government bodies, will support the project’s development and implementation. The launch event and initial meeting took place in Belgrade, Serbia.

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UNESCO expands online course on AI and digital citizenship

UNESCO has launched the second edition of its free Massive Open Online Course focused on digital citizenship and AI, following the first programme, which attracted more than 23,000 registered participants.

The course, titled ‘Educating in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Digital Citizenship from the Classroom’, is expanding internationally through the introduction of a new English-language version alongside its existing Spanish programme. Classes for both versions are scheduled to begin on 15 June 2026.

UNESCO said the initiative aims to help educators, schools, and broader communities better understand how AI systems affect everyday life, democratic participation, and digital environments. According to UNESCO, the course examines algorithms, digital ethics, online behaviour, information integrity, and societal aspects of AI.

The programme covers digital citizenship topics, including disinformation, digital footprints, online participation, and protection of rights in digital spaces.

UNESCO highlighted the importance of analytical skills, critical thinking, and ethical reflection in relation to emerging technologies.

The course includes five thematic modules covering algorithms, AI in education, and the role of digital systems in communication and public discourse. Participants will engage with videos, expert discussions, case studies, and collaborative forums throughout the programme.

Why does it matter?

Educational systems globally are increasingly under pressure to prepare citizens for digital environments shaped by AI, algorithmic recommendation systems, synthetic media, and automated decision-making. Digital literacy is gradually evolving beyond technical competence into a broader set of civic, ethical, and critical thinking skills connected to democratic participation and societal resilience.

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WEF highlights cybersecurity as a strategic economic priority in the AI era

The World Economic Forum said cybersecurity is rapidly evolving into a strategic economic and national security priority as AI systems, geopolitical tensions, and increasingly interconnected digital ecosystems reshape global cyber risks.

During the Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity 2026 held in Geneva, participants discussed how cyber threats are increasingly affecting economic activity, supply chains, financial systems, and critical infrastructure.

The forum said large-scale cyber incidents can disrupt national economies and critical infrastructure. The report referenced a major 2025 cyberattack that disrupted UK automotive production and reportedly contributed to weaker GDP growth, with estimated economic losses reaching approximately £1.9 billion.

WEF argued that organisations are increasingly abandoning compliance-driven cybersecurity models in favour of measurable resilience strategies focused on rapid recovery, operational continuity, incident response readiness, and stronger governance structures.

AI featured heavily throughout the discussions. The forum warned that attackers are using AI almost universally, allowing cyber operations to become faster, more autonomous, and more scalable. Leaders also highlighted emerging risks linked to agentic AI systems, software supply chain vulnerabilities, and quantum computing developments.

Participants stressed that cyber resilience now requires far broader coordination between governments, regulators, businesses, insurers, and infrastructure operators. Public-private cooperation, information-sharing systems, interoperable intelligence frameworks, and cross-border regulatory coordination were described as increasingly necessary to manage systemic cyber risks.

The discussions also focused on cyber-enabled fraud, scams, and online criminal operations that increasingly target both institutions and ordinary citizens across digital ecosystems. Experts argued that cybersecurity strategies must combine technological protection, digital literacy, public awareness, and platform-level safeguards instead of relying solely on reactive responses.

WEF concluded that cybersecurity is becoming inseparable from economic security and strategic stability in the AI era, with future resilience depending heavily on how effectively governments and industries align incentives, quantify cyber risk, and strengthen cooperation across interconnected systems.

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