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European Commission opens applications for RAISE AI research advisory board

The European Commission has opened applications for the RAISE High-Level Academic Advisory Board, inviting leading researchers in AI and AI-enabled science to help shape Europe’s future AI research agenda.

The advisory board will support the implementation of the EU’s AI in Science Strategy and provide independent scientific guidance on the development of RAISE (Resource for AI Science in Europe).

RAISE was launched in 2025 under Horizon Europe to strengthen European leadership in both fundamental AI research and the application of AI across scientific disciplines.

The Commission is seeking academics with expertise in AI research or experience applying AI in fields such as medicine, climate science and advanced materials. Board members will provide strategic recommendations on research priorities, governance structures, benchmarks and framework conditions needed to accelerate AI-enabled scientific discovery.

Through RAISE, the EU aims to bring together leading researchers, computational resources, data and funding within a coordinated ecosystem that supports scientific excellence and strengthens Europe’s position in global AI research and innovation.

Why does it matter?

The initiative reflects growing recognition that AI is becoming a foundational tool for scientific discovery across disciplines ranging from healthcare and climate research to materials science and physics. Governments are increasingly investing in AI research infrastructure to ensure that researchers have access to the computing power, data and expertise needed to remain globally competitive.

The advisory board also highlights Europe’s ambition to play a larger role in shaping the future of AI-enabled science. By coordinating talent, infrastructure and funding through initiatives such as RAISE, the EU aims to strengthen both its scientific capacity and its position in the global race for AI innovation.

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Humanists UK urges government to adopt human-centred AI principles

Humanists UK has urged the UK government to place human dignity, democratic oversight and human flourishing at the centre of AI governance.

The call followed a House of Lords debate on the impact of AI on human relationships and society, during which peers discussed the ethical, social and regulatory challenges raised by rapidly advancing AI systems.

Humanists UK pointed out to the government the Luxembourg Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Values, adopted by Humanists International in 2025. The declaration argues that AI should support human judgement, the common good, democratic governance, transparency, autonomy and protection from harm.

Lord Michael Cashman, a patron of Humanists UK and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, urged the government not to ‘reinvent the wheel’ and said the declaration already sets out principles relevant to AI governance.

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones said the debate showed a convergence of values across different traditions, including the need for democratic oversight, transparency and safeguards to ensure AI serves human beings rather than replacing them.

Responding for the government, Digital Economy Minister Baroness Lloyd of Effra said AI is already changing the economy, public services and human relationships. She said the government’s responsibility is to ensure that the transformation strengthens rather than diminishes the fabric of society.

Humanists UK said it has written to Baroness Lloyd and shared a copy of the Luxembourg Declaration.

Why does it matter?

The story reflects the growing role of civil society, religious groups and ethical movements in AI governance debates. While it does not signal a new UK policy, it shows how discussions on AI safety are broadening beyond technical risk to include human dignity, democratic accountability, transparency, autonomy and the public interest. Such value-based frameworks may influence how governments frame future AI regulation, assurance and safeguards.

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Apple delays Siri AI rollout on iOS and iPadOS in EU, citing DMA requirements

Apple has announced that its new Siri AI features will not be available to users in the European Union on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 when the software is released later this year, citing concerns related to compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

According to the company, discussions with European regulators have not resulted in an agreement on how the new AI features could be introduced while maintaining what Apple describes as necessary privacy and security protections.

Apple said the features will remain available to EU users on macOS 27 and visionOS 27. However, users in the bloc will not have access to Siri AI on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, as the watchOS functionality depends on a paired iPhone with Siri AI support.

The company stated that the DMA’s interoperability requirements would require broader access for competing virtual assistants to device functionality and user data than Apple considers appropriate from a privacy and security perspective.

Apple also said it proposed a solution called Trusted System Agent, which it described as an intermediary framework intended to provide third-party virtual assistants with access to device capabilities while maintaining additional security protections. According to the company, it also proposed a phased rollout of Siri AI in the EU while this framework was being developed.

The company said the European Commission did not accept its proposals and that there is currently no timeline for the availability of Siri AI on iOS and iPadOS in the EU.

The announcement highlights ongoing discussions between major technology companies and the EU regulators on implementing the Digital Markets Act. The DMA seeks to increase competition in digital markets by requiring designated gatekeepers to provide greater interoperability and access to certain platform services.

The European Commission has previously stated that the objective of the regulation is to promote contestability and fairness in digital markets while providing users and businesses with greater choice.

Apple’s decision means that some AI features announced at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) will not initially be available to EU users on mobile devices. These include new AI-powered assistance capabilities, expanded visual intelligence features, and AI tools integrated across iOS and iPadOS.

The company said it will continue discussions with EU regulators regarding a possible future launch of the features in the European Union.

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UAE establishes AI and Data Authority

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, according to the Government of Dubai Media Office. The new body will consolidate public data, AI and digital government functions under a single national framework.

The authority will report directly to the Cabinet and assume responsibilities previously held by several entities, including the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, the Digital Government Regulatory Authority and the UAE Data Office.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has been appointed chairman of the authority. Its responsibilities include developing the national AI strategy, managing government data, overseeing digital services, and setting standards for data and AI governance.

According to the Government of Dubai Media Office, the authority will also support research, technical advisory services, cybersecurity and international cooperation on AI and digital government. The initiative forms part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its position in the digital economy.

Why does it matter?

The creation of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority reflects a growing trend among governments to centralise oversight of AI, data and digital transformation policies. Bringing these functions together under a single institution can improve coordination, support more consistent governance frameworks and accelerate the deployment of digital services.

The move also reinforces the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a regional and global leader in AI and the digital economy. By consolidating responsibilities for AI strategy, data governance, digital services and international cooperation, the new authority is expected to play a central role in shaping the country’s future digital development.

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UK evaluates frontier AI for operational cybersecurity applications

The UK Government Cyber Coordination Centre (GC3), in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the AI Security Institute, has completed a pilot programme exploring how frontier AI models could strengthen cyber defence across government systems.

The initiative forms part of the UK’s Government Cyber Action Plan, which seeks to improve public-sector cyber resilience through the use of emerging technologies.

Teams participated in a series of hackathons that used advanced AI systems to analyse public government code repositories for potential security weaknesses.

Different approaches were tested, including multi-agent workflows, AI-assisted vulnerability investigation and specialised AI skills designed to automate parts of the security auditing process. Rather than relying on a single methodology, participants tested different architectures and workflows to determine which approaches produced the most effective results.

The exercise identified 407 security findings, including vulnerabilities that could have enabled authentication bypass, data exposure and remote code execution. AI models demonstrated an ability to identify relationships between technical weaknesses across multiple services and uncover attack paths that conventional scanners often struggle to detect.

Government departments validated the findings through existing security processes and remediated all critical vulnerabilities.

UK officials concluded that successful deployment depends less on the choice of AI model and more on how AI is integrated into structured security workflows. Human experts remained responsible for validating findings, prioritising risks and managing remediation efforts.

Following the results, GC3 plans to launch a second phase involving additional government departments, more AI systems and assessments of closed-source environments.

Why does it matter?

The pilot provides a practical example of how frontier AI systems can be used in operational cybersecurity rather than solely for research or experimentation. As governments and organisations face increasingly complex cyber threats, AI tools could help security teams identify vulnerabilities more quickly and uncover attack paths that traditional automated tools may miss.

The findings also reinforce the importance of human oversight in AI-enabled security operations. While AI can assist with vulnerability discovery and analysis at scale, expert validation and risk management remain essential. The project highlights a growing trend towards combining AI capabilities with human expertise to improve cyber resilience across critical systems and public-sector infrastructure.

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EU and Brazil strengthen cooperation through new Digital Partnership

The European Union and Brazil have signed a new Digital Partnership to strengthen cooperation on shared digital policy priorities, including AI, data governance, digital infrastructure, connectivity, online platforms and digital public goods and services.

The partnership was signed in Brasília and is intended to raise EU-Brazil digital cooperation to a more strategic level. According to the European Commission, Digital Partnerships are a core instrument of the EU’s external digital policy and are used to structure cooperation with like-minded partners.

The agreement builds on more than two decades of EU-Brazil cooperation, including the EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership and the existing EU-Brazil Digital Dialogue. The two sides said the partnership will support joint work on resilient global supply chains, rules-based digital governance and wider sharing of the benefits of technological progress.

The signing follows the adoption of mutual EU-Brazil data adequacy decisions in January 2026, which allow personal data to flow freely and securely between the two jurisdictions without additional requirements. The Commission described those decisions as creating the world’s largest area of free and safe data flows, covering around 670 million consumers.

Future cooperation under the Digital Partnership will be developed through technical workstreams and high-level exchanges. The first Digital Partnership Council is expected to meet within the next year to set out a joint roadmap for cooperation.

Why does it matter?

The partnership strengthens digital cooperation between the EU and one of Latin America’s largest economies at a time when AI governance, data protection, online platforms and digital public infrastructure are becoming central to international relations. It also shows how the EU is using digital partnerships and data adequacy decisions to expand trusted digital cooperation beyond Europe, while promoting regulatory alignment, secure data flows and shared approaches to global digital governance.

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IMF chief calls for stronger cooperation on AI-related cybersecurity risks

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has called for greater international cooperation to address cybersecurity risks associated with advanced AI systems, warning that rapidly evolving AI capabilities could pose challenges for the global financial system if misused.

Speaking to journalists in Brussels, Georgieva said new AI models are increasing the ability to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities at a scale previously unavailable. She noted that these capabilities can support efforts to strengthen cyber defences by helping organisations detect and address weaknesses more quickly.

At the same time, Georgieva said the same capabilities could be misused by malicious actors. Referring to recent developments in advanced AI systems, she said that frontier models can be used positively to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities but that, ‘in the wrong hands,’ those capabilities could be directed against financial infrastructure.

Her comments come amid growing discussion among policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions about the implications of increasingly capable AI systems for cybersecurity and financial stability. Earlier this year, Georgieva warned that the international monetary system was not adequately prepared to address rapidly evolving AI-related cyber risks and called for greater attention to safeguards needed to protect financial stability.

According to Georgieva, stronger cooperation will be necessary across countries and sectors to address these risks. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between advanced and developing economies, as well as between public institutions and private-sector actors responsible for critical digital infrastructure.

She also pointed to the interconnected nature of the global financial system, arguing that vulnerabilities in one jurisdiction can have wider implications. Because financial systems are closely linked across borders, weaknesses in cybersecurity protections may create risks beyond the countries where they originate.

In addition to cooperation, Georgieva stressed the importance of investing in cyber resilience. She said governments should consider cybersecurity requirements when planning public spending and ensure that sufficient resources are available to strengthen defences against evolving threats.

Her remarks align with broader concerns raised by financial authorities regarding the growing role of AI in cybersecurity. While advanced models may help identify vulnerabilities and improve defensive capabilities, they may also lower barriers for conducting sophisticated cyber operations. Financial institutions and regulators have increasingly examined how to strengthen preparedness and resilience in response to these developments.

Georgieva also referred to broader risks associated with rapid AI adoption, including the potential for market volatility driven to changing expectations for AI technologies. She described such risks as low-probability but potentially high-impact events.

The IMF has previously highlighted the economic implications of AI, including its potential effects on labour markets and productivity. Georgieva has argued that governments should prepare for significant technological change while ensuring that the benefits of AI are broadly shared.

Why does it matter?

The comments in Brussels place cybersecurity and financial resilience at the centre of ongoing discussions about AI governance. As governments, regulators, and financial institutions continue to assess the implications of increasingly capable AI systems, questions around international cooperation, preparedness, and cyber resilience are expected to remain a key focus of policy discussions.

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Spanish minister says AI regulation boosts competitiveness and trust

Spain’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, said that AI regulation strengthens competitiveness rather than discouraging investment. Speaking at the Foro Talento España event organised by TRIVU, he argued that trust is becoming a key factor in the development and adoption of AI.

López pointed to OpenAI’s decision to open its first office in Spain as evidence that AI regulation can coexist with innovation and investment. He said Spain’s approach helps create a more predictable and trustworthy environment for businesses and technology development.

The minister also highlighted government investments in digital skills and talent development. He cited initiatives including the National Digital Skills Plan, university programmes focused on AI and cybersecurity, and plans to recruit 1,600 ICT specialists for the public sector.

These efforts have contributed to growth in higher education, technology training and STEM employment. Speaking in Madrid, López said continued investment in talent, digital skills and emerging technologies will be essential as AI and other advanced digital sectors continue to evolve in Spain.

Why does it matter?

The relationship between AI regulation and innovation remains a central policy debate worldwide. While some argue that regulation could slow investment and technological development, others contend that clear rules can increase trust, reduce uncertainty and encourage long-term adoption.

Spain’s position reflects a growing European approach that views regulation and innovation as complementary rather than competing objectives. By combining AI governance measures with investments in skills, education and digital talent, policymakers are seeking to build an environment that supports both technological development and public trust.

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MHRA report highlights public priorities for AI regulation in healthcare

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published two reports examining the views of patients, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders on the use of AI in healthcare.

The findings are intended to support the work of the independent National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare and inform future regulatory approaches.

The consultation gathered input from patients, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, researchers and public institutions. A separate Call for Evidence received submissions from 760 individuals and organisations.

Participants broadly recognised the potential benefits of AI in healthcare while emphasising the need for safeguards to ensure safety, effectiveness, transparency and accountability.

Several priorities emerged consistently across the engagement process. Contributors supported ongoing monitoring of AI systems after deployment, transparent decision-making, clear accountability mechanisms and human oversight.

Many respondents also argued that regulatory frameworks should evolve to keep pace with rapid technological advances while maintaining strong patient protections.

The findings will contribute to recommendations expected later in 2026 from the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. The recommendations are expected to help guide future regulatory decisions by the MHRA and other healthcare authorities.

Why does it matter?

Healthcare is one of the sectors where AI is expected to have the greatest impact, with applications ranging from diagnostics and clinical decision support to administrative efficiency and patient engagement. As adoption accelerates, regulators are increasingly focused on ensuring that AI systems are safe, effective and trustworthy.

The findings suggest that public support for healthcare AI is closely tied to transparency, accountability and human oversight. They also highlight the growing importance of adaptive regulatory frameworks that can support innovation while maintaining patient safety and public confidence in AI-enabled healthcare services.

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Microsoft president says AI’s future should be shaped by people, not technology alone

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith has argued that the future impact of AI should be shaped by people rather than technology alone, emphasising the importance of human agency, creativity and the dignity of work.

In a recent blog post, Smith said concerns expressed by university graduates about AI’s impact on employment should be taken seriously by the technology sector.

Smith also noted that younger generations remain among the most active users of AI technologies but are increasingly questioning how AI will affect jobs, careers and society. He argued that graduates are sending a clear message that AI should support human capabilities instead of determining the role of people in the workforce.

The article draws on historical examples of technological disruption, including photography, computing and automation, arguing that new technologies have often transformed work rather than eliminated human creativity and ambition.

Smith acknowledged concerns about entry-level employment, workforce restructuring and economic uncertainty, while suggesting that AI adoption is likely to unfold over decades rather than over a short period.

Microsoft argues that individuals should focus on combining expertise in their chosen fields with AI literacy. The company also emphasises the importance of uniquely human skills such as creativity, curiosity, communication, compassion and judgement.

For organisations, Smith recommends using AI to strengthen institutional knowledge and productivity while retaining control over proprietary data, intellectual property and strategic decision-making.

Why does it matter?

The debate over AI’s impact on employment has become one of the central questions in technology policy and economic planning. While some forecasts focus on job displacement, others argue that AI will primarily transform how work is performed, creating demand for new skills and roles while reshaping existing occupations.

Smith’s comments offer insight into how a leading AI developer views the long-term transition. His emphasis on augmentation, workforce adaptation and human agency reflects a broader industry narrative that AI should enhance rather than replace human capabilities, while highlighting the growing importance of digital skills, lifelong learning and public participation in decisions about AI deployment.

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