ai Archives | Page 3 of 386 | Digital Watch Observatory

Kazakhstan launches UNESCO AI readiness assessment initiative

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has announced the launch of its AI Readiness Assessment Methodology in Kazakhstan to evaluate the country’s preparedness for AI governance and development.

The framework is intended to help countries align AI governance approaches with UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Representatives from government, academia, business, civil society, and expert organisations participated in the launch discussions.

Participants discussed Kazakhstan’s digital transformation priorities and plans related to AI ecosystem development. According to UNESCO representatives, the assessment process will address issues including human rights, inclusion, gender equality, and transparency in AI governance.

A national stakeholder group involving ministries, universities, business associations, and civil society organisations will support implementation and policy recommendations. The launch event was held at Astana Hub in Kazakhstan.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Anthropic says AI system identified thousands of critical software flaws

Anthropic has published an update on Project Glasswing, a cybersecurity initiative focused on identifying software vulnerabilities using AI systems.

According to Anthropic, partner organisations used Claude Mythos Preview to identify thousands of high- and critical-severity vulnerabilities across software platforms and infrastructure systems.

The company said the initiative demonstrated how AI systems are increasing the speed and scale of vulnerability discovery processes. Anthropic reported that participating organisations observed substantial increases in software vulnerability detection capabilities during testing.

Evaluations cited by Anthropic suggested the system performed strongly in vulnerability identification and exploit-detection tasks compared with earlier AI cybersecurity models.

Anthropic also said the model analysed more than 1,000 open-source projects and identified vulnerabilities affecting widely used software components. The company highlighted a vulnerability identified in the open-source cryptography library wolfSSL as one example from the project.

According to Anthropic, the vulnerability was patched after disclosure.

Anthropic said AI-assisted vulnerability discovery may increasingly shift cybersecurity challenges toward verification, disclosure, and remediation processes. The company also said similar AI cybersecurity capabilities are likely to become more widely available across the industry.

Why does it matter?

The rapid growth of AI-driven cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as AI is fundamentally changing the balance between cyber defence and cyber threats. Systems such as Anthropic’s Project Glasswing demonstrate that advanced AI models can identify software vulnerabilities at a speed far beyond traditional human-led security testing, potentially making critical infrastructure, financial systems, cloud platforms, and open-source software both safer and more exposed at the same time.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

European Commission advances AI transparency code under EU AI Act

The European Commission’s AI Office has convened a new round of working group meetings and workshops on the forthcoming Code of Practice on Marking and Labelling of AI-Generated Content.

The discussions brought together providers of generative AI systems and models, technology companies, industry representatives, civil society organisations and academic experts. Feedback from the meetings will inform the third and final draft of the code, expected in early June.

The code is intended to support transparency obligations under the AI Act, including requirements linked to marking, labelling, disclosure and detectability of AI-generated content. It covers issues such as synthetic media, deepfakes and certain AI-generated text.

Working Group 1 focused on marking and detection obligations for providers, including a revised multi-layered approach, technical feasibility, benchmarking, compliance frameworks and possible third-party assessments. Industry participants raised concerns over compliance burdens, innovation and feasibility, while civil society and academic experts called for stronger safeguards in the public interest.

Working Group 2 examined disclosure obligations for deployers of generative AI systems, particularly deepfakes and certain AI-generated text. Discussions covered origin disclosure, user-facing labels, proportionality, governance measures, editorial control and the possible development of a uniform EU label.

Additional workshops explored how machine-readable marks, provenance data, visible labels, watermarking systems and an EU-wide icon could work together across the AI value chain. Participants also discussed coordination with other EU rules, including the Digital Services Act, while stressing the need to balance transparency, legal clarity, accessibility and innovation.

Why does it matter?

The code of practice will help determine how AI-generated content is marked, labelled and disclosed across the EU. Its development highlights the practical difficulty of turning transparency obligations into workable rules, particularly when regulators, companies and civil society disagree over technical feasibility, compliance costs, user experience and safeguards against deceptive synthetic media.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

South Korea launches tripartite committee on AI and labour

South Korea’s Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), a presidential advisory body, has launched a tripartite committee to examine the impact of AI on labour and workplaces. The committee brings together labour, business, government, and public interest representatives for a year-long dialogue on AI-related workplace changes.

The committee held its first meeting in Seoul and will examine how AI adoption may affect employment patterns and industrial workplaces. The 17-member body is chaired by former presidential jobs secretary Hwang Deok-soon and includes labour, business, government and public interest representatives.

According to the ESLC, discussions will focus on AI adoption, changes to jobs and work tasks, worker data collection, and support measures linked to workforce transitions. The initiative is expected to include expert consultations and workplace assessments examining practical uses of AI technologies.

The launch comes amid broader public debate about automation, humanoid robotics, and potential labour-market disruption linked to AI technologies. ESLC Chair Kim Ji-hyung said the discussions aim to balance technological development, industrial competitiveness, and labour market stability in South Korea.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

World Bank highlights ‘Small AI’ for farmers and rural communities

According to Hindustan Times, World Bank President Ajay Banga highlighted the potential of ‘Small AI’ systems to support farmers and rural communities through locally deployed and lower-cost technologies.

Examples discussed included farmers in India using mobile phones to share images of diseased crops and receive agricultural advice remotely. Banga also referred to healthcare workers in Indonesia using basic internet connections to access local diagnostic support systems in remote areas.

At the summit, entrepreneur Saurav Mukherjee said AI adoption was expanding into sectors including agriculture and food production. Mukherjee said AI tools may support agricultural decision-making through analysis of seed quality and environmental conditions such as soil, weather, and water availability.

He also noted that wider internet connectivity and 5G access could support wider AI adoption in underserved regions. However, he cautioned that shortages of skilled workers could limit implementation capacity in some regions.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Ofcom report highlights growing AI use among UK children online

The UK’s Ofcom has released new research indicating that children in the UK are using digital devices and online services at increasingly younger ages.

According to Ofcom’s Children’s Online Experiences report, screen use begins early in childhood, and smartphone ownership increases significantly during secondary school years. The report found that teenagers aged 15 to 17 spend a substantial amount of time online each week.

The report also noted declining use of traditional media formats such as live television, radio, and print among younger audiences. Live television, radio, and print media were described as increasingly absent from children’s routines, with social media, messaging platforms, and gaming dominating digital engagement.

Ofcom also warned that exposure to harmful content remains a significant issue despite the introduction of new online safety rules. Ofcom said many children reported exposure to harmful online content, including material surfaced through recommendation systems and personalised feeds.

The report also highlighted growing use of AI tools among children and teenagers. More than half of UK children aged 8 to 17 said they use AI tools, with some teenagers increasingly relying on AI systems for learning, creativity, communication, and companionship. Researchers said some children found it difficult to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created content.

The report suggested that passive content consumption plays an increasingly significant role in children’s online activity. Most younger users primarily scroll, watch, follow, or like content instead of actively creating or sharing material themselves.

Gaming remained one of the most important online social environments for children, with many users interacting regularly with people they had only met online through multiplayer gaming communities and communication platforms.

Why does it matter?

Ofcom’s findings highlight growing concerns surrounding children’s digital well-being, algorithmic exposure, AI literacy, and online safety regulation. Policymakers and regulators increasingly face pressure to address how recommendation systems, generative AI, and social platforms shape behaviour, attention, and trust among younger audiences.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

International Labour Organization warns AI could reshape labour markets across the Arab region

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) have examined how AI may reshape labour markets and employment patterns across the Arab region.

The organisations released a report exploring how AI adoption may transform jobs, productivity, and workforce dynamics by 2035. According to the report, outcomes will depend on policy choices related to skills development, labour protections, and social support systems.

The report outlines three possible scenarios ranging from inclusive AI-driven growth to increased inequality linked to insufficient labour protections and workforce adaptation measures.

One projected strong AI-driven economic growth, combined with large-scale investment in workforce transition and retraining programmes.

Another warned that rapid technological adoption without sufficient social safeguards could deepen inequality and displace large numbers of lower- and middle-skilled workers.

A third scenario envisaged a more gradual AI integration, supported by coordinated policy reforms and inclusive labour-market strategies.

The report identifies sectors such as healthcare, education, logistics, tourism, and digital services as areas where AI-related employment opportunities may emerge. At the same time, the organisations noted that automation could reduce demand for some routine and clerical occupations.

ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat said AI technologies are already affecting workplaces across public administration and service sectors in the region. She added that nearly one-quarter of occupations may experience either displacement or technological augmentation linked to generative AI systems.

The analysis also highlighted widening skills mismatches between education systems and labour market demands, with some countries facing gaps ranging from 40% to 70%. The report also highlights the importance of investment in lifelong learning, labour market institutions, social protection, and AI governance frameworks.

The discussions took place during a preparatory session linked to the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, where policymakers, labour organisations, and international experts examined how AI may affect youth employment, women workers, and lower-skilled populations across the region.

Why does it matter?

ILO highlights how developing and emerging economies may experience AI transitions differently depending on infrastructure, education systems, governance capacity, and investment levels. Policymakers across the Arab region are now under increasing pressure to modernise labour systems while ensuring that AI adoption supports inclusive growth instead of deepening social inequality.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU lawmakers challenge confidentiality rules on data centre emissions data

A group of 35 Members of the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to review confidentiality rules affecting public access to environmental data from data centres. The request focused on the disclosure of information related to emissions, energy use, and water consumption.

According to reporting by Investigate Europe, the disputed wording was linked to proposals submitted during consultations by Microsoft and DIGITALEUROPE. The clause was later incorporated into the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and limits disclosure of certain information related to individual data centres.

Critics argue that the measure may reduce transparency regarding the environmental impact of expanding digital infrastructure. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have also raised questions about compatibility with transparency principles under the Aarhus Convention. Reports said critics believe the rules reduce scrutiny of the environmental impact linked to expanding AI and cloud infrastructure.

The lawmakers called on the European Commission to reconsider the provision and publish more detailed environmental reporting data. The issue has contributed to broader discussions in the EU regarding environmental accountability and oversight of digital infrastructure.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

UK government launches cyber resilience measures amid AI-related risks

The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has warned that cyber threats are becoming more frequent and complex, with AI contributing to faster and more scalable attacks. Digital Minister Baroness Lloyd of Effra said cyber resilience is increasingly important for national security and economic stability.

According to the government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 43% of businesses reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack during the past year. The minister said AI tools are making some cyber capabilities more accessible by automating tasks such as vulnerability detection and reconnaissance.

The government also encouraged technology providers to adopt a ‘secure by design’ approach and referred to existing cybersecurity guidance frameworks.

The Department additionally announced a £90 million cyber resilience fund intended to support businesses, including SMEs and NHS suppliers. The government said a broader National Cyber Action Plan is expected later this summer.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

NASA develops AI system to track harmful algal blooms using satellite data

NASA researchers have developed an AI system designed to combine satellite datasets to improve monitoring of harmful algal blooms.

The system uses self-supervised machine learning to analyse patterns across five satellite missions and instruments, helping researchers identify blooms in regions including western Florida and Southern California. According to researchers, the approach could support environmental monitoring and earlier identification of marine health risks.

Harmful algal blooms can affect ecosystems, wildlife, coastal environments, and public health. In parts of Florida, blooms caused by Karenia brevis have disrupted coastal communities for decades, while toxic blooms along the US West Coast have harmed dolphins, sea lions, and other marine species.

NASA researchers said the system combines information from multiple satellite observation technologies. Instruments such as the PACE satellite and the TROPOMI monitoring instrument help identify algae characteristics, including pigment, fluorescence, and biological activity across ocean surfaces.

The researchers said the self-supervised AI model identifies relationships between datasets without relying heavily on manually labelled data. The system was trained using satellite observations collected during 2018 and 2019 before being tested on later bloom events.

Michelle Gierach of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said the system could help environmental agencies identify areas for water sampling earlier during bloom development. Researchers said combining satellite observations with field data may improve coordination between scientific and public health teams.

The project team said the system is being expanded using additional coastal and freshwater datasets.

Why does it matter?

NASA’s development highlights growing use of AI and satellite intelligence for environmental monitoring and climate-related risk management. Harmful algal blooms are becoming an increasing concern for coastal economies, fisheries, tourism, biodiversity, and public health systems worldwide.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!