ai Archives | Page 3 of 395 | Digital Watch Observatory

China expands AI adoption across consumer economy

China’s Ministry of Commerce and seven other government departments have issued guidelines to accelerate the integration of AI into consumer markets.

The implementation document sets out 17 measures in five areas under an ‘AI plus consumption’ strategy. It aims to expand smart product consumption, support AI-enabled services and create new consumer scenarios.

For goods consumption, the guidelines call for a wider supply of AI products, upgrades to consumer electronics, household appliances and home products, and the development of smart wearable devices. They also promote AI-powered robots for elderly care, companionship and daily assistance.

For services, the measures encourage the use of AI in home services, elderly care, tourism, accommodation, catering and education. Examples include smart elderly-care facilities, AI-enabled tourism services and smart canteens in offices, schools and hospitals.

The guidelines also call for faster development of smart retail, deeper integration of AI with e-commerce and improved smart logistics networks at county, township and village levels. Authorities also want to expand delivery coverage in remote areas.

China will support ‘AI plus consumption’ clusters and AI experience centres, while encouraging rental, sharing and trial use of AI products in public venues. Local authorities are also encouraged to introduce subsidies for next-generation smart terminals and other AI-related consumer products under existing consumer goods trade-in policies.

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

Greece and the European Commission strengthen AI cooperation for public services

Greece and the European Commission have reinforced cooperation on AI through a conference held during the BEYOND 2026 exhibition, bringing together policymakers, academics, technology experts and citizens to discuss the future of AI in Europe.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou emphasised the importance of responsible and innovative AI adoption to improve public services, drive digital transformation and strengthen Greece’s competitiveness.

European Commission Director-General for Translation Christos Ellinides outlined the EU’s approach to AI, highlighting initiatives that support innovation, multilingualism and digital transformation across member states.

Commission experts presented AI-powered multilingual services and digital tools designed to improve communication, accessibility and collaboration across the European Union. Discussions also explored the opportunities and challenges associated with AI deployment, while emphasising the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach to technological development.

The conference concluded with calls for closer cooperation between European institutions and national authorities to develop reliable, secure and human-centric AI systems. Organisers said the initiative reflects Greece’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and strengthening its role within the emerging European AI ecosystem.

Why does it matter?

The conference highlights how AI policy in Europe is increasingly being shaped through cooperation between EU institutions and national governments. As countries seek to deploy AI across public services, education and digital infrastructure, coordination will be important for ensuring interoperability, trust and compliance with European regulatory frameworks.

The event also reflects Europe’s broader approach to AI governance, which aims to balance innovation with safeguards related to transparency, security and fundamental rights. By promoting multilingual AI tools, citizen-centred services and cross-border collaboration, initiatives such as this support the EU’s wider objectives of digital sovereignty, competitiveness and inclusive digital transformation.

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

Asian Development Bank launches digital transformation strategy focused on AI and inclusion

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new digital transformation strategy aimed at helping countries across Asia and the Pacific harness AI and digital technologies while protecting vulnerable groups from associated risks.

According to ADB, the strategy will run from 2026 to 2030 and focus on expanding digital connectivity, strengthening digital skills, enhancing cybersecurity and privacy protections, improving data governance and promoting the responsible use of AI.

The bank said it will support the development of digital infrastructure, secure and interoperable systems, and measures to ensure that underserved communities can benefit from digital technologies.

ADB said it will also convene governments, private-sector actors and development partners to mobilise financing, share expertise and accelerate digital technologies initiatives across the regions.

Why does it matter?

The strategy reflects the growing recognition that digital transformation is becoming a key driver of economic development, public-sector modernisation and social inclusion. As AI, digital platforms and data-driven services become more important to competitiveness, countries with stronger digital infrastructure, skills and governance frameworks are likely to be better positioned to capture their benefits.

The initiative also highlights the need to balance innovation with safeguards. Expanding access to AI and digital technologies can create opportunities for growth and service delivery, but it also raises challenges related to cybersecurity, privacy, digital inequality and responsible AI governance. By combining investment in infrastructure with support for digital skills and governance, ADB is positioning digital transformation as both a development priority and a policy challenge for the region.

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

OECD publishes AI literacy framework for schools

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a new report, ‘Empowering Learners for the Age of AI‘, outlining an AI literacy framework for primary and secondary education.

According to the OECD, AI is becoming increasingly embedded in everyday digital life and is influencing civic, professional and social outcomes. The organisation argues that education systems must equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, evaluate and use AI responsibly.

The report defines AI literacy as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable learners to understand how AI systems function, critically evaluate their outputs and use them ethically, responsibly and creatively.

The OECD said the framework outlines learning outcomes for primary and secondary students and is intended to support policymakers, educators, schools and families in fostering AI literacy both inside and outside the classroom. The report was published on 18 June 2026.

Why does it matter?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, work, public services and everyday life, AI literacy is emerging as a foundational skill alongside traditional digital literacy. Understanding how AI systems operate, where their limitations lie and how their outputs should be evaluated will be important for informed participation in society and the economy.

The OECD framework also reflects a broader policy shift from focusing solely on access to technology toward developing the skills needed to use AI responsibly and critically. By providing a common reference point for educators and policymakers, the framework could help shape future curricula, teacher training programmes and national education strategies aimed at preparing students for an AI-enabled world.

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

Digital Decade report showcases Spain’s progress in AI and connectivity

Spain has strengthened its position as one of the EU’s leading digital economies, according to the European Commission’s 2026 State of the Digital Decade report.

The assessment highlights Spain’s strong performance in connectivity, digital public services, AI adoption and digital skills, with the country outperforming the EU average across several key indicators.

The report notes that Spain remains a European leader in digital infrastructure. Spain has the highest share of internet connections delivering speeds of 100 Mbps or more and ranks second in fibre-optic coverage across the EU. Fibre networks now reach almost 96% of the population, while 5G coverage exceeds 99% nationwide and nearly 96% in rural areas.

The Commission also highlighted investments in submarine cables and connectivity programmes that have reinforced Spain’s role as a key digital gateway between Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Spain also continues to rank among the EU’s top performers in digital public services. The Commission cited improvements to the ‘Mi Carpeta Ciudadana’ platform, which expanded services and incorporated user feedback during 2025.

Spain also ranks among Europe’s best performers in prefilled administrative forms, helping citizens interact more efficiently with public authorities. Digital services for both citizens and businesses remain significantly above the EU average.

The report also highlights the growing adoption of advanced technologies by Spanish businesses. AI adoption among Spanish businesses increased from 11.3% in 2024 to 20.3% in 2025, slightly above the EU average.

Data analytics adoption reached 47.1%, while digitalisation among small and medium-sized enterprises continued to improve through initiatives such as Kit Digital, Kit Consulting and Acelera Pyme.

The Commission also highlighted Spain’s commitment to quantum technologies, cybersecurity resilience and digital skills development, with 66.5% of the population now possessing at least basic digital skills.

Why does it matter?

Spain’s performance illustrates how sustained investment in digital infrastructure, public services and innovation can translate into broader economic and technological competitiveness. High levels of fibre connectivity, widespread digital public services and growing AI adoption provide a foundation for productivity growth and support the country’s position within Europe’s digital economy.

The findings are also relevant to the EU’s broader ambitions around technological sovereignty. As Europe seeks to reduce strategic dependencies in critical technologies, countries such as Spain are becoming important contributors to the bloc’s digital capacity through investments in connectivity, cybersecurity, quantum technologies and digital skills. Continued progress in these areas will be important for meeting the EU’s 2030 Digital Decade objectives.

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

Spain’s data protection authority issues privacy guidance for video game industry

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has published a new guide outlining data protection recommendations for the video game industry, urging companies to embed privacy safeguards throughout the entire game lifecycle.

According to the AEPD, modern video games have evolved into complex digital ecosystems that collect, analyse and process significant volumes of personal data. This may include account information, gameplay activity, behavioural data and other user-generated information, creating potential privacy and security risks.

The guide notes that AI-enabled and online gaming services increasingly rely on data-driven business models, making compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) particularly important. The agency emphasised that privacy protections are especially important for children and other vulnerable groups, given their significant participation in online gaming environments.

The recommendations span the entire development process, from pre-production and design to post-launch operations, covering transparency obligations, data minimisation, profiling controls and cybersecurity measures. Privacy and responsible data practices should be integrated into games from design through to end-of-life in Spain.

Why does it matter?

The guidance reflects the growing importance of data protection in the gaming industry as video games increasingly function as connected digital platforms rather than standalone entertainment products. Online services, in-game economies, AI-powered features and behavioural analytics have expanded the volume and sensitivity of personal data processed by game developers and publishers.

The recommendations also highlight broader regulatory concerns around children’s privacy and responsible data use. As gaming platforms become more immersive and data-driven, regulators are placing greater emphasis on privacy-by-design principles, transparency and user control. The AEPD’s guidance signals that compliance with data protection rules is becoming an integral part of game development, not simply a legal requirement applied after products are launched.

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

IWF backs Pope Leo XIV call for responsible AI development

The Internet Watch Foundation has welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s reflections on AI, arguing that AI systems must be developed with stronger safeguards to protect children from abuse.

In a blog post, the IWF said the Pope’s message that technology should serve the common good and remain subject to human judgement and accountability reflects the risks its analysts are already seeing online.

The organisation warned that AI is being used to generate highly realistic child sexual abuse images and videos at scale. It said the number of AI-generated child sexual abuse videos identified by the IWF in 2025 increased by more than 260%, with nearly two-thirds falling into the most severe category of abuse.

The IWF also raised concerns about AI-nudification tools, which can generate realistic sexualised images of children and other individuals. Following the Child Dignity in the Artificial Intelligence Era conference in Rome, the organisation joined more than 100 organisations and individuals in supporting calls for a global ban on such tools.

The IWF said AI safety should be built into products from the earliest stages of development. Through its Safety by Design work, the organisation is calling for companies to assess, test and mitigate risks before AI systems reach the public.

It also called for stronger regulation, global alignment and enforceable safety-by-design standards to prevent the creation and spread of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

Why does it matter?

The IWF’s warning shows how generative AI is creating urgent child protection risks, especially through realistic synthetic abuse material and nudification tools. The issue is no longer only content moderation after harm occurs; it increasingly concerns model design, testing, deployment and accountability before AI systems reach users. That makes safety by design, developer responsibility and international coordination central to AI governance.

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

EPO and Jio discuss AI, 5G and 6G patent strategy

The European Patent Office held a high-level online meeting with Jio Platforms to discuss patent quality, innovation and developments in the European patent system.

The meeting formed part of the EPO’s 2026 Quality Action Plan and wider user engagement with companies using the European patent system. Jio Platforms, India’s largest mobile network operator, is described by the EPO as an increasingly active user of the system.

Discussions covered AI, 5G, future 6G technologies, satellite communications and automation. Jio highlighted Europe’s growing importance for its patent strategy and outlined a global patent portfolio covering India, Europe, the United States and other jurisdictions.

A significant part of the exchange focused on standards and standard-essential patents. The EPO said the discussion explored developments in 5G and future 6G standards, as well as the Office’s recent work and research in the field.

The meeting also covered the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court. Jio does not currently use the Unitary Patent system, but the company expressed interest in assessing it as a possible option for future European patent protection.

Why does it matter?

The meeting highlights how patent strategy is becoming part of global competition in AI, 5G, 6G and digital infrastructure. For companies active in next-generation networks, standard-essential patents can shape market access, licensing power and participation in technical standards. Jio’s engagement with the EPO also reflects the growing internationalisation of Indian technology firms as they seek protection for innovation in European markets.

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

US backs photonics expansion for AI data centres under CHIPS Act

The Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Program Office has signed a letter of intent to provide up to $50 million in direct funding to Coherent Corp. under the CHIPS and Science Act.

According to the CHIPS Program Office, the proposed funding would support the expansion of Coherent’s facility in Sherman, Texas, which it describes as the first and largest high-volume 150mm indium phosphide semiconductor manufacturing facility in the United States.

The expansion would add wafer fabrication equipment and cleanroom capacity to increase production of indium phosphide-based photonic components. These components are used in high-speed optical interconnects that enable rapid data transfer within advanced AI data centres.

The Department of Commerce said the project would create high-skilled manufacturing jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical photonics technologies that support next-generation computing and AI infrastructure.

Why does it matter?

The announcement highlights the growing importance of photonics technologies in the AI economy. As demand for AI computing continues to rise, data centres require increasingly efficient methods for transferring vast amounts of information between processors, servers and storage systems. Optical interconnect technologies based on indium phosphide semiconductors are becoming a critical part of that infrastructure.

The investment also reflects broader US industrial policy goals under the CHIPS and Science Act. Beyond traditional semiconductor manufacturing, policymakers are increasingly targeting specialised components and supply chains considered strategically important for AI competitiveness, economic security and technological resilience.

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

UK unveils AI tools to speed up planning decisions and housing delivery

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have unveiled two AI tools designed to modernise England’s planning system and accelerate housing delivery.

One new AI prototype is being tested by Barnet, Camden and Dorset councils and aims to reduce average decision times for routine householder planning applications from eight weeks to four. The system triages applications and provides planning officers with preliminary assessments to support decision-making.

A second tool, called Extract, has been made available to local authorities across England. It uses AI to convert decades of planning documents and maps into structured digital data, reducing the need for manual processing and allowing staff to focus on more complex cases.

The government said the initiatives support its target of building 1.5 million homes during this Parliament while improving the efficiency of public services through technology. Subject to successful trials, the new planning application tool is expected to be rolled out nationally in England from 2027.

Why does it matter?

The initiative illustrates how governments are increasingly using AI to address administrative bottlenecks and improve public-service delivery. Planning systems often face challenges related to outdated records, resource constraints and lengthy approval processes, making them a key target for digital transformation efforts.

The UK’s approach also highlights the growing role of AI in housing and infrastructure policy. If successful, the tools could help accelerate housing development, improve the use of public-sector resources and demonstrate how AI can support decision-making while leaving final judgments in the hands of public officials.

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