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Portugal launches implementation phase for digital government working groups

Portugal’s Technical Working Groups under the State Simplification and Technology Network have begun work on initiatives aimed at modernising public administration and accelerating the implementation of digital technologies.

The inaugural meeting brought together representatives from public sector organisations to establish priorities, assign responsibilities and agree on the next steps for the programme.

Participants also reviewed AI-related initiatives, including AvalIA, developed by TwinCare, which provides AI-assisted analytical tools, as well as AI-powered digital twins designed to support decision-making in primary healthcare.

According to digitalGOV, the network has now moved from planning to implementation, with the technical working groups responsible for advancing digital transformation initiatives across Portugal’s public administration.

Why does it matter?

Successful digital government programmes often depend as much on institutional coordination as on technology itself. Dedicated technical working groups can help ensure that digital transformation projects are implemented consistently across public bodies rather than remaining isolated initiatives.

The launch of the implementation phase also reflects a broader shift in digital government from developing strategies to delivering practical AI and digital services. Building governance structures capable of coordinating projects across institutions is becoming an increasingly important part of public sector modernisation.

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Spain invests in open-source AI design platform Penpot

The Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service has announced a €1.92 million investment in Kaleidos to accelerate development of its open-source interface design platform, Penpot, as part of a €6.9 million public and private funding round.

According to the Ministry, the investment is intended to strengthen European digital sovereignty by supporting an open-source alternative to dominant foreign interface design software. Penpot combines design and software development in a single platform while supporting collaborative workflows and generative AI applications.

Founded in 2011, Kaleidos originally developed Penpot as an internal innovation project. The company plans to use the funding to expand its commercial operations and paid services. It says the platform treats design as code, enabling integration with multiple AI tools rather than a single proprietary ecosystem.

The investment is being made through the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation’s Next Tech facility, supported by the EU Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. According to the ministry, the initiative is intended to promote innovation, open-source technologies and Europe’s digital autonomy while reinforcing Spain’s role as the project’s base.

Why does it matter?

The investment illustrates how governments are increasingly using industrial policy to strengthen digital sovereignty by supporting open-source alternatives to dominant proprietary technologies. Rather than relying solely on regulation, European countries are also investing directly in technologies they see as strategically important for innovation and technological resilience.

The focus on an AI-compatible, open-source platform also reflects growing demand for tools that combine collaborative software development with flexible AI integration. Supporting interoperable platforms could help reduce vendor lock-in while encouraging a more diverse and competitive European digital ecosystem.

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UNESCO strengthens AI judicial training in Namibia

UNESCO and its partners have strengthened judicial capacity in Namibia through the second edition of the Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law training programme, held in Windhoek from 23 to 25 June 2026.

The programme brought together 22 judges, magistrates and legal officers to improve understanding of AI’s growing role in judicial processes while promoting the ethical, accountable and human rights-based use of the technology.

Organised by UNESCO’s Windhoek Office together with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, the Directorate of Research and Innovation under the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Namibia–Angola, the programme forms part of the EU-funded Global Rule of Law Programme.

It supports the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by helping justice systems adapt to rapidly evolving AI technologies.

Participants explored AI ethics, judicial independence, data protection, algorithmic transparency, cybersecurity, AI-generated evidence and the use of AI in judicial reasoning.

The programme also introduced UNESCO’s Global Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law and presented Namibia’s national AI readiness assessment. Speakers stressed that AI should support judicial work rather than replace human judgement and that its use must remain subject to constitutional oversight and public accountability.

UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Namibia’s justice sector as it adapts to digital transformation. The programme highlighted the importance of equipping legal professionals with the skills needed to evaluate AI-generated evidence, safeguard fundamental rights and ensure that AI adoption remains consistent with the rule of law, transparency and accountability.

Why does it matter?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into judicial systems, judges and legal professionals will need specialised knowledge to assess AI-generated evidence, protect fundamental rights and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice. Building institutional expertise is therefore becoming an essential component of responsible AI governance.

The programme also reflects a wider international effort to ensure that AI complements rather than replaces judicial decision-making. By emphasising human oversight, constitutional accountability and ethical safeguards, UNESCO is promoting a governance model that seeks to modernise justice systems without compromising judicial independence or the rule of law.

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South Korea and Saudi Arabia deepen AI and startup partnership

South Korea and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen cooperation on startups, AI and digital transformation following talks in Seoul between South Korean Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) Roh Yong-Seok and Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha.

The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in AI, venture investment, digital transformation and innovative startups.

A central topic was a proposed joint investment fund, currently under discussion between Korea Venture Investment and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Valley Company, which would co-invest in deep-tech companies developing strategic technologies such as AI and semiconductors.

The Korean government said it hopes to launch the fund before the end of 2026.

The ministers also discussed accelerating the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises through wider AI adoption. South Korea outlined planned legislation to encourage AI deployment among smaller businesses, while inviting greater Saudi investment in Korean companies developing AI and other frontier technologies.

The meeting also highlighted broader efforts to strengthen bilateral startup ecosystems. South Korea pointed to initiatives including its Global Business Center in Riyadh and participation in startup events such as COMEUP and Saudi Arabia’s BIBAN. Both governments agreed to encourage greater investment, business exchanges and market access for companies in both countries.

Why does it matter?

The partnership illustrates how international AI cooperation is increasingly centred on investment, startup ecosystems and industrial policy rather than research alone. By combining Saudi capital with South Korea’s technology sector, both countries aim to accelerate the commercial development of strategic technologies such as AI and semiconductors.

The discussions also reflect a broader trend towards linking AI adoption with SME competitiveness and cross-border venture investment. Such partnerships could strengthen innovation ecosystems while supporting national ambitions for digital transformation and economic diversification.

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IWF partners with Tuteliq to strengthen child online safety

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has partnered with Swedish behavioural detection technology company Tuteliq to strengthen the early detection of online grooming and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

As a new IWF Member, Tuteliq will integrate the organisation’s URL List and Image Hash List into its detection platform, enabling online services to identify and block known CSAM more effectively.

Unlike traditional moderation systems that analyse individual messages or files, Tuteliq’s technology examines how conversations evolve over time to identify behavioural patterns associated with grooming, coercion and online sexual exploitation before abuse occurs.

The platform analyses text, voice, images and video across 27 languages and is intended for youth-focused apps, gaming platforms, sports organisations and other online communities.

The partnership combines Tuteliq’s behavioural analysis with the IWF’s verified databases of known CSAM, aiming to strengthen prevention alongside detection by enabling earlier intervention before harmful content is created or shared.

Tuteliq said its platform retains no user data, is hosted within the EU and is designed to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)..

Beyond the technical integration, Tuteliq will also draw on the IWF’s research, policy expertise and threat intelligence to further develop its detection models. According to the organisations, the collaboration reflects a broader shift towards combining behavioural analysis with verified intelligence to improve online child protection.

Why does it matter?

The partnership reflects a broader shift from reactive content moderation towards preventing online abuse before illegal material is created or shared. Behavioural AI capable of identifying grooming patterns could allow platforms to intervene earlier, potentially reducing harm before exploitation escalates.

At the same time, expanding behavioural detection raises important questions about transparency, privacy and accountability. As platforms increasingly analyse patterns of user behaviour rather than individual pieces of content, ensuring appropriate safeguards and oversight will become an important part of child online safety governance.

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UNESCO advances AI and ICT teacher training in Tanzania

UNESCO, together with the University of Dodoma, the Tanzania Institute of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, has trained 1,492 pre-service teachers to strengthen the integration of digital technologies in Tanzanian classrooms.

The programme introduced participants to Tanzania’s 2025 ICT Competency Standards for Teachers through the Tanzania Institute of Education’s learning management system. Training covered AI in education, internet safety, cybersecurity, digital citizenship, digital assessment and learner-centred teaching methods.

According to UNESCO, the initiative aims to strengthen teachers’ digital competencies and support the effective and responsible use of technology in classrooms. Participants said the practical training increased their confidence in using digital tools and applying AI responsibly in line with Tanzania’s curriculum and national education priorities.

The training forms part of the ICT Transforming Education in Africa Phase III project, funded by South Korea, and supports Tanzania’s wider digital transformation strategy for education. It was delivered at the University of Dodoma.

Why does it matter?

Preparing teachers to use AI and digital technologies effectively is becoming a central part of education policy worldwide. Equipping future educators with technical skills, digital literacy and responsible AI practices can help ensure that new technologies improve learning rather than widen existing educational gaps.

The programme also illustrates how teacher training is evolving beyond basic ICT skills to include AI, cybersecurity and digital citizenship. As countries integrate AI into education, building educator capacity is increasingly recognised as essential for successful and responsible digital transformation.

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Meta adds suicide prevention safeguards to AI chats for teens

Meta has announced new safety measures for teenagers using Meta AI, including parental alerts when supervised teens show signs of suicide or self-harm during conversations with the chatbot. The company said alerts will be sent only after manual review and will include guidance to help parents support their child.

The company is also developing a system to notify emergency services when AI conversations indicate someone may face an imminent risk of suicide. The approach builds on the company’s existing practice of referring serious suicide risks identified on Facebook and Instagram to emergency responders.

Meta said it worked with more than 75 mental health clinicians to improve how its AI responds when teenagers discuss suicide or self-harm. The updated responses are intended to acknowledge users’ feelings while directing them towards appropriate offline support and crisis services.

The company is also extending its stricter ‘Limited Content’ setting to Meta AI chats, restricting a wider range of sensitive conversations for supervised teens. The parental alerts are now available in the US, UK, Australia and Canada, with global rollout planned by the end of the year.

Why does it matter?

The measures illustrate how AI safety is expanding beyond preventing harmful content to managing situations in which users may face immediate risks to their wellbeing. As conversational AI becomes more widely used by teenagers, developers are increasingly expected to incorporate safeguards, human oversight and access to professional support into their systems.

The announcement also highlights the growing convergence between AI governance and child online safety. Features such as parental notifications, clinically informed responses and emergency escalation suggest that AI assistants are beginning to adopt safety frameworks previously developed for social media platforms, raising new questions about privacy, duty of care and appropriate intervention.

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Australia announces national AI standards and new AI office

Australia has announced plans for mandatory national AI standards and established a new Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the measures would coordinate AI policy across government, protect national interests and strengthen Australia’s sovereign technological capacity.

The proposed framework would bring large AI data centres under nationally consistent rules covering their location, infrastructure, energy use and water consumption.

Albanese plans to seek agreement from state and territory leaders at the National Cabinet in August 2026, with legislation expected to be introduced to Parliament in early 2027.

The next generation of large data centres could be legally required to underwrite new power supplies, cover their share of grid connection costs and add at least as much electricity to the grid as they consume.

Facilities would also be required to minimise water use, improve energy efficiency and fund any additional water infrastructure they need.

The government plans to strengthen protections for Australian writers, musicians, artists and journalists, arguing that creators should retain control over whether and on what terms their work is used to train AI systems.

The new Office of AI will coordinate government work across industry, employment, education, energy, copyright, online safety, productivity and national security.

Australia also wants to attract frontier AI investment and increase domestic development, linking sovereign AI capability to secure employment, economic resilience and reduced dependence on foreign technology platforms.

Why does it matter?

Australia’s announcement connects AI governance with physical infrastructure, copyright, energy policy and technological sovereignty. National rules could reduce fragmented approval processes while requiring large data centres to account for their effects on electricity, water and local infrastructure. Central coordination through the Office of AI may also help align policies that currently span several departments. However, the eventual impact will depend on the legislation, enforcement mechanisms and copyright protections that the government develops.

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UN chief warns against concentrated AI power

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for AI to be governed through broad international cooperation rather than shaped by a small group of governments and technology companies. Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, he described AI as “humanity’s greatest opportunity in the 21st century”, while warning that it could also become “one of its greatest risks”.

“Technology that will shape the future of humanity must be shaped by all of humanity”, Guterres said. He stressed that AI governance cannot be governed by a handful of countries or companies” and that “every nation needs a seat at the table”. Recent UN efforts include the Global Digital Compact, the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, held in Geneva earlier in July.

AI could support medical research, education, food systems, employment and progress towards the sustainable development goals, but unequal access remains a major concern. “One-third of humanity is still offline,” Guterres noted, warning that concentrated computing capacity, expertise and investment could produce “greater inequalities, greater divides in income, in opportunity, in security”. More than 20 countries have nominated centres for a UN-supported capacity-building network, while recommendations for a Global Fund for AI are also expected.

The UN chief identified capacity development, common safety standards and environmental sustainability as central priorities. “Human rights must be protected”, the UN chief said. “Humans must keep control over every life-and-death decision.” He also stressed that “no AI system should be put in a child’s hands before it has been proven safe”.

Guterres called on major AI companies to disclose their environmental impact and use renewable energy by 2030. “The defining question is whether that transformation will reduce inequalities or reinforce them,” he said. “Whether it will concentrate power or expand opportunity.”

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South Korea strengthens investigations into AI and semiconductor technology leaks

South Korea has restructured its specialised intellectual property investigation system to strengthen efforts against leaks of advanced technologies, including semiconductors and AI, amid growing concerns over economic security.

The reforms establish new investigative and analytical divisions while expanding the technology police force from 27 to 61 officers.

A new Technology Divulgence Police Division will investigate trade secret theft and the leakage of advanced technologies. Its 21 investigators will include specialists in electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering alongside patent examiners, attorneys and other technical experts.

The government also plans to expand investigative authority to cover violations involving National Core Technologies and National High-Tech Strategic Technologies.

A separate Intellectual Property Protection Analysis Division will use patent data and other intelligence to identify technologies, companies and institutions at high risk of technology leakage.

It will also cooperate with businesses, research organisations and law enforcement agencies to detect warning signs, support intelligence-led investigations and strengthen security awareness, particularly among smaller companies.

The restructuring creates an Intellectual Property Protection Standards Division responsible for investigative procedures, oversight and human rights safeguards.

Planned reforms in South Korea include clearer rules for compulsory investigations, external review through a Criminal Investigation Review Committee, stronger access to legal counsel, wider use of video recording and regular updates for parties involved in investigations.

Why does it matter?

As geopolitical competition increasingly centres on semiconductors, AI and other strategic technologies, governments are treating intellectual property protection as a matter of economic and national security. South Korea’s reforms aim to strengthen its ability to detect, investigate and prevent technology leakage before commercially valuable innovations are transferred abroad.

The restructuring also reflects a broader trend towards combining specialised technical expertise with intelligence-led enforcement and stronger procedural safeguards. This approach seeks to improve both the effectiveness and accountability of investigations involving advanced technologies.

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