UK

Ministers urged to forge a secure path for UK government’s digital future

TechUK has issued a comprehensive framework to guide the UK government’s digital transformation, emphasising the importance of secure technological progress as a national imperative.

The proposal outlines three foundational pillars: shaping digital regulation, strengthening countries and regions through digital investment, and advancing international digital trade.

It also calls for sweeping investments in digital skills to ensure citizens are prepared for the digital era. The trade body underscores the need for a digitally confident workforce to sustain the nation’s tech-driven ambitions.

Taken together, these recommendations aim to keep the UK a competitive and resilient digital economy that works for all citizens, supports sustainable growth, and adapts confidently to evolving global digital realities.

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Tesla seeks approval to supply electricity in the UK

Tesla has applied for a licence to supply electricity to homes and businesses across Britain, challenging the dominance of major energy firms. Ofgem could take up to nine months to decide, with operations potentially starting next year.

Known for electric vehicles, Tesla also runs solar and battery storage divisions, with more than 250,000 EVs and tens of thousands of home batteries already sold in the UK. The company’s experience in Texas, where it rewards customers for feeding surplus power to the grid, could inform its UK plans.

The move comes as Tesla’s European car sales decline sharply, with July registrations falling almost 60% in the UK and over 55% in Germany. Increased competition from Chinese manufacturer BYD has added to the pressure.

Tesla has faced public criticism linked to Elon Musk’s political positions, yet the energy push signals a strategic shift towards broader utility services in its key markets.

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UK’s MP created AI bot aiming to enhance communication with constituents

AI has become increasingly integrated into people’s lives in recent years, particularly through the use of chatbots and in ways previously unimaginable. One such example is the initiative taken by UK Member of Parliament Mark Sewards, who has created an AI bot of himself to interact with constituents.

Specifically, Labour’s Mark Sewards has partnered with an AI start-up to launch a virtual avatar that uses his voice, allowing constituents to raise local concerns and ask policy-related questions. While this may appear to offer a quicker and more convenient means of communication, opinions are divided.

On one hand, there are concerns around privacy, data security, a lack of human interaction, and the chatbot’s ability to resolve more complex issues. Dr Oman from the University of Sheffield warns that older users may not realise they are speaking to a bot, which could lead to confusion and distress.

Professor Victoria Honeyman from the University of Leeds notes that, while the bot can handle straightforward queries and free up time, it may cause upset when users are dealing with emotional or complicated matters, potentially undermining public trust in MPs and public services.

At the same time, Mark Sewards emphasised that the chatbot will not replace traditional methods such as advice surgeries. However, Sewards stated that he sees the project as a way to embrace emerging technology and improve accessibility.

Professor Honeyman added that, although it is not a complete substitute for face-to-face engagement, the chatbot signals a broader shift in how MPs connect with the public and could prove effective with further development and adaptation.

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UK GP surgery praised for using AI to boost efficiency and patient care

UK Health Minister Karin Smyth praised St George’s Surgery in Weston-super-Mare for utilising AI to enhance efficiency. Serving nearly 14,000 patients, the surgery uses AI to automate note-taking and letter drafting, reducing administrative burdens on staff.

It has been reported that, in June of 2025, St George’s Surgery handled over 9,000 appointments, with more than half booked and held on the same day. As part of the UK’s 10-Year Health Plan, the government stated it aims to expand AI adoption in healthcare, potentially freeing up the capacity of over 2,000 full-time GPs.

Andy Carpenter, Digital Director at Mendip Vale Medical Group, highlighted that AI is helping to manage growing patient demand, increase face-to-face time with GPs, and maintain strong data protection standards. Health Minister Karin Smyth also stressed the need for safe, well-regulated AI in healthcare, noting its practical uses, such as remote monitoring of vaccine fridge temperatures.

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Weak cyber hygiene in smart devices risks national infrastructure

The UK’s designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure highlights their growing strategic importance, yet a pressing concern remains over vulnerabilities in their OT and IoT systems. While IT security often receives significant investment, the same cannot be said for other technologies.

Attackers increasingly target these overlooked systems, gaining access through insecure devices such as IP cameras and biometric scanners. Many of these operate on outdated firmware and lack even basic protections, making them ideal footholds for malicious actors.

There have already been known breaches, with OT systems used in botnet activity and crypto mining, often without detection. These attacks not only compromise security in the UK but can destabilise infrastructure by overloading resources or bypassing safeguards.

Addressing these threats requires full visibility across all connected systems, with real-time monitoring, wireless traffic analysis, and network segmentation. Experts urge data centre operators to act now, not in response to a breach, but to prevent one entirely.

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UK Online Safety Act under fire amid free speech and privacy concerns

The UK’s Online Safety Act, aimed at protecting children and eliminating illegal content online, is stirring a strong debate due to its stringent requirements on social media platforms and websites hosting adult content.

Critics argue that the act’s broad application could unintentionally suppress free speech, as highlighted by social media platform X.

X claims the act results in the censorship of lawful content, reflecting concerns shared by politicians, free-speech campaigners, and content creators.

Moreover, public unease is evident, with over 468,000 individuals signing a petition for the act’s repeal, citing privacy concerns over mandatory age checks requiring personal data on adult content sites.

Despite mounting criticism, the UK government is resolute in its commitment to the legislation. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle equates opposition to siding with online predators, emphasising child protection.

The government asserts that the act also mandates platforms to uphold freedom of expression alongside child safety obligations.

While X criticises both the broad scope and the tight compliance timelines of the act, warning of pressures towards over-censorship, it calls for significant statutory revisions to protect personal freedoms while safeguarding children.

The government rebuffs claims that the Online Safety Act compromises free speech, with assurances that the law equally protects freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has initiated investigations into the compliance of several companies managing pornography sites, highlighting the rigorous enforcement.

Source: Reuters

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VPN use surges in UK as age checks go live

The way UK internet users access adult content has undergone a significant change, with new age-verification rules now in force. Under Ofcom’s directive, anyone attempting to visit adult websites must now prove they are over 18, typically by providing credit card or personal ID details.

The move aims to prevent children from encountering harmful content online, but it has raised serious privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

Experts have warned that entering personal and financial information could expose users to cyber threats. Jake Moore from cybersecurity firm ESET pointed out that the lack of clear implementation standards leaves users vulnerable to data misuse and fraud.

There’s growing unease that ID verification systems might inadvertently offer a goldmine to scammers.
In response, many have started using VPNs to bypass the restrictions, with providers reporting a surge in UK downloads.

VPNs mask user locations, allowing access to blocked content, but free versions often lack the security features of paid services. As demand rises, cybersecurity specialists are urging users to be cautious.

Free VPNs can compromise user data through weak encryption or selling browsing histories to advertisers. Mozilla and EC-Council have stressed the importance of avoiding no-cost VPNs unless users know the risks.

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UK universities urged to act fast on AI teaching

UK universities risk losing their competitive edge unless they adopt a clear, forward-looking approach to ΑΙ in teaching. Falling enrolments, limited funding, and outdated digital systems have exposed a lack of AI literacy across many institutions.

As AI skills become essential for today’s workforce, employers increasingly expect graduates to be confident users rather than passive observers.

Many universities continue relying on legacy technology rather than exploring the full potential of modern learning platforms. AI tools can enhance teaching by adapting to individual student needs and helping educators identify learning gaps.

However, few staff have received adequate training, and many universities lack the resources or structure to embed AI into day-to-day teaching effectively.

To close the growing gap between education and the workplace, universities must explore flexible short courses and microcredentials that develop workplace-ready skills.

Introducing ethical standards and data transparency from the start will ensure AI is used responsibly without weakening academic integrity.

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Concerns grow over children’s use of AI chatbots

The growing use of AI chatbots and companions among children has raised safety concerns, with experts warning of inadequate protections and potential emotional risks.

Often not designed for young users, these apps lack sufficient age verification and moderation features, making them vulnerable spaces for children. The eSafety Commissioner noted that many children are spending hours daily with AI companions, sometimes discussing topics like mental health and sex.

Studies in Australia and the UK show high engagement, with many young users viewing the chatbots as real friends and sources of emotional advice.

Experts, including Professor Tama Leaver, warn that these systems are manipulative by design, built to keep users engaged without guaranteeing appropriate or truthful responses.

Despite the concerns, initiatives like Day of AI Australia promote digital literacy to help young people understand and navigate such technologies critically.

Organisations like UNICEF say AI could offer significant educational benefits if applied safely. However, they stress that Australia must take childhood digital safety more seriously as AI rapidly reshapes how young people interact, learn and socialise.

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VPN dangers highlighted as UK’s Online Safety Act comes into force

Britons are being urged to proceed with caution before turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) in response to the new age verification requirements set by the Online Safety Act.

The law, now in effect, aims to protect young users by restricting access to adult and sensitive content unless users verify their age.

Instead of offering anonymous access, some platforms now demand personal details such as full names, email addresses, and even bank information to confirm a user’s age.

Although the legislation targets adult websites, many people have reported being blocked from accessing less controversial content, including alcohol-related forums and parts of Wikipedia.

As a result, more users are considering VPNs to bypass these checks. However, cybersecurity experts warn that many VPNs can pose serious risks by exposing users to scams, data theft, and malware. Without proper research, users might install software that compromises their privacy rather than protecting it.

With Ofcom reporting that eight per cent of children aged 8 to 14 in the UK have accessed adult content online, the new rules are viewed as a necessary safeguard. Still, concerns remain about the balance between online safety and digital privacy for adult users.

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