The UK government prioritises adopting innovative technologies through its draft industrial strategy, ‘Invest 2035.’ The comprehensive plan aims to accelerate the integration and scaling of new technologies across eight key growth sectors, including cybersecurity solutions and ensuring that all emerging technologies are secure by design.
To support this technological advancement, the strategy focuses on strengthening cyber resilience by enhancing supply chain resilience to mitigate vulnerabilities that could impede long-term growth. Implementing strengthened cyber resilience measures is essential for safeguarding growth-driving sectors against potential digital threats, thereby reinforcing the overall security of the economy.
Additionally, a crucial element of the strategy is the investment in skills and workforce development, as the UK government acknowledges the need to prepare the workforce for future challenges through substantial investments in skills and training. Promoting cybersecurity education is vital, empowering individuals and organisations to protect themselves better and leverage technological advancements.
Furthermore, the draft strategy emphasises public consultation and stakeholder engagement, inviting input from businesses, experts, unions, and other stakeholders to refine the plan before its final publication in spring 2025. The government also highlights the importance of collaboration between itself and the cyber industry, as these partnerships are essential for addressing existing challenges, such as the skills gap and outdated cyber laws. Ultimately, this strategy aims to support the growth of a secure and resilient economy, fostering an environment where organisations can thrive safely in an increasingly digital world.
British police forces are scaling back their presence on X, formerly known as Twitter, due to concerns over the platform’s role in spreading extremist content and misinformation. This decision comes after riots broke out in the UK this summer, fueled by false online claims, with critics blaming Elon Musk’s approach to moderation for allowing hate speech and disinformation to flourish. Several forces, including North Wales Police, have stopped using the platform altogether, citing misalignment with their values.
Of the 33 police forces surveyed, 10 are actively reviewing their use of X, while others are assessing whether the platform is still suitable for reaching their communities. Emergency services have relied on X for more than a decade to share critical updates, but some, like Gwent Police, are reconsidering due to the platform’s tone and reach.
This shift is part of a larger trend in Britain, where some organisations, including charities and health services, have also moved away from X. As new online safety laws requiring tech companies to remove illegal content come into effect, digital platforms, including X, are facing growing scrutiny over their role in spreading harmful material.
The future of the .io domain may be uncertain following a new treaty in which the UK agreed to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands, the British Indian Ocean Territory, to Mauritius. The .io domain, widely used by tech startups and cryptocurrency platforms, originates from this territory, and the transfer of sovereignty calls into question whether the domain will remain in use.
The .io domain was assigned to the Chagos Islands in 1997, though the British government collected some of the revenue from its sales, much to the surprise of the Chagossian people, who were forcibly displaced in the 1960s to make way for a US military base. Now that the UK has agreed to give up the islands, it’s unclear if the domain will continue or be retired, as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) typically phases out country code domains after political changes.
While no official decision has been made regarding the .io domain, its potential retirement follows precedents set with domains like .yu, which was phased out after Yugoslavia’s breakup. The .io domain’s future remains in limbo as Mauritius takes control of the Chagos Islands.
The British government is set to hold its first international investment summit on October 14, with top executives from companies such as Google, Wayve, and Brookfield Asset Management attending. The summit is aimed at encouraging foreign direct investment to stimulate economic growth, a key focus for Prime Minister Keir Starmer since taking office in July.
Sponsorship for the event comes from major corporations like Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds, with notable speakers including Ruth Porat from Alphabet and Bruce Flatt from Brookfield. Despite some controversy, such as Elon Musk criticising the United Kingdom for not inviting him, the summit has drawn significant attention from the global business community.
The government emphasised that the event would strengthen partnerships between businesses and the UK, providing investors with the confidence needed to drive future growth. Prior to the summit, Starmer will convene the first Council of Nations and Regions to align regional leaders on investment and economic strategies.
In a significant step towards sustainability, the government announced a £21.7 billion investment in carbon capture projects, underlining its commitment to green initiatives ahead of the summit.
The UK is setting up a Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to fast-track the approval of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, and healthcare advancements. This initiative is a key part of the Labour government’s efforts to boost economic growth by reducing bureaucratic barriers and supporting innovation in critical sectors. By easing regulatory hurdles, the RIO aims to encourage businesses to bring cutting-edge technologies to market more quickly, stimulating growth and job creation.
The launch of the RIO comes ahead of a major investment summit on 14 October 2024, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will meet with global investors. The government hopes to demonstrate that the UK is open for business and committed to fostering a thriving tech and innovation sector. The summit will target infrastructure and clean energy investment as part of the country’s transition to a net-zero economy.
Science and Technology Minister Peter Kyle emphasised that the RIO will help industries such as bioengineering and healthcare, enabling earlier diagnosis of diseases, the development of cleaner fuels, and more sustainable agricultural practices. The new office will collaborate with existing regulators to reduce red tape and unlock economic potential, creating more jobs and strengthening the UK economy.
A recent pilot program using AI software has significantly reduced the time social workers spend on administrative tasks by more than 60%, according to Swindon Borough Council. The AI tool, Magic Notes, developed by UK-based Beam, was tested by 19 social workers and received ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback. By automating the recording of conversations and generating assessments, the software allowed social workers to focus more on meaningful interactions with the people they support.
The trial, held from April to June, revealed a significant reduction in assessment times, decreasing from an average of 90 minutes to just 35 minutes. Additionally, the time needed to write reports was slashed from four hours to 90 minutes. Social workers facing challenges such as visual impairments or dyslexia reported that the tool fostered a more inclusive work environment, enhancing their confidence in their roles.
Councillor Ray Ballman, the cabinet member for adult social care, described Magic Notes as a ‘game changer.’ He mentioned that the council is now looking into additional ways to integrate the technology to enhance care quality and provide better staff support.
The British government has purchased a struggling semiconductor factory from United States-based Coherent Inc. to safeguard domestic production of gallium arsenide semiconductors. These components are vital for military technology, including fighter jets. The plant, located in Newton Aycliffe, northern England, is the United Kingdom‘s only secure producer of these semiconductors.
The acquisition, estimated at £20 million ($27 million), ensures the preservation of 100 skilled jobs. While it is unusual for the government to intervene in private companies, the semiconductor industry has become a strategic priority due to its crucial role in both the economy and national security.
Semiconductors are key to the UK’s future technological advancements, particularly in growth and clean energy sectors. The British government has previously intervened in the industry, having bought Newport Wafer Fab three years ago to prevent a sale to a Chinese-owned firm.
The Newton Aycliffe factory, which had faced financial challenges after losing contracts, will receive government investment under its new name, Octric Semiconductors UK, as part of efforts to revitalise the business.
Senior officials from GCHQ, the UK’s cyber and signals intelligence agency, published a rare article defending the role of legal frameworks in guiding cyber operations. The article responds to recent criticism by an anonymous European intelligence official in Binding Hook, who argued that the West’s cyber capabilities are being constrained by overly stringent legal oversight. According to the article, these restrictions may be giving cyber actors from countries like China and Russia a strategic advantage, as they face fewer operational constraints. The article also points to recent public statements by former leaders of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, who have voiced concerns that excessive legal oversight is weakening national security efforts.
Although the GCHQ article does not reference specific cyber operations, it addresses a significant challenge faced by agencies focused on foreign intelligence. Under current laws, such agencies may be prohibited from collecting intelligence from systems owned by their own citizens, even if those systems are being exploited by foreign attackers.
GCHQ’s stance emphasises the need for a balanced approach, arguing that cyber operations can and should be conducted in a ‘responsible and democratic’ manner. The following article reflects the agency’s growing engagement with public and academic discussions on the evolving role of law in modern cybersecurity.
Manchester has officially opened the first phase of a £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) hub designed for science and technology companies. This initiative called the ‘Sister’ innovation district, is located on the University of Manchester’s former North Campus and aims to provide 2 million square feet of commercial space along with 1,500 new homes, enhancing the city’s reputation as a science and tech centre.
The Sister project is a collaboration between the University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech, alongside Legal and General and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. Over 15 years, it has sought to attract private investment to improve public services and infrastructure in the UK. The first tenant, Sustainable Ventures, a climate tech investment firm, will move into the Renold Building in November.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, described the opening as a significant moment for the city. The Sister district is included in the government-funded Greater Manchester Investment Zone, which allocates £160 million in public funds to attract businesses over the next decade. Plans for the first major development zone within Sister are expected to be announced soon.
Starting 1 October 2024, UK mobile operators like Three, Vodafone, EE, and O2 will be required to comply with new Ofcom regulations designed to protect consumers from unexpected roaming charges while abroad. These rules mandate that mobile providers send clear notifications when customers begin roaming, outlining costs, potential data limits, and steps to avoid overspending on mobile services. This comes after Ofcom found that many users were unaware of potential extra charges when traveling.
Although most operators have reintroduced roaming fees in Europe, Ofcom’s new rules ensure customers receive timely information to help them manage their mobile bills. The new regulations also address “inadvertent roaming,” where users unintentionally connect to French networks, particularly along the UK’s coastal areas. This can lead to unexpected bills even when customers believe they are still in the UK. To combat this, operators will need to provide alerts to help users manage their roaming expenses, including the option to set spending limits.
Additionally, the guidance issued by Ofcom will help mobile providers ensure compliance and promote good practices for informing customers. This initiative aims to create more transparency in roaming services, ultimately giving consumers the tools they need to avoid mobile bill shocks during their travels.
