Exiger has launched a free online tool designed to help organisations identify links to forced labour in global supply chains. The platform, called forcedlabor.ai, was unveiled during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The tool allows users to search suppliers and companies to assess potential exposure to state-sponsored forced labour, with an initial focus on risks linked to China. Exiger says the database draws on billions of records and is powered by proprietary AI to support compliance and ethical sourcing.
US lawmakers and human rights groups have welcomed the initiative, arguing that companies face growing legal and reputational risks if their supply chains rely on forced labour. The platform highlights risks linked to US import restrictions and enforcement actions.
Exiger says making the data freely available aims to level the playing field for smaller firms with limited compliance budgets. The company argues that greater transparency can help reduce modern slavery across industries, from retail to agriculture.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
South Africa’s rate of AI implementation is roughly half that of the US, according to insights from Specno. Analysts attribute the gap to shortages in skills, weak data infrastructure and limited alignment between AI projects and core business strategy.
Despite moderate AI readiness levels, execution remains a major challenge across South African organisations. Skills shortages, insufficient workforce training and weak organisational readiness continue to prevent AI systems from moving beyond pilot stages.
Industry experts say many executives recognise the value of AI but struggle to adopt it in practice. Constraints include low IT maturity, risk aversion and organisational cultures that resist large-scale transformation.
By contrast, companies in the US are embedding AI into operations, talent development and decision-making. Analysts say South Africa must rapidly improve executive literacy, data ecosystems and practical skills to close the gap.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
British parents suing TikTok over the deaths of their children have called for greater accountability from the platform, as the case begins hearings in the United States. One of the claimants said social media companies must be held accountable for the content shown to young users.
Ellen Roome, whose son died in 2022, said the lawsuit is about understanding what children were exposed to online.
The legal filing claims the deaths were a foreseeable result of TikTok’s design choices, which allegedly prioritised engagement over safety. TikTok has said it prohibits content that encourages dangerous behaviour.
Roome is also campaigning for proposed legislation that would allow parents to access their children’s social media accounts after a death. She said the aim is to gain clarity and prevent similar tragedies.
TikTok said it removes most harmful content before it is reported and expressed sympathy for the families. The company is seeking to dismiss the case, arguing that the US court lacks jurisdiction.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Consumers across the US are increasingly starting everyday digital tasks with AI, rather than search engines or individual apps, according to new research tracking changes in online behaviour.
Dedicated AI platforms are becoming the first place where intent is expressed, whether users are planning travel, comparing products, seeking advice on purchases and managing budgets.
Research shows more than 60% of US adults used a standalone AI platform last year, with younger generations especially likely to begin personal tasks through conversational tools rather than traditional search.
Businesses face growing pressure to adapt as AI reshapes how decisions begin, encouraging companies to rethink marketing, commerce and customer journeys around dialogue rather than clicks.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The US administration has approved the export of Nvidia’s H200 AI chips to China, reversing years of tight US restrictions on advanced AI hardware. The Nvidia H200 chips represent the company’s second-most-powerful chip series and were previously barred from sale due to national security concerns.
The US president announced the move last month, linking approval to a 25 per cent fee payable to the US government. The administration said the policy balances economic competitiveness with security interests, while critics warned it could strengthen China’s military and surveillance capabilities.
Under the new rules, Nvidia H200 chips may be shipped to China only after third-party testing verifies their performance. Chinese buyers are limited to 50 per cent of the volume sold to US customers and must provide assurances that the chips will not be used for military purposes.
Nvidia welcomed the decision, saying it would support US jobs and global competitiveness. However, analysts questioned whether the safeguards can be effectively enforced, noting that Chinese firms have previously accessed restricted technologies through intermediaries.
Chinese companies have reportedly ordered more than two million Nvidia H200 chips, far exceeding the chipmaker’s current inventory. The scale of demand has intensified debate over whether the policy will limit China’s AI ambitions or accelerate its access to advanced computing power.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The United Arab Emirates has joined Pax Silica, a US-led alliance focused on AI and semiconductor supply chains. The move places Abu Dhabi among Washington’s trusted technology partners.
The pact aims to secure access to chips, computing power, energy and critical minerals. The US Department of State says technology supply chains are now treated as strategic assets.
UAE officials view the alliance as supporting economic diversification and AI leadership ambitions. Membership strengthens access to advanced semiconductors and large-scale data centre infrastructure.
Pax Silica reflects a broader shift in global tech diplomacy towards allied supply networks. Analysts say participation could shape future investment in AI infrastructure and manufacturing.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Elon Musk’s X has limited the image editing functions of its Grok AI tool after criticism over the creation of sexualised images of real people.
The platform said technological safeguards have been introduced to block such content in regions where it is illegal, following growing concern from governments and regulators.
UK officials described the move as a positive step, although regulatory scrutiny remains ongoing.
Authorities are examining whether X complied with existing laws, while similar investigations have been launched in the US amid broader concerns over the misuse of AI-generated imagery.
International pressure has continued to build, with some countries banning Grok entirely instead of waiting for platform-led restrictions.
Policy experts have welcomed stronger controls but questioned how effectively X can identify real individuals and enforce its updated rules across different jurisdictions.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
TSMC reported a strong fourth-quarter performance, posting a 35 percent rise in profit to a record level, supported by sustained demand for advanced chips.
The company forecast robust growth for 2026, citing continued customer interest and tight capacity, while highlighting expectations for a significant increase in revenue in the first quarter of the year.
The Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer confirmed that capital spending reached US$40.9 billion in 2025, slightly above earlier guidance, and indicated further increases ahead, with investment potentially rising to as much as US$56 billion in 2026 and accelerating later in the decade.
Ongoing projects include additional manufacturing capacity in the US, expansion in Japan, and continued investment in Taiwan.
TSMC also signalled that more US facilities may be planned, following earlier commitments to large-scale investment in Arizona.
Developments come amid discussions between Taiwan and the US on trade and tariffs, as well as broader policy efforts in Washington to encourage domestic semiconductor production.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The US Department of Defence plans to integrate Elon Musk’s AI tool Grok into Pentagon networks later in January, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The system is expected to operate across both classified and unclassified military environments as part of a broader push to expand AI capabilities.
Hegseth also outlined an AI acceleration strategy designed to increase experimentation, reduce administrative barriers and prioritise investment across defence technology.
An approach that aims to enhance access to data across federated IT systems, aligning with official views that military AI performance relies on data availability and interoperability.
The move follows earlier decisions by the Pentagon to adopt Google’s Gemini for an internal AI platform and to award large contracts to Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and xAI for agentic AI development.
Officials describe these efforts as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen US military competitiveness in AI.
Grok’s integration comes amid ongoing controversy, including criticism over generated imagery and previous incidents involving extremist and offensive content. Several governments and regulators have already taken action against the tool, adding scrutiny to its expanded role within defence systems.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The EU has agreed to open talks with the US on sharing sensitive traveller data. The discussions aim to preserve visa-free travel for European citizens.
The proposal is called ‘Enhanced Border Security Partnership‘, and it could allow transfers of biometric data and other sensitive personal information. Legal experts warn that unclear limits may widen access beyond travellers alone.
EU governments have authorised the European Commission to negotiate a shared framework. Member states would later settle details through bilateral agreements with Washington.
Academics and privacy advocates are calling for stronger safeguards and transparency. EU officials insist data protection limits will form part of any final agreement.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
