- UK and Germany boost quantum tech with £14m investment: The UK and Germany are deepening their collaboration in science and technology, announcing £14 million in joint funding and investments to accelerate the development of quantum technologies. The goal is to develop powerful computers, sensors, and navigation systems, a sector projected to be worth £11 billion by 2045.
- Home Office facing criticism over facial recognition tech issues: The UK Home Office has admitted there are issues with its facial recognition technology’s effectiveness with black and Asian subjects, sparking debate and a public consultation on the legal framework for police use of biometrics.
- NHS trials AI for faster patient discharges: An AI system is being trialed at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust to help doctors draft discharge documents more quickly, aiming to reduce patient waiting times and speed up the discharge process.
- Ofgem greenlights £28.1bn grid investment: The UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has approved £28.1 billion of investment in the electricity transmission, gas distribution, and gas transmission sectors through its RIIO-3 price controls, a move expected to impact digital infrastructure.
- The Guardian reports on deepfake pornography: A major story detailed the “inside story” of Mr DeepFakes, a notorious AI porn site, highlighting the use of AI to degrade individuals without their consent and raising significant ethical concerns.
- Elon Musk’s X fined by EU: The European Commission has fined Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, €120 million for “deceptive” practices related to its blue ticks, which the EU says expose users to scams and impersonations.
- New homes delayed by data centres: A London Assembly report warned that the growth of energy-hungry data centres in 2022 temporarily halted the building of new houses, a sign of the increasing infrastructure demands of the digital economy.
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