Arcep spells out risks to open internet from generative AI
FRANCE 09:17

Arcep spells out risks to open internet from generative AI

France's telecom authority Arcep has published a new report marking the tenth anniversary of net neutrality in Europe. The report draws on interviews with around 50 experts and on technical tests conducted with Peren, a governmental agency focused on digital platform regulation and algorithm audits. This analysis was commissioned to assess the risks to open internet principles arising from the development of generative AI. Arcep president Laure de La Raudiere highlighted the need for regulation to address t

Keppel secures 720 MW data centre powerbank site in Australia
AUSTRALIA 06:54

Keppel secures 720 MW data centre powerbank site in Australia

Singapore-based global asset manager Keppel has secured rights to lease a 123-hectare site near Melbourne in Victoria with up to 720 MW of gross power capacity, expanding its Asia-Pacific data centre powerbank to more than 1 GW. The agreement with Lightwood Group allows Keppel early access to the site for planning, power and water contracting, ahead of long-term leases by its private data centre funds. The scale of the site could support cumulative investment of around AUD 10 billion over time, including cu

SKT advances to next phase of Korea's national AI Project
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 06:18

SKT advances to next phase of Korea's national AI Project

SK Telecom (SKT) has confirmed that its specialist team has progressed to the second phase of South Korea's national "Independent AI Foundation Model" project, following the successful evaluation of its large-scale language model, A.X K1. A.X K1 is a 519-billion-parameter model, making it the first domestically developed AI model in South Korea to exceed the 500-billion-parameter threshold. 

Korea chooses three teams for next phase of AI foundation model project
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 06:13

Korea chooses three teams for next phase of AI foundation model project

South Korea's ministry of science and ICT has announced the results of the first-stage evaluation of its national "Independent AI Foundation Model" project, confirming that teams led by LG AI Research, SK Telecom (SKT) and Upstage will advance to the second phase. A fourth team is set to be selected through an additional call to maintain a four-team competition structure in 2026.

KT holds graduation ceremony for digital talent scholarship students
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 05:54

KT holds graduation ceremony for digital talent scholarship students

Korea Telecom (KT) has held a graduation ceremony for students at the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The KT Digital Talent Scholarship Program shared the achievements of KT Digital Talent Scholarship students, including practical AI projects they had undertaken over the past year. The program is KT Group's flagship scholarship program, offering tuition assistance and hands-on, hands-on growth experiences to college students pursuing careers in IT and AI.

ETSI approves first cybersecurity standard for AI models
EUROPE 15 JAN

ETSI approves first cybersecurity standard for AI models

Europe has its first official standard for AI cybersecurity. The European Telecommunication Standards Institute has published the new standard, ETSI EN 304 223, providing baseline cybersecurity requirements for AI models and systems. Thanks to its collaborative work with national standards organisations, the standard has broad support from the start. 

EU launches EUR 307 mln artificial intelligence calls
EUROPE 15 JAN

EU launches EUR 307 mln artificial intelligence calls

The European Commission has announced the launch of two new calls worth a total of EUR 307.3 million under the Horizon Europe programme's "Digital, Industry and Space" cluster to boost Europe's digital innovation and competitiveness. The initiative aims to advance the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), data services and technologies that underpin the EU's strategic autonomy in the digital field, said the EC.

MTN Ghana deploys AI to detect and block fraudulent mobile money messages
GHANA 15 JAN

MTN Ghana deploys AI to detect and block fraudulent mobile money messages

MTN Ghana has deployed artificial intelligence to curb mobile money fraud, blocking fake transaction messages before they reach customers. Senior manager for fintech Abdul-Majeed Rufai said the system uses advanced algorithms to detect and stop messages that attempt to mimic official MoMo alerts. He explained that even altered message headers, formats or deliberate spelling errors often used by fraudsters to bypass security are flagged by MTN's AI and machine learning tools.

TEK Norway opens office to promote use of AI
NORWAY 15 JAN

TEK Norway opens office to promote use of AI

Norwegian ICT organisation TEK Norway said it has opened a dedicated office for promoting the use of artificial intelligence. It aims to develop targeted programmes with a low entry threshold, high implementation capacity and measurable impact. Its first scheme is 'AI to the Thousand', two-week programme to guide companies from sounding out opportunities to drawing up an action plan.

Nigerian Parliament could pass AI law by end of March
NIGERIA 15 JAN

Nigerian Parliament could pass AI law by end of March

Nigeria is seeking to become one of the first African countries to formally regulate artificial intelligence (AI), Bloomberg reported. Lawmakers there are working to pass the National Digital Economy and E Governance Bill before the end of March.

Alibaba upgrades Qwen app beyond chat to AI-powered autonomous task completion
CHINA 15 JAN

Alibaba upgrades Qwen app beyond chat to AI-powered autonomous task completion

Alibaba has upgraded its AI application the 'Qwen App'. Qwen now features deep integration of core services from Alibaba's ecosystem, including Taobao, Taobao Instant Commerce, Alipay, Fliggy, and Amap. Alibaba says Qwen is designed to intelligently coordinate services across multiple platforms through a unified AI interface, allowing users to move from intent to completion. These new features are now available for public testing in China.

Sakura adds dedicated eight-GPU Nvidia H100 to cloud service
JAPAN 15 JAN

Sakura adds dedicated eight-GPU Nvidia H100 to cloud service

Japanese operator Sakura Internet has launched a new beta plan for its container-based GPU cloud service, Koukaryoku DOK, offering customers dedicated access to eight Nvidia H100 GPUs within a single task. The new plan allows multiple H100 GPUs to be used concurrently for large-scale workloads such as model training and inference, reflecting growing demand for high-density compute driven by large language models and other AI applications. Under the plan, GPU resources and NVMe storage are provisioned automa

JAPAN 15 JAN

SoftBank provides 5G connectivity for AI-based footfall trial in Okinawa town

SoftBank provided the 5G connectivity for a pilot project using AI cameras to analyse pedestrian flows in Kadena Town, Okinawa, as part of a local initiative to assess visitor numbers at public facilities and events. The trial was organised by Japan Integration and formed part of efforts to promote the practical use of 5G. The proof-of-concept involved the installation of AI cameras at the roadside station Michi-no-Eki Kadena and at the 45th Noguni Sokan Festival. 

UNITED STATES 15 JAN

Megaport launches bare-metal GPU instance based on Nvidia RTX Pro 6000

Latitude.sh has introduced a new bare-metal GPU instance powered by Nvidia's RTX Pro 6000 Server GPU, expanding its on-demand compute offering following Megaport's acquisition of the company. The new instance makes the RTX Pro 6000, based on Nvidia's Blackwell architecture, available in both bare-metal and virtual machine formats. Latitude said it is among the first providers to offer this GPU on an on-demand basis. The product is positioned as an alternative to higher-end Blackwell GPUs that are typically

JAPAN 15 JAN

Kobe City trials NTT's gen AI voice bot for tax enquiry calls

Kobe City has carried out a pilot deployment of a generative AI-based voice bot to handle telephone enquiries related to municipal tax, as part of an outsourced contact centre project delivered by NTT Marketing Act ProCX. The trial focused on routine and standardised enquiries about resident tax, including questions on tax notices, filing procedures and how to obtain certificates. The voice bot used generative AI to interpret callers' questions and provide automated responses by referencing prepared FAQs. C

BAHRAIN 14 JAN

Zain Bahrain sign MoU with DOO to explore use of AI in customer service

Zain Bahrain has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential collaboration with DOO, which provides automated customer service for enterprises using artificial intelligence (AI) agents, including in different Arabic dialects. The MoU establishes a structured framework through which Zain Bahrain can assess DOO's AI capabilities for potential alignment with its customer services, includes the exploration of advanced automation, multilingual support, intelligent engagement tools, and opport

BRAZIL 14 JAN

Brazilian antitrust investigates Meta limits on AI tools in WhatsApp Business

Brazil's antitrust authority Cade has launched an investigation into Meta for alleged anti-competitive practices. The inquiry focuses on Meta's new WhatsApp Business Solution Terms, which Cade suspects could unfairly limit access for other AI providers and favour Meta's own AI tool (Meta AI). To prevent immediate harm to competition, Cade has temporarily suspended the new terms. The goal is to maintain the current market conditions while the regulator thoroughly investigates whether Meta is abusing its domi

CARIBBEAN 14 JAN

Intcomex debuts AI-driven multilingual support across LatAm with Solgari

Latin American technology distributor Intcomex has announced the launch of an artificial intelligence-driven multilingual support platform across the region through its partnership with Solgari. The deployment integrates Solgari's customer engagement features within Microsoft Teams, allowing Intcomex's sales and service teams to manage voice, messaging and CRM interactions across Spanish and English in one unified workspace. The rollout began in Guatemala and will extend to additional markets throughout Lat

MALAWI 14 JAN

Macra holds talks with Helios Towers and ICTAM over connectivity

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has held a meeting with Helios Towers and the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) to discuss improving network connectivity and service quality. Helios Towers managing director Amani Keenja, accompanied by members of his leadership team, briefed Macra acting director-general Mayamiko Nkoloma on the company's plans to support mobile network operators, including new market entrants, by providing tower infrastructure. Keenja said Helios Towers has grown sign

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 14 JAN

SKT introduces in-vehicle AI agent 'A.Dot Auto' with Renault

SK Telecom (SKT) has unveiled a next-generation in-vehicle AI agent, branded 'A.Dot Auto', and has applied it for the first time to Renault Korea's new Filante vehicle. A.Dot Auto is integrated into the vehicle's in-vehicle infotainment system and is designed to support hands-free use while driving. SKT said the system goes beyond basic voice commands by analysing driving patterns and real-time driving conditions to provide contextual responses and suggestions. The agent is built on the operator's Korean-la

UNITED STATES 13 JAN

Switch powers Nevada centres with geothermal power from Ormat

Switch, US provider of cloud, AI and enterprise data centres, has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ormat Technologies, geothermal and renewable energy group. This is Ormat's first direct PPA with a data centre operator. Switch has agreed to buy around 13MW of clear renewable from the Salt Wells geothermal power plant near Fallon in Nevada. 

LITHUANIA 13 JAN

Telia Lithuania confirms plans to dismiss 59 employees

Telia Lithuania has sent notification to the National Labour Service of plans to dismiss 59 employees during the period 08 February to 08 April. The company currently employs 1,685 people in total. Most of the employees to be dismissed work as analysts, engineers or other IT managers.

UNITED STATES 13 JAN

Altigen Technologies appoints President, Chief Operating Officer

Altigen Technologies, a US-based provider of customer engagement and cloud communication services, promoted Joe Hamblin to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), with immediate effect. In this expanded role, he will be responsible for the group's day-to-day operations - including cloud services, product development, consulting services and go-to-market strategy. Jeremiah Fleming will continue as CEO and Chairman of the Board.

FRANCE 13 JAN

French competition authority starts review into AI chatbots

France's competition authority has begun an enquiry into specific issues arising from the adoption of AI‑powered conversational agents. As part of this initiative, a public consultation will start soon to gather input from stakeholders. This new enquiry will focus on the downstream segment of the value chain to evaluate the impact of these agents on competition in key sectors of the economy.

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