Technology - Daily Politics

The United States has approved the export of advanced AI chips made by Nvidia to China, marking a notable adjustment in Washington’s technology trade policy amid ongoing US–China tensions.

Under the revised rules, Nvidia is permitted to sell its H200 data centre processors to Chinese customers, subject to licensing conditions and compliance requirements designed to limit potential military or intelligence uses. The H200 is a high-performance AI accelerator used in data centres for training and running large artificial intelligence models, and had previously been caught by tighter export controls aimed at restricting China’s access to cutting-edge computing power.

US officials have framed ...

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced plans to launch a dedicated European sovereign cloud, a move aimed at addressing mounting concerns over data sovereignty, regulatory compliance and trust in cloud services across the European Union.

According to reporting by The Register, the new cloud environment will be designed so that customer data remains entirely within the EU and is governed solely by European law. AWS says the sovereign cloud will be operationally independent from its existing global infrastructure, with EU-based staff responsible for management, access controls and day-to-day operations. The initiative is intended to reassure governments and highly regulated sectors that ...

Starlink connectivity in Iran declined sharply during a nationwide internet shutdown, according to digital monitoring data that tracked a collapse in overall traffic and satellite-linked connections. The disruption marked a rare instance in which satellite internet appeared to be affected alongside conventional networks.

Analysts cited by monitoring groups described the incident as potentially involving electronic warfare techniques rather than standard censorship. Starlink terminals rely on GPS signals to authenticate and connect with satellites, and interference with those signals could disrupt service without damaging space-based infrastructure. Observers noted that connectivity appeared uneven, with some areas retaining limited access while others went dark.

Claims ...

China has announced new app privacy regulations aimed at strengthening personal data protection and curbing excessive data collection by mobile applications. The rules introduce stricter limits on how apps gather, use and share user information, reflecting Beijing’s broader push to tighten oversight of the technology sector.

Under the updated framework, app developers will be required to minimise the amount of personal data they collect and clearly justify why specific information is needed for core functions. Stronger user consent requirements have also been introduced, alongside clearer disclosures about data usage and sharing practices.

The regulations will be enforced by Cyberspace Administration of China, ...

Renewed scrutiny has fallen on Elon Musk’s social media platform X following reports that its AI chatbot Grok can be used to generate realistic deepfake images. Critics say the technology risks being misused to create misleading or harmful content, including manipulated images of public figures.

Experts warn that while generative AI tools have legitimate applications, weak guardrails can make it easier for users to produce deceptive material that spreads rapidly online. They argue that deepfakes pose challenges for trust, consent and public understanding, particularly during periods of political or social tension.

X has said it is reviewing its policies and technical controls ...

Concerns have intensified after users reported the spread of AI-generated “nudified” images on X, created using tools linked to xAI’s chatbot Grok. The images, which depict people in sexualised ways without their consent, have prompted renewed scrutiny of how artificial intelligence tools are deployed and moderated on social media platforms.

Technology experts and legal specialists warn that existing laws struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving generative AI systems. While some jurisdictions already criminalise the creation or distribution of non-consensual intimate images, enforcement becomes more complex when content is synthetic rather than real. Campaigners argue that the harm to individuals is ...

Nvidia has announced an expansion of its cloud gaming service, GeForce Now, with the launch of native apps for Linux systems and Amazon Fire TV devices.

The move is designed to make PC gaming more accessible by allowing users to stream games directly from the cloud, reducing the need for expensive hardware upgrades at a time when component prices, including RAM, remain high. Linux users will no longer need to rely on browser-based access, while Fire TV owners will be able to turn compatible streaming sticks into cloud gaming devices.

Nvidia said the updates are part of a broader effort to extend ...

The UK government has urged Elon Musk to take swift action to address concerns that Grok, an AI chatbot developed by his company, is capable of generating sexualised images.

Officials said the issue raises serious questions about online safety and compliance with UK regulations, particularly where AI systems may expose users to harmful or inappropriate content. The government warned that technology firms have a responsibility to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent misuse and protect vulnerable users.

The concerns follow reports that Grok, which is integrated into Musk’s social media platform X, can produce explicit or sexualised imagery under certain prompts. ...

US President Donald Trump has ordered a Chinese-linked firm to divest its ownership of US semiconductor assets, following a national security review of the transaction. The decision affects assets tied to advanced navigation and chip-related technology.

The order requires the company to unwind its acquisition of a US-based semiconductor business, with authorities citing concerns over potential risks to sensitive technology and supply chains. The move follows an assessment by US national security agencies overseeing foreign investments.

The affected assets are connected to specialised semiconductor and navigation systems used in defence, aerospace, and commercial applications. Officials said the divestment is intended to prevent ...

Recent leaks have offered a more detailed look at a potential foldable iPhone being developed by Apple, suggesting the device could feature a book-style folding design similar to other premium foldable smartphones. Renderings and hands-on mockups indicate a large internal display paired with a slimmer external screen.

According to the leaked information, the foldable iPhone may prioritise a refined hinge mechanism aimed at reducing visible creases when unfolded. The device is also expected to maintain Apple’s design focus, with a thin profile and premium materials consistent with current iPhone models.

The reports suggest the handset would run a version of iOS adapted ...