Monday, 26 May 2025

Why are Countries Banning DeepSeek AI? List of Countries and Government Agencies That Have Banned DeepSeek AI

Why are Countries Banning DeepSeek AI?

Many countries have either fully or partially banned DeepSeek AI due to concerns over data privacy, potential security risks, and the possibility of data ending up in the hands of the Chinese government.

DeepSeek's privacy policy states that user data is stored on servers in China, where local laws mandate that organisations share data with intelligence officials upon request.

List of Countries and Government Agencies That Have Banned DeepSeek AI

Countries that have banned or restricted DeepSeek AI:

Italy: Was one of the first countries to ban DeepSeek AI over concerns about the handling of user data and compliance with EU data protection laws. The Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) investigated DeepSeek's data collection practices and removed the AI platform from app stores in the country.

Taiwan: Has banned the use of DeepSeek AI across all public sector organisations, including public schools, state-owned enterprises, and critical infrastructure. The Ministry of Digital Affairs cited concerns about cross-border data transmission and information leaks as the reason for the ban.

Australia: The Australian government has banned its employees from using the DeepSeek AI chatbot on government devices. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that a national intelligence assessment found the AI platform to pose an unacceptable security risk.

South Korea: The defence ministry has blocked DeepSeek from accessing its internet-connected military computers. This action was taken after the country's personal information protection commission requested clarity on DeepSeek's management of user information.

United States: The American Navy has restricted the use of DeepSeek, and Texas was the first state to ban the Chinese AI app. Several federal agencies have instructed employees against accessing DeepSeek, and "hundreds of companies" have requested their enterprise cybersecurity firms to block access to the app.

India: The Ministry of Finance has banned the use of DeepSeek by its employees. The central government has prohibited its employees from using AI tools and applications such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT on office computers and devices.

Government Agencies That Have Banned DeepSeek AI

Union Finance Ministry (India): The Indian Finance Ministry has warned its staff not to use AI tools like DeepSeek and ChatGPT. The ministry believes these tools could risk exposing sensitive government data. A notice issued in January stated that AI apps on office computers may compromise the confidentiality of official documents.

US Congress: Lawmakers in the US Congress have been advised against using DeepSeek AI due to security concerns. Officials warned that hackers could use DeepSeek to spread harmful software. To prevent this, Congress has restricted DeepSeek’s functions on all official devices, and staff members are not allowed to install the app on their work devices.

US Navy: The US Navy has banned its personnel from using DeepSeek AI, citing security and ethical risks. An internal directive stated that members should not use DeepSeek for work or personal tasks and must avoid downloading or installing its apps.

Pentagon: The US Department of Defence has blocked access to DeepSeek AI at the Pentagon since January. The decision was made after concerns that employees were using the app without proper approval. However, some officials can still access AI tools through an authorised platform that ensures data is not stored on foreign servers.

NASA: The US space agency has prohibited its employees from using DeepSeek AI on government devices and networks. A memo instructed staff not to access the AI tool using NASA computers or agency-managed internet connections.

Texas Government: The Governor of Texas has banned DeepSeek AI and other Chinese-developed AI software from all government-issued devices. The decision aims to prevent foreign entities from gathering data through AI applications and protect the state’s critical infrastructure.

Are There Any Alternative AI Tools That Have Been Recommended Instead of Deepseek?

Several AI tools have been recommended as alternatives to DeepSeek1. Here are some of the top alternatives mentioned in the search results:

Chatsonic: An AI agent for marketing that combines multiple AI models like GPT-4o, Claude, and Gemini with marketing tools. It is suited for SEO professionals, content marketers, and businesses seeking an all-in-one AI-powered SEO and content optimisation solution.

ChatGPT: An AI language model developed by OpenAI that is suitable for individuals, businesses, and enterprises for content creation, customer support, data analysis, and task automation.

Claude AI: Developed by Anthropic, Claude 3.5 is an AI assistant with advanced language processing, code generation, and ethical AI capabilities. It is suited for enterprises, developers, researchers, and content creators.

Perplexity AI: An AI-powered search and research platform that combines multiple AI models with real-time data access. It is best suited for researchers, data analysts, content creators, and professionals seeking an AI-powered search and analysis tool with real-time information access and advanced data processing capabilities.

Qwen 2.5: Developed by Alibaba, Qwen 2.5, especially the Qwen 2.5-Max variant, is a scalable AI solution for complex language processing and data analysis tasks. It is suited for enterprise-level organisations and AI developers.

LM-Kit.NET: A cross-platform SDK designed to integrate Generative AI capabilities into .NET applications, enabling developers to build features such as text generation, chatbots, and content retrieval systems.

Top 10 AI Trending Technologies in 2025 Transforming Business and Industries

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it's the heart of modern innovation. In 2025, AI technologies are not only revolutionizing business operations but also reshaping entire industries with smarter decision-making, automation, and enhanced customer experiences. As companies race to stay ahead, these top 10 trending AI technologies are the game changers you must know about.

1. Generative AI

Generative AI is leading the charge in 2025, allowing machines to create new content—text, images, audio, and even code. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT, DALL·E, and Sora are transforming marketing, design, media, and entertainment by automating creativity and content generation.

Business Impact:

Speeds up content creation and product design
Enables hyper-personalized marketing
Automates report writing, coding, and prototyping

2. AI-Powered Automation (Hype automation)

Hype automation combines AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA) to automate complex business processes. From customer service to supply chain, this trend is helping businesses achieve efficiency and accuracy at scale.

Business Impact:

Reduces operational costs
Increases productivity by automating repetitive tasks
Improves decision-making through data analysis

3. AI in Cybersecurity

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI is being deployed for real-time threat detection, behavior analysis, and automated response. AI-driven cybersecurity tools can quickly identify and stop breaches before they spread.

Business Impact:

Enhances protection against phishing, ransomware, and insider threats
Monitors threats 24/7 with minimal human intervention
Builds customer trust with stronger data protection

4. AI-Driven Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics powered by AI helps businesses forecast future trends, consumer behaviors, and risks with greater accuracy. This is being used in industries like retail, finance, and healthcare to make proactive decisions.

Business Impact:

Optimizes inventory and supply chains
Reduces financial risk and fraud
Improves customer targeting and retention

5. Edge AI

Edge AI processes data on local devices rather than relying on cloud servers. This is especially useful in industries that require real-time responses, such as autonomous vehicles, smart manufacturing, and healthcare devices.

Business Impact:

Enables faster decision-making with low latency
Reduces dependency on cloud and improves privacy
Powers intelligent IoT devices and wearables

6. AI for Personalization

From e-commerce to entertainment, AI personalization engines are becoming smarter and more refined. They analyze behavior and preferences to tailor products, recommendations, and experiences for individual users.

Business Impact:

Increases sales and engagement
Enhances user experience
Builds stronger customer loyalty

7. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI

NLP enables machines to understand and respond to human language. In 2025, businesses use advanced chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice-enabled services for seamless human-AI interaction.

Business Impact:

Streamlines customer service through chatbots
Enables real-time translation and communication
Automates document summarization and sentiment analysis

8. AI in Healthcare (AI Diagnostics & Drug Discovery)

AI is playing a vital role in medical diagnostics, predicting patient outcomes, and accelerating drug development. AI-based imaging and data analysis are helping doctors diagnose diseases faster and more accurately.

Business Impact:

Enhances early detection of illnesses like cancer
Speeds up clinical trials and drug discovery
Enables personalized treatment plans

9. Computer Vision

Computer vision allows machines to interpret and understand visual data. It’s widely used in industries such as manufacturing (for quality control), retail (for automated checkout), and agriculture (for crop monitoring).

Business Impact:

Automates quality inspection in manufacturing
Enables facial recognition and surveillance
Assists in autonomous vehicle navigation

10. AI Governance and Responsible AI

With rising concerns over bias, privacy, and ethics, businesses are adopting responsible AI frameworks. This includes building explainable, transparent, and accountable AI systems aligned with regulations.

Business Impact:

Reduces legal and compliance risks
Builds public trust and ethical standards
Encourages fair and inclusive AI deployment

Final Thoughts:

AI in 2025 is not just a tool but a business partner. The top 10 trending AI technologies are helping industries transform operations, deliver better experiences, and compete globally. Organizations that embrace these technologies wisely—while balancing innovation with ethics—will lead the future of business.

If you're a business looking to integrate AI, start with understanding your goals and choose the AI solutions that align with your industry needs. The future is intelligent—are you ready?

How Do You Overcome the Challenges in Artificial Intelligence?

It is essential to develop a strategic, ethical, and sustainable approach to deal with the challenges that artificial intelligence presents. Here’s how we can address them effectively:

1. Establish Ethical Guidelines

Organizations must create clear ethical frameworks and principles for AI development and implementation. These should be aligned with human rights and values. Forming ethics committees or advisory boards ensures accountability and responsible AI deployment.

2. Develop Bias Mitigation Measures

Regularly audit datasets and use diverse, representative, and inclusive data sources. Techniques like fairness-aware machine learning, re-weighting, and re-sampling can help reduce bias. Teams should also conduct bias impact assessments at every stage of the AI lifecycle.

3. Enhance Transparency and Explainability

Use Explainable AI (XAI) tools to offer insights into how decisions are made by the AI. Providing clear documentation, decision trees, attention maps, or feature importance reports will help stakeholders trust and verify AI actions, especially in high-stakes sectors like healthcare or law.

4. Promote AI Literacy

Educate employees, users, policymakers, and the public about what AI can and cannot do. Host training sessions, create easy-to-understand guides, and engage in community outreach to close the knowledge gap. Better AI understanding leads to better, more responsible use.

5. Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Stay up-to-date with regional and global AI laws such as the EU AI Act, GDPR, and AI Bill of Rights (USA). Incorporate legal teams early in AI development to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and design systems that respect user rights.

6. Encourage Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Combine the expertise of technologists, ethicists, sociologists, legal professionals, and domain experts. This leads to more inclusive, user-centered AI systems that take social, ethical, and legal dimensions into account.

7. Strengthen Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Encrypt all sensitive data, use differential privacy, federated learning, and adopt secure machine learning protocols to protect against data breaches. Limit data access through multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions.

8. Invest in Scalable and Sustainable Infrastructure

Use cloud-based AI platforms or edge computing to reduce infrastructure costs. Invest in energy-efficient hardware or explore green AI practices to minimize the environmental impact of large-scale AI training.

9. Build a Trustworthy AI Culture

Promote a culture of responsibility and openness. Encourage feedback from users and stakeholders. Admit errors, improve models continuously, and remain transparent about AI's role in decision-making processes.

10. Plan AI Implementation Strategically

Align AI applications with business goals. Start small with pilot programs, measure outcomes, iterate, and scale. Train staff and involve stakeholders throughout the process to ensure smooth integration and minimize resistance.

Conclusion

As AI becomes a cornerstone of modern society in 2025 and beyond, it’s essential that we address its challenges head-on. From ethical dilemmas to technical roadblocks, the road ahead requires deliberate planning, collaboration, and regulation. By combining transparency, education, regulation, and innovation, we can unlock AI's full potential while ensuring it serves the greater good.

The future of AI is not just about smarter machines—it's about wiser choices. Organizations and societies that can balance innovation with integrity will be the ones to thrive in the age of intelligent systems.

AI to transform telecoms but technology won’t completely replace humans, new Optus CEO says

In May 2025, Stephen Rue, the newly appointed CEO of Optus, articulated a forward-looking vision for the telecommunications industry, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while underscoring the indispensable role of human expertise. Rue's insights come at a pivotal moment for Optus, as the company seeks to rebuild trust and enhance its services following significant challenges in recent years.

AI's Role in Enhancing Telecommunications

Rue envisions AI as a catalyst for improving customer experience and operational efficiency within Optus. He highlighted AI's capacity to assist in identifying and resolving network faults, enabling customers to address issues independently, and facilitating more granular customer segmentation for tailored product offerings. These applications of AI are expected to streamline processes and deliver more personalized services to customers.

The Continued Importance of Human Expertise

Despite the advancements in AI, Rue emphasized that human involvement remains crucial in the telecommunications sector. He pointed out that certain decisions, particularly those involving creativity and complex judgment, require human discernment. Roles such as field technicians, customer service representatives, and creative decision-makers are irreplaceable, as they provide the nuanced understanding and empathy that AI currently cannot replicate.

Leadership Transition Amidst Challenges

Rue's appointment as CEO in November 2024 followed a tumultuous period for Optus, marked by a significant data breach in September 2022 and a 14-hour national mobile network outage in November 2023. These incidents led to increased scrutiny and the resignation of former CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin. Rue's leadership is seen as a turning point, bringing in his extensive experience from his tenure at the National Broadband Network (NBN), where he oversaw the rollout of broadband to over 8 million homes and businesses across Australia .Light Reading+2Tech Guide+2Sky News Australia+2Australian Financial Review+5WSJ+5The Australian+5Tech Guide+4Light Reading+4Capacity Media+4

Rebuilding Trust and Simplifying Operations

Since taking the helm, Rue has focused on examining Optus's governance and risk management frameworks to rebuild trust within the community. He has also emphasized the importance of simplifying the organization, managing costs, and ensuring that Optus offers a competitive range of products in the marketplace. These strategic initiatives aim to position Optus as a resilient and customer-centric telecommunications provider.

Collaborating on National Infrastructure Plans

Rue expressed support for government initiatives aimed at improving mobile coverage across Australia, particularly in remote areas. He highlighted the potential of leveraging commercial low-earth orbit satellite networks, such as Starlink, to supplement mobile networks where traditional coverage is lacking. This collaboration aligns with Optus's commitment to enhancing connectivity and ensuring that all Australians have access to reliable telecommunications services. The Guardian

Financial Performance and Customer Growth

Optus reported a positive financial performance, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reaching $2.2 billion, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous financial year. The company also experienced customer growth, adding 238,000 new mobile subscribers, including 52,000 on postpaid plans, in the financial year ending 31 March 2025. These figures indicate a recovery in customer confidence and a strengthening of Optus's market position.

Conclusion

Stephen Rue's leadership marks a new chapter for Optus, characterized by a balanced integration of AI technologies and human expertise. By focusing on enhancing customer experience, simplifying operations, and collaborating on national infrastructure projects, Optus aims to solidify its role as a leading telecommunications provider in Australia. Rue's vision reflects a commitment to innovation, resilience, and customer-centricity in the evolving digital landscape

Meta Wins Legal Battle

Meta Wins Legal Battle: Can Train AI with EU User Data

Introduction

On 23 May 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne in Germany made an important decision. The court dismissed an attempt to stop Meta Platforms Inc. (the company behind Facebook and Instagram) from using European users’ data to train artificial intelligence (AI). This case is very important for the future of AI and data privacy laws in Europe.

Meta had earlier said it would use public posts from European Union (EU) users to help train its AI models. This announcement raised a lot of concern among people and organizations. Some felt their data was being used without clear consent, while others supported Meta's plan, saying it was legal under current rules.

This article explains the background of the case, the legal arguments from both sides, the court’s decision, and what this means for companies and users across the EU.

What Did Meta Announce?

In mid-2024, Meta informed its users in the EU that it planned to use public posts—like comments, photos, and videos on Facebook or Instagram—for training AI systems. This includes generative AI, which is used to build tools like chatbots, translation software, or content creation systems.

Meta also said that users had a chance to opt out if they didn’t want their data to be used. The deadline for opting out was set to 27 May 2025. If users did nothing, Meta would consider that as permission to use their data.

But some groups, like the Consumer Protection Organization of North Rhine-Westphalia, argued that this process was unfair. They said that users should first be asked for permission (opt-in), rather than being automatically included unless they say no.

The Legal Background: GDPR and DMA

In Europe, there are strict laws about how companies can use people’s personal data.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The GDPR is the main privacy law in the EU. It says that companies must have a clear legal reason to use personal data. Meta said it was using a concept called “legitimate interest”, which allows data to be used if:

It’s necessary for the company’s goals, and
It doesn’t seriously harm the user’s rights.

Meta also said it had given people a clear way to opt out, which reduces harm to users.

But consumer groups disagreed. They said Meta should be using "explicit consent" (also called opt-in). This means users must say “yes” before their data is used. They also said that some types of data—like health information or religion—are more sensitive and need stronger protection.

Digital Markets Act (DMA)

Another law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is also important. The DMA applies to big tech companies, like Meta, who are called "gatekeepers". These companies must follow special rules to avoid using their power unfairly.

One big question was whether Meta’s AI training was combining user data from different platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which could be against the DMA.

Mixed Opinions from Data Protection Authorities

Irish Data Protection Authority (DPC)

Because Meta’s EU headquarters is in Ireland, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) is its main data regulator in Europe. After more than a year of investigation, the Irish DPC approved Meta’s AI training plan. It said that Meta had made some good changes:

More transparent notices
Easier opt-out forms
Clear explanations about how the data would be used

The DPC said it would review the situation again in October 2025, to make sure everything stays within the law.

Hamburg Data Protection Commissioner (HmbBfDI)

Not all regulators agreed. The Hamburg Data Protection Commissioner (HmbBfDI) in Germany had a very different opinion.

Just before Meta’s AI training was set to begin, the HmbBfDI started urgent legal action against Meta. They asked for AI training in Germany to be put on hold for at least three months. Meta had to reply to this request by 26 May 2025.

The Hamburg authority raised several serious concerns:

Why was Meta using such large amounts of data?
Even if names were removed (called “de-identification”), could users still be harmed?
Are public posts truly public if they are only visible after logging in?
What about old data, which people shared years ago—did they know it could be used for AI?
What about people shown in pictures who don’t even have Facebook accounts?

These questions show that data privacy laws are still evolving, especially when it comes to new technologies like AI.

Court Case: Consumer Group vs. Meta

Because of the controversy, the Consumer Protection Organization of North Rhine-Westphalia filed a case at the Higher Regional Court of Cologne. They wanted to stop Meta from using user data for AI, at least temporarily.

The consumer group said:

Meta’s legal basis (legitimate interest) was not good enough.
Meta should ask for consent (opt-in) from users.
Meta was violating the DMA by mixing data from different platforms.

But the court rejected the case. It ruled that:

Meta’s interest in training AI was stronger than the harm to users.
Meta had reduced the risks by giving users clear options to opt out.
There was no illegal combination of personal data, as Meta said it did not merge individual data from different platforms.

This decision was a big win for Meta.

What the Court Decision Means

The court’s decision doesn’t mean that anything goes for AI training in Europe. But it does show that AI training is not automatically illegal, even if it uses personal data.

The case gives us several key lessons:

AI can be trained using user data, but companies must follow strict rules.
Transparency is essential. Users must know what’s happening.
Opt-out systems may be legal in some cases, but this is still debated.
Different EU authorities may have different opinions, causing legal uncertainty.
Legal reviews and court cases will continue, especially as new AI tools emerge.

Challenges with Data and AI

AI systems need lots of data to become smart and useful. But much of this data is about people—what they say, do, or share online.

This creates a conflict:

AI developers want more data to improve their tools.
Privacy advocates want better control for users.

Even if names or faces are removed, patterns in the data can still identify people. For example, a unique combination of location, time, and interest might reveal who someone is.

Also, older posts may have been shared under different terms. People didn’t know AI training was a possibility back then.

These questions are difficult to answer, and they show how quickly technology moves ahead of the law.

What Should Companies Do Now?

For companies like Meta—and any business using AI trained with user data—this case sends a clear message:

Follow GDPR and DMA closely.
Use transparency notices that are simple and easy to understand.
Offer easy opt-out options.
Work with data protection authorities early.
Separate sensitive data like health or religion from general data.
Avoid combining data from different services unless users are informed.

Companies must build trust with users and prove they’re acting responsibly. AI is powerful, but it must be used fairly.

What About the Users?

If you are a Facebook or Instagram user in the EU, here’s what you should know:

Your public posts may be used to train AI.
Meta sent emails to inform you about this.
You have the right to object and stop your data from being used.
The deadline to opt out was 27 May 2025.
You can still ask Meta about your data and file complaints with your country’s data protection authority.

Being informed helps you make better choices.

Conclusion

The case between Meta and the Consumer Protection Organization in Germany is a landmark in the discussion about AI and personal data. It shows that:

Laws like GDPR and DMA are being tested in real-time.
AI is here to stay, and the way it’s trained matters a lot.
Courts and regulators are still figuring out how to balance innovation with privacy.

While the court ruled in Meta’s favor, the debate is far from over. More decisions will follow as AI grows in importance. For now, this case sets a precedent: companies can train AI with existing data if they follow proper rules and offer users real choices.

As AI becomes a part of daily life, it’s up to companies, governments, and users to protect rights and encourage innovation at the same time.

Monday, 17 March 2025

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced the launch of the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced the launch of the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025, a comprehensive six-month program aimed at developing cutting-edge 5G-powered solutions to address a range of societal and industrial challenges. The initiative is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, startups, and professionals, providing them with a unique opportunity to innovate using 5G technology.

Key Features of the Program:

Mentorship and Funding: Participants will receive guidance from experts, seed funding, and access to over 100 5G Use Case Labs, facilitating the development of their ideas into viable prototypes.
IPR Assistance: Participants will also benefit from support in filing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to help commercialize their innovations.
Focus Areas: Proposals are encouraged in areas like AI-driven network maintenance, IoT solutions, 5G broadcasting, smart health, agriculture, industrial automation, V2X, NTN, D2M, and quantum communication, among others. Participants will be urged to leverage features such as network slicing and Quality of Service (QoS).

Program Stages & Timeline:

Proposal Submission: Proposals are to be submitted between March 15 and April 15, 2025. Institutions can nominate up to five proposals for evaluation by the DoT.
Regional Shortlisting: 150–200 selected teams will receive further guidance to enhance their solutions. The top 25–50 teams will be shortlisted for the Pragati Phase.
Pragati Phase (June 15 – September 15, 2025): Teams will receive ₹1,00,000 in seed funding to develop prototypes, access to 5G Use Case Labs, mentorship, and testing infrastructure.
Evaluation and Showcase (September 2025): Teams will present their prototypes to a Technical Expert Evaluation Committee (TEEC), with evaluation based on technical execution, scalability, impact, and novelty.
Winners Announcement (October 2025): The top teams will be showcased at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025.

Awards and Recognition:

1st Place: ₹5,00,000
Runner-Up: ₹3,00,000
2nd Runner-Up: ₹1,50,000
Special Mentions: Best Idea and Most Innovative Prototype, each receiving ₹50,000
Certificates of Appreciation: Awarded to 10 labs for the Best 5G Use Case and one for the Best Idea from Emerging Institutes.

The hackathon, with a budget of ₹1.5 crore, aims to develop over 50 scalable 5G prototypes, generate more than 25 patents, and foster collaboration across academia, industry, and government. This program aligns with India’s vision to establish itself as a global leader in 5G innovation and applications.

Important Dates:

Proposal Submission: March 15 – April 15, 2025
Final Winners Announcement: October 1, 2025

This initiative is a significant step toward harnessing 5G technology's potential and nurturing a new generation of innovations that could drive progress in multiple sectors.

Friday, 17 January 2025

AI and machine learning (ML) have become cornerstones of fintech

AI and machine learning (ML) have become cornerstones of fintech, driving innovations across various domains in 2025. Here are the key areas where AI is revolutionizing fintech operations and decision-making:

Enhanced Risk Management: AI and ML models analyze massive amounts of data, detecting patterns that would be impossible for humans to identify. This allows fintech companies to predict and mitigate risks in real time, reducing exposure to fraud and credit default. AI-driven credit scoring systems have become more accurate, allowing financial institutions to assess risks more holistically.
Automated Decision-Making: AI streamlines decision-making processes by automating routine tasks such as loan approvals, customer verification, and transaction monitoring. This automation enables faster processing times, reducing customer friction and freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.
Personalized Financial Products: AI's ability to analyze user behavior and preferences allows fintech companies to offer highly personalized financial products and services. Machine learning algorithms create tailored investment portfolios, personalized loan products, and customized insurance plans based on the unique needs of individuals and businesses.
Fraud Detection and Prevention: With the rise of digital transactions, fraud has become a significant concern in fintech. AI systems are revolutionizing fraud detection by monitoring vast datasets, identifying unusual patterns, and flagging potentially fraudulent activities in real time. These systems continuously learn and adapt to new threats, making fraud prevention more effective over time.
Customer Service and Engagement: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are reshaping customer service in fintech. These systems handle queries 24/7, provide personalized advice, and help customers manage their finances more effectively. The increased use of natural language processing (NLP) ensures that interactions feel more human-like and responsive.
Algorithmic Trading: AI and ML have taken algorithmic trading to new heights. By processing vast amounts of market data, these algorithms make faster and more informed trading decisions. AI helps predict market trends and optimize trading strategies, giving fintech firms a competitive edge in the stock and cryptocurrency markets.
Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory technologies (RegTech) powered by AI help fintech companies stay compliant with ever-evolving regulations. AI systems can automatically track changes in financial laws, identify areas of non-compliance, and ensure that companies adhere to legal standards, thereby reducing the risk of penalties and enhancing trust with regulators.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts: AI is playing a significant role in enhancing the security and efficiency of blockchain technology. In fintech, AI-driven smart contracts automatically execute transactions when predefined conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring transparency and security in financial agreements.

In 2025, fintech operations in India and globally are no longer just about processing data but about deriving actionable insights that inform better business decisions. AI's continuous learning capability ensures that fintech firms can stay agile, innovative, and customer-focused in an increasingly competitive market.

Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Automated technology to handle 43% of work by 2030: Report

Automated technology to handle 43% of work by 2030

According to the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2025", the UAE is expected to experience significant job market disruptions, ranking 11th globally in terms of anticipated changes. The report predicts that by 2030, 43% of work tasks in the UAE will be handled by autonomous technologies. This shift is a part of a broader trend where businesses are increasingly integrating automation and AI to enhance efficiency.

In response to these anticipated disruptions, 28% of UAE employers plan to upskill their workforce to adapt to these technological changes. Upskilling will likely focus on equipping workers with the necessary skills to work alongside AI and automation technologies, as well as to take on roles that require human creativity, judgment, and strategic thinking.

This report highlights the accelerating pace of automation and the need for businesses and governments to prepare the workforce for these changes, ensuring that workers can transition to new roles and remain relevant in an evolving job market.

World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2025" as it pertains to the UAE.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

High Level of Automation: The UAE is poised for significant automation, with 43% of work tasks projected to be handled by autonomous technologies. This signifies a rapid shift in how work is performed.
Focus on Upskilling: Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce in this changing landscape, a significant portion of employers (28%) are prioritizing upskilling initiatives. This proactive approach is crucial to ensure that the workforce remains competitive and adaptable.
Importance of Human Skills: The report implicitly emphasizes the importance of human skills that cannot be easily replicated by machines, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.These skills will be highly valued in the future of work.
Need for Workforce Adaptation: The report serves as a strong reminder of the urgent need for individuals and governments to prepare for the future of work. This includes investing in education and training programs that equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly automated world.

Overall, the report provides valuable insights into the evolving nature of work in the UAE and highlights the importance of proactive measures to ensure a smooth and successful transition to an increasingly automated future.

Mercedes-Benz’s Virtual Assistant uses Google’s conversational AI agent

Mercedes-Benz’s virtual assistant, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), has integrated Google's conversational AI technology to enhance its capabilities. This collaboration allows MBUX to provide more advanced natural language processing and understanding, making the in-car experience more intuitive for users.

With the integration of Google's AI, Mercedes-Benz aims to offer more natural and responsive voice commands, improving functions like navigation, media control, and personalized assistance. This enhancement enables the virtual assistant to better understand and predict user needs, creating a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Mercedes-Benz's latest MBUX Virtual Assistant, introduced in the new Mercedes CLA at CES 2024, incorporates Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent platform. This platform is designed to enhance the driving experience by supporting continuous, multi-turn conversations and referencing information throughout the journey.

Unlike the older version of MBUX, which could process around 20 voice commands (like “Hey Mercedes”) and relied on OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing for search results, the new system is far more advanced. It’s built on Google Cloud's Vertex AI development platform and powered by Google's Gemini language model. The upgraded MBUX Virtual Assistant is capable of handling complex conversational queries, providing nearly real-time Google Maps updates, restaurant reviews, recommendations, and more. Its ability to process multi-turn dialogues means it can maintain context over multiple interactions, making it much more dynamic and intuitive.

The assistant's new design includes four distinct personality traits: natural, predictive, personal, and empathetic, enhancing its ability to offer more tailored, human-like responses. It also improves upon clarity by asking follow-up questions when needed to ensure accuracy in its responses.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the transformational potential of these AI-driven "agentic" capabilities in the automotive industry, suggesting this is just the beginning of a more personalized, intelligent in-car experience. While the new system is being launched with the next-generation MB.OS operating system in the CLA, Mercedes plans to roll out this advanced assistant to additional models in the future. However, specific models haven't been named yet.

What are Google's big plans for AI

Google is making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) for 2025, focusing on the development and integration of its Gemini AI model across various platforms and services. CEO Sundar Pichai has outlined ambitious plans to introduce new AI products and features in the coming months, aiming to reach 500 million users with the Gemini AI model and app.

Key Developments:

Gemini AI Integration: Google plans to integrate the Gemini AI model into multiple products, enhancing user experiences across its ecosystem. This includes updates to Google TV, enabling users to search for content and ask questions without the need to say "Hey Google."
Automotive AI Collaboration: In collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, Google is integrating its conversational AI agent into the next-generation MB.OS operating system. This integration aims to provide drivers with a more interactive and personalized experience, leveraging Google Maps data for real-time updates and recommendations.
Advancements in AI Research: Google DeepMind is forming a new team to develop "world models" capable of simulating physical environments. This initiative targets applications in video games, movies, and realistic training scenarios for robots and AI systems, aligning with Google's ambition to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI).
AI-Powered Search Enhancements: Google plans to introduce significant changes to its search engine in 2025, aiming to enhance its capability to address more complex queries. Users can expect substantial improvements early in the year, reflecting a profound transformation in AI.

Saturday, 4 January 2025

The Artificial Intelligence is also capable of reading the history

The Artificial Intelligence is also capable of reading the history

From the papyrus of Herculaneum to lost languages. A greater revolution within the great revolution, never seen before.

New tools based on Artificial Intelligence (IA) are making it possible to read old texts.

One of the texts that from the Herculaneum papyruses found in the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, fragile enough to be unrolled, passing through the vast archive of the kings of 27 Korean kings who lived between the 14th century and the beginning of the 20th century, continues proceeding tables of Crete of the 2nd millennium BC, exculpations with the complicated writing called Lineal B.

The AI is revolutionizing the sector and generating cantidades of data never before seen, as the Nature magazine points out in an analysis published on the web.

One of the most important results that is obtaining knowledge of neural networks - models composed of artificial neurons and inspired in the structure of the cerebro- has to be found with the Herculaneum papyrus.

Thanks to the international competition Vesuvius Challenge, which will take place in 2023, in which more than 1,000 research groups will participate, it is possible to first decipher not only the letters and words, but also entire extracts of carbonized texts.

"This moment really reminds me: now I'm experiencing something that will be a historic moment in my field," comments Federica Nicolardi, papyrologist from the Federico II University of Naples who is participating in the competition.

To obtain the reading of the papy

rus, a virtual rolling technique was developed, which scans the rolls thanks to the X-ray tomography, but each head is rolled and rolled in a flat image.

Furthermore, the AI distinguishes the carbon-based dye, invisible on the skins because it has the same density of the papyrus on which it rests.

In February 2024, the $700,000 prize was awarded to three investigators who produced 16 clearly readable columns of text, but the competition continues.

The next prize of $200,000 will be awarded to the first few who achieve 90% of four papyrus cards.

This method opens the way to reading other texts that are now inaccessible, such as the hidden ones in the settings of medieval books or in the books that were sent to Egyptian mothers.

Without counting how hundreds or thousands of papyrus can still be found in the bay of Herculaneum.

"Everyone would be one of the greatest discoveries in the history of humanity," says Brent Seales, from the University of Kentucky, creator of the Vesuvius Challenge.

The first great project that demonstrated the potential of AI born at the University of Oxford in 2017 with the aim of deciphering gray inscriptions found in Sicily where many parts were broken.

The efforts of the investigators produced a red neural called Ithaca, which is freely accessible on the Internet.

Ithaca can restore the parts that are missing with 62% accuracy, compared to 25% of a human expert, but when the red neural reaches the investigators the accuracy drops to 72%.

AI is also fundamental in other ways: for example, read one of the largest historical archives in the world, formed by diary records that contain the records of 27 Korean kings written in Hanja, an ancient writing system based on Chinese characters.

Or, on the contrary, decipher an ancient language from which only a few texts survive, such as the 1,100 proceeding tables of Knossos (Crete), which contain information about shepherds.

But the enormous amount of data that the algorithms are gradually revealing poses a great challenge: "There are not enough papyrus scientists", says Nicolardi.

“We will probably try to create a much bigger global community than the current one,” added Seales.

For experts, the fear that AI can relegate conventional knowledge and skills to a secondary level is unfounded.

“The AI is making the work of papyrus more relevant than ever before,” says Richard Ovenden, head of the Oxford University Bodleian Library.

What impact does artificial intelligence have on energy demand?

What impact does artificial intelligence have on energy demand?

Data centers, including those that power generative artificial intelligence, are increasingly using electricity. Yet they are expected to account for only a small share of overall electricity demand growth through 2030.

The Price of Magic

Using ChatGPT, Perplexity or Claude, one can only be amazed at the speed of calculation of generative artificial intelligence (AI). This "magic" that seems to reason, search the internet and create content from scratch requires computer data centers to function. And who says computer centers says significant electricity consumption.

Business Logic

Martin Deron, project manager for the Chemins de transition digital challenge, a research project affiliated with the Université de Montréal, notes that a few years ago, the carbon footprint of digital came mainly from the manufacturing of devices such as phones, tablets and computers. “The impact of the data centres where we store our data was less significant in our total digital footprint,” he says. “Also, the companies that own these centres have a business logic. They try to minimize costs, particularly energy costs.”

This dynamic has led to data centers becoming much more efficient. From 2010 to 2018, they increased their capacity by more than 550% worldwide. However, the total energy they consume has only increased by 6%, according to a study published in 2020 in the journal Science . “So even if our digital uses have increased, the carbon footprint of data centers has not increased that much because of innovation and technical improvements,” says Martin Deron. “However, generative AI is challenging this.”

Demand on the rise

The demands for training models, as well as generating new data, require the establishment of more data centers. "And the centers are reaching the limit of available energy. We hear that companies like Microsoft, Google or Amazon are going to launch or restart power plants to produce the electricity they need. Everything suggests that the demand for energy in this sector will increase in the coming years."

By 2030

The world’s data centers account for about 2% of electricity demand today. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that data center electricity demand will account for about 3% of the increase in global electricity demand by 2030, partly due to AI. Other uses, such as industrial needs, buildings, electric vehicles, and air conditioning and heating, are expected to account for a much larger share of electricity demand growth.

Local demand

In a recent analysis , 1 Oxford University data scientist Hannah Ritchie noted that data center demand for electricity is highly localized and is likely to affect certain locations more than overall electricity consumption. “For example, Microsoft has made a deal to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. But Three Mile Island can only produce 0.2% of the electricity produced in the United States each year, or 0.02% of the electricity produced globally each year,” Ritchie wrote . “There is still a lot of uncertainty. The demand for energy from AI will increase, but perhaps less than we think.”

AI will not replace our ability to think

“AI will not replace our ability to think”

Artificial intelligence is intruding into young people's daily lives, from resume writing to dating apps. How are they experiencing this technological revolution? High school and CEGEP students speak out.

Between fascination and vigilance

It's inspiring, but it's also scary, because it's not the truth , says Jérémie about computer-generated images. Rita notes the omnipresence of AI on social networks, where it sometimes becomes invasive , while Camila worries about the risk of intellectual laziness: Humans like what is simple. Her solution? Set limits on yourself. Noémie agrees: You have to use it for ideas, to go beyond the blank page... but then you have to know how to choose well.

Thoughtful uses

These observations emerge from AI workshops organized by Radio-Canada in the fall of 2024 in public libraries. The initiative aims to demystify technology among young people while cultivating their critical thinking.

As the discussions progressed, the uses of AI proved to be as varied as they were creative. Raphaël found it to be a support for his dyslexia, gaining confidence in French. Zakaria used it to program: It is literally an educational tool. I create video games, I am a beginner, and AI allows me to learn faster. For writing CVs, many see it as a valuable help, while ensuring that their authenticity is preserved. The same observation applies to dating apps: there is no question of pretending to be someone else.

Zora sums up the situation: if parents are afraid that it will replace the ability to think , for her it is a question of learning to use AI wisely, like social networks.

Voices to be heard

Several reports highlight the importance of making more room for young people in discussions on the supervision and development of AI. In a report published in 2024, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) recommends including children and adolescents in the research and development of AI technologies . A position that is in line with the Strategic Directions on AI for Children published by UNICEF in 2021.

For Yoshua Bengio, founder and scientific director of Mila, the Quebec artificial intelligence institute, young people are not heard enough in these debates. AI will change the world, he says. The decisions we make must take everyone's interests into account. A concern shared by Jérémie: AI is an extraordinary tool. The important thing is to learn how to use it well, while respecting what is fundamentally human.

AI : Next Generation

The thoughts of young people cross those of researchers, artists and professionals in a special program that will be presented on Sunday, January 5 at 8 p.m. on ICI PREMIÈRE, with Chloé Sondervorst. Together, they explore four dimensions of our future in relation to AI : learning, creation, work and social relations.

Guests : Sasha Luccioni, Head of AI and Climate at Hugging Face, Yoshua Bengio, Scientific Director of Mila, the Quebec Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Martine Bertrand, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Industrial, Light and Magic, Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre, Andréane Sabourin Laflamme, Professor of Philosophy at Collège André-Laurendeau and Co-Founder of the Digital Ethics and AI Laboratory, Keivan Farzaneh, Senior Techno-Educational Advisor at Collège Sainte-Anne, Kerlando Morette, Entrepreneur, President and Founder of AddAd Media, Jocelyne Agnero, Project Manager, Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi downtown Montreal, Douaa Kachache, Comedian, Matthieu Dugal, Host, Marie-José Montpetit, Digital Technology Researcher and Elias Djemil-Matassov, Multidisciplinary Artist.

These workshops were held in the Julio-Jean-Pierre library in Montreal North, the Monique-Corriveau library in Quebec City and the Créalab of the Robert-Lussier library in Repentigny with the participation of students and teachers from the De Rochebelle and Henri-Bourassa schools as well as students and teachers from the Cégep de Lanaudière in L'Assomption, and with the collaboration of IVADO and the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec.