Global Pulse

分类： technology

  • UAE cybersecurity authority warns against AI fraud, says is hard to detect

    UAE cybersecurity authority warns against AI fraud, says is hard to detect

    The UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) has issued a critical warning regarding the escalating threat of artificial intelligence-enabled fraud, highlighting the sophisticated nature of these emerging digital crimes that are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. This alert forms part of the council’s ongoing ‘Cyber Pulse’ initiative, a weekly awareness campaign designed to educate the public about evolving cyber threats.

    According to cybersecurity authorities, AI technology has fundamentally transformed the fraud landscape by enabling malicious actors to execute complex deceptive operations within seconds—tasks that previously required substantial time and effort. These advanced technologies facilitate the creation of highly convincing fraudulent communications, including realistic voice imitations, professionally altered logos, and polished text and graphics that frame scams as urgent security requests.

    The Council revealed that AI-powered phishing now accounts for over 90% of digital breaches, with scammers crafting messages that appear virtually authentic. These sophisticated techniques effectively eliminate traditional warning signs and allow fraudsters to design operations with minimal detectable flaws, making vigilance more crucial than ever before.

    As the boundary between authenticity and imitation continues to blur, the CSC emphasized the necessity of adopting defensive tools and techniques grounded in knowledge and awareness. Protective measures include implementing multi-factor authentication (which prevents more than 90% of fraud attempts), avoiding unverified links, scrutinizing messages for spelling or linguistic errors, verifying information through official channels, and activating security software for threat detection.

    The Council stressed that combating AI-driven fraud begins at the individual level through strengthened cyber culture and awareness. Individuals must recognize that many products or advertisements circulating on social media may appear exceptionally perfect due to AI-generated images, making them seem entirely legitimate.

    Now in its second year, the ‘Cyber Pulse’ campaign continues across social media platforms as part of the UAE’s comprehensive vision to build a secure cyberspace, enhance confidence in the digital ecosystem, and foster robust cybersecurity practices among families and individuals during this era of rapid digital transformation.

  • Musk’s X to open source new algorithm in seven days

    Musk’s X to open source new algorithm in seven days

    In a significant transparency move, Elon Musk declared via his social media platform X that the company will publicly release its new recommendation algorithm, including complete code for both organic and advertising content distribution, within seven days. This unprecedented disclosure marks a radical shift in how social media platforms traditionally guard their proprietary algorithms.

    The announcement, made on Saturday, establishes a recurring monthly release cycle where X will provide comprehensive developer documentation alongside code updates. This initiative aims to offer external observers detailed insights into the platform’s algorithmic evolution and content prioritization mechanisms.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of intensified regulatory pressure from European authorities. The European Commission has formally extended its retention order concerning X’s algorithms and illegal content dissemination practices until December 2026, as confirmed by spokesperson Thomas Regnier. This regulatory action originated from ongoing investigations into potential algorithmic bias and data extraction violations.

    Simultaneously, X faces mounting criticism regarding its AI image generation capabilities. The platform’s Grok feature has reportedly enabled widespread creation of nonconsensual sexualized imagery through simple text prompts. According to experts and watchdog organizations, including The Midas Project and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, X failed to implement adequate safeguards despite prior warnings about potential misuse.

    Tyler Johnston of The Midas Project stated, ‘We previously cautioned that xAI’s image generation essentially functioned as a weaponizable nudification tool—precisely what has now materialized.’ Legal representatives emphasize that X neglected to remove abusive training materials or ban users requesting illegal content, raising serious ethical and legal concerns about the platform’s content moderation policies.

    Musk’s response to the controversy involved posting laugh-cry emojis alongside AI-modified images of public figures, further intensifying debate about the platform’s approach to serious ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence and user safety.

  • Hong Kong tech delegation showcases innovation at CES 2026

    Hong Kong tech delegation showcases innovation at CES 2026

    Hong Kong’s burgeoning technology ecosystem commanded global attention at CES 2026 through a formidable showcase of innovation, demonstrating remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) orchestrated a strategic presence with 61 pioneering companies, establishing a comprehensive Hong Kong Tech Pavilion that spanned cutting-edge sectors including sustainable technology, advanced materials, digital transformation, and health sciences.

    The undisputed highlight emerged from Widemount Dynamics Tech, which secured CES’s prestigious 2026 Best of Innovation award for its revolutionary AI-powered firefighting robot. This fully autonomous system represents a quantum leap in emergency response technology, capable of navigating GPS-denied, vision-obstructed environments while intelligently identifying combustion materials and deploying precisely calibrated extinguishing agents without human intervention.

    Co-founder Zhang Yuxin elaborated on the system’s transformative potential: “Our technology enables early-stage fire intervention through complete autonomy, significantly reducing property damage and potentially saving lives. This development originated from deep collaboration with firefighters who urgently needed advanced tools leveraging emerging technologies.”

    Concurrently, Robocore Technology unveiled its ‘Temi’ platform, an open-source robotic solution gaining remarkable traction in healthcare, hospitality, and retail environments. The compact, self-navigating system enables sophisticated telemedicine applications where physicians can conduct remote consultations through the robotic interface, particularly valuable in crowded hospital settings and complex operational environments.

    Shawn Huang, Robocore’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized their philosophy: “While technological advancement occurs at breakneck speed, true success lies in practical application. Our open-platform approach allows seamless integration of Android applications, creating unprecedented flexibility for traditional industries to embrace automation.”

    Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, articulated Hong Kong’s strategic vision: “Technology recognizes no boundaries, and Asia has emerged as a dominant force in technological innovation. Hong Kong serves as the essential bridge between Eastern and Western technological ecosystems, leveraging our unique international networks, deep talent pool, and substantial investment capital to drive global progress.”

  • Indonesia suspends Musk’s Grok AI over explicit content

    Indonesia suspends Musk’s Grok AI over explicit content

    Indonesia has become the first nation to impose a comprehensive ban on Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, citing serious concerns about the platform’s capability to generate non-consensual explicit content. The decisive action was announced on Saturday by Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, who characterized the move as necessary for public protection.

    The suspension follows international scrutiny of Grok’s image generation feature, which reportedly enabled users to create sexually explicit depictions of women and children through simple text commands. This functionality has sparked global condemnation from digital rights advocates and government officials alike.

    Minister Hafid emphasized the government’s position in an official statement: “To safeguard women, children, and the general public from the dangers of AI-generated fake pornographic material, the administration has instituted a temporary blockade of the Grok application.” She further noted that Indonesian authorities consider non-consensual deepfake production “a grave infringement upon human rights, personal dignity, and digital security.”

    In parallel with the ban, Indonesian officials have summoned representatives from social media platform X, which hosts Grok, to provide clarification regarding the controversial AI tool. Despite the restrictions, AFP correspondents in Jakarta observed that Grok’s official X account remained operational and responsive to Indonesian-language inquiries as of Saturday evening.

    The controversy extends beyond Indonesia’s borders. European regulators and technology activists have criticized xAI’s previous response—limiting Grok’s availability to premium subscribers—as insufficient addressing fundamental concerns about sexually explicit deepfake content. Musk previously stated that Grok users creating illegal content would face consequences equivalent to those uploading prohibited material directly.

    xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence startup responsible for developing Grok, had not issued an immediate response to Indonesia’s regulatory action at the time of reporting.

  • China’s Hurricane 3000 casts an electric storm in the Taiwan Strait

    China’s Hurricane 3000 casts an electric storm in the Taiwan Strait

    China’s recent unveiling of its advanced Hurricane 3000 high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system marks a significant evolution in electromagnetic warfare capabilities, particularly in the context of escalating drone competition across the Taiwan Strait. Developed by state-owned defense contractor Norinco, this truck-mounted system represents a strategic shift from traditional platform-centric warfare to cost-effective electromagnetic domain control.

    The Hurricane 3000, first showcased during Beijing’s September 2025 military parade, demonstrates an impressive operational range exceeding 3 kilometers against small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to Norinco expert Yu Jianjun, the system’s capability surpasses comparable American technologies, enabling it to transition from short-range point defense to broader area denial operations. The weapon employs radar detection and electro-optical targeting before emitting concentrated microwave beams that instantly disable drone electronics through both antenna-based and circuit-level electromagnetic coupling.

    This technological advancement addresses the critical challenge of drone swarm saturation attacks by offering a low-cost-per-shot solution with minimal collateral damage and virtually unlimited firing capacity. The system can operate independently or integrate with laser and artillery systems within layered defense networks, reflecting China’s comprehensive approach to enhancing air, border, and urban security amid rapidly evolving drone warfare technologies.

    Research published in the January 2024 edition of Electronics journal details how HPM systems disrupt UAV operations by overwhelming electronic subsystems through multiple pathways. Even autonomous and fiber-optic drones, designed to avoid traditional jamming techniques, become vulnerable to HPM-induced electronic noise and overheating that compromises their operational capabilities.

    Strategic analysts from the Belfer Center (January 2025) and Center for a New American Security (September 2025) note that HPM weapons serve as critical point-defense tools for protecting invasion forces and key installations during potential Taiwan contingencies. These systems function as a ‘final force field’ against drones penetrating outer defensive layers, though their effectiveness depends on integration within broader counter-drone architectures due to range limitations and potential friendly electronic interference.

    The development carries particular significance for the US Replicator initiative, a Department of Defense project aiming to deploy thousands of low-cost autonomous systems to deter Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. While drone hardening techniques exist—including shielding, reflective surfaces, and obscurants—these countermeasures increase weight, complexity, and production costs, potentially undermining the economic rationale behind attritable drone swarms.

    Military analysts suggest that future drone effectiveness will depend on adapting tactics to exploit HPM limitations through maneuver, dispersion, multi-axis approaches, and environmental exploitation rather than relying solely on numerical superiority. This evolving dynamic shifts the strategic competition toward cost-exchange management and system resilience rather than simple technological superiority.

  • ‘I feel free’: Australia’s social media ban, one month on

    ‘I feel free’: Australia’s social media ban, one month on

    Australia’s groundbreaking social media prohibition for users under 16 has yielded divergent outcomes one month after implementation, with some teenagers reporting liberation from digital addiction while others have found creative workarounds.

    The controversial legislation, enacted December 10th, mandates that platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat implement age verification systems or face staggering penalties up to A$49.5 million. The government initiative aims to shield young Australians from online predators, cyberbullying, and harmful content.

    Fourteen-year-old Amy represents the policy’s success stories. Her digital diary reveals a transformative journey: from instinctively reaching for Snapchat each morning to discovering newfound freedom without the pressure of maintaining ‘streaks’—the platform’s addictive feature requiring daily photo exchanges. ‘I now reach for my phone less and mainly use it when I genuinely need to do something,’ the Sydney teen reports, noting her screen time has halved since the ban.

    Conversely, 13-year-old Aahil demonstrates the regulations’ limitations. Using fabricated birthdates, he maintains access to YouTube and Snapchat while spending 2.5 daily hours on gaming platforms Roblox and Discord—neither prohibited under the current framework. His mother observes increased moodiness and gaming immersion, though acknowledges typical teenage development might contribute.

    Consumer psychologist Christina Anthony explains this behavioral divergence through compensatory theory: ‘When a familiar and emotionally rewarding activity is restricted, people don’t simply stop seeking that reward—they look for alternative ways to get it.’ This phenomenon manifested in pre-ban surges for obscure platforms Lemon8, Yope, and Coverstar, though downloads have since normalized.

    The ban has inadvertently stimulated migration to unregulated messaging services. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger have become vital communication channels for teens whose friends lost social media access. This shift underscores Anthony’s observation that ‘the enjoyment doesn’t come from scrolling alone, but from shared attention.’

    Technical circumvention attempts proved largely unsustainable. Virtual Private Network (VPN) downloads spiked initially but returned to baseline levels as teens discovered social platforms could detect such tools and required creating entirely new accounts—losing established networks and content.

    Notably excluded gaming platforms now face scrutiny as potential alternative social spaces. Digital culture expert Mark Johnson notes while migration to platforms like Discord is plausible, gaming requires greater technical and cultural literacy than social media, creating natural barriers.

    The eSafety Commissioner will release comprehensive data on account deactivations in coming weeks. Meanwhile, government spokesperson maintains the policy is ‘making a real difference,’ with global leaders considering emulating Australia’s model. For now, families await long-term assessment of whether this digital intervention will ultimately produce healthier adolescent development.

  • Dolby showcases latest innovations at CES 2026, highlighting Chinese partnership

    Dolby showcases latest innovations at CES 2026, highlighting Chinese partnership

    At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Dolby Laboratories unveiled groundbreaking advancements in immersive technology while highlighting its strategic collaborations with leading Chinese manufacturers. The audio-visual pioneer demonstrated how these partnerships are accelerating the adoption of premium entertainment experiences across multiple consumer platforms.

    The centerpiece of Dolby’s exhibition was Dolby Vision 2, representing a significant evolution from the established Dolby Vision standard. This next-generation imaging technology delivers unprecedented picture authenticity and performance optimization for modern television displays. According to Dolby engineers, the innovation addresses evolving consumer expectations by enhancing visual quality across all screen sizes and entertainment formats.

    Chinese television manufacturers emerged as early adopters of this technology. Hisense announced integration of Dolby Vision 2 across its premium RGB-MiniLED television series, including UX, UR9 and UR8 models, with plans to extend compatibility to additional MiniLED TVs through future firmware updates. Similarly, TCL confirmed implementation within its 2026 X QD-Mini LED TV Series and C Series products.

    Javier Foncillas, Dolby’s Vice-President of Commercial Partnerships and Global Sales, emphasized the strategic importance of Chinese collaborations: “Hisense and TCL exemplify ideal innovation partners who rapidly implement emerging technologies. Our assessment identifies Chinese companies as particularly advanced in automotive, mobile and social media applications.”

    The automotive sector featured prominently in Dolby’s showcase, with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO presenting its ET9 luxury sedan equipped with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Industry analysis reveals at least 35 automotive manufacturers now incorporate Dolby Atmos technology, with Chinese EV manufacturers representing a substantial portion of new implementations.

    Foncillas noted the distinctive advantages of Chinese partnerships: “Startup culture and leadership engagement create exceptional implementation velocity. Company founders frequently prioritize cutting-edge technology integration, creating mutually beneficial development relationships.”

    Beyond television and automotive applications, Chinese dominance extends to mobile and social media platforms. Smartphone brands including Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi have adopted Dolby technologies, while platforms like Bilibili and Douyin have implemented Dolby Vision support.

    The executive cited Shanghai’s innovation ecosystem as particularly influential, referencing collaborations with music studios, gaming companies and eSports organizations utilizing Atmos technology. These partnerships reflect Dolby’s expanding footprint across China’s diverse digital entertainment landscape.

  • Chinese companies maintain strong presence at CES 2026 in Las Vegas

    Chinese companies maintain strong presence at CES 2026 in Las Vegas

    LAS VEGAS – The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) commenced on January 6th with Chinese technology enterprises demonstrating a remarkably robust participation footprint at this premier global technology exhibition. Despite evolving geopolitical dynamics, China’s innovation sector continues to showcase cutting-edge advancements across multiple technological domains at the Las Vegas convention center.

    The annual CES event, recognized as one of the world’s most influential technology exhibitions, has historically served as a platform for Chinese manufacturers to demonstrate their technological capabilities and global market ambitions. This year’s participation underscores China’s persistent commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the global technology landscape despite international market challenges.

    Industry analysts note that Chinese representation spans multiple high-tech sectors including artificial intelligence, smart home ecosystems, electric vehicle technology, and next-generation display systems. The strong showing occurs amid ongoing global supply chain transformations and shifting international trade relationships that have characterized the technology sector in recent years.

    Technology specialists observing the event highlight that Chinese companies appear focused on establishing collaborative international partnerships while simultaneously showcasing independent technological innovations. This dual approach reflects the complex realities of global technology development where cross-border cooperation and national technological sovereignty increasingly coexist.

    The sustained Chinese presence at CES 2026 provides critical insights into the evolving architecture of global technology competition and cooperation frameworks, offering stakeholders valuable perspectives on future technological trajectories and market developments.

  • DeepSeek’s AI gains traction in developing nations, Microsoft report says

    DeepSeek’s AI gains traction in developing nations, Microsoft report says

    A new Microsoft research report indicates that Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek is significantly accelerating AI adoption across developing nations, potentially narrowing the technological gap with advanced economies. The findings reveal that global generative AI tool adoption reached 16.3% of the world’s population by December, marking a notable increase from 15.1% in the previous quarter.

    The comprehensive study, released Thursday by Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, documents a concerning divergence in AI integration rates between developed and developing regions. While adoption rates in the global north continue to expand at nearly double the pace of southern hemisphere nations, DeepSeek’s innovative approach is creating new pathways for digital inclusion.

    According to Juan Lavista Ferres, Chief Data Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, “We are observing a concerning divide that threatens to widen without intervention.” The research utilized anonymized telemetry data to track global device usage patterns.

    The report identifies early digital infrastructure investors including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, France, and Spain as leaders in AI adoption rates. These findings align with recent Pew Research Center survey data mapping global attitudes toward artificial intelligence.

    DeepSeek, founded in 2023, has driven substantial AI penetration across price-sensitive markets through its free and open-source model architecture. The company’s January 2025 release of its R1 advanced reasoning model—described as more cost-effective than OpenAI’s comparable offering—generated significant attention within the technology sector. The startup’s credibility was further enhanced when leading journal Nature published peer-reviewed research co-authored by DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, characterizing it as a “landmark paper” from China’s AI community.

    Microsoft’s analysis notes that DeepSeek operates differently from Western models on certain topics, particularly political subjects, reflecting China’s internet accessibility framework. Despite this, the platform has demonstrated strong performance in mathematical and coding applications.

    The company’s business model, which eliminates subscription fees and provides developers with global access to modify its core engine, has dramatically reduced accessibility barriers. This approach has proven particularly effective in regions where Western platforms face restrictions or limited availability, including Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Belarus.

    DeepSeek achieved remarkable market penetration in China (89%), with substantial presence in Belarus (56%), Cuba (49%), Russia (43%), Iran (25%), and Syria (23%). African nations including Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Niger recorded adoption rates between 11-14%.

    The report concludes that open-source AI models like DeepSeek’s can function as geopolitical instruments, extending technological influence into markets where Western platforms encounter operational challenges. Despite security concerns that prompted developed nations including Australia, Germany, and the United States to restrict DeepSeek’s usage—and Microsoft’s own internal ban on the platform—the Chinese startup continues to reshape global AI adoption patterns through accessibility and affordability.

  • Chinese companies lead display innovation at CES 2026

    Chinese companies lead display innovation at CES 2026

    At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, China’s display technology sector demonstrated global leadership with groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping the future of visual experiences. Leading manufacturers BOE Technology Group, Hisense, and TCL unveiled revolutionary advancements in rollable OLED, Mini LED, and AI-integrated display systems.

    BOE Technology Group, China’s premier display panel manufacturer, made a significant impact with over 60 cutting-edge products. The company’s standout introduction was the HERO 2.0 intelligent cockpit, a sophisticated integration of premium display technologies with artificial intelligence capabilities specifically engineered for automotive applications. This comprehensive smart cockpit solution facilitates enhanced in-vehicle experiences for relaxation, entertainment, and professional productivity. Among its AI-driven features is an advanced under-display camera system employing sophisticated enhancement algorithms to enable high-precision facial recognition.

    Su Ning, Senior Vice-President of BOE Group and Chairman/CEO of BOE Varitronix, emphasized the strategic incorporation of AI technologies across their product ecosystem: “AI integration has become fundamental to our development strategy, evident throughout our entire product portfolio at this year’s CES.”

    The innovation extended to portable displays with BOE’s introduction of the industry’s first 17-inch electrically rollable portable display panel. This transformative device functions as a compact 9.5-inch tablet for mobility while expanding into a full 17-inch screen for both professional applications and immersive entertainment experiences.

    For automotive implementations, BOE deployed advanced Mini LED technology to achieve superior visual performance. This technology utilizes microscopic LEDs to backlight LCD screens, producing deeper black levels, enhanced contrast ratios, and significantly improved brightness. The resulting head-up display products maintain exceptional visibility even under direct sunlight conditions.

    Hisense showcased its technological prowess with the 116UXS RGB MiniLED TV, powered by the company’s proprietary “RGB MiniLED evo” technology. This innovation represents a comprehensive evolution in display engineering, addressing every component from light source and processor to sophisticated color management systems. Hisense, positioning itself as the originator of RGB MiniLED technology, has introduced an industry-first sky blue-cyan fourth LED into the backlight system, moving beyond conventional parameter-driven performance metrics.

    According to Li Wei, President of Hisense Visual Technology Co., this breakthrough technology effectively resolves three persistent industry challenges: color bleeding, halo effects, and tint shift, while delivering more authentic color reproduction, improved viewing comfort, and balanced energy efficiency.

    TCL contributed to the innovation showcase with its “SQD Mini LED” display technology, representing a substantial advancement over conventional Mini LED systems. This approach transforms standard backlight zones into a “Precise Dimming Series,” enabling each zone to perform with the precision of multiple zones for exceptional light control. The company’s flagship X11L Series, featuring this technology combined with “ultra color filter crystal screens,” achieves complete HDR content restoration while minimizing color bleeding and maximizing native contrast.

    Industry data confirms China’s dominant position in the global display market, with approximately 70% of LCD production capacity currently located on the Chinese mainland. Projections from Counterpoint Research indicate this share will grow to 75% by 2028, up from 68% in 2023.

    Si Da, Vice-President and Chief Brand Officer of BOE, commented on this leadership: “China has established unquestionable dominance in the LCD sector, while domestic panel manufacturers led by BOE are accelerating high-intensity investment in OLED research, development, and innovation.”

    This commitment was demonstrated in December with BOE’s launch of China’s first fully complete 8.6-generation OLED production line, representing a significant milestone for the nation’s display industry. The company’s technological advancements are supported by substantial R&D investment, allocating approximately 7% of annual revenue—exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion)—to research and development.

    Si further explained BOE’s innovation ecosystem: “Our AI capabilities continuously enhance our core strengths, integrating with display technologies and supporting comprehensive business development. We leverage three fundamental advantages: proprietary R&D resources and technological capabilities, massive manufacturing capacity, and a robust ecosystem of industry partners. This ensures that both display and AI innovations can rapidly transition into viable business models and reach the market efficiently.”