As we close the book on 2024, we welcome you to our Holiday Edition, where we unwrap the biggest stories that defined a whirlwind year in AI and cyber affairs—a celebration of relentless innovation, jaw-dropping rivalries, and high-stakes power plays that kept us captivated all year round.
Cisco faces fallout from a massive data leak exposing critical files, while China accuses the U.S. of cyber espionage amid rising tech tensions. AI governance sparks debate as Europe enforces strict rules, and ASIC sues HSBC for $23M scam failures. Global cyber affairs take center stage this week.
ASIC is suing HSBC Australia over $23M in scam losses, alleging systemic failures in fraud detection and delays in resolving complaints. Meanwhile, Singapore's proposed anti-scam law aims to freeze accounts of scam victims to prevent further losses, sparking debate on privacy and autonomy.
Government decisions and global political agendas.
A petition urges the White House to appoint Elon Musk as AI adviser, leveraging his experience with OpenAI and xAI. While Musk’s insights could shape tech policy, critics worry about conflicts of interest. Will his influence redefine AI’s future—or raise ethical concerns?
As Trump begins his second term, Silicon Valley faces a shift from Biden’s regulatory caution to Trump’s push for U.S. tech dominance. Tough tariffs and deregulation mean the industry must adapt, innovate, and tackle new challenges to redefine its place in the global tech landscape.
The EU’s ESMA calls for mandatory crypto cybersecurity audits as threats grow, while the U.S. expands AI in defense with a focus on responsible use. Both moves underscore the need for stricter tech policies to safeguard assets and uphold ethical standards in evolving digital realms.
Chinese hackers allegedly breached U.S. telecoms tied to Harris and Trump campaigns, highlighting election security gaps. AI-driven deepfakes and disinformation also surge on social media, raising risks to democracy as voters near Election Day.
Australia faces an escalating cybercrime crisis, leading experts to call for standardised training across all law enforcement agencies. During a Parliamentary Joint Committee hearing, specialists highlighted the urgent need for unified protocols to effectively combat sophisticated cyber threats.
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1047, which would have enforced strict safety measures for AI models with over $100M in funding. He argued the bill’s focus was too broad and advocated for more targeted AI regulations that address risks from smaller, less costly systems.
Europe faces a critical choice: embrace AI innovation or enforce restrictive regulations? Fragmented rules risk leaving Europe behind in AI advancements and economic growth. Clear, unified policies are key to keeping Europe competitive in the global AI race.
The UAE is stepping up its AI game, with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan meeting US President Joe Biden to boost AI cooperation. As the UAE shifts from oil to tech, it's deepening ties with US firms and tackling hurdles like AI chip restrictions, aiming to lead the global AI race.
Telegram is tightening its policies, sharing user IPs and phone numbers of criminals with authorities. As hybrid warfare blends state-backed hacking with cybercrime, Telegram faces pressure to curb illegal activities exploiting its encryption features.
At Dreamforce 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed three key AI-related bills, including SB1047, targeting AI use in election ads and deepfakes.
Australia has launched a federal inquiry into AI use in the public sector, addressing governance gaps in rapidly adopting AI technologies.
DDoS attacks are on the rise globally, targeting the Middle East, Israel, Ukraine, and key sectors like software, telecom, and banking.
