Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced an immediate removal of VAT from electricity bills, reducing them by £45 annually from October. The £850m cost will be funded by scrapping the digital ID scheme, though former chief secretary Darren Jones questioned the funding mechanism.
Andy Burnham, set to become UK Prime Minister, will scrap plans for a government-issued digital ID, redirecting resources to cost of living support. This follows earlier watering down of the scheme and public opposition, and comes alongside plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling.
Incoming Labour leader Andy Burnham plans to scrap Keir Starmer's controversial digital ID card scheme, redirecting resources to tackle the cost of living crisis. The move, announced before Burnham enters Downing Street, aims to distance the new government from an unpopular policy that drew 3m petition signatures and widespread criticism.
Indonesia plans to integrate with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and use its digital public infrastructure as a blueprint for its own ecosystem. The collaboration extends to commerce, digital identity, and public services, with potential for export across the ASEAN region.
India's government has asked Meta to pause WhatsApp username rollout, citing concerns over impersonation, fraud, and cybercrime. Meta argues usernames enhance privacy by hiding phone numbers, but the government seeks further clarification on safeguards before the feature becomes available.
Russia has extended its digital identification experiment (RuID) for visa-free foreign nationals until December 31, 2027. The program, initially set to end in June 2026, will now include specific procedures for foreign drivers involved in international road transport.
India is rolling out Bhu-Aadhaar, a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), to create a unique digital identity for every land parcel. This initiative aims to simplify property verification, reduce disputes, and streamline land administration by establishing a standard digital record.
Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal has approved a proposal to issue AI agents unique digital identities, separate from their human or institutional owners. This aims to clarify accountability and manage AI authorizations.
UK PM Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media for under-16s and mandatory identity verification for adults using major platforms. Critics argue this is a backdoor to introducing a mandatory digital ID system, a plan previously rejected by the public.
Elon Musk has slammed the UK's planned ban on social media for under-16s, calling it a "ruse" for digital surveillance and accusing the government of building a "police state." The ban, announced by PM Keir Starmer, aims to protect children but faces criticism over age verification methods and potential privacy violations.
Google Wallet will soon support digital IDs from select EU countries and offer age verification via a partnership with Sparkasse Bank, enhancing online checkout and security.
China has launched a national initiative, the Humanoid Full Lifecycle Management Service Platform, to assign unique codes to AI-driven humanoid robots for tracking from production to recycling. Led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the system aims to monitor risks and regulate the rapidly developing industry.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlines his legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session, including reforms to NHS, education, housing, and immigration, amidst speculation of a potential leadership challenge.
Labour's King's Speech unveils bills to reset EU relations, nationalise British Steel, reform NHS, education, housing, and immigration, amidst potential backlash from Labour MPs on asylum measures.
King Charles III outlines the UK government's law-making plans, including bills for rail investment in northern England, digital ID, nationalisation of British Steel, and a tourist tax in England.
