Sources: the US has paused a tech trade deal with the UK, signed in September, over disagreements about the UK's digital regulations and food safety rules (New York Times)

The UK government is set to encourage Apple and Google to implement nudity-blocking systems on their mobile operating systems, iOS and Android, through the development of nudity-detection algorithms. This initiative aims to enhance online safety, particularly for minors, amid ongoing concerns about inappropriate content accessibility on smartphones.

The United States has paused its £31 billion tech prosperity deal with Britain, citing insufficient progress on resolving trade barriers. This decision represents a significant setback in US-UK relations, particularly as the deal was initially celebrated as a transformative step in bilateral cooperation during Donald Trump's presidency.

The Trump administration has granted Nvidia approval to export its H200 AI chips to China, following extensive negotiations. This decision includes a stipulation of a 25% fee on sales, which will be charged upon shipment. The approval reflects a significant shift in U.S. export policy amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The Canadian government has announced a funding initiative of up to C$92 million ($66.8 million) aimed at supporting quantum computing firms in Canada as competition from the United States intensifies in this emerging technology sector. This move is part of a broader strategy to retain domestic talent and innovation in quantum computing.

UK-based startup SPhotonix has developed a 5D optical data storage technology, known as 'memory crystals,' which encodes large amounts of data within ultra-durable glass using precise lasers that manipulate matter at the nanoscale. This innovative storage method has the potential to preserve data for an astonishing 13.8 billion years.

Google has received a significant boost for its data center ambitions in the UK, marking a pivotal moment in its European expansion strategy. This development comes amidst local resistance, highlighting the complexities of establishing tech infrastructure in new regions.

Despite the ongoing narrative of a US-China AI race, recent analysis indicates that China is prioritizing investments in sectors beyond AI, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and robotics. Major Chinese companies and the state are channeling resources into these domains, suggesting a strategic shift in focus.

The ongoing boom in artificial intelligence (AI) is causing significant delays in municipal projects across the United States, as approximately $4 trillion in AI infrastructure spending through 2030 diverts skilled construction workers to data centers. This shift is particularly impacting state and local projects, which are now facing increased competition for resources.