Iran

TEHRAN, June 2026 — Iranian government institutions and industry stakeholders have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating the development of advanced technologies and expanding support for the country's growing knowledge-based business sector. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) seeks to strengthen collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and private-sector innovators to address technological challenges, increase industrial self-sufficiency, and promote the commercialization of domestically developed technologies.&nbsp;Officials said the agreement focuses on leveraging the capabilities of knowledge-based companies to develop strategic technologies, reduce dependence on imported solutions, and improve the competitiveness of key industrial sectors. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to expand the knowledge economy and increase the contribution of high-technology industries to economic growth.&nbsp;Under the partnership, participating organizations will cooperate on technology development projects, support research and development activities, and facilitate the deployment of innovative solutions in industrial operations. The agreement is expected to prioritize advanced technology fields, including digital transformation, industrial innovation, automation, and emerging technology applications that can help address strategic needs across the economy. Officials emphasized the importance of connecting research capabilities with market demand to accelerate commercialization and reduce technology gaps in critical sectors.&nbsp;Knowledge-based companies are expected to play a central role in the initiative. Authorities said the agreement will create new opportunities for technology firms to participate in large-scale industrial projects, provide specialized solutions, and contribute to national innovation programs.Support mechanisms may include facilitating access to financing, encouraging partnerships between industry and technology providers, and helping innovative firms scale their products and services for broader market adoption. Similar government initiatives in recent years have focused on integrating knowledge-based companies into strategic sectors such as energy, manufacturing, petrochemicals, and digital technologies.&nbsp;Iran has increasingly promoted knowledge-based enterprises as a key component of its economic development strategy. Policymakers view technology-driven businesses as an important source of innovation, productivity gains, and employment opportunities, particularly in sectors where domestic technological capabilities can reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Industry experts note that partnerships between government institutions and technology companies have become an increasingly common mechanism for accelerating innovation and addressing industrial challenges through locally developed solutions.&nbsp;Officials described the agreement as part of a broader effort to build a more resilient and technology-driven economy. By fostering collaboration between industry, government, and innovative enterprises, authorities hope to accelerate the development of advanced technologies while creating new pathways for commercialization and industrial deployment.&nbsp;The agreement underscores Iran's continued emphasis on expanding its innovation ecosystem and strengthening the role of knowledge-based companies in driving future economic growth.&nbsp;<a href=" https://www.irib-news.ir/fa/news/5812757/امضای-تفاهم‌نامه-همکاری-برای-توسعه-فناوری‌های-پیشرفته-و-حمایت-از-شرکت‌های-دانش‌بنیان">&nbsp;https://www.irib-news.ir/fa/news/5812757/امضای-تفاهم‌نامه-همکاری-برای-توسعه-فناوری‌های-پیشرفته-و-حمایت-از-شرکت‌های-دانش‌بنیان</a>

New agreement aims to strengthen innovation, industrial competitiveness and commercialization of domestic technologies

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Iran Signs Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Advanced Technologies and Support Knowledge-Based Companies

International

OXFORD, June 3, 2026 — The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into corporate decision-making is exposing significant gaps in traditional legal standards governing directors' responsibilities, according to new research published by legal scholar Giovanni Vetrugno.As companies increasingly incorporate AI into strategic and operational processes, legal frameworks designed for human-led decision-making are struggling to keep pace. A recent KPMG study found that 66% of users regularly rely on AI tools, yet only about half trust AI-generated outputs enough to use them in operational decisions. Meanwhile, PwC research indicates that nearly half of technology leaders now consider AI fully integrated into their corporate strategies.&nbsp;The disconnect between adoption and trust, experts say, has important implications for corporate governance."Adoption has outpaced trust," Vetrugno argues. "More importantly, it has outpaced the conceptual tools that govern director liability."The challenge is particularly evident in jurisdictions such as Italy, where director duties are governed by legal standards developed decades before the emergence of advanced algorithms. Article 2392 of the Italian Civil Code, drafted in 1942, requires directors to exercise diligence appropriate to their role. However, the law assumes that business decisions can be understood, evaluated, and reconstructed by human decision-makers.Modern AI systems challenge that assumption.&nbsp;Machine-learning models often operate as "black boxes," producing outcomes that may be difficult to explain even for their developers. This creates uncertainty about what constitutes sufficient oversight when directors authorize or rely on AI-driven decisions.The issue becomes more complex under the business judgment rule, a legal doctrine that generally protects directors from liability when decisions are made in good faith and on an informed basis. Critics argue that directors may struggle to meet the "informed" standard when key decisions are influenced by algorithms whose internal processes are not fully transparent.&nbsp;In response, Vetrugno and co-author Sottoriva have proposed a new governance framework known as the TRACE Model, designed to help boards manage AI-related risks without requiring directors to become technical experts.&nbsp;The framework is built around five principles:<ul><li>Transparency – ensuring boards have clear documentation explaining what AI systems do, their limitations, and how they fit into company operations.</li><li>Risk Assessment – continuously evaluating potential biases, system failures, and performance degradation over time.</li><li>Audit Trail – maintaining records that allow companies to reconstruct how AI-assisted decisions were reached.</li><li>Competence – ensuring boards collectively possess the expertise needed to oversee AI through training, advisory committees, or specialist directors.</li><li>Ethics – integrating AI governance into broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities.</li></ul>According to the authors, the focus should shift from assessing whether directors personally understand complex algorithms to evaluating whether appropriate governance structures are in place.&nbsp;Although developed with Italian law in mind, the framework addresses concerns emerging across multiple jurisdictions. In the United States, Delaware's Caremark doctrine requires boards to establish oversight systems capable of identifying compliance failures. Similar duties exist under the UK's Companies Act 2006, while German legal scholars have begun discussing concepts of "digital diligence" for corporate directors.The researchers argue that AI governance should be viewed as an extension of existing oversight obligations rather than as a completely new category of legal responsibility.&nbsp;As AI adoption continues to accelerate, courts around the world may soon be called upon to determine how traditional director duties apply when algorithms play a central role in corporate decision-making."The standard of director diligence is not broken," Vetrugno concludes. "It does, however, need to be read in light of the technologies it is now asked to govern."&nbsp;Legal experts say the next major AI-related corporate failure could provide the first significant test of those evolving standards.&nbsp;https://blogs.law.ox.ac.uk/oblb/blog-post/2026/06/directors-and-ai-why-diligence-needs-new-framework

Oxford legal scholar proposes new governance framework as boards increasingly rely on artificial intelligence

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AI Adoption Outpaces Trust, Raising New Questions About Director Liability

TEHRAN, June 2026 — Iran has launched a new national initiative to develop an indigenous large language model (LLM) and establish a framework for measuring digital maturity across public and private sector organizations, as the country seeks to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and accelerate digital transformation efforts.&nbsp;The initiative was announced following the signing of two strategic cooperation agreements by the country's Information Technology Organization with the Iran Information Technology Organization, the Research Institute for Information and Communication Technology, and the Industrial Management Organization. The agreements establish a collaborative framework for the development of a domestic AI language model built on national infrastructure and the creation of a system to assess and rank the digital readiness of industries and digital platforms.&nbsp;Officials said the project aims to strengthen Iran's technological self-sufficiency by developing advanced Persian-language artificial intelligence capabilities within the country's own digital ecosystem. The large language model is expected to support local language processing, knowledge management, and AI-powered services while reducing dependence on foreign AI platforms.&nbsp;The initiative forms part of broader national efforts to build domestic AI infrastructure and improve the availability of advanced language technologies for Persian-speaking users. Iranian research institutions and technology organizations have increasingly prioritized the development of local AI models in recent years as demand for generative AI applications grows globally.&nbsp;Alongside the AI project, authorities will introduce a comprehensive digital maturity assessment framework designed to evaluate the technological readiness of both government agencies and private-sector organizations. The framework is expected to provide standardized benchmarks for measuring digital capabilities, identifying gaps in technology adoption, and guiding future investment in digital transformation initiatives.The assessment system will examine organizational preparedness for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and digital service delivery. Officials say the resulting rankings could help policymakers prioritize support programs and encourage greater adoption of digital technologies across key sectors of the economy.&nbsp;The agreements build on a series of recent efforts by Iranian institutions to expand domestic AI research and development. Previous initiatives have included collaborations between universities, research institutes, and private technology firms to create Persian-language large language models and other AI systems tailored to local needs.&nbsp;Technology experts note that the development of national language models has become a strategic priority for many countries seeking greater control over AI infrastructure, language resources, and data governance. For nations with less globally represented languages, locally developed AI models can help improve performance in natural language processing tasks while supporting cultural and linguistic preservation.&nbsp;The new partnerships are expected to bring together government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders in an effort to establish a stronger foundation for AI innovation and digital modernization.&nbsp;While officials have not yet disclosed a timeline for the completion of the language model or the rollout of the digital maturity framework, the agreements signal a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence as a pillar of Iran's digital development strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp; https://www.irna.ir/news/86169761/آغاز-همکاری-برای-توسعه-مدل-زبانی-بزرگ-بومی-و-سنجش-بلوغ-دیجیتال

Government agencies sign strategic agreements to strengthen domestic AI capabilities and accelerate digital transformation across industries

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Iran Launches National AI Initiative to Develop Indigenous Large Language Model and Digital Maturity Assessment Framework

NEW ENGLAND, May 28, 2026 — Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming access to the American legal system, enabling thousands of individuals to pursue lawsuits without hiring attorneys and triggering a significant rise in self-represented litigation across federal courts.According to a new study currently under review for publication, advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude are increasingly being used by litigants to research legal issues, draft court filings, prepare motions, and navigate complex legal procedures that once required professional legal assistance.Researchers analyzed millions of federal court docket entries spanning several years and found a substantial increase in civil lawsuits filed by individuals acting pro se, or without legal representation. Using linguistic analysis, statistical modeling, and AI-detection software, the study concluded that a growing share of federal court filings bear characteristics consistent with AI-generated content.&nbsp;The findings suggest that nearly one in five federal civil complaints filed by early 2026 contained language classified as AI-generated, a dramatic increase from virtually zero before the public release of advanced large language models in late 2022."The AI detection rate rises consistently from near zero at the end of 2022 to 18 percent by early 2026," the researchers reported, linking the trend to the rapid adoption and improving capabilities of generative AI systems.<h3>Lowering the Cost of Legal Representation</h3>The development could mark one of the most significant changes to access to justice in decades.Although Americans have long possessed the legal right to represent themselves in court, the practical barriers to doing so have often been overwhelming. Civil litigation typically requires extensive legal research, procedural knowledge, document preparation, and compliance with complex court rules. Hiring an attorney can cost thousands of dollars, placing legal action beyond the reach of many individuals.AI tools are changing that equation.&nbsp;Users can now ask chatbots to explain legal procedures, summarize case law, organize evidence, draft legal arguments, and generate court documents at little or no cost. Tasks that previously required professional legal assistance can increasingly be completed from a personal computer or smartphone.The study found that AI-assisted filings have appeared across a broad range of legal disputes, including employment claims, real estate conflicts, insurance cases, immigration proceedings, disability claims, and defamation lawsuits.&nbsp;One of the most notable increases occurred in immigration-related litigation. Researchers reported a dramatic rise in habeas corpus petitions and detention-related lawsuits, suggesting that migrants and detainees may be using AI tools to challenge government actions without legal representation.Legal scholars say the trend could represent a historic expansion of practical access to constitutional protections and civil justice.<h3>Concerns Over Accuracy and Court Backlogs</h3>The rise of AI-assisted litigation has generated both enthusiasm and concern within the legal profession.Supporters argue that generative AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to close the long-standing "justice gap" that leaves many Americans unable to pursue legitimate legal claims because of cost barriers.&nbsp;Legal aid organizations have been among the most enthusiastic adopters of AI technology. Several studies indicate that nonprofit legal service providers are integrating AI tools at a faster rate than many private law firms, viewing them as a way to serve larger numbers of clients with limited resources.&nbsp;However, judges and attorneys have raised concerns about the quality of AI-generated legal work.Courts across the United States have warned litigants that they remain personally responsible for any inaccuracies contained in AI-assisted filings. Several attorneys have already faced sanctions for submitting briefs that cited fictional cases and fabricated legal precedents generated by AI systems.Critics also warn that reducing the cost of litigation may increase the volume of weak, poorly researched, or frivolous lawsuits.Historically, lawyers served as gatekeepers who filtered out meritless claims, ensured compliance with procedural rules, and translated personal grievances into legally viable arguments. As AI reduces the need for professional legal assistance, some experts fear courts could face growing numbers of filings that strain already overburdened judicial systems.&nbsp;Federal courts, unlike private businesses, cannot quickly expand capacity in response to rising demand. New judges must be appointed through political processes, and court procedures are governed by laws and rules designed to prioritize fairness and consistency rather than rapid adaptation.<h3>A Broader Transformation of Professional Services</h3>The debate reflects a broader trend unfolding across numerous professions.AI is increasingly automating forms of cognitive work once performed exclusively by highly trained professionals in fields such as law, journalism, accounting, healthcare, finance, education, and software development.&nbsp;Early discussions about AI's impact on the legal profession focused largely on whether chatbots could pass bar exams or replace junior attorneys. The new research points to a potentially more profound consequence: empowering ordinary citizens to navigate complex legal systems independently.For many legal observers, the significance extends beyond technology itself.&nbsp;The constitutional right to self-representation has existed since the founding of the United States, but practical obstacles often limited its use. By lowering the cost and complexity of legal work, AI may be turning that formal right into a realistic option for millions of Americans.Whether courts can adapt to the resulting surge in litigation remains an open question. But as AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and widely available, their influence on the administration of justice appears likely to grow.&nbsp;Legal experts say the coming years may determine whether AI becomes a disruptive force that overwhelms the court system—or a transformative technology that broadens access to justice on an unprecedented scale.&nbsp;https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/ai-enters-the-courtroom-how-chatbots-are-reshaping-litigation/

New research suggests artificial intelligence is driving a sharp increase in self-represented lawsuits, challenging traditional assumptions about legal services

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AI-Powered Legal Filings Surge as Chatbots Expand Access to U.S. Courts

At the center of the debate is HSBC, whose CEO, Georges Elhedery, recently urged employees not to resist AI-driven transformation as the bank prepares for significant restructuring. Speaking at an investor event, Elhedery told staff, according to Reuters, “We all know generative AI will destroy certain jobs and will create new jobs.” He encouraged workers not to become “overwhelmed” or resistant to technological change, arguing that AI could help employees become “more productive versions of themselves.”These remarks come amid growing evidence that major financial institutions are rapidly accelerating automation across customer onboarding, fraud monitoring, compliance, and back-office operations.&nbsp;Reuters also reported that rival Standard Chartered plans to eliminate nearly 8,000 jobs—around 15% of its corporate-function workforce—by 2030, as it increases investment in AI and automation. Its CEO, Bill Winters, drew criticism after referring to some affected roles as “lower-value human capital.” He later apologized and sought to reassure staff that the transition would include retraining and redeployment opportunities.&nbsp;More broadly, the shift reflects an industry-wide transformation in which AI is increasingly viewed not only as a productivity tool but as a structural force reshaping banking itself. Analysts at Morgan Stanley found that banks and other major firms in finance, technology, and professional services have already reduced staffing levels, particularly among entry-level and offshore roles most exposed to automation.&nbsp;HSBC itself is reportedly considering cuts of up to 20,000 positions—roughly 10% of its workforce—as it expands AI adoption. According to Reuters, non-client-facing roles in global service centers are expected to be among the most affected. At the same time, the bank has been investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including the appointment of David Rice as its first chief AI officer. Internally, AI tools are already being used to shorten onboarding processes, streamline workflows, and enhance anti–financial crime systems.&nbsp;Other major banks are moving in a similar direction. Executives at Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo have acknowledged that AI is beginning to reshape staffing needs, though some emphasize that, so far, the technology has primarily enhanced productivity rather than directly replacing workers.&nbsp;The rapid rollout of AI has also fueled public concern. A recent study by King’s College London found that 60% of Britons believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates, while one in five respondents feared it could contribute to civil unrest.&nbsp;At the same time, technology experts and labor economists have urged caution. Fabian Braesemann of the Oxford Internet Institute warned that firms risk overcorrecting by cutting staff too aggressively before fully understanding AI’s long-term productivity impact.Still, industry momentum continues to build. Reuters reports that banks are becoming increasingly transparent about AI’s role in future workforce reductions, marking a shift away from earlier narratives centered on “efficiency” and “augmentation.” As automation accelerates, the central question for the banking sector may no longer be whether AI will transform jobs, but how quickly workers and institutions can adapt to the change.&nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/dont-fight-ai-hsbc-ceo-tells-staff-banks-begin-job-cuts-2026-05-20/

Major financial institutions are accelerating automation efforts across customer onboarding, fraud monitoring, compliance and back-office operations

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Global Banking Giants warn that AI will Reshape Workforce

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The debate over AI’s growing role in cinema has intensified following international attention on Korean film and television, fueled by the global success of productions such as Squid Game and Parasite. Industry leaders are now grappling with how AI-generated scripts, digital actors and automated editing tools could transform — or disrupt — the future of storytelling.&nbsp;According to a recent CNN feature, South Korea’s entertainment industry is increasingly experimenting with AI technologies as studios seek to reduce production costs and accelerate content creation. At the same time, filmmakers warn that overreliance on automation risks undermining the emotional authenticity that made Korean cinema globally successful.&nbsp;Director Park Chan-wook, one of South Korea’s most internationally recognized filmmakers, has voiced caution about the industry’s embrace of AI. Speaking during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Park acknowledged that AI could make filmmaking cheaper and more efficient, but questioned whether audiences ultimately benefit from such changes. &nbsp;&nbsp;“AI is here,” actress Demi Moore said at Cannes while discussing broader industry concerns. “To fight it is… a battle that we will lose.” She argued instead for finding ways to work alongside the technology while ensuring creative protections remain in place. &nbsp;&nbsp;The conversation reflects broader tensions across global entertainment industries since the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes, where writers and actors demanded safeguards against unauthorized AI-generated performances and scripts.&nbsp;South Korea’s entertainment sector has emerged as a particularly influential testing ground because of its technological sophistication and global cultural reach. CNN’s new documentary series K-Everything, hosted by Daniel Dae Kim, explores how Korean film, television, music and beauty industries evolved into worldwide cultural forces within a generation. &nbsp;&nbsp;Kim described the series as an examination of how South Korea transformed “from a war-torn third world country to one of the most modern places in the world” in just a few decades. &nbsp;&nbsp;At the same time, AI-generated entertainment is already beginning to appear at major global events. The film “Hell Grind,” described by its creators as the world’s first fully AI-generated feature film, premiered near the Cannes Film Festival this year, signaling how rapidly AI filmmaking tools are advancing. &nbsp;&nbsp;South Korea is also experimenting with AI and robotics in adjacent entertainment sectors. In Seoul, a newly opened robot-themed entertainment park features humanoid robots performing choreographed K-pop routines, underscoring the country’s willingness to merge technology and entertainment in ambitious new ways. &nbsp;&nbsp;Still, many Korean filmmakers argue that human storytelling remains the core of cinema’s appeal. Park Chan-wook noted that Korean cinema’s rise was driven not merely by technology or scale, but by emotionally resonant storytelling capable of connecting with global audiences. &nbsp;&nbsp;Analysts say the challenge for South Korea’s film industry will be balancing innovation with artistic identity. AI tools may streamline production, improve visual effects and lower costs for independent creators, but concerns persist over copyright, authenticity and the future role of human actors and writers.&nbsp;As AI-generated media becomes more sophisticated, South Korea — already a global leader in both technology and pop culture — may become one of the defining battlegrounds over what the future of filmmaking looks like.&nbsp;https://edition.cnn.com/world/south-korea-film-industry-ai-hnk-spc

AI is causing both excitement and anxiety among s directors, actors and producers in South Korea as one of the world’s most influential entertainment markets 

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South Korea's Movie Industry is Embracing AI

May 25 - In the nearly 43,000-word encyclical, Pope Leo argues that artificial intelligence must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good, warning against what he describes as a new “Tower of Babel” built through technology detached from spiritual and moral foundations. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice,” the pope writes in the document’s opening lines, according to &nbsp;Vatican News. The encyclical calls on governments, technology firms and global institutions to ensure AI serves humanity rather than concentrates power in the hands of corporations or political elites.&nbsp;&nbsp;The release of the document drew international attention after Pope Leo appeared at the Vatican alongside theologians, Vatican officials and Christopher Olah, co-founder of AI company &nbsp;Anthropic￼, during a public presentation of the encyclical. &nbsp;￼According to CNN, the encyclical reflects the pope’s growing concern that artificial intelligence could reshape labor, warfare, democracy and human relationships without sufficient ethical safeguards. The pope specifically warns that AI systems may deepen social inequality, spread misinformation and erode authentic human connection if left unregulated.&nbsp;Pope Leo also condemns the growing militarization of AI, warning that autonomous weapons and algorithmic warfare risk lowering moral barriers to violence. Reuters reported that the pope called for AI to be effectively “disarmed” to prevent technology from normalizing perpetual conflict and distancing societies from the human cost of war.&nbsp;&nbsp;The encyclical repeatedly returns to the dignity of human work, drawing comparisons to Pope Leo XIII’s landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the upheaval caused by the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV argues that AI represents a similarly transformative moment requiring new social protections for workers and vulnerable populations. &nbsp;￼While acknowledging AI’s potential benefits in medicine, education and scientific research, the pope insists technological progress cannot become an ideology in itself. “Technology is never neutral,” the encyclical states, because it reflects the values of those who design, finance and deploy it.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Vatican’s intervention comes as governments worldwide struggle to regulate increasingly powerful AI systems. Concerns over job displacement, surveillance, misinformation and AI-driven warfare have intensified as major technology companies race to deploy advanced generative AI platforms.&nbsp;The pope’s focus on artificial intelligence has shaped much of his early papacy. Since his election, he has repeatedly warned that digital technologies risk turning people into “passive consumers” and weakening authentic human relationships. He has also cautioned clergy against relying on AI-generated sermons or online substitutes for spiritual life.&nbsp;

Vatican released Magnifica Humanitas - the most extensive intervention by the Catholic Church yet into the global debate over AI ethics and technology