
Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, have had plans to use Facebook and Instagram user date to train generative AI.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), shared concerns with Meta that they had received from users in the UK. The ICO were subsequently pleased to report that Meta have responded by pausing and reviewing their plans.
ICO reported: “In order to get the most out of generative AI and the opportunities it brings, it is crucial that the public can trust that their privacy rights will be respected from the outset.”
ICO have confirmed that they will continue to monitor all the major developers of generative AI to check they have appropriate safeguards in place and make sure that the information rights of UK users are protected.
See: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/06/statement-in-response-to-metas-plans-to-train-generative-ai-with-user-data/

The troubled Shetland SaxaVord Spaceport project has been saved. The £30 million rescue package for the ex-RAF station in Unst was announced the day after a rapidly rolled-out new UK space strategy was presented by the government.

The Apprenticeship Levy has undergone its biggest overhaul since its introduction, with major changes taking effect from 1 August 2026. For Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the most significant development is the expansion of what levy funds can be used for under the new Growth and Skills Levy. This expansion comes alongside tighter funding rules, making planning more important than ever.

