After an Ofcom investigation that found BT didn’t give clear and simple information to customers who signed up to deal with its subsidiaries EE and Plusnet, BT has been told it must refund early exit fees and let existing affected customers walk away penalty-free.

What Happened? 

Under new consumer protection rules, known as ‘General Conditions’ (GCs), that came into force in June 2022, phone and broadband companies, of which BT is both, must give consumers and small businesses the details of a contract, as well as a summary of its key terms, before they sign up. These details must include the price, the length of the contract, the speed of the service, and any early exit fees.

UK Telecoms regulator, Ofcom, says that it opened an investigation into BT after it received information that two of BT’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, EE and Plusnet, may not have been providing the required documents to some customers.

The Findings 

Ofcom says its investigation revealed that since the introduction of the new rules on 17 June 2022, EE and Plusnet made more than 1.3 million sales without providing customers with the required contract summary and information documents. Ofcom found evidence that 1.1 million customers were affected by this between 26 June and 30 September 2023, i.e. they were not given contract information before they signed up as is required under the new rules.

Other key findings by Ofcom were that:

– Despite telling Ofcom in February 2022 that it was confident the deadline to meet the new rules would be met, evidence showed that BT knew as early as January 2022 that some of its sales channels would not meet the deadline.

– In some cases, BT deliberately chose not to comply with the rules on time.

– Ofcom says that whereas other providers dedicated the resources required to meet the implementation deadline for the new rules, BT may have saved costs by not doing so.

– Some sales channels are still non-compliant, and BT is still not providing the required information at the right time to some customers.

The Outcome 

The outcome of Ofcom’s findings in this case are that:

– Ofcom has issued a £2.8 million fine to BT, although this includes a 30 per cent discount as a result of BT’s admission of liability and its completion of Ofcom’s settlement process.

– The 1.1 million customers affected have been given the opportunity to request the information and/or cancel their contract without charge.

– For those customers who left BT before the end of their contract and were charged an early exit fee, BT must refund those early exit fees, and let existing affected customers walk away penalty-free.

Other Action 

Other actions that BT has been instructed to take by Ofcom in relation to this case include:

– Identifying and refunding any affected customers who may have been charged for leaving before the end of their contract period, within five months of Ofcom’s decision.

– Within three months, contacting the remaining affected customers who are still with BT and have not already been contacted, to offer them their contract information and/or the right to cancel their contract without charge.

– Amending remaining sales processes that are still non-compliant within three months of Ofcom’s decision.

Unacceptable 

Ofcom’s Enforcement Director, Ian Strawhorne, said: “When we strengthened our rules to make it easier for consumers to compare deals, we gave providers a strict timeline by which to implement them. It’s unacceptable that BT couldn’t get its act together in time, and the company must now pay a penalty for its failings.”  

Also, Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy for consumer organisation ‘Which?’ said: “It’s absolutely right that Ofcom is fining BT for not providing EE and Plusnet customers with clear contract information before they signed up – as some people will have been hit with pricey exit fees they never should have faced.” 

What Does BT Say? 

BT has been reported as saying that it is sorry, will “implement the remedial actions” required by Ofcom and has “taken steps to proactively contact affected customers and arrange for them to receive the information and be refunded where applicable.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

Ofcom’s ruling against BT is a reminder to telecoms companies and service providers about the importance of compliance with the latest regulatory requirements. For BT, this incident highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in customer communications, especially in a competitive market where trust is paramount. The £2.8 million fine (which some commentators say should have been higher) and the mandated refunds are examples of the financial and reputational risks associated with non-compliance.

For other providers, this case is a cautionary tale that emphasises the need to adhere to consumer protection rules and the potential consequences of failing to do so. It also shows that companies that decide to push boundaries in their marketing campaigns must think more carefully about these strategies, ensuring that their promotional activities do not leave customers in the dark about what they are signing up for. In an industry where bundling services into complex contracts is common, maintaining clarity and simplicity within customer interactions is still essential to avoid regulatory scrutiny and potential penalties.

For customers, this case may see them benefit (a little) from increased regulatory oversight and assurances that providers must comply with clear guidelines, thereby helping them make more informed decisions about their service contracts. Also, the knowledge that you can exit contracts without penalty in cases of non-compliance should be reassuring and help consumers from being unfairly trapped in agreements they did not fully understand.

A new partnership means that Truecaller’s AI Assistant can use Microsoft Azure AI Speech technology to enable Truecaller to answer your phone (via the Truecaller app) using an authentic AI version of your voice.

Truecaller 

Truecaller is a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, that offers caller identification, call blocking, and spam filtering services. It also provides features like call recording, chat, and contact management. Truecaller is based in Stockholm and was founded in 2009 and is now believed to have over 383 million users globally.

Microsoft’s Speech Technology – Answers In Your Voice 

The Microsoft Azure AI Speech technology (that as part of the new partnership enables Truecaller to answer the phone using an AI version of the user’s voice) is Microsoft’s ‘Personal Voice’. Launched in November 2023 and updating the existing ‘Custom neural voice’, the new ‘Personal Voice’ feature means that paid users of Truecaller’s Assistant (AI) “can get AI replicating their voice in a few seconds by providing a 1-minute speech sample as the audio prompt, and then use it to generate speech in any of the 100 languages supported”. 

Integrated With The Truecaller Assistant – How It Works 

Microsoft describes how ‘Personal Voice’ works when integrated with Truecaller’s Assistant, saying: “The Truecaller Assistant answers users’ calls and asks questions for the users, detecting spam and letting the users know if the call is worth answering.” 

Truecaller’s Product Director & General Manager, Raphael Mimoun, explains that “The personal voice feature allows our users to use their own voice, enabling the digital assistant to sound just like them when handling incoming calls.”

Why? 

Truecaller says being able to use an AI version of the user’s voice “adds a touch of familiarity and comfort for the user”, and Microsoft says it “provides a fully personalised voice experience” and it will “will revolutionise the way our users manage their calls and elevate their overall experience with Truecaller Assistant”. 

Limitations 

It’s been reported that although Truecaller’s Assistant usually gives the option to edit the introductory greeting template for callers, this option will be restricted if users opt for their personal voice instead of a system-generated one. That said, it’s understood that follow-up responses can be customised, based on user preferences.

Introduced in China Too 

Microsoft’s Personal Voice feature was developed with Haier, a leading IoT Smart Living brand in China, and the new Personal Voice feature has now been added to Haier’s service so that its users can create AI versions of their family’s voices to control and use home appliances via intelligent speakers.

Truecaller – More In Future 

Truecaller has indicated that it intends to work with Microsoft in future to enhance its products with AI. For example, Truecaller’s Raphael Mimoun said: “We look forward to further exploring the potential of AI-powered voice technologies in partnership with Microsoft and delivering even more innovative solutions to our global user base.”   

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The collaboration between Truecaller and Microsoft to integrate Azure AI Speech technology into Truecaller’s app can be seen as a significant advancement in AI-driven customer interaction tools. For Truecaller, this partnership enhances its service offering by leveraging cutting-edge AI to create a more personalised and seamless experience for users. The ability to replicate a user’s voice with AI not only adds a unique touch of familiarity but also sets Truecaller apart from its competitors in the call management and spam detection market. This innovation also aligns with Truecaller’s commitment towards continually improving its user experience and expanding its global reach.

For Microsoft, this partnership underscores the versatility and power of its Azure AI Speech technology. By enabling Truecaller to offer AI-generated voice capabilities, Microsoft showcases its ability to provide scalable, advanced AI solutions that can be integrated into various applications. This collaboration not only strengthens Microsoft’s position in the AI market but also opens up new avenues for the deployment of its technology across different industries and usage cases.

For businesses using Truecaller, the integration of AI-generated personal voices could transform how they manage incoming calls. For example, this technology allows for a more efficient and personalised customer interaction, potentially reducing the burden on customer service teams and improving the overall customer experience. By ensuring that calls are answered in a familiar voice, businesses can also maintain a personal touch, even when calls are handled by an AI. Also, the continued partnership between Truecaller and Microsoft hints at the possibility of even more sophisticated AI-driven features in the future, which could further streamline communication processes and enhance business operations.

Looking ahead, the potential for further AI integrations is vast. Businesses might see developments such as AI-driven analytics providing deeper insights into call patterns and customer behaviour, or enhanced automation features that could seamlessly integrate with other business systems. The ongoing advancements in AI technology promise to bring about more intelligent and adaptive solutions, helping businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. As Truecaller and Microsoft continue to innovate, businesses can look forward to leveraging these technologies to enhance efficiency, improve customer engagement, and drive growth.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (DMCC) which becomes law later this year (autumn) and is aimed at promoting fair competition, regulating digital markets, and protecting consumer rights in the UK, may mean that Apple will need to open up its business practices.

Similar to being a ‘gatekeeper’, for example, if the CMA’s Digital Markets Unit (DMU) decides Apple has a ‘Strategic Market Status’ (SMS) and decides that Apple has “substantial and entrenched market power” and a “position of strategic significance”, Apple may be forced to change its business practices to enhance competition and consumer choice.

This could involve measures like allowing third-party app stores, enabling app sideloading, unbundling WebKit from browsers, sharing data with competitors, and avoiding preferential treatment of its own services. However, some commentators have suggested that if strict regulations hurt Apple’s business, it could impact the 4.8 million jobs supported by the iOS app economy in the US and Europe.

A political consultant who paid a local street magician $150 to make a deepfake anti-Biden robocall, asking people not to vote in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, is now facing $6 million fine.

It’s been alleged that Steven Kramer, 54, of New Orleans, commissioned and paid for the bogus Biden AI deepfake voice call, used ID spoofing to hide the source, and hired a telemarketing firm to play fake recording to 5,000+ voters over the phone.

Mr Kramer now faces felony charges of voter suppression and misdemeanor impersonation of a candidate and faces the multi-million dollar fine from the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for the bogus call. This is likely to send a powerful message to those looking to misuse AI deepfakes in this year’s US presidential election.

Finish company Enifer is bringing back a protein made from fungus (a microprotein) that was first developed and used in the 1970s for animal feed but could now work as a sustainable protein source for the human diet.

Pekilo ® 

Enifer’s Pekilo ® microprotein was developed from fungus in the 70s and used for fifteen years in farming as fodder before being forgotten after the general biorefining focus at the time shifted to waste-water treatment, and the engineering company that developed it also went bankrupt.

Fast forward to 2020 and thanks to the memory of one of the original R&D workers, and the rediscovery of an R&D project, startup Enifer was formed out of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland with five co-founders, Simo Ellilä being the CEO.

Factory Funding 

Enifer has now secured €33 million of Series B funding for the world’s first commercial factory to produce the mycoprotein ingredient from the food industry side stream raw materials at Kirkkonummi, Finland.

What Is Pekilo® And What’s So Good About It? 

Pekilo® is a single-cell protein (SCP) produced through a fermentation process using the biomass of fungi. It is produced from industrial side streams (i.e. waste products from other industries) such as lactose from the dairy industry and lignocellulosic hydrolysates (by-products of processes such as wood and paper production).

Pekilo® has many advantages, such as:

– It offers sustainable production. Being produced from industrial side streams means it’s a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of protein. For example, the process utilises waste materials, reducing overall waste and promoting circular economy principles.

– Pekilo® has a high protein content, typically ranging between 60-70 per cent. This makes it an excellent source of protein for both human consumption or animal feed. Enifer says, for example, it’s “an ideal drop-in ingredient for aquafeed, pet food, and food production”. 

– In addition to the high protein content, Pekilo® also has a generally high nutritional value. For example, it contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals necessary for animal growth and health, which is why it is a comprehensive dietary supplement/drop-in ingredient.

– Pekilo® has a lower environmental impact compared twith traditional protein sources like soy or fishmeal. It also requires less land and water and generates lower greenhouse gas emissions.

– The product can be manufactured to have consistent quality in terms of protein content and nutritional profile, which is crucial for feed formulation and ensures reliable nutrition for livestock.

– The fermentation process for producing Pekilo® is relatively fast, meaning this can facilitate rapid production and scalability. This can meet the growing world demand for protein in a sustainable manner.

– It’s antibiotic-free, which means a reduced risk of antibiotic resistance and a cleaner product for animal feed.

– Pekilo® is economically viable because it utilises industrial by-products for its production. This can lower feed costs, enhance economic viability for producers, and make it an attractive alternative to conventional protein sources.

– The fact that it can be used in various feed applications, including aquaculture, poultry, and pigs, makes it a very versatile and flexible component in animal nutrition.

– Pekilo® has long shelf life due to its drying process, which removes moisture and prevents spoilage. Proper packaging and storage in cool, dry conditions further preserve its nutritional value, making it a reliable and stable feed ingredient over extended periods.

– Its neutral flavour (the food grade version) means it’s suitable for a wide range of human foods, Savoury or sweet. Although currently the feed-grade version apparently has a distinctive taste, Enifer is working on making the flavour more neutral. This means it will be more versatile in feed formulations, more acceptable to various animal species and will ensure better feed intake.

Regulatory Clearance Needed First 

Although the product sounds very promising, the food-grade human version will first need to get regulatory clearance as a novel food before being added to any foods for human consumption. It’s understood that Enifer has so far applied to regulators in the EU, with plans to target Singapore and the US next.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The introduction of Enifer’s Pekilo® could be a significant advancement in sustainable protein production. For example, it could offer substantial benefits for UK businesses looking to align with environmental goals and meet growing global protein demand. Using industrial side streams to produce this microprotein not only reduces waste but also promotes a circular economy, making it an eco-friendly choice that could revolutionise the protein industry.

For companies in the food and feed sectors, Pekilo® offers a high-protein, nutritionally rich ingredient that can enhance the quality of animal feed while significantly lowering the environmental impact compared to traditional protein sources like soy and fishmeal. Its consistent quality and rapid production capabilities mean it could reliably meet the increasing demand for protein in a scalable and sustainable manner.

Also, Pekilo®’s long shelf life and neutral flavour mean it could be a versatile ingredient for various applications, including aquaculture, poultry, pig food, and potentially human foods. As consumer awareness and demand for sustainable and plant-based proteins grow, incorporating Pekilo® into product lines could help food businesses to position themselves at the forefront of this market shift. It could also help facilitate the transition towards more plant-based diets, thereby reducing reliance on meat and the associated environmental footprint.

Although regulatory clearance is still required for human consumption, the prospects for Pekilo® seem promising. As Enifer progresses through the necessary approvals, early adoption and integration of this sustainable protein source may offer a competitive edge. Businesses that embrace Pekilo® may not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also appeal to a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers, ultimately driving long-term growth and success in a rapidly evolving market.

By integrating Pekilo® into business operations, food-based businesses may not only investing in a sustainable future but may also help address the urgent need for environmentally friendly protein alternatives. In addition to enhancing a brand’s reputation, incorporating this or similar ingredients could be a way for food businesses to meet consumer demand for sustainable products, and play a crucial role in the global shift towards a more sustainable food system.

This video-update looks at how you can invite ChatGPT to a Zoom meeting. In this case, it talks about LinkedIn …

Dynamic Lock uses the proximity of your Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically lock your Windows PC when you step away. This helps enhance security by ensuring your device is locked when you’re not around. Here’s how to set it up:

– Pair your Bluetooth-enabled phone with your PC.

– Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

– Scroll down to the Dynamic lock section and check the box for Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.

– Windows will use the signal strength of your paired phone to determine when to lock your PC, adding an extra layer of security.

It’s been reported in Chinese state media that Microsoft has asked at least 100 employees to consider relocating to other countries.

Why? 

It’s been reported that Microsoft has asked hundreds of its China-based employees, particularly those involved in cloud computing and AI, to consider relocating to other countries. It’s thought that this decision was prompted by escalating tensions between the United States and China, e.g. over technological advancements and trade issues, such as AI and semiconductors. Differing reports put the number that have been given the option to relocate between approximately 100 and 800 employees (mainly Chinese nationals). It’s also been reported that the employees only have less than one month to decide.

However, Microsoft appears keen to emphasise that offering internal transfer opportunities to employees is part of its standard global business management practice and is a regular part of managing its global operations.

Why Is This Move Potentially Significant? 

Bearing in mind the backdrop of increasing tensions between the United States and China, the relocation offers and the relatively short decision-making window for those affected could be seen by some as an indication that the company is planning to reduce its dependency on China. In doing so, it may be a way for Microsoft to mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical instability and trade conflicts, thereby helping it to maintain smooth operations and protect itself from any risks to its intellectual property, e.g. from potential regulatory challenges in China. Microsoft has reportedly said, however, that it remains committed to its presence in China

Where? 

Reports indicate that Microsoft has suggested the United States, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand as countries the employees have the option to re-locate to.

New Tariffs Announced

The trade conflicts and tech war between the US and China that may be behind Microsoft’s employee relocation ideas don’t look like lessening any time soon. For example, the Biden administration has just imposed tariffs on around $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles (EVs) and various other products in a measure to shield US industries from being undercut by cheaper Chinese imports, which are often subsidised by the Chinese government.

Also, last October, the Biden administration restricted the sale of certain semiconductors to China to limit China’s access to advanced technology critical for both commercial and military applications, thereby maintaining the US’s technological superiority and addressing national security concerns.

These and other trade restrictions could all be viewed as part of the ongoing tech war between the US and China, characterised by escalating competition in high-tech sectors like AI, 5G, and semiconductor manufacturing with the US becoming increasingly wary of China’s rapid technological advancements and their implications for global power dynamics.

Cyber Attack Protection For UK Politicians 

Meanwhile, 2024 is a major global election year for at least 64 countries including the US, UK, India, and South Africa. Here in the UK, this being the general election year, together with the threat of how AI (deepfakes) and email-based threats could be abused by adversaries, The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC – part of the GCHQ) has announced that it’s to provide “Personal Internet Protection” to politicians and high-profile individuals at risk from attack. The Chinese State (the Chinese Communist Party) is very likely to be one of the key states that the UK’s NCSC is offering protection from, especially since back in March, a Chinese state hacking group targeted the email accounts of over 40 UK parliamentarians that had spoken out against China or were members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).

The type of protection to be offered as part of (opt-in) “Personal Internet Protection” will be alerting people if any malicious activity is detected on their email accounts or devices.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The decision by Microsoft to ask hundreds of its China-based employees, especially those in cloud computing and AI, to consider relocating to other countries is a notable development amidst rising US-China tensions. This move highlights the ongoing challenges multinational companies face in managing geopolitical risks. While Microsoft may frame these relocations as part of standard global business management, the context suggests a strategic shift aimed at reducing dependency on China and mitigating risks related to intellectual property and regulatory hurdles.

For UK businesses, the escalating trade and tech war between the US and China could have significant repercussions. Actions like the imposition of a new raft of tariffs on Chinese imports, restrictions on semiconductor sales to China, plus an economic decoupling between the US and China, are reshaping global supply chains and impacting multinational companies. For UK businesses, this decoupling could mean disruptions in supply chains and increased costs if they rely on components or products from China or the US. Also, as the tech war intensifies, UK companies may need to navigate a more fragmented global market, with different standards and regulations across regions.

The strategic shifts by companies like Microsoft, combined with the broader geopolitical landscape, underscore the need for UK businesses to diversify their supply chains and remain agile. Understanding and preparing for potential regulatory changes and trade barriers will be crucial. Additionally, businesses should monitor developments closely and consider the implications of these geopolitical tensions on their operations and strategic planning.

Broadly speaking, the US-China tech war and associated economic decoupling (of which Microsoft’s latest move may be a symptom) present both challenges and opportunities for UK businesses. By staying informed and proactive, UK businesses can better navigate this complex environment, ensuring resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly divided global economy.

As for UK politics, it remains to be seen how effective “Personal Internet Protection” will be against determined state-sponsored hackers with huge resources at their disposal, especially if it’s simply an opt-in protection scheme.

With Raspberry Pi Ltd considering an Initial Public Offering, we look at what this kind of computer is, its value in promoting computer literacy, and what similar alternatives there are.

Raspberry Pi 

Raspberry Pi, the most well-known Pi, is a series of small, affordable, single-board computers (SBCs) developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom. It is a leader in low-cost, high-performance computing that has now been around for some time. For example, the first Raspberry Pi was introduced on 29 February 2012 and several models featuring improvements in performance, memory, and connectivity options have been introduced since then. The different models cater to a variety of user needs, from the basic Model A and A+ to the more advanced Model B and B+ series, and the high-performance Raspberry Pi 4.

Who Is It For? 

The primary goal of the Raspberry Pi project is to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools and developing countries. Also, as Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi points out, it was designed to be “affordable enough for young people to own and explore with confidence”. 

Raspberry Pi is actually a subsidiary of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which is a UK charity (founded in 2008), with the goal of promoting interest in computer science among young people.

Large Community 

Raspberry Pi products (which are available in over 70 countries) actually enjoy a great deal of community support as they are backed by a large, active community of users and developers who share projects, tutorials, and software, facilitating learning and problem-solving.

Markets

Raspberry Pi says its products are actually sold in three principal markets: the Industrial and Embedded market, which in 2023 accounted for 72 per cent of unit sales, the Enthusiast and Education market, which in 2023 accounted for 28 per cent of unit sales, and the semiconductor market, which Raspberry Pi entered in early 2021 with the launch of its first semiconductor product ( the RP2040 microcontroller).

Raspberry Pi Vs Traditional Computers – What Are The Differences?

The main differences between a Raspberry Pi and other traditional desktop and laptop computers are:

– Size and form. They are significantly smaller (often credit card-sized), making them ideal for space-limited projects.

– It’s much more affordable – ranging from £4 to £35, making it accessible to students and hobbyists.

– The difference in hardware. For example, it comes as a bare circuit board, requiring users to connect their own peripherals like keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

– The operating system. It typically runs a Linux-based OS, with Raspberry Pi OS being the most common, unlike the Windows or macOS on traditional computers.

– The GPIO pins, i.e. it features General-Purpose Input/Output pins for connecting and controlling external hardware like sensors and motors, ideal for DIY projects and hardware programming.

– Much lower power consumption, making it suitable for always-on or power-sensitive projects.

– Community and resources. As mentioned above, it’s supported by a large, active community.

Why Is It In The News? 

Raspberry Pi Ltd is in the news at the moment because it is considering an Initial Public Offering – it has announced its expected intention to float on the London Stock Exchange. Raspberry Pi has a strong track record of revenue growth and profitability and for the year ended 31 December 2023, revenues were $265.8 million. Although a valuation for the company hasn’t been officially announced, it’s been rumoured that £300 million+ doesn’t seem too unlikely.

Also, Raspberry Pi has made the news recently because:

– It has unveiled several new products, such as an AI camera kit featuring a 12MP Sony IMX500 sensor, a new 15.6-inch monitor with HDMI connectivity, and the long-awaited M.2 HAT for fast NVMe storage on the Raspberry Pi 5.

– The Raspberry Pi Foundation has significantly increased production of Raspberry Pi 5 units, with the goal of manufacturing up to 90,000 boards per week.

– A new Compute Module 5 (CM5) looks likely to launch soon.

Alternatives

Raspberry Pi is, however, not the only single-board computer or microcontroller out there, and these alternatives are typically aimed at (and used by) a variety of audiences, each with different applications in mind. Here are a few of the most popular SBC alternatives to Raspberry Pi:

– Arduino. While not a direct competitor, Arduino boards are widely used in electronics projects and prototyping. Unlike the Raspberry Pi, Arduino is a microcontroller rather than a full computer. Models include the Arduino Uno, Arduino Mega, and Arduino Nano.

– BeagleBone. BeagleBone boards are powerful single-board computers similar to the Raspberry Pi but often offer more I/O options and are used for more advanced projects. Models include the BeagleBone Black, and BeagleBone Green.

– Odroid. These boards are known for their high performance and are suitable for applications requiring more computing power. Popular models include the Odroid XU4, Odroid C2, and the Odroid N2+.

– Banana Pi. These boards are similar to Raspberry Pi in form factor and functionality but often come with additional features like more RAM or better network connectivity. Models include the Banana Pi M4, and Banana Pi M2 Zero.

– Rock Pi boards offer high performance and are compatible with a range of operating systems, including Linux and Android. Popular models include the Rock Pi 4, and Rock Pi X.

– NanoPi. These boards are compact and affordable, catering to various applications from simple projects to more complex IoT solutions. Models include the NanoPi M4, and NanoPi Neo4.

– Orange Pi. These boards are regarded as being versatile and budget-friendly and can be used for a range of applications similar to the Raspberry Pi. Popular models include the Orange Pi Zero, and Orange Pi PC.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The advancements in single-board computers (SBCs) like Raspberry Pi, along with similar devices (e.g. Orange Pi, Arduino, BeagleBone, and Odroid) are transforming the landscape for UK businesses across various sectors. These versatile and affordable tools offer significant value to different user groups, driving innovation and efficiency in multiple domains.

For educational institutions, for example, these devices provide an excellent platform for teaching computer science and STEM subjects. By incorporating SBCs into the curriculum, schools and universities can offer hands-on learning experiences that enhance students’ technical skills and creativity. This not only prepares students for future careers in technology but also fosters a culture of innovation from a young age.

In the realm of development and engineering, businesses can leverage the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of SBCs for rapid prototyping and product development. Whether it’s a startup developing new IoT solutions or an established company refining its automation processes, these devices enable quick iterations and testing at a fraction of the cost of traditional development platforms. The extensive community support and resources available for these devices further facilitate innovation and problem-solving.

Industrial applications also benefit significantly from the deployment of SBCs. For example, the robustness and adaptability of these devices make them ideal for creating custom automation systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing costs. Businesses can implement tailored solutions for monitoring, control, and data analysis, improving productivity and decision-making processes.

The potential flotation of Raspberry Pi and the growth of its competitors like Arduino and BeagleBone could bring significant changes to the market. Increased capital from public offerings would enable these companies to accelerate their innovation cycles, enhance their product offerings, and expand their market reach. This competitive environment could lead to more advanced, cost-effective solutions, benefiting consumers and businesses alike.

For businesses considering the adoption of SBCs, the stability and growth prospects of these companies are likely to mean continued support and development for their platforms. This assurance can encourage more extensive integration of these devices into business operations, knowing that they are backed by financially robust and innovative companies. Moreover, the diverse ecosystem of SBCs ensures that businesses can choose the most suitable device for their specific needs, whether it’s for educational purposes, development, or industrial applications.

It’s been reported that an employee at London-based design and engineering multinational, Arup, was duped by a deepfake video call into paying a staggering $25.6 million to fraudsters.

What Happened? 

According to reports published on CNN, back in January, a finance employee in Arup’s Hong Kong office received what they suspected was a phishing email, purporting to be from the company’s UK office, because it requested a secret transaction.

The employee then reportedly took part in a video call with people who looked and sounded like senior staff members (including the CFO) but who were in fact deepfakes! It’s been reported that this deepfake video call led to the employee putting aside previous doubts and subsequently agreeing to transfer 200 million Hong Kong dollars / $25.6 million via 15 separate transactions.

The fraud was reportedly only discovered following the employee making an official inquiry with the company’s headquarters, which resulted in a police investigation.

Confirmed 

A spokesperson from Arup (the company behind world-famous buildings such as Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House and the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing) has been reported as saying that whilst they can’t go into details, they “can confirm that fake voices and images were used”.

Financial Stability Not Affected 

Despite $25 million going astray and the initial suspected phishing email, Arup’s reported email statement said: “Our financial stability and business operations were not affected and none of our internal systems were compromised.” 

Many Deepfake Scams 

There have been many high-profile and large-scale deepfake scams in recent years, including:

– In 2023, a deepfake video scam of consumer champion Martin Lewis was circulated on social media to trick people into investing in something called ‘Quantum AI’ (an app) which scammers claimed was Elon Musk’s new project.

– In 2022, the chief communications officer at the world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance, claimed that a deepfake AI hologram of him (made from video footage of interviews and TV appearances) had been used on a Zoom call to scam another business, leading to significant financial losses.

– In 2020, a branch manager of a Japanese company in Hong Kong received an AI deepfake call that sounded like the Director, but was actually from fraudsters. The call used an AI to mimic the CEO’s voice to instruct a bank manager to engage with a fictional lawyer, which then led to the authorisation and transfer of $35 million to fraudulent accounts.

– In 2019, an energy company in the UK was defrauded of €220,000 ($243,000) through a deepfake audio scam. The fraudsters used AI-generated voice technology to impersonate the CEO of the firm’s parent company, instructing a senior executive to transfer funds to a Hungarian supplier.

More Sophisticated Attacks 

Following the recent scamming of Arup, Rob Greig (Arup’s global chief information officer) has been reported as saying : “Like many other businesses around the globe, our operations are subject to regular attacks, including invoice fraud, phishing scams, WhatsApp voice spoofing, and deepfakes.” He noted that “the number and sophistication of these attacks has been rising sharply in recent months”. 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

This massive $25 million deepfake scam involving Arup is a reminder of the growing sophistication and severity of digital fraud. Sadly, this incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader trend of increasingly advanced scams leveraging AI. The rapid advancements in AI technology and its wide availability have made it easier for fraudsters to create highly convincing deepfake videos and audio, posing significant risks to businesses of all sizes.

For UK businesses, this incident is a reminder of the urgent need to enhance security measures and verification processes. Traditional methods of authentication, such as emails and video calls, can no longer be solely relied upon. Instead, businesses may want to adopt multi-layered security strategies that include advanced AI-based detection tools, biometric verification, and identity verification protocols. Regular training and awareness programmes for employees may also now be essential to help them recognise and respond to potential threats.

This incident also highlights the critical role of law enforcement and regulatory bodies in combating digital fraud. Enhanced cooperation and information sharing between businesses, cybersecurity experts, and law enforcement agencies are vital to staying ahead of these sophisticated attacks. Implementing stricter regulations on the use and dissemination of AI technology and ensuring that companies have access to the latest detection and prevention tools will be crucial steps in this battle.

The Arup scam demonstrates that even technologically savvy industries are not immune to the threats posed by deepfakes.