Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

High-potential regions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will each receive at least £30m of investment from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. The £500m scheme is already unlocking opportunities across seven areas in England, delivering the growth at the heart of our Plan for Change. Local leaders across the UK can now target science and tech funding to bolster regional strengths, from AI to life sciences and beyond🔬 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/exyHhiEz

There’s been lots of discussion this week about the Online Safety Act, here are the facts 👇 https://lnkd.in/eatMpYS3

Understanding the different speeds of broadband can help you make informed decisions about your connectivity needs.   Gigabit-capable broadband offers download speeds of at least 1 Gbps - that's fast enough to download a 4GB HD movie in just 30 seconds, compared to 18 minutes with superfast broadband.⚡ Beyond speed, gigabit-capable broadband provides more stable connections, supports multiple devices simultaneously, and future-proofs homes and businesses for emerging technologies. This can be delivered through Full-Fibre directly to your premises, Fixed Wireless Access using 5G technology, or other network solutions. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ey3uz8VB

Bridging the digital divide, one device at a time 📱💻 The IT Reuse for Good charter is transforming how we tackle digital exclusion. With over 1.5 million people in the UK lacking access to basic devices like laptops and smartphones, businesses have a crucial role to play. Through our charter, companies like Deloitte, VodafoneThree, and BT Group are donating pre-loved tech that gets professionally refurbished and distributed to those who need it most through a charity partner, Good Things Foundation. For people like Ryan, a single father from Essex, receiving a donated laptop was life-changing: "This laptop isn't just a piece of equipment - it's a lifeline. I can actively search for jobs, attend online training, and build a better future." Donated devices not only reduce e-waste – they open doors to employment, education, and essential services for digitally excluded families. Is your business ready to make a difference? Sign up to the IT Reuse for Good charter on the GOV.UK website and help bridge the digital divide. https://lnkd.in/eBwaMZkA

AI alignment is about making sure AI systems act in ways that reflect human goals, values, and expectations. Partnerships like the Alignment Project will help coordinate research to make sure that AI works in our best interests. Read more: https://lnkd.in/es4-52Vj

As internet users, we all have a role in keeping children safe online. If you know a young person in the UK who is worried about their own sexual or nude images, direct them to Report Remove, a safe and confidential removal tool. The young person can receive support from the NSPCC’s Childline, while the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)’s team create a 'hash', or digital fingerprint, of the criminal image, that is then used to track and remove any uploads of the same image.   Find out more at childline.org.uk/remove

We talked to mums about the Online Safety Act 👇 Content creators Fleur Bell (Fleur De Force), Kelly Taylor (Kids and the commute) and Lou Beckett came to Westminster to hear from Tech Secretary Peter Kyle, and Online Safety Minister, Baroness Jones, about changes to the Online Safety Act. These changes will directly affect how children experience the internet, and help to protect them against being fed or able to access harmful content online. They shared their views and concerns as parents on keeping their children safe. Find out more about the Online Safety Act: https://lnkd.in/epxDdfVH

Major changes to the way children experience the internet are now in force 🛡️ Here are some of the big changes: 🔵 Platforms will need to block access to harmful content 🔵 Platforms will need to provide safer feeds and fewer toxic algorithms 🔵 Platforms will need faster action on harmful content 🔵 Platforms will need to provide clear and easy-to-use user support for reporting harmful content This means children should encounter significantly less harmful content online, and when they do see something inappropriate, there are now legal requirements for platforms to act fast and provide proper support. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/epxDdfVH

Tech Secretary Peter Kyle visited Beauchamp College in Leicester to hear directly from parents about their concerns around online safety and discuss how the Children's Safety Duties will make a real difference. He also got the chance to see some of the work Childnet are doing to promote healthy online habits to students, as well as hear about their experiences online. The Children's Safety Duties coming into force this summer will help parents have the tools and confidence to know their children are being protected online, but still able to benefit from all the positive aspects of the digital world.

What does a virtual concert look and feel like? 🎵 MSquared streamed an orchestral concert where participants joined as avatars to listen to soundtracks from video games like God of War, Baldur’s Gate, and Fortnite. This was part of the MAX-R project, a diverse consortium of partners from across the EU and the UK all funded by Horizon Europe. To find out if you’re eligible and apply for funding, visit the Horizon Europe hub: https://lnkd.in/dUNPN9D8