Past strategies to grow the economy have been denied time and funding to take root, writes IAN RITCHIE In launching the SNP manifesto, First Minister John Swinney, declared that ‘economic growth’ would be a central mission for a re-elected SNP government. He proposes a ‘high-growth unit’ to identify businesses that have the potential to achieve […]
Courts post a warning to social sites
Lawyers are forcing change on social media companies where governments have failed, writes IAN RITCHIE In the online world, things can often change very quickly. Back in February I wrote about governments around the world making moves to deny young people access to social media platforms. Australia had already implemented its outright ban and others, […]
AI’s risks are already being forgiven
Pressure to exploit artificial intelligence is defying attempts, even by its creators, to control it, says IAN RITCHIE The fourth Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit was held recently in India, following others in the UK, South Korea, and France, each one with a subtle change of title. The first, held at Bletchley Park in 2023, was […]
Don’t ban social media, just control it
Better regulation rather than banning orders is the way to tackle harmful content, argues IAN RITCHIE The much-anticipated Australian social media ban finally took effect in December. Children under 16 are now banned from having accounts on ‘age-related’ social media platforms; providers can be fined up to A$50 million if they fail to make reasonable […]
China delivers the true meaning of growth
Promises to build homes and infrastructure in the UK are dwarfed by China’s rapid rate of expansion, writes IAN RITCHIE Sir Keir Starmer is planning his first visit to China later this month and it will surely be a very sobering experience for him. Far from being the poor, developing nation of 40 years ago, […]