Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, Bennett said the initiative was launched during his premiership between 2021 and 2022 and involved efforts to acquire and secretly transfer tens of thousands of Starlink terminals into Iran.

Bennett said the objective was to provide protesters with an alternative communications network capable of functioning during government-imposed internet blackouts and to strengthen opposition movements challenging Iran’s ruling establishment.

“I initiated a process of acquiring and smuggling into Iran tens of thousands of Starlink receptors that would allow continuity of the Internet and social networks,” Bennett said.

Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by the U.S. aerospace company SpaceX, provides broadband connectivity through a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. The service is not officially licensed in Iran, although SpaceX founder Elon Musk has previously stated that Starlink services are active within the country.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused Israel and the United States of facilitating unauthorized satellite internet access to undermine national security and support dissent.

Bennett said the operation was intended to create a communications infrastructure that could be used during periods of civil unrest. He criticized the current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for failing to continue the initiative after he left office.

“Unfortunately, the current incompetent Israeli government stopped doing that,” Bennett said. “And when the protest happened, that infrastructure was not there.”

Netanyahu’s office did not immediately comment on Bennett’s remarks. SpaceX was not immediately available for comment outside normal U.S. business hours.

Iran has periodically restricted internet access during episodes of political unrest and security crises. Authorities imposed extensive communications restrictions during nationwide protests earlier this year and throughout the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States that began in February.

Satellite-based communication systems have become increasingly important for activists and civilians in regions where governments restrict access to digital networks. Previous reports indicated that some Iranians relied on Starlink connectivity during internet shutdowns.

Bennett, who leads a right-wing political party and is considered a potential challenger to Netanyahu in Israel’s next national election, also outlined a broader strategy for confronting Iran if he returns to office.

He said Israel should continue efforts to weaken the Iranian government through measures including economic pressure, industrial disruption and other forms of non-military action aimed at undermining Tehran’s capabilities and influence.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following months of military confrontation, diplomatic negotiations and regional security concerns that have reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics.

State-owned Syria Telecom said services had returned to normal through the Tartus-Alexandria fiber-optic cable connecting the Syrian port city of Tartus with Alexandria on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

The restoration came two days after the company announced that the cable had been subjected to an “act of sabotage,” an incident that affected internet connectivity across several parts of the country and forced network operators to activate emergency contingency measures.

According to Syria Telecom, internet traffic was temporarily rerouted through alternative infrastructure, including the Ugarit Cable System, a 239-kilometer submarine connection linking Tartus with Pentaskhinos in Cyprus.

Authorities also relied on another communications route passing through Turkiye, which has been used by telecommunications provider CereTel to deliver internet services to users in Aleppo since the beginning of June.

Syria Telecom characterized the incident as part of a broader “systematic sabotage campaign” aimed at undermining critical national infrastructure, although officials did not provide details regarding the perpetrators or the precise nature of the damage.

The disruption highlighted the vulnerability of Syria’s telecommunications network as the country continues rebuilding after more than a decade of conflict that severely damaged public infrastructure and essential services.

Thirteen years of civil war have left significant portions of Syria’s banking, energy, transportation, aviation and water sectors weakened, creating substantial challenges for reconstruction efforts and economic recovery.

Digital connectivity remains a major obstacle. According to World Bank Group data, approximately 66 percent of Syria’s population still lacks internet access, placing the country among the least connected societies in the region.

In recent months, Syrian authorities have sought to modernize parts of the economy and financial system. Last year, the country introduced contactless payment technologies, marking a significant step toward reintegration with international digital and financial networks after years of isolation.

The latest disruption underscored the growing importance of undersea cable infrastructure to Syria’s communications network and the broader risks posed by attacks or technical failures affecting strategic telecommunications links in the eastern Mediterranean.

Syria Telecom said internet services were operating normally following the restoration of traffic through the Tartus-Alexandria connection.

The three-day event, organized by the Space Industry Association of India, brought together around 600 participants from more than 20 countries and is among the region’s largest space sector gatherings.

Discussions at the congress cover satellite communications, direct-to-device connectivity, Earth observation, geospatial intelligence, launch systems, in-orbit services, navigation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space sustainability and manufacturing.

Industry representatives said the event aims to strengthen collaboration between government, private companies and international partners as India develops its space capabilities.The congress also highlights the growing role of private companies after India opened the space sector to wider private participation in 2020, allowing firms to build and operate satellites and provide launch services.

Space Industry Association representatives said the changing environment has allowed private companies to move beyond traditional supplier roles and become independent participants in the sector.

India’s space economy is aiming to expand to $44 billion by 2033, with startups increasingly contributing to satellite technology, communications and space-based services.Participants said the event provides startups with opportunities to connect with investors, partners and the wider space ecosystem.

Companies including VyomIC, which is developing a private low-Earth orbit positioning, navigation and timing satellite constellation, said the congress helps build cooperation within the industry.Other startups such as ULOOK, focused on space-based radio-frequency intelligence, said the platform allows them to showcase technology and establish new partnerships.

The congress is also being used to explore international cooperation, including potential collaborations with countries in the Middle East in satellite manufacturing, launches and space education.

The proposed legislation would also establish a new digital regulator responsible for setting safety standards for artificial intelligence chatbots and other online services, according to a government official familiar with the measure.

The bill was introduced in Parliament by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government as policymakers in several countries intensify efforts to address concerns about the impact of social media and AI technologies on children and young people.

If enacted, the legislation would place Canada among a growing group of nations pursuing stricter digital protections for minors. Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for users under 16 in December, while France, Denmark and Poland are considering similar restrictions. Greece has also announced plans to prohibit social media access for children under 15 beginning in January 2027.

Canadian officials said implementation would not be immediate. They estimated the legislation could require up to a year to pass through Parliament, followed by approximately 18 months to establish and operationalize the proposed regulator.

The legislation arrives amid increasing scrutiny of technology companies and artificial intelligence platforms. Its introduction follows legal action filed by families affected by one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings, who alleged that OpenAI failed to alert authorities despite indications that the suspected attacker had discussed plans for violence through ChatGPT.

The lawsuit has intensified debate in Canada over the responsibilities of AI developers and digital platforms in identifying and responding to potential threats.
Government officials said the new regulatory framework would focus on creating enforceable safety standards for emerging technologies while strengthening protections for minors online.

The proposal faces a legislative timetable complicated by Parliament’s approaching summer recess. Although Carney’s government holds a majority, officials acknowledged that the bill’s passage and subsequent implementation could take several years.

The measure reflects a broader international shift toward tighter regulation of social media platforms and AI systems as governments seek to balance technological innovation with concerns over online safety, youth mental health and digital accountability. :

The inquiry, initiated by Microsoft’s US headquarters, followed a joint investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call that reported Israeli intelligence Unit 8200 used Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to collect, store and analyze intercepted phone conversations involving Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

According to the reports, Microsoft’s internal review concluded that the Israeli military had violated the company’s terms of service through the use of Azure technology for surveillance operations.

The investigation also found that employees within Microsoft’s Israeli subsidiary had not fully disclosed the nature of the military’s activities to senior executives in the United States.

Haimovich played a central role in developing ties between Microsoft and Israeli defense authorities, according to The Guardian. The newspaper reported that he attended a 2021 meeting between Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella and the then-head of Unit 8200, one of Israel’s most prominent military intelligence divisions.

The report said Haimovich later supervised the relationship that enabled Unit 8200 to establish a large operational network within the Azure system, allowing intelligence personnel to process and review millions of intercepted calls.

Israeli financial newspaper Globes reported that Haimovich was questioned by Microsoft’s investigative team, which included lawyers from US law firm Covington & Burling, during a visit to the company’s offices near Tel Aviv.

Following the investigation, Unit 8200 reportedly lost access to Azure services and related artificial intelligence tools provided through the platform.
Haimovich did not publicly comment on the investigation.

However, in an internal email cited by The Guardian announcing his departure, he said he had helped transform Israel into “one of Microsoft’s fastest-growing markets worldwide.”

Microsoft had previously indicated that senior leadership was unaware that Azure infrastructure was being used to store intercepted Palestinian communications.

Last year, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said the company did not supply technology intended to facilitate “mass surveillance of civilians.”

The revelations add to increasing scrutiny faced by major technology companies over the use of cloud computing and artificial intelligence tools by governments and military agencies in conflict zones.

The 40-year-old suspect is alleged to have headed a hacking organization operating from overseas bases, including Thailand, that targeted websites of low-cost mobile carriers and other companies between August 2023 and April 2025, according to a statement from South Korea’s Justice Ministry.

The suspect was arrested in Bangkok during an Interpol-coordinated operation and transferred to South Korea through cooperation between Thai authorities and Seoul’s National Police Agency. He arrived at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday, officials said.

Investigators allege the group used illegally acquired personal data to infiltrate financial and cryptocurrency accounts before making unauthorized withdrawals from victims.

South Korean media reports said the alleged victims included celebrities, senior business executives and startup founders. Jungkook, a member of global K-pop group BTS, was among those reportedly targeted.

According to the Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper, Jungkook’s securities account identity was allegedly compromised and shares in HYBE valued at 8.4 billion won ($5.6 million) were transferred without authorization.

The report said the singer avoided financial losses after payment suspension measures were implemented immediately.

South Korean authorities said an alleged accomplice, a 36-year-old Chinese national arrested in Thailand in May 2025, had already been extradited to South Korea in August last year and was indicted the following month. Court proceedings against him remain ongoing.

South Korean prosecutors and investigators traveled to Thailand in July 2025 for meetings with Thai police and prosecutors as part of the cross-border investigation, according to officials.

The case highlights growing regional cooperation among Asian law enforcement agencies against cybercrime networks that increasingly operate across jurisdictions and target digital financial systems, cryptocurrency holdings and personal data infrastructures.

The meeting, attended by senior administration officials including Scott Bessent and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, comes as policymakers and industry leaders assess the implications of Anthropic’s latest AI model, Mythos, which has raised concerns about its potential to accelerate sophisticated cyberattacks.

In a statement, the White House described the talks as “productive and constructive,” saying both sides discussed collaboration frameworks and shared protocols to address risks associated with scaling advanced AI systems. It added that further engagements with other leading AI firms were planned.

Anthropic said the meeting focused on joint priorities including cybersecurity, maintaining U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence, and strengthening safety standards. The dialogue marks the first high-level engagement between the two sides since tensions escalated over national security concerns tied to the company’s technology.

The Mythos model, unveiled earlier this month, is being rolled out to a limited number of organizations under a controlled program known as Project Glasswing. The initiative allows selected users to test the system’s capabilities in identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Anthropic has described Mythos as its most advanced model for coding and autonomous task execution.Experts warn that such capabilities could be dual-use, enabling both defensive cybersecurity applications and the identification of exploitable weaknesses in digital infrastructure.

Financial institutions are viewed as particularly exposed due to their reliance on legacy systems integrated with modern technologies, creating complex vulnerability surfaces.Officials in the United States, Canada and Britain have held discussions with banking sector leaders to evaluate potential risks posed by advanced AI tools like Mythos, reflecting growing concern across critical sectors.

The renewed engagement follows a breakdown in relations earlier this year between the company and the Pentagon. The Defense Department imposed a supply-chain risk designation on Anthropic after the firm declined to modify safeguards preventing the use of its AI in autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance applications.

In response, the administration ordered federal agencies to halt use of Anthropic’s tools, and Donald Trump publicly criticized the company. Anthropic subsequently filed a lawsuit in March challenging the designation.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he was unaware of the meeting, underscoring the fragmented nature of the administration’s engagement with the AI sector as it seeks to balance innovation with national security concerns.

India’s rapid expansion of digital payment infrastructure is transforming the country’s informal economy, reshaping how small businesses operate and how individuals access financial services.

Driven by government-backed platforms and widespread smartphone adoption, the shift toward cashless transactions is accelerating financial inclusion while also introducing new regulatory and operational challenges.

At the center of this transformation is the National Payments Corporation of India, which operates the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a real-time payment system that has seen exponential growth in recent years. UPI allows users to transfer money instantly between bank accounts using mobile applications, eliminating the need for traditional banking intermediaries.

According to official data released by NPCI, monthly UPI transactions have surged into billions, reflecting widespread adoption across urban and rural areas. Small vendors, street hawkers, and local service providers traditionally reliant on cash are increasingly accepting digital payments through QR codes and mobile apps.

The shift has been particularly significant in the informal sector, which accounts for a substantial portion of India’s workforce. Digital payments are enabling businesses to maintain transaction records, access credit, and integrate into formal financial systems.

This transition is seen by policymakers as a step toward improving tax compliance and economic transparency.The Reserve Bank of India has played a key role in regulating and promoting digital payment systems.

Through policy measures aimed at enhancing security and interoperability, the central bank has sought to build trust among users while encouraging innovation within the fintech sector.Private technology companies have also been instrumental in driving adoption.

Platforms such as PhonePe and Google Pay have expanded their user base by offering simplified interfaces and incentives for digital transactions. These applications have effectively bridged the gap between banking infrastructure and everyday users.Despite the progress, challenges remain.

Cybersecurity concerns are growing as transaction volumes increase, with reports of fraud and data breaches highlighting vulnerabilities within the system. Regulators have responded by introducing stricter authentication protocols and awareness campaigns to educate users about safe practices.

Another concern is digital literacy. While smartphone penetration has increased significantly, a segment of the population remains unfamiliar with digital financial tools. This gap is particularly evident among older populations and in regions with limited internet connectivity.

Addressing this issue is critical to ensuring that the benefits of digital payments are distributed evenly.The expansion of digital payments is also influencing consumer behavior. With instant payment capabilities, spending patterns are becoming more fluid, and businesses are adapting by offering digital-only discounts and services.

Analysts note that this shift is contributing to the growth of e-commerce and online service platforms.From a macroeconomic perspective, the move toward digital transactions is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce the costs associated with cash handling.

It also provides policymakers with better data for economic analysis, enabling more informed decision-making.However, the transition raises questions about data privacy and market concentration.

As large technology firms play an increasingly central role in financial transactions, concerns have emerged regarding data ownership and competitive practices. Regulators are closely monitoring these developments to ensure a balanced ecosystem.

The government has continued to promote digital payments through initiatives aligned with its broader digital economy strategy. These efforts include expanding internet infrastructure, incentivizing adoption, and integrating digital systems into public services.

Experts caution that while digital payments offer clear advantages, they should complement rather than entirely replace cash systems, particularly in regions where infrastructure remains uneven. A hybrid approach is seen as more practical in the near term.

India’s experience is being closely observed by other developing economies seeking to replicate its model of rapid digital financial inclusion. The combination of government support, private sector innovation, and user adoption has created a framework that could inform similar initiatives globally.

As digital payments become embedded in everyday life, their impact on the informal economy, financial systems, and regulatory landscape is expected to deepen.

The challenge for policymakers will be to sustain growth while addressing emerging risks and ensuring that the transition remains inclusive.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) said the alert was issued in coordination with Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The group, also known as “Fancy Bear,” has been attributed by Western governments to Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU.According to the BfV, APT28 exploited weaknesses in TP-Link routers, affecting several thousand devices worldwide, including about 30 in Germany.

In some cases, authorities confirmed breaches, leading operators to replace compromised hardware.The agency said the campaign was aimed at facilitating surveillance of sensitive targets, including state institutions and key infrastructure networks.

APT28 has previously been linked to cyberattacks against Germany’s parliament, the Social Democratic Party and air traffic control systems, underscoring its long-standing role in espionage operations targeting European institutions.

German authorities urged heightened vigilance and coordination among operators to mitigate risks posed by the ongoing campaign.

Orban, in power for 16 years and widely seen as Moscow’s closest ally within the European Union, has framed Ukraine as a source of instability while positioning his government as a guarantor of peace and security.

Analysts say the approach seeks to shift focus away from domestic economic concerns that have boosted support for opposition leader Peter Magyar.“The campaign’s rhetoric is deliberately binary peace versus war portraying Ukraine as a risk and the incumbent Hungarian government as seeking stability,” Csilla Fedinec, a historian at ELTE University’s Center for Social Sciences, said.

Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine have escalated in recent months, including disputes over a Russian oil pipeline supplying landlocked Hungary. Budapest has accused Kyiv of delaying its reopening, while Ukraine says the infrastructure was damaged by Russian air strikes in January.

Hungary has also delayed approval of a 90-billion-euro European Union loan package for Ukraine and opposed additional sanctions on Russia, underscoring divisions within the bloc over support for Kyiv.Analysts and cybersecurity experts say disinformation has featured prominently in the campaign.

Pro-government media outlets circulated AI-generated images exaggerating the scale of valuables seized from Ukrainian bank employees detained briefly by Hungarian authorities.

Social media posts featuring such content recorded high engagement, with signs of coordinated activity including accounts lacking identifiable information.Separately, fabricated images depicting vandalism of a Hungarian memorial in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region circulated online, prompting hostile reactions despite later being identified as artificial.

Experts say such incidents reflect broader patterns of election-related disinformation.Ferenc Fresz, former head of Hungary’s Cyber Defense Service, said there is ongoing evidence of attempts to influence voters through coordinated messaging, including deepfakes presented as news content.

He said narratives attributed to Russian-linked actors often align with pro-government messaging, reinforcing their impact.Hungarian officials, including Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, have rejected claims of Russian interference as unfounded.Orban has also sought to portray his main rival as aligned with foreign interests, including Ukraine and the European Union.

At a rally in Budapest, he framed the election as a choice between his leadership and that of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Shortly after, images circulated of individuals displaying a Ukrainian flag at an opposition event, which were later linked to affiliates of Orban’s own party, prompting accusations of staged political tactics.

Opposition leader Magyar dismissed the incident as a “false flag operation.”AI-manipulated imagery has also been used to target Magyar directly, including altered visuals suggesting his support for Ukraine.

Billboards critical of Zelensky have appeared across Hungary over the past year, sometimes alongside depictions of opposition figures.Despite contested claims and fabricated content, analysts say the campaign resonates with segments of the electorate concerned about being drawn into the Ukraine war.

Political scientist Eszter Kovats of the University of Vienna said such messaging taps into broader anxieties amplified by discussions across Europe on rearmament and conscription.

She said the ruling party’s strategy appeals to voters’ desire for stability, presenting continuity as a safer option in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.