It’s been reported that international law firm Hill Dickinson has introduced new restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools following a sharp increase in staff engagement with the technology.

What Happened?

The development was first reported by the BBC after it allegedly obtained an internal email from Hill Dickinson’s senior management. The email reportedly revealed that the firm had identified a “significant increase in usage” of AI tools by employees, prompting a review of its policies and subsequent restrictions on access. It seems that the move may have been prompted by growing industry concerns over data security, compliance, and the ethical implications of AI in legal work.

The Email

According to reports about the data cited in the email, in just one week between January and February 2024, Hill Dickinson staff recorded over 32,000 interactions with the AI chatbot ChatGPT, 3,000 with the Chinese AI service DeepSeek, and nearly 50,000 with the writing assistance tool Grammarly. While these figures may illustrate widespread engagement, they don’t clarify how many individuals were actually using the tools or how frequently they returned, as each use could generate multiple interactions.

Limited General Access To The Tools

In response, it’s been reported that the firm has now limited general access to such tools, introducing a request-based approval system to monitor and regulate AI usage more closely. It seems that the internal communication may have highlighted that much of the AI use may not have been in line with the firm’s AI policy, thereby perhaps necessitating stricter oversight.

Why Impose These Restrictions?

It seems that the firm’s AI policy (implemented back in September 2024) actually prohibits employees from uploading client information to AI platforms and requires them to verify the accuracy of AI-generated content. The recent spike in AI engagement may have, therefore, raised concerns that these guidelines were not being strictly followed, potentially exposing the firm to regulatory and security risks.

A spokesperson for Hill Dickinson has been quoted clarifying its stance, stating: “Like many law firms, we are aiming to positively embrace the use of AI tools to enhance our capabilities while always ensuring safe and proper use by our people and for our clients.”

Not An Outright Ban

The firm maintains that it is not banning AI outright but ensuring its application is controlled and compliant. It has already received and approved some individual AI usage requests under the new system.

Broader Industry Implications

The legal profession does appear to be facing a bit of an increasing dilemma over AI adoption. For example, while AI has the potential to streamline tasks such as legal research, contract analysis, and document drafting, it also presents risks related to data security, accuracy, and ethical considerations.

Enter The ICO

Now the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has weighed in on the debate, warning against excessive restrictions. A spokesperson for the ICO stated: “With AI offering people countless ways to work more efficiently and effectively, the answer cannot be for organisations to outlaw the use of AI and drive staff to use it under the radar. Instead, companies need to offer their staff AI tools that meet their organisational policies and data protection obligations.”

AI Can Help, But Needs Oversight

The Law Society of England and Wales has emphasised its view that AI has potential benefits, with its chief executive, Ian Jeffery, saying: “AI could improve the way we do things a great deal.” However, he also stressed that AI tools require human oversight and that legal professionals must adapt to their responsible use.

Concerns About A Lack of Expertise

Meanwhile, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has expressed concerns about an apparent general lack of digital expertise in the legal sector. For example, a spokesperson was recently quoted as warning that “despite this increased interest in new technology, there remains a lack of digital skills across all sectors in the UK. This could present a risk for firms and consumers if legal practitioners do not fully understand the new technology that is implemented.”

This highlights a broader challenge for the legal industry, i.e. embracing AI innovation while ensuring legal professionals are adequately trained and aware of the risks.

Mixed Reactions

Reports of Hill Dickinson’s approach have drawn mixed reactions. Some industry figures argue that overly strict AI regulations could stifle innovation and slow the adoption of technologies that could make legal work more efficient.

Others point out that firms must proceed with caution, particularly regarding data privacy and regulatory compliance. High-profile cases of data breaches linked to AI use have reinforced concerns about inadvertently exposing confidential client information to external platforms.

Not An Isolated Case

It should be noted here that the reported move by Hill Dickinson is certainly not an isolated case. For example, other major corporations (including Samsung, Accenture, and Amazon) have also implemented restrictions on AI tools over concerns about data security and the potential for AI-generated content to be unreliable or misleading.

The Legal Sector Needs To Find A Balance

AI’s increasing presence in the legal world is undeniable, and firms may now be tasked with finding the right balance between harnessing its benefits and mitigating its risks. Hill Dickinson’s decision highlights a broader industry trend of cautious AI integration, ensuring that its use remains secure, ethical, and compliant with professional standards.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The reported move by Hill Dickinson to restrict general AI access highlights a growing tension within the legal sector between technological advancement and regulatory caution. AI undoubtedly holds transformative potential, offering efficiencies in legal research, contract analysis, and document drafting. However, its use comes with inherent risks, particularly in an industry where confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance are paramount.

The firm’s reported decision to implement a request-based approval system reflects an industry-wide concern about data security, regulatory obligations, and ethical considerations. While this is not an outright ban, it does indicate that unregulated AI usage in professional settings remains a real concern. It seems that the spike in AI interactions may have signalled that existing policies were not being strictly adhered to, thereby prompting a need for greater oversight. Such caution is understandable, given the possible risks associated with AI-generated inaccuracies or inadvertent data leaks.

At the same time, broader industry voices, including the ICO and the Law Society, have warned against overly restrictive measures that could stifle innovation. Their position suggests that rather than banning AI, firms should focus on implementing clear, structured policies that allow for responsible usage while maintaining compliance with legal and data protection standards. The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s concerns about a lack of digital expertise in the sector further highlight that law firms must not only regulate AI usage but also ensure that legal professionals are adequately trained in its application.

Hill Dickinson’s approach is not just a legal sector issue and, in fact, it has far-reaching implications for businesses of all sizes across the UK. Many large corporations, such as Samsung and Amazon, have already imposed AI restrictions, reflecting wider concerns about security, compliance, and the reliability of AI-generated content. However, for smaller businesses that lack dedicated legal or IT departments, these challenges could be even more pressing. Without clear guidance or internal expertise, SMEs risk either underutilising AI and missing out on its benefits or adopting it without proper safeguards, exposing themselves to potential legal and reputational risks.

This highlights the need for a balanced, industry-wide approach to AI governance. Government agencies and industry bodies may need to step in to provide clearer guidance. Hill Dickinson’s move is far from isolated, as many large corporations have taken similar steps to control AI’s integration into their workflows.

According to TechCrunch, it’s alleged that Italian spyware maker SIO has been distributing malicious Android apps designed to masquerade as WhatsApp and other widely used applications while covertly harvesting sensitive data from targeted devices.

The spyware, dubbed ‘Spyrtacus,’ has been operating undetected for years, raising fresh concerns about government-backed surveillance tools and the extent of their reach.

It’s been reported that the discovery was triggered late last year when a security researcher provided TechCrunch with three suspicious Android apps, believed to be government spyware used in Italy. Following independent analyses by Google and mobile security firm Lookout, it was confirmed that these apps contained spyware designed to infiltrate users’ devices. Spyrtacus has been found capable of stealing text messages, social media chats, and contact details, recording calls and ambient audio, and even taking images via a device’s cameras.

SIO, the company behind the spyware, is an Italian firm that sells surveillance tools to the Italian government. Lookout has reported that Spyrtacus samples were found to be embedded within apps mimicking popular services, including those belonging to Italian mobile providers TIM, Vodafone, and WINDTRE. It’s alleged that these fraudulent applications were distributed through malicious websites disguised as official sources. While Google confirmed that no versions of this malware exist on its Play Store, a 2024 report by Kaspersky suggests that earlier versions were available there in 2018 before moving to independent distribution channels.

The spyware appears to have been used in a highly targeted campaign, but the identities of those affected remain unclear. Given that the apps and distribution sites were in Italian, security analysts believe that law enforcement agencies in Italy were the likely operators of the campaign. The scandal comes amid separate allegations that Israeli spyware firm Paragon provided sophisticated surveillance tools used against journalists and NGO founders in Italy.

Kristina Balaam, a researcher at Lookout, revealed that 13 distinct Spyrtacus samples had been identified, with the earliest dating back to 2019 and the most recent traced to October 2024. The continued presence of these samples across multiple years highlights the persistence of state-sponsored spyware and its evolving distribution methods. Also, Kaspersky researchers report finding indications of a Windows version of Spyrtacus and possible variants for iOS and macOS, suggesting a broader cross-platform surveillance effort.

Despite multiple requests for comment, neither SIO nor its senior executives, including CEO Elio Cattaneo, CFO Claudio Pezzano, and CTO Alberto Fabbri, have responded to the allegations. Also, the Italian government and Ministry of Justice have remained silent on the issue, leaving major questions unanswered about the scope and legality of such surveillance operations. The case adds to growing concerns about the global spyware industry and the blurred lines between national security and invasive digital espionage.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The allegations against SIO and its Spyrtacus spyware highlight growing concerns over state-backed surveillance and the ethical boundaries of digital espionage. While governments often justify such tools for security purposes, the secrecy surrounding their use raises serious questions. The knowledge of the deployment of spyware disguised as legitimate apps undermines public trust and exposes broader cybersecurity risks.

For UK businesses, this case is a reminder of the dangers posed by sophisticated malware. While not direct targets, organisations handling sensitive data must remain vigilant against similar threats. The methods used, i.e. malicious websites and fake applications, demonstrate vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.

More widely, this case reflects the unchecked expansion of the spyware industry. With no accountability from SIO or the Italian government, concerns grow over how such tools can be used without oversight. Stronger international regulations are needed to balance security with the protection of civil liberties, or the lines between lawful surveillance and invasive digital monitoring will only continue to blur.

Cyber criminals are exploiting trusted services like Microsoft, Google, and DocuSign to deliver malware and phishing attacks.

Known as Living off Trusted Services (LOTS), this tactic allows them to evade detection by leveraging widely used platforms.

Mimecast’s H2 2024 Global Threat Intelligence Report flagged LOTS attacks as a growing concern, with over 5 billion threats detected. Attackers use CAPTCHAs to block security scans and host malicious payloads on cloud platforms.

By infiltrating third-party providers, cyber criminals gain deep access to networks, making detection difficult. Traditional security measures based on domain reputation and authentication often fail.

To defend against LOTS attacks, businesses should implement AI-driven threat detection, Zero Trust policies, enhanced email security, and user training to mitigate risks and prevent exploitation of trusted services.

The world’s electricity consumption is forecast to rise at its fastest pace in recent years, growing at close to 4 per cent annually through 2027, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The “Age of Electricity”

This IEA report states that the sharp acceleration is being driven by a combination of industrial expansion, the rapid rise of data centres, increasing air conditioning demand, and the global push towards electrification. The report’s findings therefore (as the world enters what the IEA describes as the “Age of Electricity,”) can renewable energy and sustainability measures keep up with surging demand?

What’s Driving The Surge in Demand?

According to the IEA’s Electricity 2025 report, global electricity demand surged by 4.3 per cent in 2024 and is expected to continue rising at a similar rate, adding the equivalent of Japan’s entire annual electricity consumption to the grid each year! The scale of growth looks to be unprecedented, with global consumption set to increase by a massive 3,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) between 2025 and 2027.

Most of this additional demand looks likely to come from emerging economies, particularly China, India, and Southeast Asia, which will account for 85 per cent of global growth. China alone saw a 7 per cent increase in electricity consumption in 2024 and is projected to maintain an average growth rate of 6 per cent through 2027. The key drivers include the rise of electricity-intensive industries, particularly in manufacturing sectors linked to clean energy technologies such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs). For example, in 2024, these industries consumed over 300 TWh of electricity, the equivalent of Italy’s entire annual power usage!

Meanwhile, India’s electricity demand is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.3 per cent, outpacing its 5 per cent average growth over the past decade. Also, air conditioning use in India is soaring as temperatures rise due to climate change, with electricity demand for cooling contributing significantly to the overall increase.

The Rise of Energy-Hungry Sectors

Beyond industrial production, the global appetite for electricity is being fuelled by the rapid expansion of data centres and digital infrastructure. The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and 5G networks is contributing to massive and unprecedented electricity consumption. For example, in the United States alone, electricity demand from data centres is expected to grow so significantly that it will add the equivalent of California’s current power consumption to the national grid within three years.

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption also appears to be a major factor. The IEA notes that China’s EV fleet grew to 30 million vehicles in 2024, a near tenfold increase from 2021. Charging infrastructure expansion is set to push electricity demand even higher in the coming years.

Air conditioning is another major player in this surge. With climate change causing increasingly severe heatwaves, demand for cooling systems is soaring, particularly in emerging economies where AC penetration is still relatively low. The IEA highlights that in China, cooling already accounts for up to 40 per cent of peak electricity demand in some provinces, and demand is set to rise sharply.

Can Low-Carbon Energy Keep Up?

Thankfully, there is some good news, which is that renewables and nuclear power are expanding rapidly and, according to the IEA, should be able to meet nearly all the additional electricity demand by 2027. Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, in particular, is leading the way. Solar generation surpassed coal in the European Union in 2024 and is expected to account for roughly half of global electricity demand growth through 2027.

China, the US, and India are all expected to see solar power exceed 10 per cent of their total electricity generation within the next three years. Wind power is also set to play a key role, meeting about one-third of the additional demand.

Also, it seems that nuclear power is undergoing a revival. The IEA forecasts that nuclear electricity generation will hit record highs each year from 2025 onwards, driven by a resurgence in nuclear projects in China, India, Korea, and France, as well as the reopening of previously shuttered plants in Europe and the US.

The Carbon Emissions Challenge

Despite the strong growth in renewables, global CO2 emissions from electricity generation are projected to plateau rather than decline in the coming years. The IEA warns that while coal-fired electricity generation is stagnating, fossil fuel use remains high, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. Although emissions in Europe and the US are declining, overall global emissions from electricity generation stood at a staggering 13.8 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2024.

Volatile Electricity Prices

One other critical issue highlighted in the report is the increasing volatility of electricity prices, largely due to the growing reliance on weather-dependent renewables. Instances of negative electricity prices (something that UK users can only dream about) where energy producers pay customers to use power, are becoming more common in markets where renewable output outpaces grid flexibility. The IEA states, “Negative pricing events highlight the need for greater system flexibility and storage solutions to accommodate variable renewable generation.”

The Risk of Grid Instability

Extreme weather events are also adding pressure to electricity systems worldwide. The IEA report details how winter storms, hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves have caused widespread power outages in multiple countries. In 2024, severe weather disrupted electricity supply across the US, Australia, and Latin America, exposing vulnerabilities in grid resilience.

As Keisuke Sadamori, IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security, warns: “Ensuring a secure, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply is becoming increasingly complex. Policymakers need to urgently strengthen grid infrastructure, improve storage capacity, and enhance flexibility to cope with changing energy dynamics.”

The report stresses the need for significant investment in grid modernisation, energy storage, and demand-side management to prevent blackouts and price spikes as electricity consumption continues to soar.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

The IEA’s findings paint a picture of a world that’s entering a new era of electricity consumption at an unprecedented pace. The rapid growth in demand (largely driven by industrial expansion, data centres, EV adoption, and air conditioning) looks like presenting some major challenges. While the acceleration of renewable energy and nuclear power is encouraging, it’s difficult not to ask the question ‘can these clean energy sources keep pace with the soaring appetite for electricity, especially in emerging economies?’

One of the most pressing concerns is, of course, the impact on global carbon emissions. Despite the expansion of renewables, the fact that emissions from electricity generation are likely to plateau rather than decline is a stark reminder of the continued reliance on fossil fuels. This highlights the urgency for policymakers to not only scale up clean energy but also implement stronger measures to phase out coal and gas-fired power generation. Grid instability and electricity price volatility further complicate the landscape, raising concerns about energy security and affordability, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.

For UK businesses, these developments have significant implications. On one hand, the transition towards renewables could present opportunities for investment in energy-efficient technologies, on-site solar generation, and demand-side management solutions. Businesses with high energy consumption will need to adapt to potential price fluctuations and grid challenges, making resilience and sustainability key priorities. Furthermore, with data centres and AI-driven industries driving much of the global electricity surge, UK tech firms will need to assess the long-term viability of their energy strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly power-hungry digital economy.

It seems, therefore, that the world’s ability to navigate this energy transformation will depend on a combination of strategic investment, technological innovation, and policy reform. The rise in electricity demand is not inherently problematic (after all, electrification is crucial for decarbonisation) but without the right infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, it could become a bottleneck rather than a catalyst for progress. As we move deeper into the “Age of Electricity,” striking the right balance between growth, sustainability, and stability will be paramount.

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You don’t always need to go through multiple menus to access key system tools—there’s a shortcut! Here’s how it works:

How to:

– Right-click the Start button (or press Win + X).

– This opens a hidden menu with direct access to Task Manager, Device Manager, Power Options, and more.

– This is ideal for quickly accessing system settings without searching.