A new report has revealed that 89 per cent of enterprise Generative AI (GenAI) usage happens without IT oversight, thereby exposing organisations to data leaks and unauthorised access.

Many employees use GenAI tools through personal accounts, making security enforcement nearly impossible.

The Enterprise GenAI Data Security Report 2025 by LayerX highlights that while GenAI adoption is growing, most usage remains invisible. The report highlights how nearly 72 per cent of employees access these tools outside corporate controls, and only 12 per cent of corporate users authenticate via Single Sign-On (SSO).

The main concern with these findings is data exposure. For example, employees frequently paste sensitive business information, customer data, and proprietary code into GenAI tools, with an average of four pastes per day. Without security measures, organisations risk losing control over critical data.

To mitigate these risks, businesses should implement browser-based security solutions that provide visibility, integrate Data Loss Prevention (DLP) measures, and enforce authentication policies. Without action, GenAI is likely to continue as a growing security blind spot.

German startup Proxima Fusion has revealed a new fusion reactor design, ‘Stellaris’, which it claims is the fastest route to commercially viable fusion power.

What Is Fusion Energy?

Nuclear fusion, the reaction that powers the sun, occurs when two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing vast amounts of energy. Unlike nuclear fission (the process currently used in our nuclear power stations) which splits atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion generates minimal radiation, no carbon emissions, and uses abundant fuel sources like hydrogen isotopes. Scientists have pursued fusion energy for decades due to its potential to provide safe, sustainable, and virtually limitless power.

Who Is Proxima Fusion?

Proxima Fusion, founded in 2023, is the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Germany. The company has assembled a team of engineers from MIT, Google, SpaceX, and McLaren, all dedicated to overcoming the long-standing technical barriers of fusion power. Their goal is to develop the world’s first commercial fusion power plant, using an innovative stellarator design that builds on decades of plasma physics research.

What Makes the Stellaris Reactor Different?

The new reactor from Proxima Fusion, dubbed ‘Stellaris’, is a quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarator that utilises high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets to create twisted magnetic fields capable of confining hot plasma, a critical step for achieving fusion. Unlike the more widely used tokamak design (such as the one being developed by the ITER project in France), stellarators are inherently stable and can operate continuously. While traditional stellarators have been extremely complex to design and build, advances in AI and computational modelling have allowed Proxima to optimise its approach, making the construction process faster and more cost-effective.

The concept is based on the Wendelstein 7-X, the world’s most advanced stellarator experiment, built at IPP. While Wendelstein 7-X was designed purely for research, Stellaris is engineered to deliver electricity to the grid. Proxima’s first demonstrator, called Alpha, aims to prove net energy production is possible in a steady state and is expected to be completed within six years.

Why This Could Be a Game-Changer

Stellarators have long been overlooked in favour of tokamaks, primarily due to their complexity. However, Proxima Fusion’s approach leverages modern computing power to refine their design, solving problems that were previously insurmountable. AI-driven optimisation allows the company to create reactors that generate more power per unit volume, reduce operational costs, and minimise reliance on scarce materials.

According to Proxima Fusion CEO Francesco Sciortino, “Stellaris is designed to operate in continuous mode and be intrinsically stable. No other fusion power plant design has yet been demonstrated to be capable of that.”

The use of HTS magnets is another key breakthrough. These allow for much stronger magnetic fields than conventional superconductors, meaning the reactor can be significantly smaller and built faster while still achieving the necessary conditions for fusion. Also, Stellaris only relies on materials that are already available in today’s supply chains, making its construction more feasible than previous designs.

The Road to Commercial Fusion

Proxima Fusion has set an ambitious timeline, with the construction of Alpha planned for completion by 2031. If all goes to plan, Stellaris will be the first stellarator to demonstrate sustained net energy production, a milestone never before achieved in fusion research. If successful, the company aims to develop a full-scale 1GW fusion power plant in the 2030s, potentially providing clean, continuous energy to the grid.

Investment

The company’s approach has already attracted significant investment, securing €20 million in funding to accelerate development.

How It Could Change The Energy Sector

If Stellaris lives up to its promise, it could reshape the energy market. Fusion power offers a carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels without the intermittency of renewables like wind and solar. For businesses, this could mean access to a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy source, reducing dependence on volatile energy markets and fossil fuel imports.

From an environmental perspective, widespread adoption of fusion power would mark a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. As global energy demand continues to rise, scalable fusion technology could be the key to long-term energy security.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite all the excitement surrounding Stellaris, it’s worth noting that significant hurdles remain. For example, building a real, commercial fusion reactor requires overcoming immense engineering challenges, including handling the extreme temperatures of the plasma and maintaining precise control of the magnetic fields. Also, while stellarators are more stable than tokamaks, they remain complex machines that require further refinement before they can be deployed at scale.

The Model Coil Next Step

It’s understood that Proxima Fusion’s next step is the development of its Stellarator Model Coil (SMC) by 2027, which will validate the HTS magnet technology before Alpha’s construction begins. If these milestones are achieved, Stellaris could mark the beginning of a new era in clean energy, bringing fusion power out of the laboratory and into the real world.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

The development of the Stellaris reactor could be the next (sooner than expected) step towards the long-sought goal of commercially viable fusion energy. Proxima Fusion’s innovative stellarator design, enabled by modern computational power and high-temperature superconducting magnets, offers a promising alternative to the dominant tokamak approach. By overcoming traditional limitations associated with stellarators, such as complexity and construction feasibility, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of the fusion race.

However, while the technological advances underpinning Stellaris are impressive, the path to commercial deployment remains fraught with challenges. The physics of sustaining controlled fusion at an energy-positive level is well understood, but engineering a reactor that can reliably operate over long periods while remaining economically viable is another matter entirely. The development of the Stellarator Model Coil by 2027 will be a crucial test of Proxima Fusion’s approach, and its success will determine whether the company can proceed with constructing its Alpha prototype as planned.

If Proxima Fusion succeeds in delivering on its ambitious timeline, Stellaris could be a transformative force in the energy sector. A working fusion reactor that can continuously produce clean energy would mark a monumental shift away from fossil fuels and intermittent renewables, offering a sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy needs. However, the history of fusion research is already littered with promising breakthroughs that have struggled to translate into commercial reality. While Proxima Fusion’s advancements are significant, it remains to be seen whether they will be sufficient to surmount the remaining engineering and financial obstacles.

Stellaris, therefore, appears to embody both the potential and the uncertainty of fusion power. For example, if successful, it could usher in a new era of limitless, carbon-free energy. However, like all fusion endeavours, it must first prove that it can move beyond the laboratory and into the real world, which is a major challenge that has eluded every fusion project to date.

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Apple has announced the removal of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) tool from customers in the United Kingdom, following a contentious dispute with the UK government over user data access.

Debate Ignited

The decision, which sees one of the world’s leading tech companies bowing out of a security standoff, has ignited debates over digital privacy, national security, and the future of encryption standards in the UK and beyond.

What is the Advanced Data Protection Tool?

Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s most robust encryption feature, providing end-to-end encryption for users’ iCloud data, including photos, notes, and backups. With ADP enabled, only the account holder can access this information, not even Apple itself can decrypt the data. The feature, introduced globally in late 2022, was designed to offer users greater control and protection against data breaches and cyber-attacks.

However, unlike standard encryption, which allows Apple to access certain user data when presented with a valid legal request, ADP closes off even this possibility. This heightened level of security made it particularly attractive to privacy-conscious users, but it has now become the focal point of a growing dispute between Apple and the UK government.

The UK’s Demand for Access (A ‘Back Door’)

Apple’s decision follows a demand from the UK government, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), which compels companies to provide data access to law enforcement agencies when legally requested. While Apple has long opposed creating “backdoors” into its systems, arguing that any intentional vulnerability could be exploited by cybercriminals, the UK’s insistence on access led to an impasse.

The UK government has not officially confirmed issuing a formal notice under the IPA, maintaining its policy of not commenting on operational matters. However, some media commentators have suggested that UK government pressure has been escalating behind the scenes, and may now have prompted Apple to withdraw ADP for UK customers entirely.

Apple’s Disappointment

In a strongly worded statement, Apple has expressed deep disappointment at having to disable ADP for UK users, and has said: “As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products, and we never will.”

The company has also highlighted the broader implications of weakening encryption, arguing that such actions would endanger all users by creating vulnerabilities exploitable by malicious actors or cybercriminals. Apple’s stance reflects a broader concern shared by many cybersecurity experts and privacy advocates who fear that undermining encryption in one country could set a dangerous global precedent.

What This Means for UK Apple Users

Apple’s decision essentially means that any Apple user in the UK now attempting to enable ADP will simply receive an error message. Existing users who had previously activated the feature will also see it disabled in the coming weeks.

It seems that while some forms of encryption remain intact (i.e. iMessages, FaceTime communications, and sensitive health data stored on iCloud) and will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption, while other data types (such as full device backups and photos stored in iCloud) will no longer enjoy the same level of security in the UK. Under standard encryption, Apple retains the ability to access these files and could be compelled to share them with law enforcement upon receipt of a valid warrant.

Security vs. Privacy

The UK government’s push to weaken end-to-end encryption has sparked fierce opposition from privacy campaigners and cybersecurity experts. For example, Professor Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity specialist at the University of Surrey, has been quoted as describing the move as “an act of self-harm” by the government, adding: “All the UK government has achieved is to weaken online security and privacy for UK-based users.”

However, the UK government claims its perspective has been driven by concerns around national security and child protection. This view is supported by some relevant organisations. For example, Rani Govender, policy manager for child safety online at the NSPCC, has been quoted as arguing that encryption could allow offenders to operate undetected, saying: “End-to-end encryption allows offenders to groom and manipulate children and build communities where they can share vile child sexual abuse material without detection.”

It seems, therefore, that the tension between privacy and protection is a delicate balance for tech firms operating under diverse international legal frameworks.

International Backlash and Global Ramifications

Apple’s withdrawal of ADP in the UK has drawn sharp criticism from global privacy advocates and even US lawmakers. For example, Democrat Senator Ron Wyden (from Oregon) has been quoted as calling the move a “dangerous precedent” that authoritarian governments could exploit to justify similar demands in their own jurisdictions.

The broader concern appears to be that once a tech company concedes to one government’s demands for weakened encryption, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist similar pressures from other nations, including those with less regard for human rights and privacy.

Competitors and Market Impact

Apple’s decision could also have repercussions across the wider technology sector. Competitors like Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), and WhatsApp (which also rely on end-to-end encryption) may now face mounting pressure from governments to implement similar data access measures. WhatsApp head Will Cathcart has warned that any weakening of encryption standards would compromise user security worldwide, saying: “If the UK forces a global backdoor into Apple’s security, it will make everyone in every country less safe.”

Also, the decision could erode consumer trust among UK users who are particularly conscious of (and value) their data privacy. Tech-savvy consumers may seek alternatives that continue to offer uncompromised encryption features, potentially benefiting companies headquartered in jurisdictions with stronger privacy protections.

The Future of Encryption in the UK

For now, it seems that, despite its current disappointment, Apple remains hopeful that it will be able to reinstate ADP in the UK in the future. In its official statement, the company highlighted its commitment to user privacy, saying: “Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before.”

However, the ongoing dispute highlights the growing tension between governments seeking broader surveillance powers and technology firms defending user privacy. As the legal and ethical debate continues, UK consumers are left grappling with the uncomfortable reality of diminished digital protections in an increasingly interconnected world.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

Apple’s removal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK is a significant moment in the ongoing global debate over privacy, security, and governmental oversight. While the decision may seem like a straightforward technical adjustment, its broader implications touch upon issues of individual privacy rights, corporate responsibility, and the balance of power between governments and multinational technology firms.

At its core, this move by Apple highlights the increasing pressure technology companies face when navigating conflicting legal frameworks across different jurisdictions. Apple’s steadfast refusal to implement backdoors, despite mounting governmental pressure, aligns with its long-standing commitment to user privacy. However, by disabling ADP for UK users, Apple has effectively signalled that even the most privacy-focused companies must sometimes yield to local laws and regulatory demands, no matter how much they contradict the company’s own policies.

For UK businesses and organisations, this development raises immediate and pressing concerns. Companies that handle sensitive data (such as those in finance, healthcare, or legal sectors) may now find themselves at greater risk of data breaches or unauthorised access. With the most robust form of encryption disabled, organisations may need to reconsider their data protection strategies. This could mean investing in alternative security measures or exploring third-party services that still offer uncompromised encryption. Also, businesses that work internationally may find the regulatory discrepancy between the UK and other regions increasingly difficult to navigate, potentially leading to compliance headaches and increased operational costs.

On the international stage, the ripple effects of Apple’s decision may be far-reaching. Other governments, especially those with poor human rights records, could view this development as an opportunity to justify their own demands for weakened encryption. In this light, the UK’s stance may inadvertently contribute to a global erosion of digital privacy standards, emboldening authoritarian regimes to push for similar concessions from tech companies.

For consumers, the removal of ADP is a reminder of the fragile nature of digital privacy in an age of heightened governmental surveillance. Those in the UK who value strong encryption protections may begin to seek alternatives, potentially favouring services or platforms based in countries with stricter privacy laws. This shift could have longer-term consequences for Apple’s market share in the UK and could drive innovation among competitors aiming to fill the void left by ADP’s removal.

Noise-cancelling headphones are becoming increasingly popular, yet experts are raising concerns that prolonged use may be contributing to a rise in auditory processing issues, particularly among young people.

Do They Re-Train Your Brain?

The soothing silence offered by noise-cancelling headphones has made them indispensable for many, particularly younger users navigating busy cities or working in noisy environments. However, some recent findings suggest that this constant isolation from environmental sounds may actually be training the brain to ignore background noise too well, potentially leading to auditory processing disorder (APD).

A Surge in Hearing Issues Among Young Adults

Audiologists across several UK NHS departments have reported a noticeable increase in referrals for young people experiencing hearing-related issues. Surprisingly, standard hearing tests often reveal no physical damage to the ear. Instead, victims of this particular problem struggle to process sounds effectively. This is a hallmark of APD, a neurological condition where the brain essentially fails to interpret auditory information correctly.

Sophie (a 25-year-old used as an example in the recent BBC story about this emerging problem) highlights how, despite having no measurable hearing loss, a person can experience difficulty distinguishing voices in noisy environments and find it challenging to locate where sounds originate. According to the BBC, following a private consultation, Sophie was diagnosed with APD and her audiologist suspected that her extensive use of noise-cancelling headphones (up to five hours a day!) may be a contributing factor.

The Science Behind the Concern

Auditory processing is a complex function where the brain filters, prioritises, and interprets sounds. Experts, including Renee Almeida from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, have warned that overuse of noise-cancelling features might deprive the brain of its natural ability to filter background noise. As Renee Almeida explains: “There is a difference between hearing and listening. We can see that listening skills are suffering.”

Also, Claire Benton, vice-president of the British Academy of Audiology, has added to the common explanation of why this phenomenon could come about, suggesting that prolonged isolation from environmental sounds could actually result in the brain “forgetting” how to manage auditory input effectively. Benton has also highlighted how these high-level listening skills continue to develop into the late teens, making adolescents particularly vulnerable to potential over-reliance on noise-cancelling technology.

A Call for Further Research

Despite the growing number of anecdotal cases, concrete scientific evidence remains fairly limited. Audiologists and healthcare professionals are therefore now urging for comprehensive research to investigate whether a causal link exists between noise-cancelling headphone use and the onset of APD.

Dr Angela Alexander of APD Support has voiced concerns over the potential long-term impacts, especially for children and teenagers, asking “What does the future look like if we don’t investigate this link?” and emphasising the urgency of understanding how constant auditory isolation might be affecting young people’s development.

Dr Amjad Mahmood from Great Ormond Street Hospital has also noted a sharp rise in demand for APD assessments among under-16s, particularly those struggling with concentration and communication in noisy classrooms.

The Implications for Users and Manufacturers

Should future research confirm a definitive link, the implications could be far-reaching. For example, users might need to reconsider their reliance on noise-cancelling technology, especially during critical developmental years. Awareness campaigns could be essential in promoting safe usage habits.

For manufacturers, the challenge will be to innovate without compromising user health. This might involve designing headphones that allow for controlled exposure to background noise or integrating intelligent transparency features that adjust sound isolation levels dynamically.

A Variation Between Brands

Lisa Barber, technology editor at Which?, has pointed out that while some models already offer adjustable transparency modes, there is significant variation between brands and models. A standardised approach to balancing noise cancellation with ambient sound exposure could become an industry priority.

Negative Effects and Symptoms of Overuse

Prolonged use of noise-cancelling headphones has been linked to a range of potential negative effects, particularly in individuals who rely on them for extended periods. While the direct impact on hearing remains under investigation, several symptoms and associated issues have been observed. These include:

– Auditory processing difficulties. Users may experience difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds or following conversations in noisy environments due to reduced exposure to natural background sounds.

– Tinnitus. Persistent use at high volumes can contribute to the development of tinnitus, a condition characterised by a constant ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears.

– Sound localisation issues. Over-reliance on noise-cancelling technology may impair the brain’s ability to determine where sounds are coming from, which can affect spatial awareness and safety in certain situations.

– Ear discomfort and pressure. For example, some users report a sensation of pressure in the ears, particularly when active noise cancellation is enabled, which can lead to headaches or mild discomfort.

– Increased sensitivity to noise. Known as hyperacusis, some individuals may find that their tolerance for everyday sounds decreases after prolonged periods of isolating themselves from ambient noise.

Recognising these symptoms early and adjusting listening habits accordingly may help mitigate potential risks associated with prolonged headphone use.

Practical Advice for Headphone Users

Until more definitive research emerges, some experts recommend adopting cautious usage habits, which could include:

– Limiting the duration. Restrict the usage of noise-cancelling headphones to essential periods, especially in safe, quiet environments.

– Taking regular breaks from the headphones. Allow your ears and brain to engage with natural environmental sounds periodically.

– Monitoring volume levels. Ensure audio is kept at a safe level to prevent potential hearing damage.

– Using transparency features. Opt for models that offer adjustable ambient sound modes when possible.

A Silent Risk?

Noise-cancelling headphones may have improved the quality of life for many, offering respite from the chaos of modern life but it appears that as the popularity of these devices grows, so too does the need for awareness of their potential downsides. The challenge ahead is to strike a balance, i.e. enjoying the benefits of silence without compromising our ability to process the sounds that matter most.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

As the conversation around noise-cancelling headphones and their potential impact on auditory processing deepens, a clearer picture emerges, one that calls for a balanced and informed approach. While these devices offer undeniable benefits, especially in our increasingly noisy environments, the concerns raised by healthcare professionals highlight a crucial need for caution and moderation. The growing body of anecdotal evidence suggesting a link between prolonged use of noise-cancelling technology and auditory processing issues, particularly among young people, cannot be ignored.

For users, particularly younger individuals and their caregivers, this means cultivating healthier listening habits. This isn’t about vilifying technology, but rather understanding its proper place in daily life. Integrating periods of natural sound exposure, making use of transparency modes, and limiting headphone usage during critical developmental years could help mitigate potential long-term effects. The key lies in moderation—using these devices as tools for comfort and focus, without allowing them to become a crutch that inadvertently hampers auditory development.

The implications stretch beyond personal use and into the broader responsibilities of manufacturers and businesses. For headphone makers, the challenge now is to innovate responsibly. This might involve developing smarter features such as adaptive noise control, which allows for the dynamic integration of environmental sounds, or software that encourages breaks after extended use. A standardised approach across brands to offer adjustable noise cancellation could not only help preserve auditory health but also set new benchmarks for responsible technology design.

For workplaces where noise-cancelling headphones are commonly used to aid concentration, particularly in open-plan offices or customer service environments, businesses must also reconsider their policies. Encouraging staff to take listening breaks, offering education on safe usage practices, and ensuring that headphone use complements (rather than replaces) effective sound management strategies could help protect employees’ long-term hearing health while maintaining productivity.

Further research will be vital in confirming whether a direct link exists between noise-cancelling headphone use and auditory processing disorders. Until then, fostering awareness and encouraging responsible usage can help users enjoy the benefits of these devices without compromising their ability to engage with the world around them.