Strategic action to save Korea is urgently needed: India’s moment – Asia Times

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South Korea, a global economic superpower and a key player in international politics, faces an extremely intricate web of problems spanning cultural, economic, political, and political regions.

The country’s remarkable tenacity in conquering past difficulties is now seriously threatened by the country’s security, prosperity, and democratic credentials.

If urgent action is never taken, South Korea threats a possible collapse – which could have far-reaching effects, destabilizing the whole area.

Multitude of problems

South Korea’s beginning level, which is among the lowest in the world, is one of the most pressing societal issues South Korea is currently facing. The government’s total fertility rate dropped to an alarming 0.72 in 2023, far below the substitute level of 2.1. The causes for this pattern include the high cost of living, job insecurity, intensive work culture and identity disparity in childcare responsibilities.

The upward trend has not changed, threatening long-term cultural security, despite government incentives like increased parental leave and cash allowances for new born children.

South Korea continues to struggle with one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries in addition to the low birth rate. South Korea has the highest death rate among its member states, according to the OECD. Intense intellectual pressure, workplace stress, cultural isolation, and a stigmatized mental health are just a few examples of factors that contribute to this crisis.

While the government has made efforts to enhance mental health care, more extensive measures are required to address the root causes of Asian society’s stress and depression.

South Korea’s cultural crisis is compounded by its swift transition into a aging society. Nearly 40 % of the population is anticipated to be 65 or older by 2050, which will cause a shrinking workforce and put an extra strain on social security systems. The healthcare industry will need substantial changes to accommodate the growing elderly people, while the pension system is under enormous pressure.

The government has tried to overcome these obstacles by increasing multiculturalism and introducing technology in business, but they still face significant challenges. The combined effects of these socioeconomic shifts are significant, having an impact on almost every aspect of daily life in South Korea.

South Korea’s financial growth has slowed in recent years. From being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, its GDP growth rate has declined to around 2 % yearly. Its ability to sustain long-term growth is limited by structural challenges like an overreliance on large conglomerates ( chaebols ), stagnant domestic consumption, and the aging workforce.

According to fierce competition from China and US protectionist policies, South Korea’s trade deficit, a standard strength, has been declining. China, after a major export place, is now a formidable rival in areas such as semiconductors, manufacturing and electric vehicles.

North Korean businesses have also been forced to reconsider their global supply chain methods as a result of the US Inflation Reduction Act and various protectionist measures.

Also, South Korea’s home debt-to-GDP ratio is one of the highest in the world, exceeding 100 %. Real estate speculation, fueled by low-interest levels in the past, has led to increased saving. Many families are struggling to support their debt as interest rates rise to fight inflation, which causes further financial instability in the economy. The market is rapidly nearing a crucial tipping&nbsp, point.

South Korea’s social landscape has likewise sharply divided between the traditional and the progressive sides, with razor-sharp ideological divisions. New elections have been marked by extreme political conflict, hampering efficient governance and plan implementation. This fragmentation has even resulted in numerous legislative gridlocks, making it challenging to move significant economic and social reforms.

South Korean politicians are still impacted by the social filibusters. The impeachment of President Park Geun-hye in 2017 set a precedent for democratic uncertainty. There is a constant risk of more political instability, which was diminish investor confidence and thwart economic reforms as a result of public outcry and calls for accountability.

South Korea continues to struggle with the danger from North Korea. Pyongyang has continued its missile testing and nuclear progress, heightening local conflicts. Despite political work, including previous conferences and relationship techniques, North Korea shows little interest in disarmament. South Korea, along with its allies, must manage this risk carefully to ensure regional security.

South Korea is caught between the United States and China, whose rivalries are growing more intense. China continues to be its largest trading lover despite South Korea being a significant US alliance. It has become extremely challenging to balance security interests with economic dependencies, which has made South Korea to follow a cautious political position.

Although the Yoon administration’s efforts to improve South Korea-Japan relations are also rife with traditional grievances. Issues like trade restrictions and forced labour reparations continue to cause political tensions. More cooperation between the two countries is necessary given the shared safety issues that North Korea and China face.

Growing proper principles

A never-before-seen integration of crises Korea&nbsp, is facing immediately threatens both the stability and growth of the nation and the peace and security of the entire area.

Each of these problems –economic, social, political and security-related – is fierce on its own. However, their parallel event amplifies the dangers, making it extremely difficult for South Korea to navigate them separately.

South Koreans have been working hard to overcome these difficulties for some time. But, instead of finding solutions, they have watched the troubles increase – indicating that the condition may include escalated beyond the president’s power.

If these difficulties remain unsolved, the consequences may be severe. The region’s crumbling US-led security system could lead to a perilous power vacuum, leading to territorial disputes and economic recessions, and escalating conflicts fueled by traditional grievances.

The US and China’s ongoing power struggle for dominance in the Indo-Pacific could lead to direct military attrition, which would worsen the area.

The potential for nuclear issue is one of the biggest risks. North Korea’s expanding nuclear features pose an ever-present threat, and any local volatility increases the risk of escalation. A nuclear problems would not only destroy the Korean Peninsula, but it would also pose a serious threat to international security.

Beyond the political consequences, a weakened South Korea did give shockwaves through the global market. Continuations in supply stores, financial markets, and important business was stifle global economic growth. A cultural and humanitarian crises may also arise, causing more anguish to spread throughout the area.

A social responsibility

South Korea’s state is now in charge of saving it from this crisis, which has also become a shared responsibility of regional and international partners. A firm South Korea is essential for peace, success, and protection in the Indo-Pacific. The urgency of the situation necessitates fast and decisive action to prevent the region from slipping into chaos and ensure that the hard-earned development of the North Korean people over the past 75 years is certainly lost.

Without prompt response and assistance, the crisis could spiral out of control, putting millions of lives in danger, and destabilizing the world order. South Korea’s partners must act now – before it is too late.

India: a viable partner

The South Korean political crisis is not just a one-time event, but a sign of larger social and economic issues. Addressing these fundamental issues is crucial to ensuring long-term political stability and economic growth.

South Korea maintains strong partnerships with three key nations – the United States, Japan, and India. Although the US and Japan have long-standing allies, neither have the specific resources or strategic planning South Korea so urgently needs.

India’s role as a key partner in South Korea’s efforts to overcome its current difficulties and emerge stronger is unique because it is uniquely placed to offer comprehensive support in crucial areas.

1. Young human capital: a solution to Korea’s demographic crisis

With a population that is among the lowest in the world and an aging population, South Korea is in serious need of a serious demographic crisis. In contrast, India boasts the world’s largest and youngest workforce, with a median age of just 28. By strengthening ties with India, South Korea can tap into this vast talent pool, addressing labor shortages in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Neither the US nor Japan, both of which struggle with aging populations, can provide this crucial resource. South Korea has a unique opportunity to maintain its economic momentum thanks to India’s young and highly skilled workforce.

2. A massive market for Korean products

South Korea’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, particularly in electronics, automobiles, and consumer goods. Although the United States and Japan remain significant trade partners, their aging populations and shifting consumption patterns preclude growth in the future.

India, with its 1.4 billion people and rapidly expanding middle class, offers an enormous and untapped market for Korean businesses. Samsung, Hyundai, and LG have already had a lot of success in India, but the potential is still great, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

For South Korea’s economy to remain competitive, it needs a large, growing and welcoming market – one free from political constraints. Both the US and Japan offer the same level of opportunity as India.

3. Affordable and skilled labor for Korean industries

Manufacturing is becoming more expensive as a result of rising labor costs in South Korea. China was once a preferred location for outsourcing, but tensions between the political and domestic sectors and costlier production have made it less appealing.

India, with its abundant, skilled, and cost-effective workforce, presents a viable alternative for Korean industries. Whether in IT, pharmaceuticals, or heavy manufacturing, India offers a competitive production hub that ensures quality and efficiency – something neither Japan nor the US can match.

4. A trustworthy mediator in the negotiations for a free Korea

North Korea’s long-term stability depends on maintaining peaceful relations with it. Japan and the US have strategic interests in the area, but their historically antagonistic stance toward Pyongyang makes them unreliable mediators.

India, on the other hand, maintains diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea. One of the few nations that can facilitate dialogue and economic cohesion between the two Koreas is through acting as a neutral mediator. India is the only major power that can help if South Korea genuinely seeks reconciliation, without carrying the baggage of historical conflicts.

5. A gateway to emerging markets

Emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are becoming crucial for future growth as the world economic landscape changes. India, with its deep ties to these regions, can serve as South Korea’s bridge to these high-potential markets.

Through trade agreements, joint ventures and technology partnerships, Korea can leverage India’s strategic position to expand its economic footprint globally. Can America and Japan accomplish this? The simple and&nbsp, obvious answer is no. The US and Japan, focused primarily on developed markets, lack the same reach and flexibility in these emerging economies.

Both Japan and the US face their own economic and demographic challenges, limiting their ability to fully address Korea’s &nbsp, current pressing needs. Moreover, their economic and &nbsp, strategic partnerships with South Korea– while strong – have reached a saturation point, leaving little room for further expansion.

Although the US and Japan may offer targeted military support and investments, they are unable to provide India with holistic solutions. South Korea requires a partner with its long-term goals in terms of both economic and geopolitical affairs. India is that partner.

At this critical moment, India stands as one of the most capable nations in addressing South Korea’s economic, demographic, and geopolitical challenges. Strengthening India-Korea ties is not just an option. It is a strategic imperative.

If South Korea seeks sustainable growth, economic resilience, and regional stability, it must look toward India as its most natural and reliable partner for the future. Likewise, Indian policymakers must recognize South Korea’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. A destabilized Korea would have severe consequences, directly impacting India’s regional interests.

Expecting Japan or the US to lead the charge to protect South Korea is unfeigned, and Indian policymakers must avoid making this error. These countries ‘ ability to provide substantial support is limited by their domestic difficulties and shifting global priorities.

It is time for India to step forward&nbsp, and take the lead—not just for its own strategic interests, but for the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Any change in power on the Korean Peninsula might have disastrous effects for India. Indian policymakers are forewarned: The time to act is now!

As the saying goes,” A friend in need is a friend indeed”.

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Thais top online shopping survey

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Some 96.2% of surveyed Thai internet users make a purchase online every week. (Photo: 123RF)
Almost 96.2 % of Thai internet users surveyed make an online purchase every year. ( Photo: 123RF )

According to the Digital 2025 statement from innovative digital company We Are Social and media checking firm Meltwater, Thailand is the world leader for online shopping and regular online grocery purchases. It is also one of the best nations for wireless app spending.

Yet, the country ranks ill on data privacy issues. &nbsp,

Thailand has 99.5 million wireless connections, with 65.4 million online users and 51 million social media users. The Thai people is 71.6 million, according to the investigation. &nbsp,

Some 96.2 % of Thai respondents (older than 16 ) make a purchase online every week, the highest rate globally. The others in the top five are South Korea, the UAE, Malaysia and China at 64 %, 63.6 %, 62.9 % and 62.5 % respectively, while the global average is 55.8 %. &nbsp,

In terms of average online revenue of consumer goods in 2024, Thailand’s e-commerce average revenue per user ( ARPU) was US$ 1, 183, lower than the global average of$ 1, 620. The US, Italy and the Netherlands were the top three at$ 4, 470,$ 3, 290 and$ 3, 190.

Some 68.3 % of Thais use mobile devices for e-commerce purchases, while 31.7 % use desktops.

Thailand was also ranked first worldwide for weekly online grocery purchases, with 45 % of Thai respondents doing so, followed by South Korea with 43 % and the UAE with 39 %. &nbsp, &nbsp,

The global ARPU for online grocery shopping in 2024 was$ 450, with the US, Hong Kong and Australia among the top three at$ 1, 740,$ 1, 360 and$ 1, 092. Thailand’s Profitability was$ 188, below the world average. &nbsp,

Thailand’s digital media license and get Revenues was$ 89 last year, less than the$ 93 average worldwide.

Regarding online ride-hailing Profitability for 2024, Thais spent$ 94, slightly higher than the global average at$ 93.5. The US, Singapore and Switzerland were the top spenders for online ride-hailing at$ 590,$ 366 and$ 339 respectively.

In terms of social media use, Thais spend an average of 2.23 time everyday on social media, topping the global average of 2.21 time. &nbsp,

Thais were No. 2 for YouTube consumption at 42.1 days per month, behind solely South Korea at 43.3 time.

On average, Thais spend 16.23 days per month on Instagram on Android devices, less than the world average of 17.17 time.

Thailand ranked eighth in terms of Facebook consumption, with 50.9 million people. &nbsp,

Thailand has the largest marketing budgets of 34 million dollars, which ranks among the top 15 nations. The US, Indonesia and Brazil are among the top three with 135 million, 107 million and 91 million both. &nbsp,

The nation also offers one of the lowest fixed files plans, starting at$ 11.60 per month, as per the review, and is ranked ninth worldwide for the fastest fixed internet connection speed, with a median save acceleration of 239 megabits per second.

Thais ranked 14th worldwide for consumer spending on wireless applications between September and Nov 30, 2024, at$ 356 million. &nbsp,

Thais were 10th worldwide for use of chat and message service, at 98 % of online users per month.

Additionally, according to the report, 25.8 % of Thai internet users are concerned about how businesses collect and use their personal information. &nbsp,

This is lower than the 29.9 % common worldwide. Spain, Portugal and Brazil are among the top three with 51.5 %, 50.8 % and 48.3 % respectively.

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IP protection caught in AI-fuelled geopolitical crossfire – Asia Times

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Amid the military posturing, economic sanctions, and political power struggles shaping the US-China rivalry, intellectual property ( IP ) disputes remain a major battleground.

In January 2025, Chinese firm DeepSeek’s latest AI design helped sweep US$ 1 trillion off the US property market by demonstrating how open-sourced collaboration—refining officially available AI technology—can rival proprietary models without huge investment.

DeepSeek, a major US AI firm, joined the chorus of US officials and businesses that have lengthy accused China of Internet fraud across various sectors.

Despite the fact that OpenAI itself claims to be protected by the fair use doctrine, it has been accused of using another copyrighted material without authorization to create its relational AI model.

The computer and newer technologies like AI and 3D printers allow creators to make, spread, and sell their work without conventional gatekeepers. However, these exact equipment expose these works to constant copyright and diminished power.

With scattered enforcement and tensions over protecting development and public access, globalization has further exacerbated Internet protection.

Globalization and Internet Safeguards

IP has withstanded previous modern hiccups, but today’s fast innovation in a multinational environment is tearing down outdated protections more quickly than policymakers may adapt.

The World Intellectual Property Organization ( WIPO ) has positioned itself as the key mediator to address 21st-century IP disputes involving countries, corporations, and individuals, but faces growing obstacles in keeping pace with the fast-moving changes.

Solid IP laws, according to advocates, promote innovation by allowing others to use existing work, protecting creators, and encouraging collaboration in a good system. Critics counter that these laws often favor big corporations and owners over customers and developing countries, prevent engagement, create monopolies, and limit access to important goods.

Global IP protections are still a relatively recent idea. They date back to ancient Greek recipe safeguards, but they have exploded in popularity since. The printing press revolutionized content distribution in the 15th century, and the Industrial Revolution later fueled invention, mass production, and transportation advances—alongside rampant IP theft. Post-independence, US entities frequently copied British industrial designs, accelerating industrial growth.

Pivotal agreements—like the Paris Convention ( 1883 ) for industrial property, the Berne Convention ( 1886 ) for literary and artistic works, and the Madrid Agreement ( 1891 ) for international registration—laid the foundation for today’s global IP framework.

WIPO, created in 1967, and the World Trade Organization ( WTO ), created in 1995, later emerged alongside other bodies to oversee the four main types of IP—patents ( inventions ), trademarks ( brand identity ), copyrights ( creative works ), and trade secrets ( like customer data and algorithms ).

Regulating a changing digital world

In response to the accelerating globalization in the 1990s, the WTO sought to harmonize trade regulations. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ( TRIPS) Agreement had a goal to standardize global IP protections, but it hasn’t succeeded in doing so.

Only WTO members can participate in the agreement, excluding some African, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian countries, and private actors. The WTO’s processes can be slow, with only a few disputes coming to an end. The majority of them are either stalled or resolved on terms agreed to by more powerful members.

TRIPS’s compulsory licensing allows third parties to produce patented inventions without the owner’s consent under specific conditions, but such measures often provoke retaliation. While pharmaceutical giant Abbott responded by withholding some of its products from the Thai market when Thailand issued a license for an HIV medication in 2007, the U.S. and the EU pressured it to backtrack.

Additionally, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs ) have sidestepped TRIPS enforcement. The North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA ), for instance, curbed IP violations more effectively than WTO.

The United States’s unilateral actions, including “blocking the reappointment of Appellate Body members who were seen as not having’ served’ US interests sufficiently” ,—especially since 2019—have further weakened the system.

Domestic agencies like the US International Trade Commission ( USITC ) and the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office ( USPTO ), meanwhile, enforce their own IP standards, undermining TRIPS rules. China, with its newfound economic power, is following suit.

Perhaps TRIPS’s greatest challenge is keeping pace with emerging technologies. During WTO’s inception in 1995, the public internet was in its infancy. Today, digital piracy is widespread, with AI and 3D printing further disrupting traditional IP frameworks, causing TRIPS’s rigid structure to buckle under the weight of a rapidly evolving digital world.

Individual members have taken different approaches to their domestic legislation, from complete protection of AI-generated works to a requirement of human creativity that effectively leaves such works unprotected, as per the TRIPS agreement.

This patchwork will likely get worse as the share of cross-border intellectual property, including copyrights, is increasing, according to a 2023 article in the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

WIPO to the digital rescue?

WIPO, which became a UN-specialized agency in 1974, has positioned itself as the leading force in global IP protection. Unlike TRIPS, which enforces trade-based IP rules, WIPO oversees 27 broad IP treaties, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for international patent applications and the Madrid System for trademark registration.

Rather than imposing strict enforcement, WIPO provides guidelines, training, and resources to strengthen IP laws and institutions. It collaborates with businesses and organizations like the USPTO and works with organizations like the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization to promote capacity-building in developing nations. It also adopts a cooperative approach to dispute resolution and harmonization.

Largely self-funded, WIPO derives most of its revenue from IP services and registrations, reducing reliance on member contributions and limiting external influence.

WIPO’s ability to navigate modern IP problems remains under scrutiny, with Covid-19 serving as a major test. Expanding the Access to Research for Development and Innovation ( ARDI) program, which provides developing nations with free or low-cost access to scientific journals, it also strengthened its PATENTSCOPE database for Covid-related patents. WIPO also sought to represent the WTO, which is supported by pharmaceutical companies and Western nations that favor stronger IP protections, and the WHO, which is led by India and South Africa, who are pushing for greater access to vaccines.

The 2022 waiver agreement, providing a” waiver of intellectual property ( IP ) protections for Covid-19 vaccine patents, “was widely seen as too limited and delayed, reinforcing perceptions that WIPO favored corporate and Western interests, even for generic medicines.

” Evergreening,” for example, where pharmaceutical companies make minor modifications to extend patent life and block generic competition, has been a consistent controversy within WIPO. This practice has also raised questions about how to balance IP law with human rights goals, particularly those that benefit poorer nations.

In 2013, WIPO launched its Green Marketplace to connect companies, researchers, and NGOs for green technology collaboration. This initiative followed the 2008 Eco-Patent Commons, an IBM-led effort offering free public patents that struggled due to patent limitations, narrow scope and low engagement.

WIPO’s marketplace saw greater success by more effectively building connections, tracking results, and providing funding, mediation, and other resources for long-term impact. Ongoing digitization remains a key WIPO challenge, requiring constant updates.

Online copyright issues are addressed by the 1996 WIPO Internet Copyright Treaties, and the 2009 introduction of the Digital Access Service ( DAS ) speeds up the secure exchange of documents internationally. WIPO PROOF, a 2020 digital timestamping service for IP protection, was discontinued in 2022 due to” poor demand, “reflecting WIPO’s willingness to experiment despite occasional setbacks.

WIPO has used an immutable, transparent ledger to track and verify asset ownership and changes in real-time to explore the potential for securing IP rights more than the WTO. In 2018, it launched a Blockchain Task Force, followed by a 2020 white paper outlining blockchain’s role in the entire IP lifecycle and smart contracts —self-executing agreements that enforce terms automatically when conditions are met.

The expansion of corporate and copyright control over the creation of digital IP laws has raised objections, with some critics claiming that it prioritizes profits over public benefits. The length of a copyright can be too long, which gives the user unnecessarily control over how to use it.

Although the majority of IP revenue is generated in the initial years, access can be revoked for roughly a century. For instance, Spotify, one of the fastest streaming services, generates a lot of money quickly, but long-term copyright frequently undercuts artists, as WIPO noted in its 2021 report on the expansion of Spotify’s copyright law.

However, WIPO has a limited amount of influence, and its slow progress toward more complex copyright issues has opened up room for other models promoted by organizations like Creative Commons and the Open Knowledge Foundation to develop alternative licensing strategies. These models frequently include free licensing, with the aim of allowing creators to have some control over how their work is used while allowing them to gain more access to IP-protected works.

Concerns also exist regarding 3D printing and AI. The ease of replicating physical objects with 3D printing complicates IP enforcement, and WIPO offers Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR) services, including mediation and arbitration, to help bring resolution. Experts concur that additional efforts are required despite the more than ten years of WIPO’s efforts to clarify and regulate 3D printing.

By obfuscating ownership and originality, AI poses a similar threat to IP. The 2020 convention of WIPO with stakeholders in AI and the 2024 Patent Landscape Report on AI aim to assist nations and businesses in developing policies for AI-related inventions. However, as with 3D printing, WIPO struggles to keep pace with technological advances.

The internet, as a global distributor, only accelerates unauthorized sharing, undermining the potential for effective oversight.

China’s tech space domination

Additionally, WIPO has trouble resolving disputes between China and the US. The rise in the number of Chinese tech companies and research institutions is revealed in its Patent Landscape Report. In 2023, global patent filings reached about 3.6 million, utility models were at 3.1 million, and industrial designs were at 1.5 million. China dominated most categories, with the US following.

However, while China submitted 1.46 million patent applications in 2022, less than 800, 000 were granted, indicating many were superficial or served limited purposes. Additionally, while China leads in patent applications, most are for domestic use. Less than a fifth of invention patents were filed in 2016 to protect novel, cutting-edge inventions, with the majority being brief-term utility or design patents that covered minor changes and were primarily intended for domestic use.

China still led in PCT ( international ) patents in 2023, filing roughly 70, 000 compared to more than 55, 000 from the US. However, with more than 242,000 filings of direct and PCT applications to foreign IP offices in 2023, China is in third place, behind Japan, with roughly 120, 000 filings.

Nonetheless, China is surging ahead in other areas. China filed 38, 000 GenAI patents between 2014 and 2023, surpassing all others combined ( the US was second at 6, 000 ). Additionally, according to WIPO data, China held more than half of all blockchain patents up to 2017.

China’s growing political influence in WIPO has become more evident. It prohibited several, largely European Wikimedia affiliates from becoming official observers at the WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights in 2023, likely as a result of tensions over Taiwan. These growing rivalries are made worse by WIPO’s non-binding framework and reliance on voluntary cooperation, which limits its enforcement authority.

As global powers compete over IP protections, the high costs of filing, maintaining, and enforcing IP rights can be beyond the reach of smaller, less wealthy countries. Issues such as litigation, patent trolling, and overly broad patents can further overwhelm the matter. By failing to comprehend IP rules, vulnerable businesses can miss out on opportunities while also putting themselves at risk of legal action.

The WIPO’s Development Agenda, which was introduced in 2007, has so far had a mixed success in strengthening IP frameworks in developing nations. In Liberia, little progress has been made despite decades of WIPO involvement. At the 2024 WIPO Assemblies of member states, African countries renewed calls for greater technology transfers, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building programs.

WIPO faces significant obstacles in enforcing IP rights, maneuvering rapid technological advancements, and addressing issues over the access, equity, and politicization of global IP infrastructure. These obstacles are likely to increase as a result of intensified geopolitical rivalries.

Despite this, WIPO can point to its success in expanding global IP frameworks, dispute resolution, and record-high patent filings. Despite the fact that IP theft will continue to be a problem, WIPO’s adaptability and inclusive approach have helped it maintain its relevance and effectiveness in a constantly changing environment.

Its ability to strike a balance between promoting access to knowledge, technology, and essential goods while maintaining a balance in the future of global IP governance will determine its contribution.

John P Ruehl is an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, DC, and a world affairs correspondent for the Independent Media Institute. He is a contributor to several foreign affairs publications, and his book”, Budget Superpower: How Russia Challenges the West With an Economy Smaller Than Texas ‘”, was published in December 2022.

This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute, and is republished with permission.

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ChatGPT: India media seek to join lawsuit against OpenAI chatbot

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13 hours before
Umang Poddar

BBC Hindi

PTI Sam Altman in Delhi on 5 FebPTI

India’s biggest media organisations are seeking to add a complaint against OpenAI, the US company behind ChatGPT, for alleged illegal use of their information.

The media agencies include some of India’s oldest magazines like The Indian Express, The Hindu, The India Today group, businessman Gautam Adani-owned NDTV, and over a hundred people.

OpenAI refutes the accusations and told the BBC that it only uses “publicly available information” that is consistent with “widely accepted legal norms.”

On Wednesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was in Delhi to explore India’s prepare for a low-cost Artificial ecosystem with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

He claimed that India” should be one of the frontrunners of the Artificial revolution” and that previous statements from 2023, in which he claimed American businesses may struggle to engage, had been taken out of context.

According to local media, he claimed that” India is a very significant market for both OpenAI and AI in common.”

The largest news agency in India, Asian News International ( ANI), filed a legal case against OpenAI in November.

ANI accuses ChatGPT of using its copyrighted materials improperly- which OpenAI denies- and is seeking damages of 20m pounds ($ 230, 000, £185, 000 ).

The case holds significance for ChatGPT given its plans to expand in the country. According to a survey, India already has the largest user base of ChatGPT.

Chatbots like ChatGPT are trained on massive datasets collected by crawling through the internet. The content produced by nearly 450 news channels and 17,000 newspapers in India holds huge potential for this.

There is, however, no clarity on what fabric ChatGPT is officially gather and use for this goal.

OpenAI is facing at least a few complaints across the world filed by producers, artists and media companies, who have all accused ChatGPT of using their information without consent.

The most prominent of them was filed by The New York Times in December 2023, in which the newspaper demanded “billions of dollars” in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, its backer.

A jury selection would also have some compelling benefit for other similar cases from around the globe, says Vibhav Mithal, an attorney at the Indian law company Anand and Anand.

According to Mr. Mithal, the outcome of the lawsuit brought by ANI may “define how these AI models will run in the future” and “what copyrighted information content can be used to train AI conceptual models [like ChatGPT].”

A court ruling in ANI’s favour could spark further legal cases as well as opening the possibility of AI companies entering into license sharing agreements with content creators, which some companies have already started doing.

” But a decision in OpenAI’s favor will give us more freedom to teach AI designs using copyrighted protected information,” he said.

Getty Images Men read local news daily with front-pages news besides a stall in Amritsar on July 22, 2024Getty Images

What is ANI’s event?

ANI distributes information to its paying subscribers and holds unique copyrights over a sizable collection of words, images, and movies.

ANI claims in its lawsuit that OpenAI improperly trained ChatGPT using its information. According to ANI, this improved the robot, which has benefited OpenAI.

The information agency claimed to have offered to give the business a permit to use its data before filing the lawsuit and that it had informed OpenAI that its content was being used fraudulently.

According to ANI, OpenAI turned down the offer and placed the news agency on an interior blocklist so that its information is no longer being gathered. Additionally, it requested that ANI turn off some web crawlers to prevent ChatGPT from crawling its information.

The media firm says that despite these measures, ChatGPT picks up its content from websites of its users. This has enriched OpenAI “unjustly”, it says.

Additionally, ANI claims in its lawsuit that the bot verbally generates its content for specific prompts. In some instances, ANI says, ChatGPT has erroneously attributed comments to the news agency, hampering its reliability and misleading the public.

ANI has requested that the court order OpenAI to quit keeping and using its work in addition to requesting compensation for damages.

OpenAI responds by saying that the company’s servers are not located in India and that the robot has not been trained it. In its response, the company claims it opposes the situation being filed in India.

News organizations want to file a complaint with the government.

The Federation of Indian Publishers filed a lawsuit in court in December, claiming they were “directly affected” by this event and should be able to provide their arguments because well. It claims to represent 80 % of American publishers, including the American headquarters of Penguin Random House and Oxford University Press.

A month later, Digital News Publishers Association ( DNPA ), which represents leading Indian news outlets, and three other media outlets filed a similar application. They claimed that a similar concept had not been followed in India despite OpenAI having entered into licensing contracts with foreign media publishers like the Associated Press and Financial Times.

The event would have an impact on the livelihood of journalists and the full news industry, according to DNPA. OpenAI has, nevertheless, argued that bots are not a” supplement” for news membership and are not used for such reasons.

The court has not yet given these publishers’ uses an acknowledgement, and OpenAI has argued that the judge may not notice them.

The judge will only be allowed to hear ANI’s promises because the other parties had not filed their own lawsuits, the prosecutor said.

However, OpenAI told the BBC it is interesting in” constructive alliances and conversations” with media companies around the world, including India, to “work collaboratively”.

Getty Images Men watch the live telecast of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech on television screens inside a shop in SrinagarGetty Images

Where is the Indian AI law now?

Analysts believe that the lawsuits brought forth against ChatGPT around the world could bring attention to aspects of chatbots that have largely escaped scrutiny.

According to Dr. Sivaramakrishnan R. Guruvayur, whose research focuses on ethical use of artificial intelligence, one of the characteristics of chatbot training data is.

The ANI-OpenA I case will lead the court” to evaluate the data sources” of chatbots, he said.

Governments across the world have been grappling with how to regulate AI. In 2023, Italy blocked ChatGPT saying that the chatbot’s mass collection and storage of personal data raised privacy concerns.

The European Union approved a law to regulate AI last year.

The Indian government too has indicated plans to regulate AI. Before the 2024 election, the government issued an advisory that AI tools that were “under-testing” or “unreliable” should get government permission before launching.

Additionally, it demanded that AI tools refrain from” threaten the integrity of the electoral process” or refrain from “generating responses that are unlawful in India.”

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Commentary: Is DeepSeek triggering a Sputnik moment for the American AI industry?

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BLIND SPOTS EXPOSED

Although there is some disagreement over whether DeepSeek has told the entire history, this show has exposed “groupthink” in the British AI industry. Its deafness to solution, cheaper, more encouraging approaches, combined with enthusiasm, is exactly what Simon Johnson and I predicted in Power and Progress, which we wrote just before the generative-AI time began. &nbsp,

The question is then whether the US economy has any other, even more risky blind spots. For instance, are the leading US tech firms missing an opportunity to get their designs in a more “pro-human way”? I’m sure the answer may be well, but only time will tell.

Then there is the issue of whether China is outperforming the US. If so, does this mean that authoritarian, top-down structures ( what James A Robinson and I have called “extractive institutions” ) can match or even outperform bottom-up arrangements in driving innovation?

My discrimination is to believe that top-down power hampers development, as Robinson and I argued in Why Governments Fail. Although DeepSeek’s success makes it seem unlikely to dispute this assertion, it is far from convincing evidence that innovation can be as potent or resilient under inclusive institutions. &nbsp,

After all, DeepSeek is building on decades of advancements in the US and some of Europe. In the US, all of its fundamental techniques were used as models. Mixture-of-experts designs and support understanding were developed in scientific research organizations decades ago, and it was US Big Tech firms that introduced converter models, chain-of-thought argument, and evaporation.

What DeepSeek has accomplished is exhibit its engineering success: utilizing the same techniques more efficiently than US businesses. Will Chinese companies and research institutes be able to develop innovative products, techniques, and strategies that will change the game in the future.

In addition, DeepSeek appears to be different from most other Chinese Artificial companies, which typically develop technology for the state or receive funding from the government. Does the company’s creativity and vitality continue now that it is in the light if it ( which was spun out of a hedge fund ) was operating under the radar? &nbsp,

Whatever happens, one company’s success cannot be taken as compelling evidence that China can defeat more open cultures at technology.

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South Korea’s industry ministry temporarily bans access to DeepSeek on security concerns, official says

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Due to security concerns, the South Korean industry ministry has temporarily prohibited employees from accessing Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek, according to a ministry official who spoke on Wednesday ( Feb 5 ) as the government warns against using generative AI services. According to authorities, the state issued a noticeContinue Reading

DeepSeek juices the geopolitics of AI – Asia Times

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DeepSeek, a relatively unknown Chinese artificial intelligence ( AI ) start-up until late January, has shaken the world with its low-cost, high-power model.

DeepSeek’s achievement – seen in its current No. What were stratospheric, extremely large valuations of US tech giant exposed to AI has caused a significant modification in what was the first position on Apple’s apps store. &nbsp, And it’s resetting the US versus China geography of AI.

DeepSeek’s R1 concept has claimed to beat OpenAI’s cutting-edge o1 model home with a much smaller expense and without access to the most advanced chips subject to US export controls.

The upside to DeepSeek’s model’s financial and technological lack is that R1 appears to run much less expensive and use significantly less power than its American competitors.

The conclusion, reflected in the immediate huge correction of some of the US AI giants ‘ property market valuations, is that US identity in AI is no longer guaranteed. According to DeepSeek, a much smaller financial investment you presumably yield comparable outcomes with the right talent.

Also, America’s reliance on export settings to include China’s tech industry does not seem to be working. For conclusions if, in theory, be good for the earth given DeepSeek’s promise of large efficiency gains and related AI commoditization.

Due to the sheer amount of money believed to be required to develop large language models ( LLMs), the European Union, which has so far been an AI follower rather than leader, as China appeared to be until DeepSeek’s surprise.

While the beneficial elements of DeepSeek’s achievements are obvious, there are also downsides.

Starting with the specialized aspects, DeepSeek is hardly comparable to other US AI programs because its main objective is to improve existing types more than create new ones. Although type optimization is necessary, there is still room for improvement. &nbsp,

In other words, DeepSeek’s optimization does not fundamentally violate the “scaling law” ( i .e., that larger models produce better results ), even though it can significantly lower computational costs and open the door to more efficient architectures to close performance gaps between smaller and larger models. &nbsp,

In other words, the most effective AI systems will also require expensive infrastructure, which brings the race up to galvanizing big financial resources. Another important issue to consider is that DeepSeek is not fully open access as certain components, such as training data, fine-tuning methodologies and parts of its architecture, remain undisclosed.

The latter is all the more critical when considering that DeepSeek, as with any Chinese AI company, needs to comply with China’s strict national security laws and regulations.

All Chinese AI platforms are required to censor any output that is perceived as critical of the Chinese Communist Party-dominated political regime and must parrot the state’s propaganda lines, according to the most recent AI regulations, which were released in 2022.

DeepSeek’s revelation will soon examine whether Western governments will accept China’s censorship of information within their own countries. The AI Act does not directly apply to censorship in the EU, but it does impose that AI systems be open and accountable and uphold human rights, including the right to free speech and political speech.

Depending on how the situation develops, DeepSeek might find this difficult. A more immediate challenge is data protection and, in particular, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ), as Italy’s ban of DeepSeek on January 30 on data transfer grounds clearly shows. This raises questions about data sovereignty and potential government access, which could affect how user-friendly it is within the EU.

While the above concerns need to be taken seriously, the bigger risk is geopolitical. Trump’s assertion that DeepSeek is a wake-up call for US tech companies ( dubbed a” Sputnik moment” by some media outlets ) points to a strategic battle between the US and China that will continue for decades to come. &nbsp,

Crucially, AI competition concerns not only commercial use but also military applications in cyberspace, unmanned weapons and beyond.

DeepSeek’s significance for China comes from both its technical prowess and its willingness to supplant American-made AI platforms.

The most likely outcome of DeepSeek’s development, according to the US, will be a two-thirds reduction in China’s remaining scientific and technological cooperation and a cessation of any remaining export controls.

As a result, Europe should acknowledge the advantages of DeepSeek’s commoditization of AI, but also be aware that even fiercer technological battles between the US and China for AI dominance will have an impact on the continent.

The most immediate is the potential split into two AI worlds, which will be splintered by tighter US export controls, significantly lessening scientific cooperation, and stricter regulation. Europe might find this to be bad for it because it will likely have to choose between the two ecosystems, which means it won’t likely be able to use China’s AI advancements to maximize their efficiency gains.

The AI split will only get worse and worse with Deepseek’s censorship and data transfer risks. Another issue is that Trump’s re-entry into the US ecosystem may not result in further scientific cooperation for the EU because US allies are increasingly seen as non-allies.

Overall, Deepseek’s emergence should be positive in terms of choice and hope for the European AI sector, but also bad news because it will increase US-China AI competition. With potential more limited tech transfer and cooperation with the US and growing concerns about censorship and data leaks from China, the EU is at a crossroads between a rock and a hard place in a growing geopolitical AI race.

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What Year of the Snake holds for China’s economy – Asia Times

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Foreign people around the world have really celebrated&nbsp, the Lunar New Year, which this year runs from January 28 to February 4.

The beginning of spring is a major event in China, and this is the year of the timber snake. According to Chinese astrology, the characteristics of the reptile – registration, possible, option and intelligence – will change the year ahead.

It feels appropriate to look forward as the new solar year approaches and examine the prospects for the Taiwanese economy through these traits.

Registration of the primary financial forces

China is the world’s largest manufacturer, with output equal to the size of the next seven biggest competitors combined. China has been given the name of the world’s top producer, but it has come at a price. China is among the best 20 most polluted nations in the world, according to the most recent information.

So, it’s likely that over the next 12 months, there will be a continuing travel towards the registration, or upgrading, of traditional business sectors that have previously driven growth in China but are also big polluters.

This is a part of China’s wider effort to reduce emissions and lower its carbon footprint. These are the federal climate action plans, also known as&nbsp, nationally determined efforts, as they are outlined in the National Climate Action Plan.

Potential for a rise in AI

China’s manufacturing center could change as a result of its adoption of AI, technology, and 3D printers. In addition, the country’s next-generation AI development plan sets out precise goals to create AI the primary force behind China’s industrial and economic growth. Hope to see more of this improvement in 2025.

China’s machine-learning market has experienced tremendous growth, and is predicted to grow by an average of 34.8 % a year over the next five times. The US is the main business leader and has the largest market share, but DeepSeek‘s most current release of the R1 robot has stirred up opinion.

New year, fresh possibilities. &nbsp, Image: EPA-EFE via The Conversation /Jessica Lee

The most affordable price for its R1 model is claimed to be around US$ 6 million, which is less than its US competitors, including Open AI’s ChatGPT-4, which is said to have cost more than$ 100 million.

It serves as an indicator of the pace of development and highlights the potential expansion of China’s AI industry, which is likely to help close the US-China border.

Options for international funding

We can anticipate opportunities for growth in advanced technology sectors like banking and green tech in addition to modernizing standard industries. China will continue shifting its focus to business in which its organizations can add thousands of benefit, such as in technology-related production.

To finance these industries, there must be significant expense, and two significant changes have occurred recently, acknowledging that private investment cannot suffice.

Second, the changes to China’s A-share industry, which went into effect in December 2024, may make it easier for a wider selection of international investors to provide. For instance, smaller amounts of money are required, and foreign cash is now appear from unlisted firms.

Next, in November 2024, China opened up its manufacturing industry to foreign investment by removing all access constraints.

We can anticipate that these changes will help China understand these new development areas and increase the amount of international capital in the country over the coming year.

The knowledge of revealing yourself

China continues to believe that opening its market in terms of purchase is wise, and that maintaining a strong connection to the rest of the world is crucial.

The geopolitical tensions with the US are a problem: the US president, Donald Trump, has said he will establish levies of 10 % on imports from China. But on a more positive note, breaking process last month, Foreign vice-president Han Zheng was invited to, and attended, Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

China’s vice-president, Han Zheng, sits behind internet billionaire Rupert Murdoch at Donald Trump’s opening, January 20, 2025. &nbsp, Photo: EPA-EFE via The Conversation / Chip Somodevilla / Pool

It’s an indication of the latest US government’s view of the importance of America’s connection with China.

The UK has a good chance to use the time to continue its efforts to rekindle its connection with China. During the subsequent visit to Beijing by the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, there was a conversation of a” stable and balanced UK-China relationship”.

Some people anticipate or desire a return to the “golden era” rhetoric of past UK chancellor George Osborne, who urged China to work together to ensure common prosperity in a speech at the Shanghai Stock Exchange in September 2015:” This stick up to make Britain China’s best partner in the West. Let’s work together to make this a golden decade for both of our nations.

However, greater dialogue with China may be possible, while at the same time carefully managing the UK’s relationship with the new US administration.

Watch out for other economic developments in China over the coming year, such as the progress of Chinese fiscal reforms and their effects on local and regional finances and income distribution.

Also, there is the matter of the real estate market. House prices are beginning to stabilize after significant declines in housing sales and investment in 2024.

China’s economy will face challenges in the year ahead. However, as the manufacturing giant begins to close the gap with the US, there are also some exciting opportunities for this company, particularly in the tech sector.

Karen Jackson is reader in economics, University of Westminster

This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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US Postal Service suspends parcels from China

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Washington, on February 4, the US Postal Service announced that it was temporarily suspending outbound packages from China and Hong Kong, just as President Donald Trump’s new levies targeted Beijing were being implemented. The halt will continue until further notice, and it comes in response to Trump’s request for anContinue Reading