Catch up on this month\u2019s round-up of the latest hosting and tech news. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ve uncovered since our last edition.<\/p>\n
OpenAI has put its plan to build the Stargate UK data centre on hold due to concerns over energy costs and regulations.<\/p>\n
Stargate, which was intended to be a large facility at Cobalt Park in North Tyneside, aimed to boost the country\u2019s computing power, providing access to thousands of advanced AI chips through a partnership with Nvidia and Nscale. The project was part of a larger \u00a331 billion investment in technology, aimed at strengthening the UK’s ability to develop AI on its own.<\/p>\n
While the pause is a setback for the government’s goal to make Britain a leading hub for AI infrastructure, OpenAI said it still sees great potential in the UK market but will wait to move forward until the right long-term conditions are in place. However, it will continue to invest in talented people, expand its presence in the UK, and work on plans to integrate advanced AI systems into public services.<\/p>\n
A recent survey by Ofcom shows that adults in the UK are using social media less, even though they are still engaged with digital technology. The survey found that only 49% of adults now post, comment, or share on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X, down from 61% last year.<\/p>\n
The trend reveals that people are using social media more passively and seem less interested in being publicly active online. Concerns about the future consequences of posting, along with a rise in private group chats and direct messages, suggest that many users are moving towards more private and selective online interactions.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the use of AI is growing quickly. Ofcom discovered that 54% of UK adults used AI tools in 2025, up from 31% the previous year, with younger people adopting it especially fast. The report also showed that 67% of adults feel they spend too much time on their devices, and overall, people’s attitudes toward being online are becoming less positive.<\/p>\n
The change is significant for social media platforms and digital businesses, as user behaviour shifts from public sharing to private communication, algorithm-driven content viewing, and AI-assisted online activities.<\/p>\n
A report from Wiz Threat Research shows that in 2025, 80% of cloud security breaches were caused by basic mistakes rather than advanced hacking techniques. It found that common problems like exposed passwords, misconfigured settings, and outdated software were the main reasons for these incidents.<\/p>\n
The report adds that the key change for organisations is not the types of risks they face but how quickly and widely these risks can spread in larger, connected systems. It also says that the rapid growth of AI makes security more complicated as teams have to manage more systems, services and trust relationships.<\/p>\n
While AI isn’t creating completely new vulnerabilities, it does increase the number of places where existing problems can occur, especially in cloud services that handle sensitive data and important accounts.<\/p>\n
Additionally, Wiz found that while attackers still rely on traditional methods to gain access, they are now using AI to speed up their research, automate some of their work, and improve phishing and malware tactics.<\/p>\n
Research from Owl Labs shows that hybrid workers are increasingly frustrated with the technology used for remote meetings, with many saying that technical problems interrupt teamwork and waste time.<\/p>\n
While 74% of UK workers prefer hybrid working, almost three-quarters have experienced issues during hybrid meetings. Common problems include delays from setup issues, sound echoes and distortions, and difficulty noticing visual signals. On average, employees lose about six and a half minutes at the start of each meeting just trying to get everything to work.<\/p>\n
The findings indicate that workplace technology is now seen as a vital part of the employee experience, with 89% of UK workers believing access to good technology is important, placing it just after pay and supportive management.<\/p>\n
With larger companies and younger workers prioritising dependable digital tools, employers will need to invest more in AI, improve IT support, and upgrade meeting room equipment to make hybrid teamwork more reliable.<\/p>\n
The government has launched a \u00a34 million programme aimed at helping more women enter and return to the tech industry. Set to begin later this year, the project will provide coaching, interview training, and paid work placements for at least six months for 300 women in small businesses across the UK.<\/p>\n
In addition, a new programme, working with the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, will help software developers who have been unemployed for over 18 months move into senior tech roles in government. The goal is to tackle ongoing issues with hiring and keeping workers, especially for women who have taken time off for family care.<\/p>\n
Young girls will also be included in the programme. The TechFirst Girls Competition, run with IBM, will encourage girls aged 12 and 13 to get involved in coding and artificial intelligence through fun challenges.<\/p>\n
The government is also seeking to improve support for women in research and technology, with new ideas focused on maternity leave, flexible working hours, and retraining options. The aim is to strengthen the UK\u2019s tech workforce by making it easier for everyone to access jobs in technology at various career stages.<\/p>\n