The National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics – ICI Bucharest participated in Global AI Cities 2026, an event held in Manchester, UK, dedicated to the role that artificial intelligence already has in public administration and in preparing cities for the increasingly present risks in the digital environment.
The event brought together representatives of public administrations, technology specialists, cybersecurity experts and organisations involved in digital transformation projects. The discussions focused on both the benefits of using AI in the public sector and the limits, risks, and responsibilities that arise when such technologies are used in public services.
ICI Bucharest was represented in the panel “AI and the changing face of cybersecurity threats”. The session highlighted how cyber threats are evolving in a context where AI-based tools are used by both institutions and attackers. Topics covered included automated ransomware, deepfakes used for fraud and manipulation, attacks on critical infrastructure, and the growing pressure on local governments to protect their systems.
Global AI Cities is part of the Global Government Forum, Global Government Finance, and Pendragon International Media portfolio of events. The 2026 edition focused on the challenges facing local governments: citizen trust, data protection, the resilience of public systems, and the ability to use technology without losing control over the risks it can generate.