Comtec Translations Wins Best Use of AI in the Agency Category at the 2026 National Digital Awards

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May 28, 2026

Comtec Translations as the winner of best use of AI banner

Comtec Translations, a UK‑based translation and localization company, has won Best Use of AI in the agency category at the inaugural National Digital Awards, held in Birmingham on Friday, 22 May.

The award recognizes Comtec’s approach to using AI in the delivery of localization services: applying technology carefully, where it adds value, while keeping expert human linguists at the centre of quality, terminology, tone of voice and market nuance.

For Comtec, the challenge was not simply whether AI could make translation faster or more cost-effective. It was how a localization business could respond to AI without losing the human expertise that clients rely on when they trust an agency with content in languages they often cannot read themselves.

That thinking has shaped the development of Comtec’s AI-led services, including Pronto, its self-service AI translation platform, and MTAP, its machine translation with automated post-editing service. It also sits alongside Comtec’s wider range of localization options, from AI-led workflows through to machine translation with human post-editing, human review and fully human-led translation.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Comtec works with clients to match the right level of AI and human expertise to the content, audience, risk level and market. In some cases, AI can support speed, consistency and cost-efficiency. In others, human post-editing, specialist review or fully human translation remains the right choice.

Across these service levels, linguists remain central. They help shape client-specific terminology, tone of voice, style preferences, regional language rules and quality standards, ensuring that localization decisions are guided by linguistic expertise rather than generic AI output.

The approach reflects Comtec’s wider values as a family-owned, independent localization agency and the first UK translation company to achieve B Corp certification. As a B Corp, Comtec has been open with its linguist community about the impact of AI on the industry and has sought to develop AI-led services in a way that supports clients while respecting the role of professional linguists.

The thinking was also shaped by Comtec’s own research. In early 2025, the company published The State of AI in Localization, drawing on 812 responses from linguists, agency professionals and people who commission translation. The research explored AI adoption, quality concerns, governance gaps and the pressures felt by the linguist community, helping to inform Comtec’s approach to AI-led localization.

Sophie Howe, Chief Executive of Comtec Translations, said: “We’re really pleased to win this award because of what it recognizes. AI is changing the translation industry very quickly, but for us the answer was never to remove linguists from the process. It was to think carefully about where AI adds value, where human expertise is still essential, and how we can combine the two responsibly.

“Our linguists sit at the heart of everything we do. They help us protect terminology, tone of voice, quality and cultural nuance, whether a client is using an AI-led workflow, human post-editing or a fully human translation process. As a B Corp, this matters to us. We want to adapt to new technology, but in a way that is transparent, ethical and respectful of the people whose expertise makes high-quality localization possible. This award tells us that the approach we have taken is the right one.”

Comtec’s AI-led services have already helped clients improve turnaround times, reduce costs and create more consistent multilingual content, while preserving access to expert human review for content that needs it. The company continues to develop its services around the principle that AI should support, not replace, professional linguistic expertise.

About Comtec Translations

Comtec Translations is a family-owned, independent translation and localization agency based in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. The company works with a network of more than 4,000 specialist linguists across over 200 languages and supports UK and international organizations with translation, localization, transcreation, interpreting, subtitling and multilingual content services.

The Language Group Strengthens Patent Protection for Fetch®, Expanding Coverage Across Real-Time Healthcare Translation Communication

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May 27, 2026

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The Language Group (TLG), a leader in language services and technology-enabled communication solutions, has announced the issuance of a second patent related to Fetch®, the company’s secure, on-demand healthcare translation platform. This newly issued patent significantly expands TLG’s intellectual property protection by broadening coverage beyond the original workflow invention to encompass all healthcare-focused real-time translation communication.

The expanded patent protection reinforces TLG’s long-term commitment to advancing safe, compliant, and clinically responsible multilingual communication in healthcare environments, where language access directly impacts patient understanding, safety, and outcomes.

Earlier this year, TLG announced that Fetch® had become patent protected for its unique workflow, combining AI-powered translation with qualified human-in-the-loop review to support secure, compliant patient communication. The newly issued patent builds upon that foundation by extending protection across broader real-time healthcare translation of communication applications and infrastructure.

“As healthcare organizations continue to navigate growing demands for accessible, multilingual communication, we believe protecting responsible innovation matters,” said Giovanni Donatelli, Founder and CEO of The Language Group. “This second patent strengthens our original invention and expands our protection across healthcare-focused real-time translation communication. It reinforces our commitment to building technology that prioritizes patient safety, compliance, and trust, not just speed.”

Fetch® was developed specifically for healthcare organizations that require fast, accurate, and secure translation support for patient-facing communication. Unlike AI-only translation tools, Fetch® operationalizes a human-in-the-loop model designed to ensure linguistic accuracy, contextual appropriateness, and regulatory compliance for clinically sensitive content. The platform also provides on-demand, 24/7/365 availability with an average 15-minute turnaround time, helping healthcare organizations communicate quickly and effectively across language barriers.

The platform supports healthcare organizations in meeting language access obligations under HIPAA, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Title VI, and Joint Commission standards, while helping reduce communication gaps that can negatively affect patient care and operational outcomes.

“This additional patent protection reflects the broader vision behind Fetch®,” said Eric Hope Vice President of Sales & Marketing at The Language Group. “Healthcare communication requires more than simple translation. It requires real-time workflows built around accountability, accuracy, security, and patient comprehension. Expanding our patent coverage allows us to continue innovating responsibly in this space.”

TLG continues to invest in technology-enabled language solutions that combine automation, human expertise, and healthcare-specific operational design to support safer and more equitable care delivery.

About The Language Group

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, The Language Group (TLG) is an award-winning language solutions company providing translation and interpretation services to healthcare organizations throughout the U.S. With a global talent network and offices across Europe and the Americas, TLG combines more than a century of senior management expertise with innovative technology and deep cultural understanding to help organizations communicate with confidence in any language.

Coalition of Cyber Investigators and Guildhawk GAI Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Secure AI for Multilingual Investigations

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MultiLingual Staff

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May 27, 2026

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GAI Labs partner with The Coalition of Cyber Investigations

The Coalition of Cyber Investigators (CCI) and Guildhawk GAI Labs has announced an official strategic partnership to introduce a new generation of secure, AI‑powered tools to transform how investigators conduct multilingual research in high‑stakes environments.

This partnership combines CCI’s global network of cyber investigation and OSINT professionals with Guildhawk GAI Labs’ 25 years expertise in ISO:27001 certified secure language intelligence and applied artificial intelligence. It addresses a critical operational need: enabling investigators to analyse and act on multilingual data rapidly while maintaining evidential integrity and regulatory compliance.

Investigators currently face a persistent gap: high volumes of multilingual digital evidence, including audio and video material that must be assessed quickly, however, existing tools lack the combination of security, traceability, transcription accuracy, and human oversight required for evidential use. That gap creates operational risk and inefficiency across law enforcement, financial crime, legal, and intelligence sectors, where demand for compliant AI solutions is rapidly increasing.

At the core of the collaboration is a suite of advanced AI tools that allow investigators to process multilingual content with security, traceability, and accountability, aligned to the requirements of the EU AI Act for high‑risk systems, which will take effect in August 2026.

Paul Wright, Co-Founder of the Coalition of Cyber Investigators, said: “Investigators face increasing volumes of multilingual digital evidence, including audio and video, in complex, high-risk cases. This partnership enables AI to be used safely, enhancing investigative capability, upholding professional integrity and evidential standards.”

Jurga Zilinskiene MBE, Founder of Guildhawk and GAI Labs, said: “AI in investigations must be secure, explainable, and accountable. By combining domain-specific models with expert human oversight and ISO-aligned controls, we are empowering investigators to work more efficiently and evidence compliance with the EU AI Act on human oversight.”

Enabling investigators with secure, accountable AI

The new technologies empower investigators to:

Conduct multilingual research at speed across documents, communications, and digital evidence.
Automate transcription and translation of audio and video content, enabling rapid analysis of interviews, calls, and recorded material across languages.
Maintain full audit trails and traceability of all AI-generated outputs.
Apply automated human review and escalation pathways.
Ensure secure handling of sensitive data, supported by ISO 27001-certified control frameworks.

A defining feature is Guildhawk GAI Labs’ proprietary “1‑click expert review and certification capability”, enabling AI outputs to be escalated instantly to qualified experts for validated, certifiable outputs suitable for legal and evidential use. This ensures AI is deployed within a human‑in‑the‑loop governance model, supporting transparency, accountability and oversight in high-stakes investigative contexts.

OSINT specific small language models

As part of the partnership, Guildhawk GAI Labs is developing domain-specific small language models (SLMs) tailored to the language needs of cyber investigators and OSINT practitioners.

These models are:

Specialised for investigative and intelligence workflows, rather than general-purpose use
Trained on domain-relevant linguistic patterns, including indicators of fraud risk and anomaly detection
Designed for controlled deployment within secure environments, reducing exposure to hallucination risks associated with large language models
Configured to support multilingual nuance, including spoken language in audio and video sources

This approach provides greater precision, explainability, and control, which are critical for evidential and regulatory use.

Designed for the EU AI Act and high-risk use cases

The solution is explicitly aligned to the EU AI Act framework for high-risk AI systems, particularly in:

Law enforcement and cyber investigations
Financial crime and fraud detection
Intelligence and OSINT analysis
Regulatory and compliance environments

Key compliance-enabling features include:

Human oversight and intervention points
Documented provenance and explainability of outputs
Traceable decision-support processes
Risk-controlled deployment aligned with regulated environments

UK developed secure AI with ISO 27001 controls

The underlying technology has been developed in the United Kingdom using tried and tested proprietary methodologies, supported by:

ISO 27001-certified information security controls
Secure architectures for regulated and high-risk deployments
Controlled ingestion and processing of sensitive and evidential data, including audio and video
Built-in mechanisms for auditability and compliance reporting

A step forward for responsible AI in investigations

This partnership represents a significant advancement in the adoption of responsible, compliant AI for investigative use, combining speed, multilingual capability, including audio and video processing, and introducing verifiable human oversight.

Phased engagement with CCI members and partners will begin ahead of the EU AI Act implementation timeline.

About Guildhawk

Guildhawk, a UK‑based language intelligence company, blends 25 years of human linguistic expertise with proprietary AI developed in its GAI Labs. It delivers secure, ISO‑certified translation, multilingual data services, and multi‑language media production for global organisations needing high‑volume, high‑accuracy, compliance‑ready content.

Pairaphrase Signs Multi-State K-12 Student Privacy Agreement to Support Secure AI Translation in Schools

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May 26, 2026

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Pairaphrase, a developer of secure AI translation software, has announced that it has finalized a Student Data Privacy Agreement (DPA) with Edmonds School District in Washington State under the National Data Privacy Agreement framework.

School districts need to translate family communications, forms, records and other documents without exposing student-related data to consumer translation tools. Pairaphrase gives districts a governed AI translation workflow designed for K-12 privacy expectations.

At a time when school districts are evaluating AI tools for both usefulness and student privacy risk, the agreement recognizes Pairaphrase as an approved education technology provider authorized to work with student-related data under strict federal and multi-state privacy standards. This includes FERPA, COPPA and state-level student privacy laws.

Because Pairaphrase signed Exhibit E, the “General Offer of Privacy Terms,” other school districts across the participating 16 states may adopt the same privacy terms without renegotiating the full agreement from scratch.

Those states include Massachusetts, Maine, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. The agreement was executed between Edmonds School District and Pairaphrase LLC on April 17, 2026.

“School districts need to communicate with families in more languages, but they also need to protect sensitive student information,” said Rick Woyde, Founder and CEO at Pairaphrase. “This agreement gives districts a clearer path to use secure AI translation for multilingual communication without relying on consumer tools that were not built for K-12 privacy expectations.”

The Pairaphrase DPA reinforces student privacy commitments including no selling of student data, no targeted advertising using student data, encryption protections, controlled access, incident response obligations and adoption of a NIST-aligned cybersecurity framework. Colorado-specific language also states that Pairaphrase will not use student data to train AI models.

For schools using Pairaphrase to translate multilingual communications, IEPs, forms, documents and other district materials, the agreement supports a more controlled alternative to consumer translation tools. Translations are performed by AI and machine translation systems rather than outside human reviewers, which helps districts limit unnecessary human access to sensitive content.

For more information about Pairaphrase, please contact hello@pairaphrase.com or visit pairaphrase.com.

About Pairaphrase

Pairaphrase is secure AI translation management software for schools and organizations that need governed document translation, multilingual communication and FERPA-aligned workflows. For K-12 districts, Pairaphrase provides a controlled alternative to consumer translation tools for translating family communications, forms, school documents and other materials that may involve student-related information.

XLIFF Editor 4.0 Brings AI-Powered Translation and Complete XLIFF 2.x Support to macOS

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MultiLingual Staff

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May 26, 2026

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SweetP Productions has announced the release of XLIFF Editor 4.0, a major update to its professional XLIFF editing tool for macOS. The update introduces AI-powered translation integration, TMX import and export, full XLIFF 2.x specification support, and a completely rebuilt parser and serialization engine that delivers true round-trip fidelity for even the most complex localization files.

XLIFF Editor 4.0 addresses a persistent gap in the macOS localization toolchain. While enterprise CAT tools dominate the Windows landscape, Mac-based translators and developers working with Apple’s Xcode localization exports have lacked a native, specification-compliant editor that handles both XLIFF 1.2 and 2.x without compromising file integrity. Version 4.0 closes that gap.

AI translation integration

The headline feature of version 4.0 is AI-powered translation, giving translators the ability to generate machine translation suggestions for individual segments or across entire files. AI-generated translations are clearly flagged with a “needs review” status, ensuring that human oversight remains central to the workflow. The integration is designed to accelerate first-draft production and provide reference translations for less common language pairs, without replacing the translator’s judgment.

Translation memory support

XLIFF Editor 4.0 introduces TMX (Translation Memory eXchange) import and export, enabling translators to leverage existing translation assets accumulated across projects and tools. Translation memory matches appear as expandable child rows beneath each translation unit, displaying match quality percentages and source origin. A single click applies a match to the active segment. Segmented matches from tools such as SDL Trados and memoQ — including `<mrk mtype=”seg”>` reference segments — are displayed with full segment-level detail.

Complete XLIFF specification support

The parser and serializer have been rebuilt from scratch. XLIFF Editor 4.0 handles both XLIFF 1.2 and XLIFF 2.x files with full specification compliance, including features that many competing tools handle poorly or not at all: CDATA sections round-trip without escaping or data loss; namespaced metadata extensions such as `<mda:metadata>` are preserved verbatim; inline formatting tags (`<g>`, `<x/>`, `<ph>`, `<bpt>`/`<ept>`, `<mrk>`) are displayed as non-editable visual chips that cannot be accidentally corrupted; `<alt-trans>` and `<mtc:match>` elements display as expandable reference rows; and `<context-group>` and custom extension elements survive editing without modification.

Xcode localization workflow

For Apple platform developers, XLIFF Editor 4.0 opens `.xcloc` localization catalog bundles directly, edits the contained XLIFF file, and writes it back without disturbing any other bundle contents — including `Source Contents`, `contents.json`, and other Xcode-managed resources. Combined with support for `<note>` elements that carry Xcode’s developer comments and context, the tool integrates into the Xcode export-translate-import cycle without friction.

Professional editing features

Version 4.0 delivers the editing capabilities that professional translators expect from a dedicated localization environment:

Tag-aware editing: Inline formatting tags are displayed as visual chips in a dedicated segment editor. Tags cannot be split, deleted, or reordered accidentally. The tag structure is preserved through editing and serialization.
Find and replace: Search across source, target, notes, and segment IDs with plain text, regular expression, and fuzzy matching modes. Replace in a single segment or across all visible results.
Visual status tracking: Translation status indicators: untranslated, needs review, and final — are displayed alongside each segment with color-coded icons. Source list file entries show live untranslated and needs-review counts.
Full undo and redo: Every editing action, including target edits, note changes, state changes, source-to-target copies, match applications, and batch replacements support multi-level undo with named action descriptions in the Edit menu.
Keyboard-driven workflow: Tab advances through segments, Enter opens the segment editor, arrow keys navigate, and every action is accessible without a mouse. The editor automatically switches between inline editing for plain-text segments and the tag-aware popover for segments with formatting.
Notes editing: Translator notes can be read and edited directly in the outline view, with CDATA content preserved through saves.

Additional Capabilities

XLIFF Editor 4.0 also supports sdlxliff and xlz package files, customizable spell checking and grammar checking, column sorting by translation status, batch operations across multiple selected rows, target language changes across all file elements, and full dark mode support. The application is built entirely with native macOS frameworks — no Electron, no Java, no web views.

Availability and pricing

XLIFF Editor 4.0 is available now for $39.99 at the following links, and in the Mac App Store:

https://xliffedit.com
https://sweetpproductions.com
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1054842874

About SweetP Productions

SweetP Productions develops privacy‑focused localization and productivity tools for macOS applications designed to give users greater control over their digital footprint. Its tools — ranging from cookie managers to MAC‑address spoofing and USB‑drive cleaners — prioritize security, simplicity, and human‑centered design to make every day browsing and device use safer and more transparent.

The Week in Review: Language Industry News May 19-26

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May 26, 2026

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Across enterprise, public service, and Indigenous communities, this week’s diverse stories highlight a sector building enduring multilingual systems, and not quick fixes. From Smartling’s sweeping AI upgrades to Nimdzi’s stewardship of LocWorld, from California’s permanent language‑access program to a historic investment in Ojibwe revitalization, the industry is shaping long‑term pathways for quality, equity, and cultural survival.

Expansion

Smartling has launched its most extensive AI innovation release yet, introducing LQA Agent — an automated MQM‑based quality evaluation system — alongside other new capabilities. The updates extend Smartling’s enterprise AI translation platform with more in-depth features designed to help organizations scale multilingual content with greater speed, consistency, and trust. Backed by ISO/IEC 42001:2023 and other major compliance certifications, the release helps to reinforce Smartling’s focus on responsible AI and will debut at the Global Ready Conference on May 20.

Nimdzi Insights has acquired Localization World Ltd., the organization behind the long‑running LocWorld conference series, positioning the deal as an act of stewardship for one of the language industry’s most trusted community institutions. Founders Donna Parrish and Ulrich Henes emphasized continuity, with all scheduled LocWorld and Global Toolbox events proceeding as planned and Nimdzi committing to preserve the conference’s core values. Renato Beninatto will step in as CEO of Localization World, and Nimdzi leaders underscored that their first responsibility is to protect LocWorld’s legacy while supporting its next chapter.

Community

In a wide‑ranging interview, Powerling Chief Solutions Officer Fabiano Cid traces his unconventional career path. Describing early failures, constant reinvention, and the cyclical “translation is dead” narratives that have shaped the profession since the 1990s, Cid argues that while technology continually reshapes workflows, the industry endures by redefining translation as part of a broader ecosystem. Looking ahead, he predicts that the most successful professionals will be those who embrace change, blur boundaries between creation and translation, and continue “translating” the industry’s evolution rather than resisting it.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation will permanently fund statewide language services for all 58 county agricultural commissioners, providing no‑cost access to 24/7 interpretation and document translation in over 100 languages. Building from a two‑year pilot that confirmed strong demand and measurable impact, the permanent program adds scheduled interpretation for dialect‑specific languages, voiceover support for oral‑only Indigenous languages, and prioritized subcontracting with Indigenous language providers, helping to reinforce DPR’s equity‑centered approach to environmental justice and worker protection.

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College has been awarded a $9.2 million Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant to support an eight‑year initiative expanding Ojibwe language revitalization. College and community leaders emphasized that the investment is broad, utilizing adult‑learner pathways, immersion programs, first‑speaker engagement, and long‑term language infrastructure to preserve the voices of first‑language speakers. It’s a step toward preserving Ojibwe as a living, evolving language grounded in culture, relationship, and community knowledge.

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This week’s stories underscore a shared commitment to building multilingual futures that last, whether through enterprise‑grade AI governance, community‑anchored conference stewardship, statewide access for farmworker communities, or Indigenous language revitalization designed to span generations. The industry isn’t just adapting to change; it’s constructing the frameworks that will define global communication for decades.

For more stories like these, visit our News section.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ to Feature Sign Language Interpretation for All Matches and Additional Accessible Experiences

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May 24, 2026

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FIFA is dedicated to making sure that all fans – including those with disabilities and their families and friends – have an excellent experience at this year’s FIFA World Cup™.

Featuring 48 teams for the first time, this year’s tournament will be more inclusive than ever – not only expanding participation among nations but also enhancing accessibility for fans with disabilities through expanded resources designed to make the matchday experience truly memorable.

New this year – and a first for any FIFA tournament – sign language broadcasts will be available for every match, allowing fans both inside and outside the stadium to follow the action and excitement through play-by-play coverage and interpretation of key audio cues.

Sign language interpretation

Sign language commentary goes beyond standard interpretation. It provides an immersive experience for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans by translating the full energy of the game. FIFA’s dedicated interpreters will not just convey the play-by-play action, they will also relay key audio cues – such as whistle blows, crowd cheers and emotional shifts in the stadium atmosphere – ensuring fans feel every moment of the match in real time.

To best serve the diverse community of football fans, all group-stage matches played in the United States and Canada will feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, while matches in Mexico will feature Mexican Sign Language (LSM). During the knockout rounds, most matches will be available in ASL, with LSM provided for select matches featuring Spanish-speaking countries.

Fans can easily access the sign language broadcast directly through the official FIFA tournament app by following these steps:

Download and install the FIFA World Cup 2026™ app on any mobile device.
Navigate to the “Stadiums” section of the app.
Select the stadium where the match is taking place.
Open the “Accessibility Services” tab.
Tap the “Sign Language” button.
The YouTube link will automatically open in a web browser, and the broadcast will begin playing immediately.

This marks the first time that FIFA will provide sign language interpretation across all tournament matches. This initiative builds on the success of in-person interpretation at select games during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, while allowing more Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans to access this resource from their own device – whether in the stadium, at a watch party or in the comfort of their own home.

Because this is a live, first-of-its-kind broadcast for FIFA, there may be slight, natural variations in timing, and the sign language interpretation may not always perfectly sync with the live match action. FIFA appreciates fans’ understanding as our teams work in real time to bring fans the best experience possible.

Captioning

In the stadium, captions are available for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans to follow spoken content during matches via ribbon boards, scoreboards, TV screens and in-app links.

Audio-descriptive commentary

Audio-descriptive commentary (ADC) will be available for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. This service enhances the match experience for blind and low-vision fans. Commentators provide narration beyond standard radio commentary, describing key visual elements of the match, such as body language, facial expressions, the on–pitch action and the movement of the ball.

For matches in Canada, commentary will be available in English and French. For matches in the United States and Mexico, commentary will be available in English and Spanish. Fans can access the ADC broadcast through the FIFA Audio Description app, available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Accessible innovations

Following a successful debut at the Club World Cup 2025, haptic devices will return for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with units deployed across stadiums in Dallas, New York New Jersey, Seattle and Vancouver for select matches.

These haptic devices enable blind and low-vision fans to feel the game as it unfolds in real time, translating live match action into tactile and audio feedback so that every goal, every tackle and every moment of play is accessible from the stands.

Sensory bags and sensory rooms

For some football fans, the noise and excitement of the crowd during a match can be overwhelming. FIFA is proud to have this year’s tournament receive the first-ever Sensory Inclusive recognition from KultureCity, one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations on sensory accessibility and acceptance.

To make sure every fan has the chance to enjoy the game, FIFA is working with KultureCity to provide sensory bags at all FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums. These bags, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools and communication devices, will be available at Fan Info Points. Fans can also use the social stories and communication tools in the KultureCity app to prepare for the matchday experience.

In addition to sensory bags, all FIFA World Cup stadiums will offer a sensory room presented by Hisense. These spaces are specially designed with low lighting, soundproofing, textured art and soft seating, and feature Hisense screens with calming visuals. They allow fans to have a calm and quiet place to retreat to during matches. Fans can learn more about these spaces, including locations, by visiting the stadium’s page in the FIFA tournament app.

Mobility assistance

Mobility assistance services will be provided at every match to support wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and people with other disabilities who need help getting from stadium entrances to their seats. Dedicated mobility assistance staff will be readily available in all venues to provide wheelchair escorts and wayfinding assistance.

Tournament app accessibility

The FIFA tournament app is designed with accessibility in mind to help all fans enjoy a more inclusive matchday experience. App accessibility features include the following:

Adjustable font size for easier reading
Customisable color contrast for improved visibility
Captions on videos to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users

Each stadium has a dedicated section within the app, as well as on FIFA.com, where fans can learn about venue-specific accessibility services. This includes further information on mobility assistance, sensory services, accessible seating and the availability of services like closed captioning.

About FIFA

FIFA is world football’s governing body, responsible for organizing global tournaments like the FIFA World Cup™ and advancing the sport through standards, development programs, and social‑impact initiatives. It promotes accessibility, inclusion, and innovation to ensure fans worldwide can experience football fully, both on and off the pitch.

BBC World Service to Launch New Language Offers in Hungarian and Romanian

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MultiLingual Staff

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May 22, 2026

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BBC World Service News in Hungary and Romania

BBC World Service has announced they will begin launching content in Hungarian and Romanian, further building on its global commitment to reach more people with trusted news. The new pilot services, BBC News Magyarul and BBC News Romania, will deliver news and analysis via their websites – bbc.com/magyarul and bbc.com/romania – and their social-media channels.

The Hungarian-language website and social-media channels on Facebook and Instagram will go live from Tuesday 16 June. The Romanian-language website and social-media channels on Facebook and Instagram will be available from Tuesday 23 June. Both language offers will have YouTube and TikTok channels going live later.

To serve their respective audiences – across Hungary, Romania, Moldova and beyond – with independent and impartial coverage of key global and regional developments, the pilot services will cover a broad range of topics in which audiences in Central and Eastern Europe are seeking accurate information, and will be in easily discoverable, social-first formats. The content offers in Hungarian and Romanian will share a mix of stories covering global and European current affairs, health, science, technology, climate, and cost of living.

Both editorial teams will use AI translation technologies responsibly to bring audiences the BBC’s high-quality global journalism in Hungarian and Romanian. Journalists will curate the editorial offer and ensure there is human oversight of all AI-assisted content which will be clearly labelled when used. Alongside this, the teams will produce original reports and analysis.

Interim Global Director, BBC News, Fiona Crack, says: “In an age of shrinking press freedom, rising disinformation, and global uncertainty, delivering independent and impartial news has never been more important. Launching BBC News Magyarul and BBC News Romania is a milestone built on innovation, like AI-assisted translation tools used responsibly, in order to reach new audiences with trusted news.”

BBC News Magyarul and BBC News Romania follow the successful launch of BBC News Polska. In less than a year since its inception, BBC News Polska has an average weekly reach of 537,000. In the most recent quarter, this grew substantially, with a weekly average of 808,000. The service’s reach among women is particularly high, making up nearly 60% of audiences on average since launch.

BBC News Magyarul and BBC News Romania Editorial Lead, Kateryna Khinkulova, adds: “I’m excited to be leading a team of highly skilled and experienced colleagues as we launch BBC journalism in two more languages, Hungarian and Romanian. Our offer is tailored to share high-quality journalism on the subjects that are of special relevance to the audiences we serve. With these two languages, we are eager to expand our reach in the region, especially to women and younger audiences, with the best of the BBC’s journalism.”

Expanding the BBC World Service’s global content offer to 45 languages including English, BBC News Magyarul and BBC News Romania will be available digitally around the world.

BBC News Magyarul and BBC News Romania add to the BBC’s presence in Hungary, Romania, and Moldova via BBC Studios. In Hungary, BBC Studios distributes the television channels BBC News and BBC Earth; in Romania – BBC News, BBC Earth and BBC First; in Moldova – BBC News and BBC First.

The BBC’s radio broadcasts – and later, websites – served Hungarian-speaking audiences between 1939 and 2005. The Romanian service operated between 1939 and 2008.

About British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the United Kingdom’s public service broadcaster, delivering independent news, radio, television, and digital content worldwide. Funded primarily by the UK licence fee, the BBC operates the global BBC World Service, producing trusted journalism in dozens of languages across multiple platforms.

Phoenix & Flag Acquires Majority Stake in Ofilingua as It Builds a Leading Global Language Services Platform

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MultiLingual Staff

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May 22, 2026

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Phoenix & Flag, a firm specializing in language solutions, intellectual property, legal services, and technology applied to these fields, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Ofilingua, one of Spain’s leading providers of translation, interpreting, and intercultural mediation services, and one of the most prominent companies in its sector in Southern Europe.

With more than three decades of experience, Ofilingua has built a particularly strong position in Spain, providing translation, interpreting, and intercultural mediation services to public-sector clients, especially in areas related to state security forces and corps, defense, and the judicial system. The company has an extensive network of specialized professionals and collaborators, a solid operating and financial structure, and deep expertise in managing complex, high-volume language services that require a high degree of sensitivity and reliability.

Ofilingua closed the last fiscal year with revenue of more than €12 million and expects to grow that figure by approximately 20% in 2026, driven by new contracts awarded over the past year.

The transaction represents a strategic step forward for both companies. For Phoenix & Flag, it strengthens the firm’s operating capabilities in Spain and consolidates its position in the professional translation and interpreting sector. For Ofilingua, it opens a new chapter focused on international growth, diversification, and technology expansion, while preserving the company’s identity, team, and commitment to service quality.

A key element of the transaction has been ensuring continuity for Ofilingua’s business, team, and long-term project. Phoenix & Flag is approaching the integration with an industrial, long-term vision rooted in sector expertise, specialized leadership, and respect for the people, culture, and values that have made Ofilingua a market reference.

Ofilingua is already a technology-enabled company, with proprietary tools for managing, coordinating, and delivering its services. This technological foundation, combined with Phoenix & Flag’s capabilities in multilingual content, intellectual property, legal tech, automation, and artificial intelligence, will allow the group to develop more comprehensive, scalable solutions for international markets.

“This decision opens a new chapter for Ofilingua. We were looking for a project with experience, vision, and the ability to preserve who we are. We remain fully committed to our team and our clients, while taking an important step forward in internationalization, diversification, and technology-driven growth,” said Melchor Fernández Monedero, co-founder of Ofilingua together with Rafaela García Nieto.

“With this acquisition, we are bringing into the group experience, talent, operating capacity, and proprietary technology in a sector that is essential for public institutions, companies, and international organizations. Ofilingua contributes a strong track record, a highly specialized team, and a leadership position in the Spanish market,” said Juan Julián León, President & CEO of Phoenix & Flag.

“At Phoenix & Flag, we believe this is how an M&A project in our industry should be carried out: with people who have deep sector knowledge, leadership, and ambition, but also values, responsibility, and genuine care for the teams that make the business possible. Our goal is to bring value, experience, knowledge, and leadership, together with a clear strategy focused on diversification, internationalization, and technological reinforcement, while respecting Ofilingua’s culture and the people who have built the company over more than three decades,” added León.

The integration will combine Ofilingua’s expertise in translation, interpreting, and cultural mediation with Phoenix & Flag’s capabilities in intellectual property, legal services, automation, document management, artificial intelligence, and multilingual content. The goal is to build a stronger platform capable of supporting domestic and international clients, with a particular focus on quality, security, confidentiality, technological efficiency, and operational excellence.

With this transaction, Phoenix & Flag reinforces its commitment to a model in which technology enhances process efficiency and scalability, while the expert judgment of language, legal, and technical professionals ensures accuracy, reliability, and service quality.

About Phoenix & Flag

Phoenix & Flag is a global firm with offices in Madrid, Austin, and Singapore, specializing in language solutions, intellectual property, legal services, and technology applied to multilingual content. The company provides translation, localization, intellectual property management, legal tech, automation, and artificial intelligence services for organizations operating in international markets.

About Ofilingua

Ofilingua is a Spanish company specializing in multilingual translation, interpreting, and cultural mediation services, with more than 30 years of experience. With offices in Granada, Madrid, and Barcelona, the company has a solid operating structure, a highly specialized team, and proprietary technology for the management and delivery of its services.