Welcome to the LOCANUCU blog, your destination for localization news you can use. On June 19, 2025, the industry is buzzing with activity that underscores the dual forces of technological automation and human-centric value. Today, we're covering a major airline partnership with TransPerfect that highlights the critical role of localization in global business. We'll also look at Google's significant policy shift on AI translation, new platform launches from OnTheGoSystems and Localazy, and important discussions on AI governance and how we measure success. From the EU's push for accessibility to a new awards program celebrating Africa's language industry, let's get into the news shaping our world.
- TransPerfect has been chosen by TAP Air Portugal to handle its multilingual digital content.
- The TAP Air Portugal partnership aims to enhance the airline's web and mobile platforms for a global audience.
- OnTheGoSystems launched its Private Translation Cloud to provide more data control and security.
- Localazy has released a new AI-powered platform designed to automate software translation processes.
- Google now automatically uses AI to translate content unless creators specifically opt out.
- This policy shift from Google places the onus on creators to manage their content's localization.
- The 2025 AI Governance Survey shows companies are increasingly formalizing AI usage policies.
- A new perspective suggests that traditional localization metrics like cost and speed are insufficient.
- The industry is urged to focus on measuring the business impact and value of localization.
- The EU-funded SHIFT project has deployed a multilingual AI toolkit to improve digital accessibility.
- The SHIFT toolkit aims to assist users with disabilities by providing content in various languages and formats.
- The African Language Services Awards (ALCA) have been established to honor excellence in Africa's language industry.
- There is a growing emphasis on enhancing customization and control in machine translation workflows.
- Josef Kubovský advocates for monetizing data as a strategic advantage in the AI era.
- Diego Cresceri emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable value of professional human interpreters and translators.
- Plunet calls for a focus on practical and effective solutions in translation management systems.
- A recent localization event with Stefan Huyghe facilitated valuable knowledge sharing among professionals.
- The LangOps Institute highlighted the importance of integrating localization with content strategy.
- Smartling is hosting a webinar to discuss practical applications of AI in localization.
- The push for AI-powered automation in software localization is a dominant industry trend.
Today's industry update begins with a significant partnership in the travel sector. TransPerfect has been selected by TAP Air Portugal to support the airline's multilingual digital transformation. This collaboration will involve translating and localizing TAP's digital content, aiming to create a more consistent and engaging customer experience for travelers across the globe by enhancing their web and mobile platforms.
In technology platform news, there are two notable launches aimed at software localization. OnTheGoSystems has introduced its Private Translation Cloud. This solution is designed to give companies more control and security over their translation data. Simultaneously, Localazy has launched a new AI-powered platform specifically for automating software translation, indicating a continued push towards integrated and intelligent localization workflows.
Google has adjusted its stance on automatically generated translations. The company now requires content creators to opt-out if they do not want their content automatically translated by AI for YouTube captions and other features. This moves the default position to one of automated translation, placing the responsibility on creators to manage how their content is localized.
The conversation around AI continues with findings from the 2025 AI Governance Survey. The report highlights a growing focus within organizations on establishing clear policies and frameworks for the use of AI in localization and other business areas. This reflects a maturation of the industry's approach to AI, moving from pure experimentation to structured implementation and risk management. Furthering this discussion, a recent post from Josef Kubovský emphasizes a strategic shift in viewing data, suggesting that in the age of AI, data should be treated not just as an asset but as a monetizable advantage that can drive business strategy.
On the subject of measurement and value, there's a growing discussion that current localization metrics may be missing the point. The focus is shifting from simple cost and speed metrics to measuring the actual impact and value that localization delivers to the business. In a similar vein, Diego Cresceri highlighted the intrinsic value that professional interpreters and translators bring to the table, a value that transcends simple word replacement. Plunet also contributed to this conversation, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what actually works in practice for translation management, suggesting a need for pragmatic and effective solutions.
In community and events, a recent gathering featured Stefan Huyghe, sparking discussions on localization best practices. Thi-Thuong Truong shared insights from the event, underscoring the value of in-person collaboration and knowledge exchange. The LangOps Institute also weighed in on the strategic side of our work, reinforcing the critical link between localization, content strategy, and overall language operations for achieving global success. Smartling is also looking to educate the market with an upcoming webinar focused on the practical applications of AI in the localization process.
In Europe, the EU-funded SHIFT project has successfully deployed a multilingual AI accessibility toolkit. This initiative aims to improve access to information for individuals with disabilities by using AI to provide content in multiple languages and accessible formats, marking a positive step for digital inclusion.
Finally, a spotlight on the African continent, with the announcement of the ALCA, the African Language Services Awards. This new initiative aims to recognize excellence and innovation within Africa's rapidly growing language services industry, celebrating the professionals and companies driving its development.
And that's a wrap on today's key developments. We've seen how strategic partnerships, like the one between TransPerfect and TAP Air Portugal, continue to drive global business. The conversation around AI is maturing, with Google's new opt-out policy and a growing focus on structured AI governance forcing us to be more deliberate in our strategies. At the same time, voices like Diego Cresceri and initiatives like the EU's SHIFT project remind us that the goal of technology is to enhance human value and accessibility. The industry is indeed moving beyond simple metrics to a more holistic understanding of impact. Thank you for reading LOCANUCU, where we provide the knowledge you need to stay ahead in localization.