Author: Akin Naphtal

The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development called on governments, industry, academia, and civil society to collaborate to support the forthcoming UN Global Digital Compact. The meeting held in New York today just days before the UN’s Summit of the Future, stressed the need for international cooperation to create a resilient, inclusive, and safe digital future. The Commission emphasized the importance of the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for the Future, which are expected to be finalized at the upcoming UN Summit. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, highlighted the urgency of collective action, Ingabire stated:”How…

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a report criticising social media companies for their inadequate data management practices, particularly regarding transparency and control over how user information is collected, shared, and processed by artificial intelligence systems. The report highlighted platforms like Meta Platforms, ByteDance’s TikTok, Amazon’s Twitch, and others for falling short in protecting user privacy. The FTC found that many companies employ insufficient data retention policies, while some were unable to fully identify the ways they collect or use data. Although specific companies’ practices were anonymised in the report, platforms including Google’s YouTube, X, Snap, Discord, and…

Verizon Business announced a partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), focusing on cyber resiliency and security optimization across MSE’s sports and entertainment operations. Through Verizon Security Consulting, the collaboration aims to bolster cybersecurity for MSE’s properties, including the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go. Charlie Myers, CTO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in the industry, saying, “Monumental Sports recognizes the need to proactively invest in cyber resiliency. This partnership with Verizon Business will allow us to continue our focus on driving digital innovation…

Countries worldwide are enhancing their cybersecurity measures, but stronger efforts are required to address evolving cyber threats, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI 2024), released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The report shows that countries have made progress in cybersecurity commitments since the last index in 2021. However, significant threats remain a concern, including ransomware attacks targeting government services, cyber breaches in core industries, and privacy violations. “Building trust in the digital world is paramount,” stated Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. “The progress reflected in the Global Cybersecurity Index shows that continued focus is needed to ensure…

Video game publisher, Electronic Arts has announced that it expects to reach the upper end of its annual bookings forecast, alongside the unveiling of the latest instalment in its long-running “Battlefield” franchise. The announcement was made at EA’s investor day conference on Tuesday, 18th September. The upcoming Battlefield release will return to a modern-day setting after the previous three games explored different historical periods, aiming to compete directly with Activision Blizzard’s “Call of Duty” series. This move comes as consumers cut back on discretionary spending, focusing more on established franchises amid persistent inflation. In July, EA projected fiscal 2025 bookings…

Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, has announced that its Blindsight experimental implant, aimed at restoring vision, has been granted the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “breakthrough device” designation. This status is reserved for medical devices that offer treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening conditions, accelerating their development and review process. Blindsight is designed to enable even individuals who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to regain their vision, according to Musk, who shared the news in a post on X. Neuralink has not yet provided details on when human trials for the device might begin, and the FDA…

Meta Platforms has begun overhauling privacy and parental controls for Instagram users under 18, converting their accounts into “Teen Accounts,” and making them private by default to address growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on young people. With the new controls, users of Teen Accounts will only be able to receive messages and tags from accounts they already follow or are connected to. The platform’s sensitive content settings will also be set to the most restrictive level available, ensuring a safer experience for younger users. Those under 16 can only change these default settings with a parent’s…

Oracle and Microsoft have launched Oracle Database@Azure in the Australia East region of Microsoft Azure. This service combines Oracle Database’s performance on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) with the security and flexibility of Azure. It allows customers to benefit from both platforms while offering high availability, scalability, and advanced workload management. Oracle Database@Azure is already available in six Azure regions, including Australia, with plans to expand to 15 more regions worldwide. The service integrates with Azure’s security and monitoring tools, including Microsoft Sentinel, while also offering new features like Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service and OCI GoldenGate, enhancing…

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) has launched the first industry-wide Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap to help telecommunications organizations adopt and measure ethical approaches to artificial intelligence (AI). The roadmap is designed to guide telco operators as they explore an estimated $680 billion market opportunity over the next 15-20 years. Developed with insights from McKinsey and a group of telecom operators, the roadmap provides tools for organizations to assess their current AI maturity. It offers clear guidance for enhancing responsible AI practices. This is the first time the telecoms sector has united under a common framework for AI…

Microsoft and BlackRock have announced a joint initiative to launch an over $30 billion fund aimed at investing in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, with a focus on building data centres and energy projects. According to the the Financial Times, the new investment vehicle, known as the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership, is designed to enhance AI supply chains and energy sourcing to support the growing computational demands of AI technologies. AI models, especially those used for deep learning and large-scale data processing, require significant computational power, which in turn drives higher energy consumption. To meet these demands, tech companies must…