Author: Akin Naphtal

The US Commerce Department is expected to propose a ban on the use of Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads, citing national security concerns. The proposed regulation, set to be revealed on Monday, 23rd September, 2024, would prohibit the import and sale of vehicles from China equipped with key communications or automated driving system technology. This stands as a significant escalation in the United States’ efforts to limit Chinese influence in the automotive sector, following recent tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles (EV) and related components. Concerns about Chinese firms collecting sensitive data on…

Major global stakeholders gathered at the United Nations Headquarters for “SDG Digital: A Digital Future for All”, where they showcased innovative digital solutions and announced new commitments to leverage technology for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the event highlighted how digital innovations are essential to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the role of digital technology in transforming global efforts toward achieving the SDGs, stating, “The commitments and solutions on display send a powerful message to the world…

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…