Author: Akin Naphtal

Salesforce has announced its acquisition of New Jersey-based data management and protection company, Own, in a deal worth $1.9 billion in cash. This marks Salesforce’s largest purchase since its $27.7 billion acquisition of Slack in 2021. Earlier this year, the company considered buying Informatica, a data management software firm but decided against it. Steve Fisher, General Manager at Salesforce, highlighted the significance of the acquisition, stating, “This move underscores Salesforce’s commitment to providing secure, end-to-end solutions that protect our customers’ most valuable data.” He emphasized the growing importance of data security and how Own’s expertise would enhance Salesforce’s offerings. Founded…

Azerbaijan is set to have 1 million citizens using digital identities by the end of 2026, according to an announcement made by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. This move is part of the country’s broader plan to expand its digital economy and enhance public access to e-government services. As of July, 65% of Azerbaijan’s population has adopted the national mobile digital ID, Asan İmza, eliminating the need for physical ID cards. In September, the nation’s largest mobile network operator, Azercell, began accepting digital ID cards for all transactions, allowing customers to verify their identity via the Mygov application.…

YouTube has introduced a new suite of AI detection tools aimed at safeguarding creators, including artists, actors, musicians, and athletes, from having their likenesses—such as their face and voice—copied and misused in videos. This innovation comes amid growing concerns over the unauthorized use of AI-generated content. A key feature of this new technology is the expansion of YouTube’s existing Content ID system, which currently identifies copyright-protected material. The update will now include a synthetic-singing identification tool that detects AI-generated content mimicking someone’s voice. YouTube is also working on technology to detect AI-simulated faces, marking a significant step in protecting creators…

In a decisive step towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI), a group of countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and the European Union, have signed the Council of Europe (COE) Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. This treaty, hailed as the first legally binding international agreement on AI, aims to ensure that AI systems operate in alignment with human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law. At a meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, the treaty was formally opened for signatures. Alongside the major global markets, signatories include nations such as Iceland, Israel, Norway, and…

MpiloTech has formally secured certification as an Implementation Partner for Temenos Digital across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, marking a major achievement in its goal to provide advanced digital banking solutions to financial institutions. The certification follows a thorough evaluation process, where MpiloTech showcased its expertise through a team of 30 certified professionals, each specializing in various aspects of implementation and delivery. This accomplishment highlights the company’s alignment with the Temenos Implementation Methodology, ensuring the delivery of tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of clients in the region. Currently, MpiloTech is leading two major implementations of Temenos…

Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates has invested billions in technologies aimed at shaping the future, from combating climate change to eradicating diseases. His efforts and insights are now the focus of a new Netflix series titled “What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates”, set to launch on September 18. The series will explore various pressing issues, including artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, global health, inequality, and misinformation. In an interview with The Verge, Gates discussed his optimism about the future technologies highlighted in the series. He also reflected on his time leading Microsoft and the…

The National Health Service (NHS) could save over £1.2 billion by adopting non-intrusive lifestyle monitoring technology in social care, accordia new independent report. The widespread use of this AI-driven technology is also projected to free up more than two million hospital bed days and create enough extra capacity to fund 10,000 additional full-time carers by 2035. Commissioned by health-tech company Lilli, the report underscores the urgent need for digitization across the health and social care sector. It draws on data from several local authorities across the UK currently using the technology to address the growing care deficit and mounting social…

Neko Health, a Swedish startup co-founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek and Hjalmar Nilsonne, is bringing its innovative approach to preventative healthcare to London, marking its first expansion outside its home market. The company, known for its annual full-body scans and driven insights, aims to detect conditions like heart disease and skin cancer early on. For £299 and an hour of your time, Neko Health offers a comprehensive health assessment. The process involves a series of scans and tests that generate millions of data points, providing detailed insights into cardiovascular, metabolic, and other health conditions. The package includes an in-person consultation…

SparkLabs, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm known for backing AI giants like OpenAI and emerging startups such as Vectara, Anthropic, and xAI, announced the closure of a $50 million fund dedicated to supporting AI startups. Named the AIM AI Fund, this latest financial commitment will fuel investments through SparkLabs’ AIM-X accelerator in Saudi Arabia and in AI startups worldwide. The AIM-X accelerator, launched earlier this year as part of Saudi Arabia’s national AI Mission, represents a strategic effort to advance AI technology in the region. SparkLabs plans to allocate approximately 35% of the new fund to participants in the…

Leading tech education start-up, Child-In-Tech, has announced its first-ever AI Summit, which is scheduled for 5th September, 2024, at Blue Crest University, and sponsored by TapTap Send, a renowned fintech company. The AI Summit aims to introduce children under 18 to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), providing a platform for them to learn, explore, and showcase their innovative ideas. The event promises to be an engaging and interactive experience, featuring keynote speeches, workshops, and project exhibitions. Themed “Empowering Young Minds through AI,” the summit will bring together industry experts, educators, and young tech enthusiasts to share knowledge, inspire creativity,…