Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 29 briefingsPayTech Awards 2025 opens for entries
What happened FinTech Futures has officially launched the 2025 PayTech Awards, inviting global submissions from the payments and fintech sectors. Recognizing innovation, transformation, and excellence, the awards cater to diverse players, from established firms to startups. Key categories include Be…
Top tech news today: November 20, 2024
1. Volante boosts bank performance with new tool Volante Technologies launches a tool to enhance operational efficiency and performance tracking for banks. The Fintech Times Zopa’s ambitious plans: Doubling profits in 2025 2. PayTech Awards 2025 opens for nominations The PayTech Awards 20…
The future of Windows Hypervisor Platform in modern virtualization
The growing role of WHP in modern virtualization Windows Hypervisor Platform (WHP) is low-level layer in Windows which speaks directly to the hardware hypervisor, and it sits below tools that people use every day, and this means it helps run virtual machines and container hosts without turning on th…
NASA offers $45,000 prize for lunar astronaut rescue ideas
What happened How do you move an injured astronaut across the moon’s rugged terrain? NASA wants creative solutions for this challenge and is offering a share of a $45,000 prize for the best ideas. The Apollo programme had the Buddy Secondary Life Support System to share cooling resources during emer…
How AI is reshaping traditional network architectures
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming many industries, and network architecture is no exception. Traditional networks are evolving as AI brings new tools, efficiencies, and capabilities. This shift is not just technical; it also changes how organisations manage their networks, respond to thre…
Why hypervisors are the backbone of cloud computing
Cloud computing has become essential in today’s technology landscape. It provides scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility that businesses need to thrive in the digital age. At the heart of cloud computing lies a crucial technology known as the hypervisor. But why are hypervisors often referred…
El Capitan overtakes Frontier: A new era for exascale computing
The battle for the world’s fastest supercomputer has reached a new peak. El Capitan, the latest exascale powerhouse, has surpassed Frontier to become the top contender in the latest Top500 list of global supercomputers. The new titan, hosted at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Californi…
Spanish Banks Join EU Payment Scheme
What happened On November 18, it was announced that Spanish banks have become the first in the EU to onboard to the instant cross-border payment scheme. Through the efforts of Iberpay and leveraging its services, along with relevant instant payment technologies and processing capabilities, these ban…
How to enable WHP for gaming virtualization?
Windows Hypervisor Platform (WHP) is a powerful feature that enables your Windows PC to support virtualization-based workloads, including gaming virtualization. Whether you’re setting up a virtual environment for gaming experiments or enhancing your gaming experience with tools like emulators, WHP c…
The Exploration Company raises $160M for space race
What happened The European space startup The Exploration Company has just raised $160 million in a major funding round. This $160 million Series B financing will support the ongoing development of the Nyx spacecraft. The spacecraft will be able to carry 3,000 kilograms of cargo to and from Earth. Fo…
Ohio man to forfeit over $400M for bitcoin money laundering
What happened Larry Dean Harmon, the operator of the Bitcoin mixing service Helix, has been charged once again, this time with new offenses related to laundering $311 million in cryptocurrency. Helix, a service designed to obscure the origin of cryptocurrency transactions, was allegedly used extensi…
Solar-powered aircraft: The green future of flight
The aviation industry is at a turning point. With climate change posing a significant threat, industries worldwide are shifting towards greener technologies, and aviation is no exception. Solar-powered aircraft are emerging as a potential answer to reduce emissions and move towards a cleaner, more s…
Musk’s SpaceX set for $250B valuation with tender offer
What happened Elon Musk‘s SpaceX reportedly plans to launch a tender offer next month, selling existing shares at 135 each dollars. This move will value the private rocket manufacturer at over 250 billion dollars, up from 210 billion dollars earlier this year. Musk, currently the world’s richest per…
Sift enhances fraud insights with new metrics
What happened Sift, the AI-driven fraud prevention leader, has just enhanced its Fraud Industry Benchmarking Resource (FIBR), a tool that provides key metrics about fraud across various industries and regions. These updates aim to offer businesses deeper insights into fraud patterns, helping them as…
SocGen brings EURCV stablecoin to XRP Ledger
What happened In a move to bolster its position in the rapidly evolving stablecoin market, Societe Generale’s digital asset subsidiary, SG-FORGE, has announced that it will bring its euro-pegged stablecoin, EUR CoinVertible (EURCV), to the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This marks a pivotal expansion of its mul…
OED Technologies reveals breakthrough in color e-paper tech
__________ What happened Guangzhou OED Technologies has unveiled a high-speed color e-paper display, marking a major breakthrough in the field. With a refresh rate of just 17 milliseconds, it’s nearly twice as fast as the current industry standard. Powered by a fast-switching electrophoretic materia…
FTC’s Holyoak urges closer look at AI and kids’ privacy
———————— What happened FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak has raised concerns over AI’s misuse of children’s data, urging the agency to investigate how companies handle young users’ information. With her likely promotion to acting chair under President-elect Trump, she pointed out that children now tu…
Greening your office: Practical steps to reduce emissions
_____________ Why green your office? Reducing the carbon footprint at work helps the environment and can lead to cost savings and improved employee well-being. Many organizations are already embracing green technologies, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-conscious practices, which reduce pollutio…
The truth behind 3D printing and sustainability
———————— How can 3D printing reduce carbon footprints? 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, uses only the material needed, reducing waste compared to traditional subtractive methods. Parts are built layer by layer, using less energy than processes like casting or molding. This leads to less waste…
Impact of the change in the Chagos Archipelago on ‘.io’ top-level domains
What happened ICANN, the organization responsible for managing internet domain names, has announced that the Chagos Archipelago will now be eligible for its own country code top-level domain (ccTLD), “.io.” This decision comes after an extensive review and discussions surrounding the territory’s pol…
Top 5 carbon footprint calculators you can use today
As climate change becomes a pressing global issue, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. One of the first steps in this process is understanding what a carbon footprint is and how to measure it. Luckily, there are several online tools that make this task easier. In this …
Understanding your carbon footprint: A guide for businesses
As global sustainability efforts intensify, businesses are increasingly being held accountable for their environmental impact. One of the key metrics used to assess this impact is the carbon footprint. It refers to the total greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by a company’s operations, supply chain, an…
Understanding narrow AI: Is ChatGPT a good example?
In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), ChatGPT has garnered attention for its ability to generate human-like text, participate in conversations, and assist with a variety of tasks. However, this raises an important question: is ChatGPT a narrow AI or a genaral AI?This blog wi…
ASML CEO predicts big gains from AI surge
What happened ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said on Thursday that the rise in AI computer chips would greatly benefit the company. The growing demand for advanced logic and memory chips, he explained, would boost sales of ASML’s leading-edge tools. At the company’s investor day in Veldhoven, Netherlan…
Why is it important to reduce carbon footprint?
Why is it important to reduce carbon footprint? The carbon footprint of individuals, businesses, and industries is a growing concern in the fight against climate change. Our daily activities, from driving cars to the energy we use in our homes, contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in t…
What is a carbon footprint?
Carbon footprint A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), that are emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, product, or activity. This includes emissions from burning fossil fuels for electricity, transportation, heating, and …
La Vanguardia cuts ties with ‘disinformation network’ X
What happened Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia announced on Thursday (November 14) that it would stop publishing its content on the social media platform X, calling it a “disinformation network.”The Barcelona-based newspaper wrote in an editorial that Twitter X had become an “echo chamber” filled wit…
ASML optimistic for 2030 as AI drives future demand
What happened ASML Holding NV, the Dutch leader in advanced chip-making machines, has reaffirmed its long-term revenue forecast, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in semiconductor demand. The company expects sales to reach between 44 billion euros and 60 billion euros by 2030, in li…
Booking.com must now comply with the Digital Markets Act
What happened As of November 14, 2024, Booking Holdings Inc., a major player in the online travel industry, is officially required to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This follows its designation as a “gatekeeper” on May 13, 2024. The move is a significant step in reshaping how Booking.com…
Coverage
Governance / IETF
In this section: 1 briefingJen Linkova receives the final Itojun Service Award at IETF 121
What happened At IETF 121 in Dublin, Jen Linkova received the final Itojun Service Award. She was honoured for her tireless work to make IPv6 deployable in enterprise networks. Her advocacy and contributions to refining IPv6 protocols in standards processes earned this recognition. Kenjiro Cho, Dire…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsIDEX Biometrics signs deal to launch biometric cards globally
In a major step forward for biometric smart card technology, IDEX Biometrics has joined forces with South Korean manufacturer Cellfie Global to create and distribute advanced biometric metal and PVC cards for banks and fintech companies in the USA, Europe, and Asia. This deal will strengthen IDE…
US finalises $6.6B subsidy for TSMC to boost Arizona chip production
What happened The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Friday that it has finalised a $6.6 billion subsidy for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to support semiconductor production in Phoenix, Arizona. This agreement is the first major deal under the $52.7 billion Chips and Science Act, …
JD.com’s third-quarter revenue misses estimates
What happened JD.com’s third-quarter revenue has fallen short of analysts’ expectations, highlighting the growing challenges the company faces amidst China’s economic slowdown. The Chinese e-commerce giant reported a 5.1% increase in revenue, reaching 260.4 billion yuan ($35.95 billion), but it fail…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 6 briefingsRevolut reaches 50M users, eyes expansion to 100M
Revolut has achieved a remarkable milestone: it now serves over 50 million customers globally, with a significant portion of them (10 million) based in the UK. This achievement sets the stage for the company’s ambitious growth plans, as it targets 100 million customers in the near future. With this …
Xapo Bank unveils Bitcoin inheritance to facilitate digital asset succession
What happened Xapo Bank has rolled out a Bitcoin inheritance solution in the UK, allowing its members to designate beneficiaries for their digital assets. With this new feature, Xapo Bank customers can set up a beneficiary who will inherit their Bitcoin holdings in the event of their death. The proc…
19th Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh: A hybrid event for global dialogue
What happened The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 15 to 19 December 2024. This year’s event features a hybrid format, allowing in-person and online participation. This year’s hybrid format aims to enhance accessibility and encourage global participa…
Top tech news today: November 19, 2024
1. Xapo Bank enables Bitcoin inheritance in UK Xapo Bank launches a Bitcoin beneficiary solution in the UK, allowing seamless inheritance management for crypto assets. The Fintech Times Trump, the crypto advocate: Analysing Trump cryptocurrency policies 2. NatWest upgrades banking with NC…
New API lab drives telecom collaboration in Spain
____________ What happened Telecom operators and i2CAT have launched a Spanish network API lab to speed up the adoption of open, interoperable APIs. The lab will focus on creating use cases, testing APIs, and deploying testbeds to ensure cross-network functionality. Researchers will also access adva…
Venture capital firm General Catalyst makes first investment in Saudi Arabia
What happened General Catalyst, a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, has made its first investment in Saudi Arabia through Lean Technologies, a fintech startup that recently closed a $67.5 million Series B round. With $30 billion in assets under management, General Catalyst has invested i…
Coverage
Governance / RIR Watchdog / APNIC / Story
In this section: 3 briefingsDriving change in internet governance: APNIC at auIGF 2024
What happened APNIC supported and participated in the 2024 Australian Internet Governance Forum (auIGF) in Melbourne on October 28-29. The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss key issues in Internet governance under the theme of ‘Connecting local to global – Connecting…
42nd TWNIC IP Open Policy Meeting: APNIC on digital futures
What happened APNIC participated in the 42nd TWNIC IP Open Policy Meeting, held in Taipei on 23 October 2024. The event welcomed approximately 80 entities to hear from speakers on topics including Internet security, AI, IPv6 deployment and much more. APNIC emphasized fostering regional partnersh…
APNIC strengthens collaboration at KRNOG 2.0 in Seoul
What happened APNIC supported and participated in KRNOG 2.0, held in Seoul, South Korea on 24 October 2024. The Korea Network Operators Group (KRNOG) organized the gathering. It brought together regional and global stakeholders. Attendees discussed internet advancements like IPv6 adoption, cybersecu…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsSK Telecom launches AI-powered customer service tool
In a major step toward revolutionizing customer service, SK Telecom launches AI-Powered customer service tool that promises to significantly improve the speed and efficiency of its support operations. Built using the company’s proprietary Telco large language model (LLM) and multimodal model (LMM), …
Swisscom and Ericsson unveil private 5G for enterprises
——————— What happened Swisscom has joined forces with Ericsson to launch a standalone Mobile Private Network (MPN) tailored for enterprises. Built on Ericsson’s private 5G network portfolio, the solution offers secure, localized connectivity, ensuring that sensitive or high-volume data remains withi…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 6 briefingsUnderstanding the basics: What is a Type 2 hypervisor?
In today’s digital world, virtualization technology has become a powerful tool, allowing us to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. One of the key components in this technology is the hypervisor. Hypervisors are software layers that manage virtual machines (VMs), enabling a system to…
FTC targets Microsoft: Cloud monopoly in the spotlight
What happened The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing to investigate Microsoft’s cloud computing business, as reported by multiple sources on Thursday (November 14). This move comes amid allegations of the company potentially abusing its market position in the cloud services se…
Top tech news today: November 18, 2024
1. US scales back cryptocurrency prosecutions The Manhattan US Attorney’s office plans to reduce cryptocurrency cases, reflecting a shift in enforcement priorities amid evolving market conditions. Source: Reuters 2. Top hedge funds embrace Bitcoin ETFs Millennium, Capula, and Tudor add Bitcoin ETFs …
CFPB seeks to place Google under federal supervision
What happened The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is reportedly looking to place Google under federal supervision. This decision is part of ongoing regulatory efforts to examine Google’s financial services operations. According to a report by The Washington Post, the CFPB is concern…
Vaulted Deep lands $32M to tackle carbon waste with new tech
What happened U.S. climate tech startup Vaulted Deep announced on Thursday, November 14, that it has raised $32 million in venture capital. The company and its investors stated that the new funding will help Vaulted Deep scale its operations. The company locks away carbon that contributes to global …
The carbon footprint of digital technology: From streaming to cloud storage
Streaming services, cloud storage, and online communication have made us more connected than ever. Yet, as we embrace a fully digital world, we must consider the environmental impact of our online activities. While digital technology offers many conveniences, it also adds significantly to our carbon…