Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How UK businesses can protect themselves
The 2024 UK Government Cybersecurity Breaches Survey revealed that 50% of businesses had suffered a cyber-attack or security breach in the previous 12 months. This cybersecurity awareness month, cyber protection experts from e-commerce hosting provider Hypernode have highlighted the importance of cy…
Top tech stories today: October 8, 2024
Epic wins permanent injunction against Google in third-party app store case A court ruling in favor of Epic Games forces Google to allow third-party app stores on Android, potentially reshaping the digital marketplace for app developers and users alike. The Verge How to watch Tesla’s robotaxi event …
Nvidia revolutionises food delivery systems in the United States
OUR TAKELast month, Nvidia, a global leader in AI computing, announced that it had acquired a significant stake in Serve Robotics, a startup that has been making waves in the autonomous delivery sector. Serve Robotics describes itself as a “leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company,” and its inno…
Samsung Announces Finalists for Odyssey Cup Dota 2 Championship
Samsung Electronics is excited to announce the eight teams that have advanced to the Grand Finals of the Samsung Odyssey Cup Dota 2 Championship, which will be held from 10 to 13 October. Along with invited professional teams, the finalist teams from across Southeast Asia and Oceania will convene at…
Top tech stories today: October 7, 2024
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses update adds reminders and voice messages Meta’s latest update to its Ray-Ban smart glasses includes voice reminders and the ability to send voice messages, enhancing hands-free functionality for users on the go. The Verge AWS CEO Matt Garman discusses AI, open-source, and …
Top tech stories today: October 4, 2024
Elon Musk’s xAI hosts recruiting event ahead of OpenAI Dev Day Elon Musk’s xAI is ramping up hiring, organizing a major recruiting event just days before OpenAI’s Developer Day, signaling competition between the two AI powerhouses as the industry grows. The Verge Apple to open four new stores in Ind…
OpenAI offers Thrive Capital exclusive sweetener in latest funding round
Thrive Capital’s over $1 billion investment in OpenAI’s funding round underscores AI’s rising market impact.
Apple drops out of talks to join OpenAI investment round
Apple withdraws from OpenAI’s $6.5B funding round talks; Microsoft and Nvidia continue, with Microsoft planning a $1billion investment.
Micron soars on AI-driven forecast, fuels chip rally
Micron’s stock surges 19% on strong Q4 revenue driven by AI hardware demand, with forecasts exceeding Wall Street estimates.
SEC acts against Mango Markets for unregistered token sales
OUR TAKEMango Markets is being targeted by the SEC again. This time, it’s for selling digital asset tokens without registration, which were classified as securities. Even Mango Labs and Blockworks Foundation have been penalised for failing to register as brokers. This situation reminds me of earlier…
Zhao Changpeng released from prison amid Binance controversy
OUR TAKEI couldn’t help but think about how wild the crypto world can be when I heard that Zhao Changpeng, the founder of Binance, was released from that California prison. Here’s a guy who ran one of the biggest exchanges, got caught up in money laundering, and ended up doing hard time. Remember wh…
University of Ghana: Established in 1948, aiming global impact
University of Ghana, established in 1948, aims for global impact through research and learning, guided by integrity, respect, and loyalty.
Top tech stories today: October 3, 2024
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses raise doxxing concerns Privacy experts are concerned that Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses could be used for doxxing, with features like live streaming and hidden recording potentially infringing on people’s privacy. The Verge WP Engine sues Automattic and WordPress co-f…
Chips JU initiates $223M call for quantum technology advancements
The Chips JU’s initiative marks a strategic boost for quantum technology in Europe, fostering indigenous innovation and reducing reliance on external suppliers.
UK Infrastructure Bank invests $116M in new subsea cable factory in Scotland
UKIB commits $116 million to Essex-based XLCC for a Hunterston factory, creating 900 jobs and 200 apprenticeships.
INCA appoints Paddy Paddison as new CEO, succeeding founder Malcolm Corbett
INCA appoints Paddy Paddison as CEO, succeeding founder Malcolm Corbett; Paddison aims to amplify members’ voices and support Altnets’ growth.
Forensic probe launches after fire hits Tata Electronics, Apple supplier
A fire erupted at Tata Electronics’ Apple component factory in Hosur, hospitalising two; forensic investigation initiated to determine cause.
Top tech news stories today: October 2, 2024
Oura Ring faces growing competition from rivals Wearable tech companies like Samsung, Ultrahuman, and others are launching smart rings, challenging Oura Ring’s dominance in the health tracking market with advanced features and more affordable prices. The Verge Impulse raises $150M to scale satellite…
Duolingo announces real-time AI video calls and pop music
Duolingo adds AI video calls with character Lily for language practice, expands math and music courses for enhanced learning experience.
US Army orders next-gen robot mule to haul a literal ton of gear
The US Army is developing a new robotic mule, S-MET II, to carry up to one ton of gear, lightening soldiers’ loads.
X faces additional $1.9M fine to end ban in Brazil
X faces a $1.9 million fine in Brazil to lift the ban and resume operations, with Starlink required to drop its appeal.
Top tech news stories today: October 1, 2024
PlayStation Network down: PS5, PS4 outage ongoing PlayStation Network users worldwide are facing connectivity issues, affecting both PS5 and PS4 consoles. The outage has left many unable to access online features or play multiplayer games. The Verge Y Combinator criticized for backing AI clone start…
Department of E-Government: Driving Malawi’s digital transformation
Malawi’s Department of E-Government enhances public service delivery through digital services to support national development.
Volta River Authority: Sustainable power generation in Ghana
Volta River Authority, established in 1961, originally handled generation, transmission, and distribution, but now focuses on generation post-2005 reforms, fostering IPPs and splitting functions.
Brazil’s top court orders X to pay fines before resuming operations
Brazil’s Supreme Court mandates social media platform X to pay $3.4 million in fines before resuming operations, adding a new $1.8 million penalty for briefly reappearing in the market.
What are the different types of semiconductor?
Semiconductors are critical components in the manufacture of electronic devices and serve as the backbone of modern technology. The sector has experienced significant growth, driven by the insatiable demand for consumer electronics and advances in fields such as artificial intelligence and renewable…
What are configuration management tools?
Configuration management tools are essential to modern IT operations, automating the deployment and maintenance of software and hardware across networks. These tools ensure consistency, reduce errors and maintain compliance in fast-paced IT environments. As technology infrastructures become more com…
Tesla’s FSD cameras: Replicating the complexity of human vision
Tesla’s FSD cameras aim to replicate the sophistication and precision of human vision for advanced autonomous driving technology.
Thrive Capital secures exclusive clause in OpenAI’s funding
Thrive Capital invests over $1 billion in OpenAI′s $6.5 billion round, with an exclusive option for an additional $1 billion next year if revenue targets are met.
China stock euphoria takes hold as traders overlook deeper woes
OUR TAKEChina’s stock market is riding a wave of euphoria, with the CSI 300 Index enjoying its best week since 2008, boosted by government stimulus measures and promises of further economic support. While investors are hopeful that this could signal the start of a long-term rally, there are still co…
Wall Street ETF assets hit $10T milestone
OUR TAKEAssets held in US exchange traded funds (ETFs) have surpassed $10 trillion for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the financial landscape. The surge has been driven by a combination of inflows and market gains as investors increasingly favour ETFs over traditional mutual fund…
Transforming Eswatini through innovation at the Royal Science and Technology Park
The Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) is a dynamic driver of economic growth and innovation in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Established under the vision of His Majesty King Mswati III and enacted through the Royal Science and Technology Park Act of 2012, the RSTP aims to transform Eswatini into a…
Understanding penetration testing: A vital measure for cybersecurity
What is penetration testing? Penetration testing, often abbreviated as pen testing, is a simulated cyberattack performed on a computer system, network, or web application to evaluate its security. The goal of penetration testing is to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious attackers exploit them. …
BNY Approved by SEC for Crypto Custody Beyond ETFs
OUR TAKEThe SEC has approved Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) to offer digital asset custody services for bitcoin and ether, using a new structure designed to protect client assets in the event of insolvency. This development could pave the way for BNY to expand into broader digital asset custody beyon…
Google Cloud files EU complaint against Microsoft
OUR TAKEGoogle Cloud’s complaint against Microsoft to the European Commission highlights concerns over anti-competitive practices in the cloud industry. Google accuses Microsoft of using restrictive licensing tactics that force European businesses to use its Azure platform, costing them over €1 bill…
Alphabet and Goldman Sachs face $3.8M in penalties
OUR TAKEThe fact that this is part of a wider initiative by the SEC indicates a shift towards stricter oversight, particularly as market volatility increases and investor sentiment becomes more sensitive to corporate governance issues. Overall, this development reinforces the need for firms to prior…
US Justice Department probes Super Micro Computer
OUR TAKEThe investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is a significant development, especially given the serious allegations of accounting manipulation. The involvement of short-seller Hindenburg Research, known for its aggressive stance against companies it perceives as fraudulent, raises the…
Infrasat connects Africa through technology services
Infrasat was established with a clear mission: to enhance connectivity across Africa and bridge the digital divide.
Banco Comercial de Angola: Driving financial growth in Angola
The Commercial Bank of Angola gave the origins to the popular Angolan bank, which mainly acted as a bank to absorb personal savings.
Understanding near field communication
NFC is transforming the way we interact with technology by enabling seamless communication between devices over short distances.
OMS Group invests big in subsea cable expansion
This investment follows a previous $400 million boost from parent company KKR aimed at expanding capabilities across Asia.
DOJ investigates Super Micro over alleged accounting manipulation
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Super Micro Computer following allegations of accounting manipulation by Hindenburg Research.
K-NET: Connecting Africa through technology and responsibility
K-NET, established in 1996, pioneers broadcasting technology and IoT solutions, offering managed services and renewable energy innovations across Africa.
OMS Group invests $300M in global connectivity infrastructure
OMS Group invests $300 million to expand submarine cable networks and enhance terrestrial backhaul systems, targeting increased demand for data centre and cloud connectivity.
BTW debates: Instagram’s teen rebellion
Meta recently announced that all Instagram accounts for users under 18 will be set to private by default, allowing interactions only with approved followers. Additionally, sensitive content settings will be at their most restrictive, and parents will need to approve any changes for users under 16. F…
Dell partners with Nvidia to launch AI for telecom programme
Dell launched “Dell AI for Telecom” at their 2024 forum in Kuala Lumpur, simplifying AI deployment for CSPs using Nvidia-powered servers.
BlackBerry exceeds expectations in Q2 fiscal 2024 results
BlackBerry exceeded expectations in Q2, breaking even with $145 million revenue, up ten percent YoY, bolstered by IoT and cybersecurity growth.
AstraZeneca in AI collaboration with Immunai to inform cancer drug trials
OUR TAKEAstraZeneca has entered into an $18 million agreement with Immunai to use its artificial intelligence model to improve the efficiency of its cancer drug trials. The collaboration is part of AstraZeneca’s continued efforts to integrate AI into drug development, following a significant $247 mi…
Accenture’s AI business takes centre stage in quarterly results beat
OUR TAKEAccenture announced a substantial $4 billion share buyback and reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, driven by strong demand for its generative AI technology services. The company’s focused expansion into generative AI has significantly outpaced growth in its other core busi…
Visa agrees to buy AI-focused enterprise tech firm Featurespac
OUR TAKEVisa has announced the acquisition of AI technology company Featurespace, a move that will enhance its ability to combat fraud and financial crime through real-time, AI-powered solutions. The acquisition is in line with a wider trend in the tech industry, where major companies are stepping u…