Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Google’s global cloud resource deployment strategy
Google Cloud resources are deployed across a network of data centers worldwide, ensuring low-latency access and high availability.
The importance of network segmentation in cybersecurity
What is network segmentation? Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, distinct segments or subnets. These segments can be isolated from one another, each with its own set of security policies and controls. The primary goal is to limit the scope of potential breaches, restrict …
Top tech news stories today: September 17, 2024
Apple AirPods 4 review: noise-canceling is game-changer Apple’s latest AirPods offer significantly improved noise-canceling, making them a strong upgrade over previous models for audiophiles and travelers alike. Enhanced battery life and sound quality are other key features. CNET Slack transforms in…
Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs comes out of stealth with $230M in funding
OUR TAKELi’s reputation as a trailblazer in AI and her track record with ImageNet lend significant credibility to World Labs. Her focus on “spatial intelligence” promises to push the boundaries of what AI can do, especially in fields like AR/VR and robotics, where understanding 3D environments is cr…
Trump says he is not selling his shares of media company
OUR TAKETrump’s decision to hold onto his shares in Trump Media & Technology Group is a strategic move to bolster investor confidence and stabilise the company’s stock price amid ongoing volatility. His commitment could be seen as an effort to reassure the market and maintain control over the narrat…
TikTok on trial before key court decision
TikTok, alongside its parent company ByteDance, is facing a significant court hearing that may determine the app’s future in the U.S..
EU antitrust officials likely to avoid break-up order for Google
OUR TAKEThe antitrust case against Google is crucial for maintaining fair competition in the digital advertising market. If Google is found to be abusing its dominant position, it could lead to a more level playing field for other companies, fostering innovation and diversity in the industry. And th…
Brazil top court lifts Starlink, X bank account freeze after $3M transfer
Brazil top court lifted the freeze on bank accounts of Starlink and X, but X still faces uncertainty and potential legal action.
AirPods Pro 2 gain FDA approval as over-the-counter hearing aids
The FDA has approved a software update transforming Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 into over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Top tech news stories today: September 16, 2024
Fintech 1. Fintech Bolt is buying out the investor suing over Ryan Breslow’s $30M loan Bolt says it has settled its long-standing lawsuit with its investor Activant Capital. One-click payments startup Bolt is settling the suit by buying out the investor’s stake “after which Activant will no longer h…
National Oil Company of Malawi: Making Malawi oil and gas secure
NOCMA manages Strategic Fuel Reserve Facilities and promotes oil and gas exploration while prioritising safety and environmental protection.
DGDA requests official email addresses for digitalisation
The DGDA has announced a new digital interface for customs brokers, with a deadline of October 5, 2024, for submitting official email addresses.
Australia introduces fines for social media giants over misinformation
OUR TAKEMisinformation poses a significant threat to the integrity of democratic processes, particularly during elections. The legislation aims to safeguard election integrity by targeting false content that could mislead voters or disrupt democratic functions. The Australian Communications and Medi…
What is logical network topology?
In a network, the logical topology defines how devices communicate and interact, regardless of their physical arrangement. It determines the method of data transmission, the pathways data takes, and how devices are logically connected. Common logical topologies include bus, ring, star, and mesh, eac…
BTW debates: Huawei’s tri-fold gamble
Huawei has made headlines with the launch of its innovative tri-foldable smartphone, the Mate XT, priced at $2,800 and unveiled on September 10 in Shenzhen. The device has captivated the market, amassing over 4 million pre-orders, a stark contrast to Apple’s latest iPhone 16 release which saw a decr…
What are the characteristics of the physical network topology?
Physical network topology refers to the actual physical layout and arrangement of network devices and cables. It describes how devices are physically connected and how data travels through the network infrastructure. The physical network topology is one of the most fundamental considerations. Unlike…
Egypt Linx: Driving VAS service and content development in MENA region
Egypt Linx, founded in 2004, offers top-tier VAS content and services, expanding across the MENA region and integrating telecom and digital media sectors.
Cellcom Guinea’s new leadership sparks digital expansion and connectivity growth
Cellcom Guinea is entering a new phase of growth following its acquisition by local billionaire Mohamed Diallo in 2023, with plans to expand its services and improve digital infrastructure. Alongside competitors, the company is focusing on enhancing mobile broadband access and implementing financial…
Telecom titans launch global API revolution
Leading telecom operators and Ericsson unite to create a global platform for network APIs, facilitating easier integration for developers.
Exowatt P3 brings sustainable and cheaper energy to data centres
OUR TAKE Exowatt’s P3, with its affordable and sustainable design, meets data centres’ energy needs, setting a new standard. Its modularity and cost-effectiveness align with the industry’s shift towards green solutions, supported by investors like Sam Altman, indicating a significant trend towards c…
OpenAI unveiled advanced AI models with reasoning skills
OpenAI introduced new AI models, o1 and o1-mini, aimed at solving more complex problems with enhanced reasoning abilities.
FDA authorises first OTC hearing aid software to be used in Apple’s AirPods Pro
The FDA has authorised over-the-counter hearing aid software for Apple AirPods Pro 2, enabling personalised hearing assistance through a software update.
Tonga women in ICT champion digital literacy at Pacific IGF
The Pacific IGF was an important platform for TWICT to share its successes and highlight the ongoing need for gender equality and empowerment in the ICT sector as fundamental drivers of sustainable development in the Pacific region. Pacific forum highlights digital governance and island r…
APNIC58: IPv6 in the internet of everything and anti-counterfeiting
At the recent APNIC58 conference, two speakers, Guangliang PAN (Benny) and Wei WANG (Wesley), presented on the future of IPv6 and its implications for connecting non-electronic items to the internet. The discussion revolved around the concept of the “Internet of Everything,” where both electronic an…
Musician creates fake AI songs and fake listeners to reap $10M in streaming royalties
OUR TAKEMichael Smith’s case is a wake-up call on AI’s potential misuse in music, highlighting the need for tighter industry regulations to safeguard artists’ earnings and the reliability of streaming data. The music sector must balance tech innovation with preserving artistic integrity to ensure a …
Top tech news stories today: September 13, 2024
IT infrastructure 1. FDA authorizes first OTC hearing aid software to be used in Apple’s AirPods Pro The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday authorized the first over-the-counter hearing aid software that is intended to be used with compatible versions of the Apple AirPods Pro headphones. …
Interview with Adam Zhou from Novita AI: Driving innovation in AI solutions
In a recent interview, Adam Zhou, a key figure at Novita AI, shed light on the company’s innovative contributions to the AI industry. As the leader of Novita AI’s ecological cooperation division, Adam Zhou discussed how the company is revolutionising AI development by offering a platform that hosts …
Google trials desktop mode on tablets for Android
Google is testing a feature that allows Android tablet users to freely resize and arrange app windows, improving multitasking capabilities.
GSMA announces Vivek Badrinath as Director General
Vivek Badrinath appointed Director General of GSMA Following a rigorous selection process, the GSMA Board is pleased to announce that Vivek Badrinath will be appointed Director General and Member of the GSMA Board, effective 1st April 2025. This follows the announcement on 4th June 2024 that Mats Gr…
Understanding VMware hypervisors: A comprehensive guide
What is a hypervisor? A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), is software that enables multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server or host. Each VM operates independently, with its own operating system (OS) and applications, while the hypervisor allocates …
Amazon’s AWS to invest $1.8B in Brazil through 2034
OUR TAKEAWS’s $1.8 billion investment in Brazil’s data centre infrastructure marks a significant boost for the country’s tech landscape. By expanding in São Paulo, AWS aims to meet the rising demand for cloud services and AI capabilities, enhancing its regional presence. This move not only strengthe…
The crucial role of hypervisors in virtualisation
Hypervisors enable the creation and management of multiple virtual machines on a single physical host, optimising resource utilisation.
Huawei triumphs with Mate XT but price sparks dismay
The launch of Huawei’s Mate XT represents an achievement in smartphone technology, particularly under the constraints of U.S. sanctions.
What is a hypervisor?
The hypervisor is a pivotal element of virtualisation technology, playing a crucial role in modern IT infrastructures by enabling multiple virtual machines to coexist on a single physical server. Its ability to optimise resource usage, enhance security, and simplify management has made it indispensa…
Key aspects of automated patch management
Automated patch management refers to the process of automatically handling and applying software patches and updates to systems and applications. This approach is designed to streamline and simplify the process of maintaining and securing software by automating the detection, deployment, and managem…
UK to designate data centres as ‘critical national infrastructure’
OUR TAKEBy classifying data centres as critical national infrastructure, the UK government aims to provide them with additional protection from cyber attacks. This is crucial as data centres are vital for the functioning of communication systems across the country, and any disruption could have wide…
Indian crypto adoption leads globally despite regulatory challenges
Chainalysis’s report indicates that India has retained its leading position in cryptocurrency adoption globally, despite a challenging regulatory environment, with significant use of centralised exchanges and DeFi assets.
RAYA CX: Driving global customer experience excellence
Established in 2001, RAYA CX has evolved from a regional Middle Eastern leader into a premier global provider of business process management and customer experience solutions.
Spacetel Guinea-Bissau leads digital transformation following Telecel Group acquisition
Spacetel Guinea-Bissau, formerly MTN Guinea-Bissau, has been acquired by Telecel Group, which aims to enhance telecommunications in the region through network upgrades and new products. This acquisition is set to boost digital inclusion and support economic growth in Guinea-Bissau. Spacetel position…
Orange Bissau advances connectivity and financial empowerment in Guinea-Bissau
Orange Bissau is a key telecommunications provider in Guinea-Bissau, offering advanced digital services like 4G+ technology and mobile financial solutions through Orange Money. Committed to digital inclusion and community growth, the company combines its innovative offerings with a strong focus on c…
US cracks down on illegal gun parts and seizes over 350 websites
US seized over 350 websites used to import gun parts from China, which were used to convert semiautomatic pistols into automatic guns.
Huawei takes on Apple with first tri-foldable smartphone
OUR TAKE The launch of Huawei’s Mate XT highlights the company’s ability to innovate despite U.S. sanctions, reinforcing its position as a tech leader in China. However, the device’s steep price tag may limit its accessibility to a broader market, especially in a challenging economic environment. Wh…
Crypto stocks slide as Harris gains ground after presidential debate
U.S. crypto shares fell after Kamala Harris gained an edge in the presidential debate, weakening Trump’s pro-crypto stance.
Grameenphone continues to strengthen its network security
OUR TAKE In the exclusive interview with Raskin Paul, General Manager of Technology Division at Grameenphone, BTW discovered that Grameenphone took steps to strengthen cybersecurity safeguards. Grameenphone is a leading telecommunications company based in Bangladesh, established in 1997. As one of t…
Interview with Raskin Paul: Network security is the key to enterprise operation
In the exclusive interview with Raskin Paul, General Manager of the Technology Division at Grameenphone Limited, BTW discovered how to guarantee enterprise network security, the most important aspect of securing an enterprise network and what is Grameenphone Ltd’s strategy for success. Q: How do you…
Top tech news stories today: September 12, 2024
Fintech 1. Crypto stocks fall as bets on Harris win rise after debate, Swift support U.S. cryptocurrency shares fell in early trading on Wednesday after Democratic candidate Kamala Harris put her Republican rival and crypto supporter Donald Trump on the defensive in a combative presidential debate. …
Credit Agricole Egypt and the French University in Egypt forge partnership to boost education and financial inclusion
Credit Agricole Egypt and the French University in Egypt have formed a partnership to enhance educational prospects and financial inclusion, offering scholarships, internships, and financial services to students and staff.
Oracle’s stock surges by 10%, AI-driven cloud services boost growth
Oracle’s stock rose by 10% last week, and the advancement of AI-integrated cloud services will further drive its revenue growth.
What is web data mining?
Web data mining is the process of extracting useful information and patterns from web data, which includes web pages, hyperlinks, user interactions, and more. This specialised field combines techniques from data mining, web technologies, and machine learning to analyse and interpret web data. In thi…
Key aspects of data mining technology
Data mining technology refers to the computational process of discovering patterns, correlations, trends, and useful information from large sets of data. It involves various techniques and tools used to analyse and interpret data to extract valuable insights that are not immediately obvious. In this…