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: 35 briefingsGoogle’s new ‘Ask Photos’ feature transforms photo searching with AI and natural language
OUR TAKEGoogle is introducing the “Ask Photos” feature in Google Photos, which uses AI to help users search their photo libraries with natural language queries and complete tasks like summarising vacations or selecting photos for albums. Alongside this, Google is enhancing the classic search functio…
Top tech news stories today: September 9, 2024
IT infrastructure 1. Dell, Palantir and Erie Indemnity to join S&P 500 Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Dell Technologies (DELL) and Erie Indemnity (ERIE) will join the S&P 500 index before the open on Monday, Sept. 23. All three stocks jumped late Friday, with Erie and possibly Palantir around new hig…
Understanding data mining and its importance in business
What is data mining? Data mining involves the use of advanced algorithms, statistical methods, and machine learning techniques to sift through complex datasets and identify meaningful trends. It consists of several key tasks: Classification: Assigning items in a dataset to predefined categories. Thi…
Broadcom forecasts lukewarm revenue despite AI chip surge
OUR TAKEBroadcom’s lower-than-expected revenue forecast and stock drop highlight the challenge of meeting sky-high investor expectations, especially when balancing different segments. The company’s robust AI chip demand contrasts sharply with the steep declines in broadband and non-AI networking rev…
Understanding supervised learning
Supervised learning is used for classification and regression tasks, enabling models to make predictions based on labeled training data.
Uncovering hidden patterns in data mining
Uncovering hidden patterns within large datasets can lead to invaluable insights for businesses and organisations.
Libyan Spider’s new data centre: A commitment to security and availability in Libya
Libyan Spider, a leading cloud services provider in Libya, has officially opened a new data centre in Tripoli. This facility is designed to cater to the increasing demands of clients for enhanced security, availability, and reliability in their services. The centre is expected to significantly boost…
Globe Internet and Reunion Insurance launch ‘Reunion Online’ to revolutionise insurance industry
Reunion Insurance, in partnership with Globe Internet, launches “Reunion Online,” a online platform to simplify insurance purchasing.
What is sentiment analysis in big data?
Sentiment analysis in big data refers to the process of using computational techniques to identify and extract subjective information from large volumes of text data. This is especially relevant in the context of big data, where the scale and complexity of data can be challenging to manage. In this …
Disney data breach unveils financial strategies and employee personal information
OUR TAKEThe leak exposed personally identifiable information (PII) of employees and customers, including passport numbers and addresses. This raises significant concerns about identity theft and privacy violations. This incident is not just a concern for Disney but serves as a warning to other compa…
What is biometric voice recognition and how does it work?
Biometric voice recognition technology securely verifies identities using vocal patterns, revolutionising authentication.
What is an intelligent agent and why is it important?
Intelligent agents perceive, decide, and act to achieve goals, making them essential in AI and providing benefits across industries.
What are different types of supervised learning?
Supervised learning involves various approaches that are used to predict outcomes based on labelled data. These types help in selecting the most appropriate algorithm for a given problem, ensuring that the model fits the nature of the data. Classification Classification is a supervised learning tech…
What is semi-supervised learning?
Semi-supervised learning is a middle ground between supervised and unsupervised learning. It uses a small amount of labelled data alongside a larger pool of unlabelled data to train machine learning models. The goal is to improve the learning process by making use of the unlabelled data to uncover u…
What is supervised learning?
Supervised learning is a machine learning paradigm where an algorithm is trained using a dataset that contains input-output pairs. The primary goal is for the model to learn from these examples to make accurate predictions or classifications on new, unseen data. During the training process, the mode…
What is virtual assistant work?
Virtual assistant work is a service-based role where individuals provide remote support to clients, typically focusing on tasks that help businesses run more smoothly. These tasks can range from managing communications and schedules to more complex projects like social media strategy, digital market…
What is the best free virtual assistant?
Virtual assistants have evolved to become highly integrated into our daily lives, with many free options available on various platforms. These assistants can help manage schedules, perform web searches, control smart home devices, and even have conversations. Choosing the right assistant depends on …
What is a virtual assistant?
Virtual assistant (VA) is either an AI-powered tool or a remote worker who helps users perform a wide range of tasks. These tasks can include managing schedules, setting reminders, answering questions, handling administrative work, or providing customer support. Virtual assistants allow businesses a…
We need to embrace female power in tech: Trista Pan
OUR TAKE The interview with Trista Pan reveals the ongoing challenges women face in the AI sector, including prevalent gender biases and underrepresentation in key technical roles. Despite these obstacles, Trista Pan’s achievements highlight a broader trend of women overcoming barriers and leading s…
Senior engineer reveals QA secrets: Human oversight remains vital amid AI’s QA rise
OUR TAKEAI’s role in QA sure is exciting, it’s like having a super-fast robot assistant that can do the mundane stuff, but still needs you to check the finer details. Remember those days when Google Translate first came out? It was impressive, but still struggled with nuances and cultural context. S…
AI treaty signed by global powers for a safer future
The international AI treaty aims to uphold human rights and democratic standards while promoting innovation.
PayPal targets in-person payments with Apple Pay integration
OUR TAKEPayPal is moving into in-person point-of-sale payments by integrating its debit card with Apple Pay, offering cashback rewards to attract consumers. This shift is part of CEO Alex Chriss’s broader strategy to diversify PayPal’s revenue streams and compete with tech companies like Apple and G…
2024 Dell Technology Summit in Shanghai: Innovation soars, visionaries thrive
Dell’s AI-First strategy showcases advanced technology that simplifies business processes and boosts workforce productivity.
Salesforce to acquire data protection firm Own Company for $1.9B
Salesforce announced plans on Thursday to acquire Own Company, a data protection and management provider, for $1.9 billion in cash.
Top tech news stories today: September 6, 2024
IT infrastructure 1. Salesforce to buy data protection provider Own Company for $1.9 billion Salesforce said on Thursday it would buy Own Company, a provider of data protection and management solutions, for $1.9 billion in cash to accelerate growth of its data security and privacy products. (Yahoo F…
Pacific forum highlights digital governance and island resilience
APNIC 58 is scheduled to take place from 30 August to 6 September 2024, beginning with a series of workshops and partner meetings from 30 August to 2 September. The Pacific Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) has organised the virtual and hybrid Pacific Internet Governance forum in collaborati…
ELIZA: The first virtual assistant
The birth of ELIZA: A groundbreaking AI milestone In 1966, Joseph Weizenbaum, a computer scientist at MIT, introduced ELIZA, a revolutionary program that marked a significant milestone in the field of artificial intelligence. ELIZA was designed to simulate human conversation, drawing inspiration fro…
Claude Enterprise: Anthropic’s AI with upgraded security
OUR TAKEAnthropic has launched Claude Enterprise, a business-focused AI tool with advanced security features and administrative controls. This new version offers native GitHub integration, audit logs, and role-based access to meet enterprise needs. Pricing is customized based on each organization’s …
What is real-time sentiment analysis?
Real-time sentiment analysis refers to the process of continuously monitoring. It evaluates the sentiment or emotional tone expressed in text data as it is generated. This type of analysis provides immediate insights into public opinion, consumer feelings, or reactions to various events, allowing or…
Meta oversight board urges balanced approach to controversial phrase
OUR TAKEThe Board recognises that phrases can have multiple meanings by stating that the words cannot be deemed harmful without considering the context. The decision to not automatically remove the phrase “From the river to the sea” underscores the importance of free speech, especially in politicall…
NIC: Building a digital Sudan with advanced ICT solutions
Its goals The National Information Center (NIC) aims to establish, operate, and manage a national information network adhering to high standards. It seeks to contribute to the development of internet governance systems in cooperation with international bodies. NIC also focuses on formulating policie…
Vodacom Eastern Cape invests $28M to modernise network
Vodacom Eastern Cape is investing R500 million ($28 million) to expand broadband and modernise infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Neusoft Reach drives automotive innovation with NeuSAR
Neusoft Reach, a leading automotive supplier, offers core technologies in basic software, SOA middleware, autonomous driving, and integrated vehicle cloud services.
Robinhood reaches $3.9M settlement over blocked crypto withdrawals
OUR TAKERobinhood Crypto has settled with California’s Department of Justice for $3.9 million over allegations that it stopped customers from withdrawing their crypto between 2018 and 2022. The company was accused of breaking state commodities laws by misleading customers about holding their crypto …
EU seeks feedback on Google’s fair competition proposals
European antitrust authorities will seek feedback on Google’s proposals to comply with fair competition rules next week, which could determine if the company faces formal charges.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMalaysia shelves web traffic re-routing plan after censorship concerns
OUR TAKEMalaysia’s communications minister, Fahmi Fadzil, has put the government’s plan to re-route web traffic through local DNS servers on hold after the public spoke up. This decision comes after concerns that the directive could lead to increased censorship and harm the country’s digital economy…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 5 briefingsSnapchat accused of being ‘breeding ground’ for child predators
New Mexico sued Snap on Thursday, accusing the Snapchat maker of facilitating child sexual exploitation on its platform.
US senate hearing targets semiconductors in Russian arms
The US Senate subcommittee will hold a hearing with Analog Devices, AMD, Intel, and Texas Instruments over components found in Russian arms.
BTW debates: Is TikTok to blame for blackout death?
A U.S. appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit by the mother of a 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl who tragically died attempting a viral challenge on TikTok. This case, initially dismissed due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—which protects internet companies from liability for user-pos…
US calls on big tech to help evade online censors in Russia, Iran
White House calls on U.S. tech firms to combat online censorship in Russia and Iran, emphasising commitment to global internet freedom.
US implements new controls on advanced tech alongside international partners
OUR TAKEThe United States has introduced new export controls on advanced technologies, including quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing. These are in line with similar restrictions that have been put in place by international partners. The idea behind the new rules is to keep the country …
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsAPNIC58 closing ceremony: A summary
Each year, the APNIC community has the chance to come together for policy development, decision-making, education, information sharing, and networking – both professional and social – at APNIC conferences. AI and automation—The core of future technology Several conference sessions focused on the tra…
SIA: Leading Sudan’s digital transformation
Origins and mission Founded in recent years, the SIA emerged to tackle the challenges facing Sudan’s internet landscape. Historically, the country has faced issues with internet censorship and infrastructure deficiencies. The association was established to advocate for internet freedoms and improve …
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 1 briefingDK Telecom Ltd expands to Brikama, solidifying its vision of telecom services in The Gambia
DK Telecom’s expansion into Brikama marks a significant step in its mission to provide accessible telecom services throughout The Gambia. The company is not only focusing on business growth but also on community support through free internet for key institutions. By leveraging new technologies to ov…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsOptimax to establish a high-level customer service department
OUR TAKE Optimax Communication Limited is a leading global communications service provider headquartered in Bangladesh. In the exclusive interview with Iqbal Bahar Zahid, Director of Optimax, BTW learned that In order to provide prompt and reliable service to customers, optimax has set up branch off…
Interview with Luke Teoh: Youth-driven tech and AI at APrIGF
Luke Teoh, a Research Assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia and a NetMission Ambassador, is at the forefront of technological change, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. With experience in internet governance and research, Luke brings a youthful perspective to issues like cybersecurity, AI, an…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingUK clears Microsoft’s partnership with Inflection AI
OUR TAKEThe UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Microsoft’s acquisition of former Inflection AI staff, including CEO Mustafa Suleyman. After an investigation, the CMA determined that this move doesn’t harm competition in the consumer chatbot or AI sectors.The decision is import…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingSemiconductor body calls for EU ‘Chips Envoy’, more support
The European Union has been urged to update its Chip Act, a revised version 2.0, to boost the continent’s semiconductor industry.
Coverage
Governance / IETF
In this section: 1 briefingIETF seeks community input on the second IASA2 retrospective draft
The draft is available for review from September 3 to September 30, 2024. Feedback can be submitted via email or through the IASA2 Retrospective GitHub repository. The IETF plans to revise the report based on the received feedback and release the final version during or before the IETF 121 meeting i…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMAXnet partners with CBNL to boost network in Sudan
MAXnet Boosts Network with CBNL’s mmWave Technology Cambridge Broadband Networks Limited (CBNL) has agreed to provide carrier-class mmWave connectivity to MAXnet, the leading wireless internet service provider (WISP) in Sudan. This partnership will enable MAXnet to enhance its corporate and business…