Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
District of Columbia can continue antitrust lawsuit against Amazon
A federal appeals court has decided to reinstate an antitrust lawsuit filed against Amazon in the District of Columbia.
Perplexity AI to bring ads on search platform by year-end
Perplexity AI will launch advertising on its AI-driven search platform by the fourth quarter, monetizing interactions with publisher content.
Nepal lifts TikTok ban after app addresses cybercrime concerns
Nepal lifted the TikTok ban following the app’s pledge to cooperate on cybercrime and content issues with local law enforcement.
IGF 2024 offers travel support for developing countries
The IGF is seeking to support eligible candidates who represent any stakeholder group and meet specific criteria.
California announces funding for journalism and AI research
California will become the first state to set aside millions of dollars to help pay for journalism and AI research.
Kacific’s satellite internet transforms Can-Isak Elementary
Kacific’s satellite internet has revolutionised Can-Isak Elementary in Barugo, Philippines, offering reliable connectivity and access to online resources, improving education despite severe weather and isolation. Connectivity challenge overcome Can-Isak Elementary School in Barugo, Philippines, face…
Globe Telecom modernises IT infrastructure with Red Hat for enhanced agility
Globe Telecom partners with Red Hat to modernise IT infrastructure, boosting innovation, agility, and customer experience.
Baidu faces ad revenue slump amid AI price war
Baidu’s CEO acknowledged increased competition in the AI market, predicting fierce rivalry despite the company’s ongoing investment in AI.
Baidu’s sales stall as it struggles to cash in on AI
OUR TAKEBaidu faces a challenging transition from search advertising to AI-driven revenues amid an economic downturn in China. Despite a slight decline in quarterly revenue, the company posted a better-than-expected net profit. Baidu is seeking to transform its business model by leveraging its gener…
Top tech news stories today: August 23, 2024
Fintech 1. Tim Draper Leads $2.5M Round for Bitcoin Startup Ark Labs Tim Draper leads a $2.5 million funding round for Ark Labs, a startup aiming to speed up Bitcoin transactions and reduce costs. (BiTBO) IT infrastructure 2. Semiconductor veteran Lip-Bu Tan exits Intel’s board Intel’s director Lip-…
The foundational concept of feedforward neural network
Among the various types of neural networks, feedforward neural networks (FNNs) are among the most fundamental and widely used. They form the basis of many important neural networks being used in recent times, such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks and so on. Despite their s…
Alibaba Cloud empowers rural Malaysia with digital education
Alibaba Cloud‘s new digital education initiative in Kapit, Malaysia, empowers over 700 students and 50 teachers in rural areas, bridging the digital divide and fostering future innovators with advanced technology. Launch of Program Jelajah Komuniti Digital in Kapit Alibaba Cloud has reinforced i…
7 reasons why we use neural networks in machine learning
Neural networks, like the human brain, are key in modern machine learning, boosting tasks like image recognition and language processing.
Telecom company pays $1M fine for Biden deepfake robocall
The telecoms company that used AI to mimic President Biden’s voice to transmit robo-calls will pay a $1 million fine.
Shopee wins top brand awards in Singapore and Southeast Asia
Shopee was named the Most Meaningfully Different Brand (Singapore) 2024 and ranks seventh in Southeast Asia’s Top 30 Most Valuable Brands. Shopee receives prestigious recognition Shopee has been awarded the esteemed title of Most Meaningfully Different Brand (Singapore) 2024 by Kantar BrandZ Southea…
What are hidden layers in neural networks and what are their types?
Hidden layers are crucial components of neural networks that process and transform input data, enabling the network to learn and make predictions. These layers empower neural networks to handle complex tasks across various applications, such as image recognition and sequence prediction. Definition o…
US talks AI ethics in Africa’s military landscape
The U.S. is engaging African nations on responsible military AI use. Nigeria seeks to integrate AI in military operations.
India accuses Amazon and other e-commerce giants of undermining local retailers
OUR TAKEUnderstanding the implications of e-commerce practices, particularly those of giants like Amazon, is crucial for protecting millions of small, brick-and-mortar stores in India. These retailers often struggle to compete with the aggressive pricing and vast resources of larger companies, which…
What is enterprise IT and what are the features?
Enterprise IT drives business success through operational excellence, enhanced customer service, and innovation with IT solutions.
What is an artificial neural network in deep learning?
Artificial neural networks enable machine learning and decision-making similar to the human brain, with broad industry applications.
Interview with Plutoless, co-founder of TEN: Advancing real-time interactive AI technology
Speaker profile Plutoless is the co-founder of TEN, a framework developed to build real-time, multi-modal AI agents. With a master’s degree in Computer Science from Oxford University, Plutoless has a solid background in both front-end and back-end development, which has allowed them to adapt to adva…
Big tech fights California AI bill amid safety concerns
The proposed California bill SB1047 would enforce strict regulations on advanced AI, requiring safety testing for malfunctioning models.
Cristiano Ronaldo launches his official YouTube channel
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo launched his official YouTube channel, “UR Cristiano,” attracting over six million subscribers on its first day.
Google and Australia team up for cybersecurity boost
Google collaborates with Australia’s national science agency to create tools for detecting software in critical infrastructure.
What is classification in neural networks and why is it important?
Classification in neural networks is a key task crucial for data analysis and decision-making, driving advancements in AI.
Tesla recalls 9,100 Model X SUVs over roof trim issue
Tesla is recalling 9,100 Model X SUVs due to roof trim pieces that may detach, following a similar recall in 2020.
South Africa’s telco industry calls for tech firms to help fund infrastructure
South Africa’s ACT encourages digital content providers to help fund network infrastructure due to their impact on internet traffic.
Condé Nast and OpenAI form collaboration
Media group Condé Nast has struck a deal with OpenAI on Tuesday to allow the artificial intelligence provider to use its content.
6 key features of PRTG network monitoring tool
Introduction to PRTG network monitor PRTG Network Monitor, developed by Paessler AG, is a widely-used network monitoring tool that helps IT professionals keep track of network performance and health. Launched in 2003, PRTG—short for “Paessler Router Traffic Grapher”—is an agent-less software, meanin…
Energix signs long-term solar power deal with Google
Energix Renewables signed a significant deal with Google, reflecting tech firms’ rising demand for renewable energy to power data centres.
OpenAI teams up with Condé Nast for AI content
OpenAI has partnered with Condé Nast to integrate content from brands like Vogue and The New Yorker into its products.
Microsoft restructures business units to highlight AI contributions
OUR TAKE Microsoft’s restructuring of its business unit reporting highlights the increasing importance of AI. By offering more transparency into AI’s contributions, Microsoft aims to boost investor confidence in its AI investments. This move aligns with investor expectations and sets a precedent for…
MercadoLibre’s fintech division launches dollar-backed stablecoin Meli Dolar
Mercado Pago launched Meli Dolar, a dollar-backed stablecoin, marking a development in the digital currency market.
Africell advances 5G technology while strengthening Gambian communities
Africell has established itself as the leading telecommunications provider in The Gambia through relentless technological innovation and deep community engagement, growing its subscriber base to over 2 million and maintaining a dominant market position since its founding in 2001. Africell leads the …
YONECO supports the community sessions on preventing gender-based violence
YONECO fights GBV in Malawi through dialogue and the SASA! methodology to promote human rights and community development.
Nvidia eyes return to record as AI spending bonanza continues
OUR TAKENvidia is on track to hit new share value records thanks to continued strong investment in AI tech. As Nvidia prepares to release its latest earnings report, the financial community is feeling optimistic about the long-term prospects of AI-related spending. Investors and analysts are keeping…
What is a network interface card and what does it do？
A network interface card (NIC), or network adapter, is a crucial component that connects computers and servers to a network. This post presents a thorough overview of NIC cards, addressing NIC functions, internal makeup, and the various types available. What is a network interface card A network int…
Analog chipmaker TI expects free cash flow to jump in 2026
OUR TAKE Texas Instruments investor Elliott disclosed its $2.5 billion stake in May, forcing Texas Instruments to tighten spending and adjust production capacity in response to changes in demand. The company has said this strategy could boost TI’s FCF to $9 per share by 2026. And that’s mainly becau…
What is a network interface device and what are its functions?
In the vast expanse of digital communication, the network interface device (NID) plays a pivotal role, acting as the bridge between a computer or a network and the communication channel it uses. This blog aims to demystify the concept of NIDs, their functions, and the scenarios in which they are emp…
NEXTDC set to launch South Australia’s first Tier IV AI-ready data centre: A1 Adelaide
NEXTDC will launch South Australia’s first Tier IV, AI-ready data centre, A1 Adelaide, on September 4, a new era in digital innovation.
Dhipaya Insurance launches ‘TIP GO GREEN’ initiative to promote ESG
Dhipaya Insurance’s TIP GO GREEN promotes sustainability, offering air-purifying plants and a chance to win prizes for eco-friendly actions.
DDoS attacks on Russian apps underscore cybersecurity vulnerabilities
OUR TAKEThe outage of major communications applications in Russia due to DDoS attacks has revealed the serious challenges facing the country’s cybersecurity and reflected a growing global trend of cyberattacks.-Rae Li, BTW reporter What happened Users of Telegram and WhatsApp in Russia experience a…
APrIGF 2024 explores future directions in digital governance
The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024, which commenced on August 21, is a crucial annual event for internet public policy in the Asia-Pacific region. As highlighted in a press release from the Ministry of Digital Development, Taiwan, Minister Huang Yan-nan stressed that A…
Intel bets on China’s electric car market with new AI chips
Intel introduced Arc Graphics for automotive discrete GPUs at a product launch on 8 August 2024 in Shenzhen.
Top tech news stories today: August 22, 2024
Fintech 1. MercadoLibre’s fintech launches its own dollar-backed ‘stablecoin’ in Brazil MercadoLibre’s fintech division, Mercado Pago, just unveiled its dollar-backed stablecoin, Meli Dolar, in Brazil to offer more stability to users. (Finimize) IT infrastructure 2. UK watchdog shuts down probes int…
Sky partners with CityFibre for full fibre expansion
CityFibre and Sky are collaborating to expand broadband access to over 1.3 million homes in underserved areas in UK.
Netomnia joins The Fibre Café to boost connectivity
Netomnia has merged with Brsk and joined The Fibre Café, enhancing its network and ISP onboarding capabilities.
AMD’s $4.9B acquisition to boost AI dominance
AMD acquires ZT Systems for $4.9 billion, enhancing its data center AI capabilities and competing more in the growing AI accelerator market.
Congo Telecom educates police cadets on cybersecurity practices
Congo Telecom hosted a delegation of police cadets to educate them on cybersecurity and digital investigation methods.
U.S. accuses Iran of cyberattacks targeting Trump and Harris campaigns
OUR TAKEThe allegations of Iranian cyber operations against U.S. presidential campaigns highlight a significant threat to the integrity of democratic processes. Such interference can undermine public trust in elections and democratic institutions, which is crucial for a functioning democracy. These …