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: 31 briefingsWhat is horizontal distribution of power systems?
Horizontal power distribution decentralises electricity delivery, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Electricity Delivery: Generation, transmission and distribution
Power generation produces electricity, which is then transmitted over long distances. Efficient distribution ensures electricity reaches end-users reliably and safely.
6 benefits of using Alternating Current (AC) for power distribution
Alternating Current (AC) is the preferred method for power distribution due to its ability to easily transform voltage levels and minimise energy loss over long distances.
Philippine Energy Department says its website was hacked
OUR TAKE Hacking of the Philippine Energy Department website is not only an individual cybersecurity incident, but also reflects the common challenges and needs faced by governments and organisations worldwide in protecting information security and responding to cyber threats. Greater collaboration,…
What is the ideal server room temperature?
If your organisation works with in-house servers, maintaining the ideal conditions in your server room is essential to keep your systems functioning at their best. Here’s why server room temperature control matters in a server room and the key considerations for maintaining optimal conditions. Ideal…
Uses and precautions for power distribution blocks
Power distribution blocks are essential components in electrical systems, offering efficient and organised distribution of electrical power while enhancing safety and flexibility. By leveraging the capabilities of power distribution blocks, engineers and technicians can streamline electrical install…
NIST launches Dioptra to test AI model security
OUR TAKEThe National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reintroduced Dioptra, an open-source web-based tool that assesses the vulnerabilities and performance degradation of AI systems due to malicious attacks, especially those that “poison” training data. This tool is intended to assis…
NeuralGCM revolutionises climate modeling with machine learning
OUR TAKEResearchers from Google and ECMWF introduce an innovative climate model called NeuralGCM. NeuralGCM uses neural networks to augment traditional High Performance Computing (HPC) focusing on small-scale climate processes such as clouds and precision variations that are difficult for traditiona…
Alibaba Cloud adapts to AI rivalry with price adjustments
OUR TAKEAlibaba Cloud’s recent pricing adjustments for domain names and cloud services mark a strategic pivot in response to the burgeoning competition in the AI sector. The company has increased auction starting prices for domain names and implemented price cuts across its cloud computing offerings…
Xiaomi purchases $116M site in Beijing to expand EV production
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has purchased a 53-hectare plot of land in Beijing for $116 million to expand its electric vehicle production.
SpaceX’s historic Polaris Dawn mission delayed
OUR TAKEThe postponement of SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission underscores the company’s prioritisation of its Crew-9 mission to the ISS. Mankind’s quest for space never ends.-Vivienne Xie, BTW reporter What happened The spacecraft corporation led by Elon Musk, SpaceX, has delayed the scheduled launch fo…
Hollywood performers strike against video game makers over AI use
OUR TAKEWith the increasing use of AI in entertainment, establishing robust AI protections is essential to ensure AI protections in the entertainment industry, particularly in video games, and safeguard the rights of performers. It reflects the need for industry standards that prioritise the well-be…
Why humidity matters for your server room: Ideal range revealed
In the high-stakes world of IT infrastructure, where even the slightest malfunction can lead to catastrophic consequences, maintaining the right humidity in server rooms is not just a technical detail—it’s a critical component of operational excellence. With the rapid evolution of technology and an …
Inside the server room: The unsung hub of modern technology
Data is the new currency nowadays, server rooms are the unsung heroes that power our connected world. But what exactly is a server room, and why is it so pivotal to modern technology? Defining a server room At its core, a server room is a dedicated space within a building designed specifically to ho…
The high-stakes game of server room temperature: Why it matters
In the realm of IT infrastructure, maintaining the right temperature in a server room is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of servers and networking equipment. But what exactly is the ideal temperature for a server room, and why does it matter so much? The ideal temperature ran…
Why skipping server room cooling could cost millions
In the intricate world of IT infrastructure, server rooms are the silent workhorses that keep our digital lives running smoothly. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining these hubs is managing their temperature. But why exactly do server rooms need cooling, and what happens when this necessi…
Apple retail workers score contract after Union push
OUR TAKEApple is playing the “harmonious” labor relations game now. Think about it, tech giants used to shy away from unions, but now Apple has reached an agreement with the first officially recognised retail store union. The workers behind this have been waiting for this day for two years. It’s sai…
WazirX’s plan to share $230M burden sparks fury among users
OUR TAKEWazirX’s plan to spread the $230M crypto heist loss across all customers? That’s like inviting a whole party to share the blame for one guest’s wild night out. Remember that time Equifax got hacked and people’s credit scores took a hit? At least they didn’t ask everyone to chip in for that m…
NIST re-releases Dioptra tool to combat AI security threats
OUR TAKERemember when we all freaked out about Deepfakes? Well, NIST’s Dioptra is back like a cyber-knight in shining armor, ready to test AI’s metal against malicious attacks. It’s like having a security guard for your AI, making sure it doesn’t get tricked by fake data or go rogue. But let’s be re…
YouTube speeds slow in Russia amid neglect claims, blockade calls
OUR TAKEYouTube is clearly being targeted in Russia. Remember when Netflix faced similar issues with internet speeds? But at least they knew to invest in upgrading their servers. And YouTube in Russia seems to be lacking in that department. I heard that they even let their local subsidiary go bankru…
LinkedIn settles $6.6M lawsuit over inflated video ad metrics
OUR TAKEIt seems LinkedIn hit a snag this time, shelling out over $6.6 million to settle with advertisers. This reminds me of Facebook’s similar mishap with ad data transparency. Tech giants really need to step up their game in this area. LinkedIn denies any wrongdoing but is willing to pay up and e…
Hollywood video game performers on strike over AI
OUR TAKEThe Screen Actors Guild of America (SAG-AFTRA) video game performers have launched a strike over the breakdown of negotiations with game publishers over the use of AI and protective measures. The strike is a direct result of concerns that AI may copy performers’ likenesses and voices without…
Apple commits to AI safety in White House Initiative
OUR TAKEThe White House highlighted the substantial progress made on AI safety and governance, and Apple’s commitment by its safety pledge marks an important step forward. This move underscores the importance the administration places on responsible AI development. The completed actions announced by…
Apple delays AI features rollout until after iOS 18 release
Apple is delaying the rollout of its new artificial intelligence features, which will not be available at the initial launch of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in September.
Amazon develops AI chips to challenge Nvidia’s market leadership
OUR TAKEAmazon is working on building its own AI chips, aiming to reduce its reliance on Nvidia chips by providing more cost-effective computing solutions, and successfully applys them to tackle large-scale online shopping activities during Prime Day, highlighting its technological prowess and innov…
Google enhances Gemini for better performance and wider reach
OUR TAKEGoogle upgrades its Gemini chatbot to offer better performance and broader availability, ensuring it is quicker and accessible in a wider range of languages and territories. The company also implements new functionalities to counteract hallucinations and safeguard adolescent users to show it…
JPMorgan uses AI chatbot to aid research
OUR TAKEJPMorgan Chase recently launchs an innovative initiative to assist employees in its Asset and Wealth Management division by producing an in-house generative AI chatbot. This AI chatbot has been designed to perform the duties of a research analyst. The move marks a significant step in JPMorga…
WeMove uses AI technology to simplify moving reservations
OUR TAKEWeMove uses AI technology, specifically image recognition and machine learning, to provide users with a platform to book moving services online without having to communicate with a sales representative. Thus, it can simplify the entire moving process and improve efficiency and user experienc…
Epic Games returns ‘Fortnite’ to Apple’s iOS in EU
Epic Games has announced the return of “Fortnite” to Apple’s iOS systems in the EU amid its long-lasting legal battle with Apple.
Google’s AI advances in solving complex math problems
Google’s DeepMind division unveiled AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2, two advanced AI systems that engage in complex mathematical reasoning.
5 advantages of Integrated Delivery Systems (IDS)
Integrated Delivery Systems (IDS) offer a wide range of benefits across various industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, etc.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsTrump advocates cryptocurrency, targeting China and regulation
Donald Trump, at the Bitcoin 2024 conference, advocated for cryptocurrency and proposed a national “stockpile” of bitcoin.
Thailand plans new tax breaks to attract investment in hybrid cars
OUR TAKEThailand has announced a new set of incentives aimed at attracting significant investment in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) over the next four years. The plan, which aims to boost Thailand’s bid to become an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, includes significant tax breaks for automa…
Trump pledges national bitcoin stockpile to counter China
OUR TAKETrump’s pledge to create a national bitcoin reserve is a bold and controversial strategy that could redefine the U.S. stance on cryptocurrency. While it appeals to crypto enthusiasts, it also highlights the tension between innovation and regulation in the financial sector. As the November el…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingSouth Korea aids small businesses amid e-commerce crisis
South Korea’s government announced liquidity support package to help small businesses affected by payment delays from e-commerce platforms.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefings80 WTO members agree on e-commerce rules while US holds back
Around 80 countries agreed on a new pact aimed at modernising global digital commerce, but some other countries had reservations.
Addressing AI fragmentation in Canada’s military strategy
OUR TAKECanada’s Department of National Defence and military forces are facing a number of challenges in adopting AI technologies, and a newly released strategy document reveals “fragmentation” and a lack of coordination in their implementation and use of AI. The strategy proposes the creation of an…
North Korean hacker hired by US security supplier, loaded malware
A cybersecurity firm hires a hacker who attempts system compromise. The company races to evaluate and mitigate the breach’s impact.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsWhat are server rooms used for and their main suppliers?
In the vast landscape of modern technology, server rooms stand as the unsung heroes, powering the digital world we live in. These rooms are not merely physical spaces but crucial nerve centers that support the backbone of our interconnected society. What are server rooms Server rooms are specialised…
Electric power distribution: The last mile of electricity supply
Electric power distribution delivers electricity from substations to consumers, stepping down voltages and maintaining reliability through radial and network systems.
ABS-CBN’s Sky Cable Corp partners with Converge ICT for network enhancement
Sky Cable Corp. partners with Converge ICT to enhance network and deliver faster, more reliable internet services to Sky Fibre subscribers.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingWhat is a power distribution unit (PDU) and what does it do?
Power is a foundational element of data centre operations. Without a highly reliable power source, data centre operators cannot ensure the availability and performance of IT systems. That’s why the power distribution unit (PDU) is one of the most important components of the data centre infrastructur…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsUS DOJ says TikTok collected US users’ views on sensitive issues
OUR TAKEThe DOJ’s stance underscores the tension between national security and free speech, with significant implications for foreign-owned tech platforms. If TikTok is banned or forced to change ownership, it could set a precedent affecting other apps and highlight the US government’s growing conce…
Justice Department flags TikTok as a national threat to elections
OUR TAKEThe US Department of Justice has thrown down the gauntlet, claiming TikTok’s algorithm could be exploited by the Chinese government to sway our elections and political discourse. This isn’t just a whisper campaign; it’s a direct warning that our everyday shares and opinions on TikTok could b…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 5 briefingsX Corp faces Irish DPC scrutiny over AI data use
Social media giant X Corp, owned by Elon Musk, faces regulatory scrutiny from the Irish Data Protection Commission over a new default privacy setting that allows user data to be used for AI training without clear opt-out options on mobile.
FTC’s Khan hopes to open AI models to enhance competition
OUR TAKEFederal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan supports the use of open-weight models and emphasises their ability to empower startups by providing them with greater control over AI technologies, including investigations into companies like Microsoft, with a focus on preventing monopolistic practi…
Who is Justin Sun? Tron blockchain founder is a historian with a hi-tech edge
OUR TAKEJustin Sun is a polarising figure in the world of blockchain and technology. While admired for his entrepreneurial drive and ambition to innovate within the decentralised space, he has also faced significant criticism and scrutiny. His bold initiatives with the Tron Foundation, such as acqui…
Top tech news stories today: July 29, 2024
From Trump‘s new policy to the cryptocurrency market to the use of AI for the Paris Olympics, here is the news you need to know today.
HaiLa Technologies partners with the UW to develop its backscatter technology
OUR TAKEHaiLa Technologies has entered into a license agreement with the University of Washington to develop and commercialise backscatter technology aimed at reducing the power consumption of wireless communications. It demonstrates the significance of academic-industry collaboration in driving inn…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingAmazon faces second tax evasion investigation in Milan
The inquiry, initiated in 2021, focuses on value-added taxes and customs duties related to the trading of goods within Italy and internationally.