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 briefingsSpotify launches video feature in 11 markets
Spotify introduces MV for Premium subscribers globally, offering global hits and local favourites, with user feedback-driven improvements.
Visa, Western Union expand cross-border money transfers
Visa and Western Union established a seven-year partnership to enhance cross-border money transfers to bank accounts and Visa cards.
LANCK Telecom wins Platinum Award for Best AGT/AIT Fraud Solution
LANCK Telecom has won the Platinum Award for the “Best AGT/AIT Fraud Solution” in the Security & Fraud Innovation category at the Future Digital Awards for Telco Innovation 2024, presented by Juniper Research. Expertise in AGT/AIT prevention LANCK Telecom’s expertise in AGT/AIT prevention surpasses …
NTT’s IOWN empowered by photonic-electronic convergence devices
NTT Corporation (NTT) introduced NTT Innovative Devices Corporation to develop, design, and manufacture photonic-electronic convergence (PEC) devices. These devices are pivotal in NTT’s deployment of its Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) initiative, aiming to construct high-speed, high-…
The world’s first AI programmer, Devin, is born
Cognition unveils Devin, an AI that could replace software engineers, sparking debate among tech experts about the future of coding.
Samsung is said to be using chip-making technology favoured by its rival
Samsung reportedly uses MUF tech for its HBM chip production. However, Samsung has denied using MUF tech, calling it a rumor. Samsung is said to use chip-making tech its rival favoured The growing demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips has surged due to the ongoing popularity of generative AI.…
Deep learning AI enhanced by MIT-born Akamai and Neural Magic
Akamai Technologies, the cloud company that powers and protects life online, and Neural Magic, a software developer focusing on accelerating AI workloads, have unveiled a strategic partnership this week aimed at enhancing deep learning capabilities across Akamai’s distributed computing infrastructur…
Telin and Zenlayer team up to deliver edge computing solutions
Telin and Zenlayer have joined hands to deliver edge computing services through Telin’s digital platform. The collaboration, formalized with a commitment letter signed on January 23, 2024 during the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) annual conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, aims to capitalise on…
DoorDash introduces new AI tool to tackle in-app verbal abuse
DoorDash introduces “SafeChat+,” an AI-powered tool aimed at curbing verbal abuse in customer-delivery personnel interactions.
Oracle shares surge over 13%, hint at Nvidia collaboration
Oracle’s stock surged over 13% to reach a new high and teased a potential collaboration with Nvidia during the GTC developer conference.
OKX adds Aevo platform for spot trading derivatives trading
OKX announces the addition of Aevo, a derivative-focused L2 platform, for spot trading, set to commence on March 12, 2024.
Binance integrates Japanese yen into Binance Convert
Binance announced the addition of the Japanese yen to its Binance Convert on, enabling users to trade yen with bitcoin and USDT fee-free.
Microsoft to train Philippine women in AI, cybersecurity
100,000 Philippine women will acquire ability to identify cybersecurity threats by using an online platform to learn how to use Microsoft’s AI tools.
Binance Labs launches 7th incubation programme for Web3
The program gives access to Binance’s resources and offers support to innovative projects in areas like DeFi, infrastructure, and AI.
Top tech news stories today: March 13, 2024
Global banks participate in large-scale blockchain pilot test, AMD says creaky old servers are a big problem for AI and other tech news.
Nvidia decline: Billionaire investors are selling it and buying these 2 AI stocks instead
OUR TAKECurrently, no trend has captured the attention and wallets of investors like artificial intelligence (AI). Many billionaire investors have been strategically moving their capital into and out of certain artificial intelligence stocks.Nvidia used to be the most popular of the AI stocks. Howev…
Tether partners with Celo network to expand USDT distribution
Tether has formed a strategic partnership with the Celo network to expand the distribution of its USDT stablecoin across blockchain networks.
Bitfarms boosts BTC mining capacity with 51,908 ASICs acquisition
Bitfarms, a Canadian bitcoin mining company, recently acquired 51,908 ASICs, including Bitmain models like T21, S21, and S21 hydro miners.
Ubisoft joins XPLA blockchain to validate digital asset ownership
Ubisoft joins XPLA as a node validator, advancing blockchain verification, and showcasing its ongoing exploration of Web3 and blockchain.
French startup Njita works on AI-powered speech anonymization technology, containing privacy disclosure
OUR TAKE:The rise of Nijta and its AI-powered speech anonymization technology underscores the growing significance of privacy-aware solutions in an increasingly data-driven world. This innovative approach not only addresses regulatory requirements but also paves the way for the ethical and responsib…
Musk announces xAI will open-source Grok this week
Musk to open source xAI’s Grok, sues OpenAI for profit shift, urging it to embody its “Open” ethos amidst Microsoft ties.
Nvidia’s NeMo becomes latest AI model to be sued by artists
Nvidia faces legal action for allegedly using authors’ books without permission to train its NeMo AI platform.
Binance Pay launches March promotions
Binance Pay launches March promotions, incentivising users with rewards and discounts to encourage platform usage and ACH token adoption.
DeFi protocol Unizen reimburses victims after $2.1M hack
Unizen DeFi protocol suffered a $2.1 million exploit, promptly announcing reimbursements for affected users.
Windows 11 users can feel free to uninstall OneDrive right now
OUR TAKE:Microsoft’s clarification on the ability to uninstall OneDrive in Windows 11 is a positive move, as it provides users with more control over their devices and software. This update reflects Microsoft’s commitment to providing users with control over their software and services. By addressin…
Samsung improved its security and materials in its new products Galaxy A55 and A35
Samsung launched two new products in series A, containing several technical updates in security and material aspects. Galaxy A55 and A35 bring out many surprises in tech innovation as the new products of Samsung Samsung has unveiled its new products to the midrange A-series lineup with the Galaxy A5…
Authors sued Nvidia for copyright infringement in its AI training
OUR TAKE：This can be recognized as a typical case of copyright infringement in AI training. The abstract detailed performances like language models are very difficult to identify as borrowed or plagiarised. Since generative AI has just emerged in recent years, the related copyright laws regulations,…
Reddit Pro launch provides AI insights, publishing and ad engagement features
OUR TAKE:The launch of Reddit Pro marks a significant step for the platform, offering businesses valuable tools to enhance their social strategy and engagement. With AI-powered insights, seamless ad integration, and positive early feedback from brands, Reddit is positioning itself as a key player in…
Ishan Technologies wins CIO CHOICE 2024 for Leased Lines
Ishan Technologies has been honoured with the prestigious CIO CHOICE 2024 award in the Large Enterprise category for Telecom Carrier (Leased Lines). Ms. Purvi Kotecha, co-founder and director of Ishan Technologies, graciously accepted the accolade at the Red Carpet Night event at the Lalit Hotel in …
Nvidia’s market value surged to the second in the tech industry
OUR TAKE：The extraordinary surge in Nvidia’s market value due to its dominance in AI chips reflects the growing importance of AI in the tech industry. However, concerns about reaching a peak and maintaining high expectations loom. Despite being relatively “cheap” compared to other AI-focused stocks,…
Sam Altman will be reinstated with three new directors
OUR TAKE:Sam Altman was fired in November 2023 for the breakdown in the relationship and loss of trust between Sam and the prior Board. The reinstatement of Sam brought out concerns of corporation governance and management of conflict of interest. The investigation findings highlight the significanc…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingSouth Africa to licence 60 digital asset exchanges by month end
South Africa to mandate licenses for about 60 cryptocurrency firms by month-end, leading the continent in digital asset exchange regulation.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsOKX Singapore secures crucial payments licence for crypto expansion
OKX’s Singaporean subsidiary secured in-principle clearance for a payments licence, enabling cross-border money transfer services.
Vianet is first Nepal-owned firm to win at Asian Telecom Awards 2024
Vianet Communication Limited has clinched two prestigious titles, ‘Broadband Telecom Company of the Year’ and ‘Technology Innovation of the Year’, at the esteemed 2024 Asian Telecom Awards hosted in Singapore. Vianet stood out for its high-capacity customer service and introduction of new technology i…
IIJ’s SoftSIM integrates with Nordic to simplify IoT deployment
Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ), a prominent provider of Internet access and network solutions in Japan, has teamed up with Nordic Semiconductor to integrate IIJ’s SoftSIM with Nordic’s nRF9160 Series, a leading cellular IoT solution. This collaboration allows manufacturers to incorporate IIJ’s…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 4 briefingsUS passes bill that could ban TikTok despite resistance from Trump
The U.S. House passed a bill demanding ByteDance to divest TikTok within 165 days or face a ban, with uncertain prospects in the Senate.
US House overwhelmingly passes bill to force ByteDance to divest TikTok
OUR TAKEThe demand for ByteDance to divest TikTok reflects heightened concerns over national security and data privacy, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.This move shows the growing scrutiny and regulatory challenges faced by tech companies operating in global markets, particularly those with signi…
CoinShares acquires Valkyrie ETF business, expanding US market
CoinShares, specialising in digital assets, acquired Valkyrie funds, including the investment advisory arm and sponsor rights.
Pro-Khalistan protesters try to disrupt Indo-Canada business networking event.
OUR TAKEAlthough the pro-Khalistan elements tried to disrupt the event, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police along with the Edmonton Police Service blocked the protesters gathered outside.Pro-Khalistan has received multiple criminal charges in recent years, but they are still active in many incidents t…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsArtificial Intelligence Act: World’s first global AI law passed in EU
European Parliament has approved a comprehensive framework to address the risks posed by AI, marking a step in regulating AI tech globally.
NetCologne partners with BENOCS to bolster network analytics
Berlin, Germany, 12th March 2024 – NetCologne, an internet provider based in Cologne, Germany, has opted for BENOCS to enhance network analytics for its IP-network. With BENOCS’ assistance, NetCologne aims to optimise their network traffic, cutting costs and further enhancing satisfaction among thei…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingThe US House claimed that unless ByteDance divests or TikTok will be banned
OUR TAKE:TikTok now boasts countless users in the US, including both audiences and content creators. The unjust threat to TikTok could result in a ban, depriving people not only of a platform for free expression but also of opportunities to earn a living.— Iris Deng, BTW reporter The US government f…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingJPNAP, JPIX, and BBIX to build IXPs at AT TOKYO CC3
JPNAP (IX service of Internet Multifeed Co.), JPIX, and BBIX are set to establish Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) at AT TOKYO Chuo Center #3 (CC3) and commence services from October 2024. CC3 is poised to emerge as Japan’s new network hub. BBIX transforms internet connectivity and data ro…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingChina’s GDS confirms talks to sell international data centres
GDS Holdings explores selling a stake in its global data centre operations, engaging with private equity firms, but no deal is finalised yet.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsMicrosoft to train 100,000 Philippine women in AI, cybersecurity
OUR TAKEMicrosoft is concerned about the development of women in the Philippines and is willing to provide them with training, which offers some job opportunities for women in the local region. In addition, Microsoft’s assistance to the local government and students can also boost the economy of the…
The US government intended to urge China by blacklisting CXMT
Changxin Memory Technologies, a dominant Chinese chipmaker company is being blacklisted by the US government. It is a strategy to restrain China from accessing advanced chip technologies. The US government started its plan to restrain China’s advanced chip technology, and Changxin is going to be bla…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingActelis Networks and Netceed have an agreement to extend Actelis’ hybrid-fibre networking solutions to Netceed’s North American customer base.
OUR TAKEFor Netceed customers, they can accelerate their technology upgrade project with Actelis’ hybrid fibre solution. This new partnership can also bring greater convenience to thousands of Netceed customers in North America, facilitating people’s lives to a greater extent.-Jennifer YU, BTW repor…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingVIRTUS to build 100% renewable energy data centre in Buckinghamshire, UK
VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS), an outstanding player in the UK’s data centre industry and a part of the ST Telemedia (STT) Global Data Centres Group, has revealed its ambitious plans for a advanced data centre campus in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire on 19 February, 2024. The new campus, located on …
Coverage
Governance / RIR Watchdog / APNIC / Story
In this section: 1 briefingPoor turnout, rude winners: The APNIC EC Election 2024 highlights its flaws
With a low turnout and the same all-male EC being voted in again, it’s time to ask questions about APNIC’s commitment to equality and transparency.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingAlphabet’s SIP launches Verrus to help data centres save energy
SIP launches Verrus, a data centre energy management solution using advanced microgrid technology, revolutionising energy allocation.