Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
OpenAI expands media ties with news partners for chatbot training
OpenAI teams up with the media and publication businesses Prisa Media and Le Monde, aiming to enhance news delivery and model training.
Hong Kong regulators warn against unlicenced Bybit exchange
The Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong issued a warning on March 14 against crypto exchange Bybit for operating without licensing.
MicroStrategy offers $500M more in bonds for bitcoin purchase #2
MicroStrategy, a software provider, plans to use convertible bonds to purchase bitcoin for the second time in less than 10 days.
Nvidia to bring eye-popping new chips next week
OUR TAKE:The unveiling of Nvidia’s B100 AI processor marks a significant leap in AI computing, cementing the company’s position as a market leader. With soaring demand for its chips and software, Nvidia’s expansion into cloud services poses a potential threat to existing providers. The company’s sto…
Apple buys Canadian start-up DarwinAI as it races to add features
OUR TAKEHe acquisition allows for the visual inspection of parts in the manufacturing process with DarwinAI’s technology and serves customers in a range of industries. Also, it can use its core technology to make AI systems smaller and faster. This work will help Apple focused on running AI on its d…
Top tech news stories today: March 15, 2024
Solana’s popularity could lead to potential threat, Nvidia offers developers a peek at new AI chip next week and other tech news.
Apple buys AI startup DarwinAI, absorbing some tech staffers, Bloomberg reports
OUR TAKE:Apple’s acquisition of DarwinAI marks a strategic move into generative AI, aligning with CEO Tim Cook’s promise to innovate in this space. This signals Apple’s intent to integrate AI capabilities directly into its devices and software, potentially reshaping user experiences. The company’s e…
Oracle adds generative AI features across its corporate software lineup
OUR TAKE:This move by Oracle to incorporate generative intelligence features into its financial services shows its commitment to staying competitive in the market. By investing in AI technologies and collaborating with tech industry experts, they aim to enhance productivity and save time for employe…
Spotify 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.
South 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.
OKX 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.
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-…
US 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.
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.
Artificial 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.
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…
The 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…
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…
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…
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…
JPNAP, 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…
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.
CoinShares acquires Valkyrie ETF business, expanding US market
CoinShares, specialising in digital assets, acquired Valkyrie funds, including the investment advisory arm and sponsor rights.
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.
China’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.
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…
Microsoft 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…
Actelis 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…
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…
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.
VIRTUS 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 …
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…
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…
Poor 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.
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.
Alphabet’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.
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.