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: 33 briefingsNews: TikTok tests a feature that would bring TikTok Shop links to videos
TikTok is testing an early-stage feature to automatically recognise and link products in videos, combining social interaction with shopping.
Taylor Swift AI images are ‘shocking and scary’, says Satya Nadella
Are the creators and companies involved with generative AI doing enough to safeguard against its misuse? Microsoft CEO thinks not.
$674M crypto recovered of $2.6B stolen
PeckShield’s 2023 report signals a significant milestone with over $674 million in recovered crypto.
News: Zoom meetings are about to get weirder thanks to the Vision Pro
Zoom’s Apple Vision Pro app blends video meetings with physical spaces for an immersive experience, enhancing connectivity and collaboration.
News: Microsoft set for AI-powered revenue surge as stock pulls ahead
Microsoft, the new stock market leader, anticipates a 16% YoY growth driven by Azure and AI applications like Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Elon Musk denies xAI funding speculation, says not seeking capital
Elon Musk denies funding rumors for xAI, stating they have no plans to raise capital and are not actively seeking external investment.
X to ramp up its recruitment of 100 content moderators
Is Elon Musk rethinking his content moderation strategy? On Saturday, Joe Benarroch, head of business operations at Musk’s X social media platform, said it would open a new content moderation center in Austin, Texas, and hire 100 full-time employees. The hub will focus on cracking down on child abus…
Top tech stories today: January 29, 2024
Save yourself from endless web searches for tech news! Get concise and engaging summaries of global tech highlights right here. Join in now and stay informed! 1. Google’s Lumiere brings AI video closer to reality Google’s Lumiere AI model pioneers video generation with Space-Time-U-Net, creating rea…
This time it’s Taylor Swift’s bad luck
Elon Musk will have to work overtime again, and I’m afraid social media platforms are going to get noisy over celebrity privacy again. When will artificial intelligence technology infringement stop? Since the emergence of “AI face changing” technology, “face changing” events have emerged, and many s…
Amazon plans two AWS data centres for $10 billion in Mississippi
AWS is set to make a historic $10 billion investment in Mississippi.
FTC investigates Microsoft, Amazon, Google investments in AI
FTC is investigating the multi-billion-dollar investments in AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic to assess risks to innovation and competition.
Tesla is set to construct a new $25,000 EV model by mid-2025
Tesla plans to launch its upcoming mass-market EV, in mid-2025, with the goal of positioning it as the most budget-friendly EV available.
5 top tech stories this week: January 26, 2024
From X’s big win to Unveiling JANOG53, we have a bunch of great tech stories to tell you about this week. Here’s our rundown.
Blackberry warns of a $100M cyber threat to Mexican banks
Blackberry detected a $100M cyber threat targeting high-net-worth Mexican banks and crypto exchanges.
PayPal’s new CEO turns to AI to revive share price
PayPal to launch AI products, analyze shopping history, improve checkout experience, and expand market coverage.
Top tech stories today: January 26, 2024
No more endless web searches for tech news! Get a concise and engaging summary of global tech highlights right here. Jump in now! 1. PayPal to launch AI-based products as new CEO aims to revive share price PayPal unveils AI-driven products and one-click checkout under CEO Alex Chriss to revive share…
Microsoft Teams introduces immersive 3D and VR meetings
Microsoft integrates immersive 3D and VR meetings into Teams, transforming virtual collaboration and communication.
IBM predicts revenue surge from AI adoption
IBM predicts growth will exceed expectations, driven by increased adoption of AI by businesses and their demand for IBM’s services.
News: Tesla says it will start making new EV model in second half of 2025
Tesla plans mid-2025 mass production of ‘Redwood,’ a compact EV, facing scepticism amid past delays.
News: Google settles AI-related chip patent lawsuit that sought $1.67B
Google settles $1.67B patent lawsuit with Singular Computing, accused of unauthorised use of AI chip technology.
news: AiDash raises $50M for AI-powered grid resilience
AiDash’s innovative AI and satellite combination secures $50 mn in Series C funding California-based startup AiDash has successfully raised $50 million in new funding to support its innovative technology that utilizes AI and satellite imagery to detect fire and weather risks on power lines. Using sa…
Netflix hits Q4 subscriber peak with ‘The Crown’ and ‘The Killer’ and crackdown on account sharing
Netflix’s Q4 report boasts record-breaking subscriber growth, with 13.12 million additions, surpassing revenue expectations at $88.3 billion.
OKX exchange promises compensation for users following flash crash
OKX experienced a significant flash crash, with its token plummeting by 48%. The company pledged full compensation for additional losses.
News: Bitcoin faces volatility post-ETF approval: Prices plunge 25%
Bitcoin’s price drops by 25%, signalling a volatile market. Diverse influences include massive ETF investments and FTX assets.
news：Google utilizes AI to innovate chrome browser
Google adds AI features to Chrome browser for better user experience with tab organization, themes, and writing assistance.
Google’s X Lab faces restructuring amid financial challenges
Alphabet’s X Lab undergoes restructuring, laying off staff, seeking external investors for innovative projects amid financial challenges.
Top tech stories today: January 23, 2024
Tech roundup: ElevenLabs joins unicorn club, Bitcoin dips, SEC clashes with Binance, FTX’s $1bn Grayscale sale.
News: Bitcoin slides below $40K for the first time this year
Bitcoin extended its losses on Monday, dipping below $40K for the first time this year.
AI in music therapy: How personalized harmonies can heal better and quicker
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare is well documented, from MRI analysis to cancer detection and prognosis. But it is also being used in alternative methods of healthcare for example in music therapy, offering personalized treatment through emotion recognition, tailored therapy pl…
Independent bankruptcy examiner ordered to investigate FTX collapse
Failed crypto exchange FTX will undergo an external inquiry into the purported mishandling of $10 billion in customer funds. This crucial move seeks transparency and accountability for the collapse. FTX cryptocurrency exchange takes vital step towards restoring trust The collapse of FTX, a cryptocur…
Musk denies $500 million funding round as his AI company seeks $1 billion
Musk denies reports of his AI company securing $500 million funding and the impact on the AI industry remains uncertain.
Top tech stories today: January 22, 2024
Skip the internet search for tech news! We’ve got a quick and engaging roundup of global tech highlights. Dive in now! 1. Musk denies report his AI company secures $500 million toward $1 billion funding goal Elon Musk denies reports that his AI company, xAI, secured $500 million towards a $1 billion…
Automotive giants choose Mississippi for battery production
Mississippi attracts automotive giants to invest in battery production, accelerating clean energy and sustainable transportation.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsPentagon’s AI program to estimate prices for critical minerals
US DoD’s OPEN project uses AI to estimate mineral prices, predict supply for market transparency and national security.
U.S. to announce billions in subsidies for advanced chips
Biden administration to announce multi-billion subsidies for semiconductor companies, aiming to boost U.S. chip production.
News: Apple pays $13.7 million Russian fine, antitrust agency says
Apple has settled a Russian fine of 1.2 billion roubles (US$13.65 million).
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingItaly becomes first country to ban ChatGPT citing privacy rules
OpenAI’s ChatGPT violated privacy and age protection regulations, according to the Italian Data Protection Authority.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsChina approves more than 40 AI language models for public use
Gruelling AI match-off According to Chinese media reports, China’s recent approval of more than 40 AI models for public use marks an important milestone in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The milestone comes just six months after the launch of a new approval process, and serves as a…
What are China’s internet courts? AI judges and blockchain evidence
China’s internet courts: Reshaping dispute resolution in the digital age China’s internet courts have emerged as pioneering institutions in the field of online dispute resolution, addressing the challenges posed by the rapid growth of e-commerce and digital transactions. Established in 2017, these s…
Top tech stories today: January 24, 2024
Say goodbye to endless web searches for tech news! Discover a brief and captivating recap of global tech highlights right here. Dive in now! 1. North Korea’s AI development raises sanctions concerns, report says North Korea is investing in AI and machine learning, employing the technology for COVID-…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingSpotify accuses Apple of ‘extortion’ with new App Store tax
Spotify opposes Apple’s EU DMA compliance measures, citing user experience issues, unfair competition, and antitrust concerns.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsTop tech stories today: January 30, 2024
No need to sift through the web for crucial stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the key global technology highlights for January 30, 2024. 1. OpenAI’s ChatGPT breaches privacy rules, says Italian watchdog Italy’s privacy watchdog said on Monday it had notified OpenAl that its ChatGPT method of…
Judge denies UAE travel for Binance’s CZ, despite $4.5 billion offer
A federal judge denied Changpeng Zhao’s entry into the United Arab Emirates for the “hospitalization and surgery” of a person in his life.
Apple seeks dismissal of $1 billion App Store lawsuit in the UK
Apple confronts a $1 billion App Store lawsuit in the UK, asking for dismissal. The tech giant’s developer fees are under global scrutiny.
Coverage
Market / Companies / Asia-Pacific Companies / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services
In this section: 1 briefingCryptocurrency heists witness 55% drop to $1.7 billion in 2023
Stolen crypto declined to $1.7 billion in 2023, hacking instances increased. Experts attribute the decline in stolen funds to DeFi services.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Latin America and Caribbean Trends / Latin America and Caribbean Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsNews: Ecuador at crossroad: Yasuni oilfield Block 43-ITT crisis unfolds
Ecuador faces a critical juncture as it grapples with the closure of block 43-ITT amidst environmental advocacy and economic concerns. President Noboa’s stance ignites tensions, shaping the future of oil production and indigenous rights in the region. Yasuni’s last stand: Ecuador’s battle over block…
news: Brazil’s Petrobras powers up: Embracing renewables
Brazil’s state-run oil firm, Petrobras, plans to invest in domestic onshore wind and solar projects, marking a significant shift towards green energy under the current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s administration. Petrobras’ transition to renewable energy Brazil’s state-run oil company, Petr…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingNorth Korea’s AI development brings Western worry
Growing concerns over North Korea’s AI development and its compliance with sanctions call for strengthened global cooperation.
Coverage
Governance / NOGS / Asia-Pacific NOGs / JPNOG
In this section: 1 briefingUnveiling JANOG53: A dynamic confluence of Japan’s tech minds
Dive into JANOG – Japan’s vibrant hub for internet experts. Join dynamic discussions, share insights, and shape the future of internet technology. Explore now!
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Datacenter Trends
In this section: 1 briefingGoogle invests $1 billion in green UK data centre
Google reinforces its commitment to the UK’s tech prowess with a $1 billion investment in a sustainable data centre, boosting innovation, creating jobs, and championing carbon-free energy by 2030. Google is strengthening its investment in the UK with a massive $1 billion commitment to build a new da…