Top tech news stories: March 25, 2024

Top tech news stories: March 25, 2024 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

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1. Polygon zkEVM down due to issues with blockchain sequencer

Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution Polygon has announced that its zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) is currently experiencing downtime due to an issue with its blockchain sequencer. (Cointelegraph)

2. BRICS announces new blockchain-based crypto payment system

The new BRICS payment system will position itself as an alternative option to the US dollar. JUST IN: BRICS announces the creation of an independent payment system based on cryptocurrency and blockchain. The payment system aims to be friendly to governments, businesses, and even common citizens. (Watcher.Guru)

3. Ripple hosts Australia policy summit on blockchain regulation

Ripple, the provider of enterprise blockchain and cryptocurrency services, has held its inaugural Australia policy summit in Sydney. The closed-door event, which took place on 20 March 2024, focussed on the regulatory frameworks surrounding blockchain and digital assets. (ITBrief)

4. FASL and AFTECH sign MoU in Colombo to promote fintech

Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL) and Indonesia Fintech Association (AFTECH) signed an MoU during the BankTech Asia 2024 on 20 March at Mövenpick Hotel Colombo. (FT.LK)

5. Goldman’s hedge-fund clients get more active in crypto options

“Many of our largest clients are active or exploring getting active in the space.” Goldman, which launched its crypto trading desk in 2021, currently provides cash-settled Bitcoin option and Ether option trading, in addition to CME-listed Bitcoin and Ether futures. It does not trade the underlying crypto tokens. (Bloomberg)

6. Riyadh to host UN internet governance forum in December

Riyadh will host the 19th Internet Governance Forum from December 15 to 19, 2024, fostering global collaboration on internet policies. Organised by the #UN, it aims to address digital challenges and promote international cooperation. (SAUDI GAZETTE)

7. U.S. Bill targets TikTok’s future and threatens the open web

Today, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that will determine the future of TikTok in the United States. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act will force the Beijing-based owner Bytedance to divest its control of TikTok—a platform utilised by over 170 million Americans—or face a nationwide ban in the United States. (New America)

8. Geoff Thome to lead Serco’s cloud and networking infrastructure team

Serco has appointed Geoff Thome as vice president of cloud and networking infrastructure.In his new position, Thome will be responsible for shaping the company’s strategic direction, fostering innovation and ensuring the infrastructure meets and exceeds the needs of customers and stakeholders. (WashingtonEXEC)

9. Hyper Photonix to showcase cutting-edge optical 400G/800G networking solutions at OFC 2024

Hyper Photonix, a pioneer in silicon photonics technology and high-performance optical transceivers, is showcasing a comprehensive 400G/800G networking demonstration at the upcoming 2024 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) in San Diego, CA (March 26-28), in the Hyper Photonix booth #1223 and Ethernet Alliance booth #1415. (BusinessWire)

10. Google, Apple breakups on the agenda as regulators target tech

Big Tech is facing its biggest challenge in decades as antitrust regulators on both sides of the Atlantic crackdown on alleged anti-competitive practices that could result in break-up orders to Apple and Alphabet’s Google, a first for the industry. (Reuters)

11. High Court orders temporary suspension of Telegram’s services in Spain

Spain’s High Court has ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram’s services in the country after media companies complained it was allowing users to upload their content without permission, according to a court source. (Reuters)

12. Apple Vision Pro to hit mainland China this year, state media says

Apple Vision Pro will hit the mainland China market this year, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said on Sunday, according to state media. (Reuters)

13. ASML supplier Neways to build new plant in Malaysia

Neways, a key supplier to Dutch computer chip equipment maker ASML said on Friday it will build a new plant in Klang, Malaysia. (Reuters)

14. China blocks use of Intel and AMD chips in government computers, FT reports

China blocks use of Intel and AMD chips in government computers, FT reports. (Reuters)