Israel’s AI-enabled tech usage in Gaza sparks new fears
New defense technologies including artificial intelligence-powered gunsights and robotic drones form a bright spot in an otherwise dire period for...
Geostrategy
The DCO Council announces multilateral initiatives to bridge digital divide
Manama, Bahrain - The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering digital prosperity for all by...
Geostrategy
193 countries adopt first global pact on Artificial Intelligence ethics
All member nations of UNESCO adopted on Thursday a historical text that defines the common values and principles needed to...
- The Recommendation on Ethics of AI sets the first global normative framework while giving countries the responsibility to apply it at their level.
- Until the pact, there were no universal safeguards against ethnic bias, privacy threats, dangers of mass surveillance: UNESCO.
Business
Apple loses bid to stall apps bypassing pay system in Epic Games case
A judge rejected Apple's request to delay letting App Store offerings bypass its payment system as ordered by the court...
- Epic filed the lawsuit to break Apple's grip on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of operating a monopoly in its shop for digital goods or services.
- The judge reasoned that Apple's policies not allowing app developers to steer users to payment platforms outside the App Store as being a factor in the "antitrust conduct."
Business
Finfluencers turn to TikTok to peddle investment advice
Across the globe, investment gurus in their 20s are building huge followings on social media.
- Fintok and Stocktok finfluencers have made their influence on TikTok
- Reels and videos made on stocks and finance education getting viral on this world of entertainment
Geostrategy
US ‘black lists’ Israeli maker of Pegasus spyware
The company, NSO, was engulfed in controversy over reports that tens of thousands of human rights activists, business executives, journalists,...
- Smartphones infected with Pegasus are essentially turned into pocket spying devices, allowing the user to read the target's messages.
- Washington also targeted Israeli company Candiru, Singapore-based Computer Security Initiative Consultancy PTE (COSEINC) and Russian firm Positive Technologies.
Science
Augmented reality: an early taste of the metaverse?
The key idea behind metaverse, supposedly the internet of the future, is the blurring of the divide between the physical...
- Augmented Reality is believed to be the early stage of the metaverse envisioned by Facebook.
- With AR, you put on a device and you're still in your world, but we're augmenting it with digital content, says Peggy Johnson, CEO of Magic Leap
Geostrategy
Facebook whistleblower sits atop publicity juggernaut
Haugen's leak of company records has benefited from well-oiled communications machinery, powerful backers and a lucky cryptocurrency bet.
- The internal reports captured by her smartphone camera and handed to journalists have already resulted in a deluge of damning stories.
- In a matter of weeks, Haugen has testified before the US Congress and the British Parliament, with European Union lawmakers inviting her for a Nov. 8 appearance.
Geostrategy
Facebook on defensive over work in ‘fragile’ countries
Some 87 percent of Facebook's anti-misinformation budget is focused on the US even though the vast majority of its users...
- Facebook vice president Nick Clegg told the Web Summit that the tech giant has content moderation in over 70 countries.
- Whistleblower Frances Haugen said the company's algorithms made "polarizing and divisive content" more visible in people's timelines.
Interview
Despite hurdles, interest in 5G high in MENA
As GCC shifts away from dependence on oil and gas revenues, 5G is set to fuel tech growth and ease...
- 5G subscriptions in the MENA have exceeded 1 million at the end of 2020
- The deployment of a 5G network faces several challenges
Business
Two Saudi defense firms sign contract to build SkyGuard UAV
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) have signed a contract for the...
- SkyGuard is the outcome of numerous R&D efforts and geared towards developing a 'truly local' product.
- Saudi Arabia has set a target of spending 50 percent of expenditure on locally manufactured defense products and services by 2030.
Geostrategy
Facebook’s future tops agenda at Web Summit in Lisbon
Frances Haugen, the former Facebook engineer who leaked a trove of internal documents to international media, is due to speak...
- The summit in Portugal's capital Lisbon is set to welcome some 40,000 people from Monday evening through Thursday.
- Facebook has had to grapple in recent weeks with mass outages and rising calls for regulation to curb its vast influence.
Israel’s AI-enabled tech usage in Gaza sparks new fears
New defense technologies including artificial intelligence-powered gunsights and robotic drones form a bright spot in an otherwise dire period for...
Geostrategy
Company News
stc Group begins work in Europe
Business
Latest News
e& capital invests in Maxbyte
Business
Modon inks 2 MoUs with Saudi Exports, Local Content Authority
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has signed two memorandums of understanding...
Business
Archer to launch its all-electric air taxi service across UAE
ABU DHABI, UAE - Archer Aviation on Tuesday announced that it has entered into an agreement with Abu Dhabi Investment...
Business
Red Sea Global builds largest off-grid EV charging network in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, Amaala...
Business
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Geostrategy
Gaza becomes a dangerous ground for journalists
Amidst the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, an alarming number of journalists have been killed, injured, or missing, underscoring the importance of...
- Amidst the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, an alarming number of journalists have been killed, injured, or missing, underscoring the importance of ensuring their safety
- Amid the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, ensuring the safety of journalists is paramount, as the world depends on their reporting to grasp the crisis's complexities
Business
Al Etihad Payments partners with NIPL to develop UAE Domestic Card Scheme
ABU DHABI, UAE – Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and...
- To be launched in early 2024, the card scheme will aim to facilitate the growth of e-commerce and digital transactions in the UAE.
- It will bolster financial inclusion, support the nation’s digitization, increase alternative payment options and enhance the UAE’s competitiveness.
Business
GCC’s digital leadership puts focus on cybersecurity
As GCC leads in digital innovations, there's an urgent need for strong cybersecurity to combat increasingly complex threats targeting governments,...
- As GCC leads in digital innovations, there's an urgent need for strong cybersecurity to combat increasingly complex threats targeting governments, businesses, and individuals
- Emad Fahmy of NETSCOUT sheds light on the evolving cyber threats and the importance of a holistic approach to digital transformation, advising ways to safeguard digital frontiers