White House rolls out ‘concrete safeguard’ policies for federal AI
Washington, US - "Concrete safeguards" for government use of artificial intelligence were announced by the White House on Thursday, as it...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Google agrees to settle $5bn data privacy breach lawsuit
Google has agreed to settle a consumer privacy lawsuit seeking at least $5 billion in damages over allegations it tracked...
- The lawsuit, filed in a California court, claimed Google's practices had infringed on users' privacy by "intentionally" deceiving them
- Lawyers for the plaintiffs were seeking at least $5,000 for each user it said had been tracked as they visited Google Analytics in private browsing mode
Business
US bans import of Apple Watch due to patent clash
A US import ban on certain Apple smartwatch models came into effect, after the Biden administration opted not to veto...
- Apple last week paused its US sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
- The move came into effect on the online Apple Store on December 21, with retail locations ceasing sales December 24.
Economy
Saudi Arabia jumps to second rank in ICT index among G20 nations
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia jumped 10 ranks to second place among the G20 countries according to International Telecommunication...
- The index monitors the economies of 169 countries to measure their progress in ICT services through two main pillars ‘universal connectivity’ and ‘meaningful connectivity.
- It reflects the robust and developed digital infrastructure, with an increase of 99 percent of Internet penetration rate in Saudi Arabia.
Arts & Culture
7,000 digital marriage contracts delivered in Abu Dhabi since Oct
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has introduced a new service that allows marriage contracts to be...
- This is the first service of its kind and it enables the marriage contract to be sent directly to the spouses during the contract session.
- Customers can review the available times of the authorized officiants and receive the results of the suitors' medical examination automatically.
UNCTAD eWeek focuses on AI risks, e-commerce growth in developing countries
At UNCTAD eWeek 2023, experts stress the importance of aligning AI development with Sustainable Development Goals to mitigate risks and...
- At UNCTAD eWeek 2023, experts stress the importance of aligning AI development with Sustainable Development Goals to mitigate risks and ensure a secure digital future.
- Australia committed $2 million to UNCTAD for e-commerce support in developing nations, as Kenya unveiled a national strategy to spur its digital economy growth.
Business
Bayanat, Yahsat to merge
It will benefit from revenue synergies, economies of scale.
- The merger will create an AI-powered space technology champion in the MENA region with an implied market capitalization of over US$4 billion.
- The combined entity will be vertically integrated and optimally positioned to capture regional, global opportunities in geospatial and mobility solutions.
Research
79% UAE employees think digital skills crucial for success
Dubai, UAE – About 79 percent of UAE employees believe digital skills are crucial for business success, and 84 percent...
- The survey included over 5,500 working adults from the UAE, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK
- A significant 81 percent of UAE employees also believe that businesses should actively foster the development of AI skills in their workforce.
Geostrategy
UAE issues federal decree on regulating electronic, digital media
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE Government has issued a federal decree which aims to regulate and organize media in...
- The decree aims to promote the UAE as a global media hub and establish an enabling environment for the growth and prosperity of the sector.
- The provisions of the decree apply to individuals, organizations, media outlets, and free zones dedicated to the media in the UAE.
Business
GCC media outlets think outside the box to stay afloat
Reeling from a calamitous drop in advertisement revenues and public trust, news media organizations are reworking strategies to create "niche"...
- Many believe news media outlets have been distracted from their role to safeguard space for informed debate on public issues
- Several well trusted media outlets with deep pockets are battling against thinning revenues and being forced to think differently
Geostrategy
NCSC seeks to regulate Jordan’s cybersecurity market
AMMAN, JORDAN - National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) seeks to regulate the Kingdom's cybersecurity market by outlining and endorsing the...
- One of the NCSC's key measures focuses on issuing Cybersecurity Services Licensing System, its director said.
- This would "effectively" contribute to strengthening and supporting Jordanian companies to enter the cybersecurity market.
Company News
Latest News
Australian media hits back as Facebook scraps news deals
Meta said on Friday it would scrap the Facebook News tab in Australia and would not renew deals with news...
Apple’s changes contradicts European rules, 34 firms complain
Brussels, Belgium - Changes Apple is making to its services in the European Union "make a mockery" of new antitrust rules...
Business
Web Summit: 24 MoUs signed between Qatari institutions and global tech firms
Doha, Qatar - Web Summit Qatar 2024, the world's largest tech events debut in the Middle East and Africa, ended...
Economy
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Economy
UAE sets innovative media policy to propel the country onto global stage
DUBAI – Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE Media Council (UAEMC), has approved a comprehensive legislative...
- The roadmap emphasizes the importance of aligning national efforts and creating partnerships to boost the UAE’s media sector.
- It aims to develop a media industry that embraces global cultures, driven by innovation and youth leadership.
Business
AI entity is Board Observer in IHC
IHC is a pioneer in leveraging AI for decision-making.
- Aiden Insight is a virtual entity endowed with sophisticated AI capabilities, and is set to revolutionise the way IHC handles the global investment landscape.
- This initiative by IHC is powered by AI capabilities of G42 in collaboration with Microsoft, setting a new benchmark for artificial intelligence development.
Business
MENA ups cybersecurity ante to combat GenAI risks
With GenAI emerging as a new frontier for cyber threats, and stricter data privacy laws coming into effect, organizations are...
- With GenAI emerging as a new frontier for cyber threats, and stricter data privacy laws coming into effect, organizations are investing heavily to safeguard their futures.
- A surge is seen in security and risk management spending, highlighting critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and a proactive approach to manage digital risks.