Ofcom has linked the violent unrest in England and Northern Ireland during the summer to the rapid spread of harmful content on social media platforms. The media regulator found that disinformation and illegal posts circulated widely online following the Southport stabbings in July, which sparked the disorder.
While some platforms acted swiftly to remove inflammatory content, others were criticised for uneven responses. Experts highlighted the significant influence of social media in driving divisive narratives during the crisis, with some calling for platforms to be held accountable for unchecked dangerous content.
Ofcom, which has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, argued that its enhanced powers under the forthcoming Online Safety Act were not yet in force at the time. The new legislation will introduce stricter responsibilities for tech firms in tackling harmful content and disinformation.
The unrest, the worst seen in the United Kingdom in a decade, resulted in arrests and public scrutiny of tech platforms. A high-profile row erupted between the Prime Minister and Elon Musk, after the billionaire suggested that civil war was inevitable following the disorder, a claim strongly rebuked by Sir Keir Starmer.
India is set to introduce new restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers starting in January, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. This move could significantly impact the country’s IT hardware market, valued between $8 billion and $10 billion, which currently relies heavily on imports. The Indian government hopes to shift more production locally through this initiative, which is expected to reshape the industry.
The country previously attempted to limit imports of such devices but faced backlash and pressure from international companies, particularly from the US. At present, companies can import laptops into India through a simple online registration system. However, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is now developing a new system that will require prior authorisation for imports.
India’s IT hardware market, which is worth nearly $20 billion, depends on imports for two-thirds of its demand, with much of it coming from China. To encourage local production, the Indian government has offered $2.01 billion in subsidies, attracting interest from major manufacturers such as Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Many of these companies are reportedly preparing to begin local manufacturing under India’s production incentive program.
Italy is preparing to introduce regulations that will require major tech companies to contribute to the costs of building telecoms infrastructure. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated that the government is working to ensure that companies such as Google, Meta, and Amazon bear part of the financial burden for expanding high-speed networks.
Telecom providers, including Telecom Italia and Deutsche Telekom, argue that these Big Tech firms generate much of the internet traffic and should therefore share the costs of network development. The proposed measures, which some refer to as ‘fair-share funding,’ have been backed by ruling politicians in Italy.
Proposals presented in parliament aim to set up agreements where Big Tech would negotiate technical and financial terms to support telecom infrastructure investments. Lawmakers believe this will help maintain the expansion of electronic communications networks.
This initiative is in line with similar efforts from the European Union, which has called for large tech platforms to contribute to network funding before the re-election of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in June.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted new regulations requiring all mobile phones sold in the US to be compatible with hearing aids, significantly enhancing accessibility for individuals with hearing loss. Specifically, these rules mandate that manufacturers adopt standard Bluetooth coupling for universal connectivity, thereby eliminating proprietary standards.
In addition, mobile handsets must meet specific volume benchmarks to ensure that sound quality is maintained when the volume is increased. Furthermore, to inform consumers, handset manufacturers must clearly label their devices to indicate compliance with these new hearing aid compatibility standards.
Notably, these changes stem from years of study and advocacy by the Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Task Force, which provided recommendations to the FCC. As a result, the FCC’s regulations aim to provide greater choice and improved functionality for the 48 million Americans with hearing loss, ensuring they can access a wider range of mobile technologies and features.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is enhancing connectivity and cultural engagement across Canada through its strategic plan, ‘Connecting Canadians through technology and culture.’ The plan prioritises improvements in internet and cellphone services by promoting competition and investment to ensure reliable and affordable access for all Canadians, including those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Additionally, the CRTC is advancing the amended Broadcasting Act through public consultations that require online streaming services to contribute approximately $200 million annually to the Canadian broadcasting system. The ongoing implementation of the Online News Act reflects the CRTC’s commitment to establishing a robust framework for digital news media, ensuring diverse and reliable sources for Canadians.
CRTC is also focused on investing in its capabilities to serve Canadians better in the future. The commission aims to enhance its effectiveness in regulating telecommunications and broadcasting services by emphasising modernisation and strategic investments. This proactive approach benefits consumers and positions Canada at the forefront of technological innovation and cultural engagement in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Spain‘s Santander has launched its digital bank, Openbank, in the United States, aiming to expand its retail presence and fund up to $30 billion in auto loans. As one of the few European banks with a United States retail foothold, Santander hopes this move will help it compete more effectively in the market.
Santander‘s US operations already hold over $45 billion in retail deposits and $60 billion in auto-related loans. The new digital bank aims to reduce funding costs by shifting away from more expensive wholesale funding. Openbank is offering a 5.25% yield on its savings accounts to attract US customers.
Openbank‘s launch is part of Santander’s broader global strategy to become a digital bank with branches, aiming to increase market share in a competitive US banking landscape. The bank has no immediate plans to re-enter the mortgage lending market, focusing instead on its digital offering.
Santander’s CEO for the US, Tim Wennes, emphasised that while hiring for Openbank will be limited, the bank will evaluate partnership opportunities to expand the platform. The digital shift comes as Santander seeks to boost returns from its US operations.
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector urge the federal government to strengthen telecom infrastructure security, designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). They raised concerns about vandalism, theft, and cyber-attacks that threaten these assets, which are vital for supporting the country’s digital economy.
Furthermore, while stakeholders, including IHS Towers and ALTON, praised the federal government for recognising the importance of telecom infrastructure, they emphasised the need for a comprehensive protection plan to secure these assets. In addition, they called for collaboration between the government and telecom operators to develop a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) and proposed the creation of a centralised database to monitor telecom infrastructure.
Moreover, in addition to protecting telecommunications infrastructure, stakeholders stressed the need for long-term strategies to ensure the sector’s sustainability. By safeguarding critical assets, Nigeria can support the growth of its digital economy and strengthen national security. IHS Towers, in particular, highlighted the importance of joint efforts in developing robust protections to prevent vandalism and cyber threats, which could otherwise undermine Nigeria’s telecommunications network. Strengthening this infrastructure will help build a secure, sustainable, and connected future for Nigeria.
Sri Lanka is set to amend its Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Act for the first time in 28 years, allowing third-party companies to construct telecom towers. That significant change aims to enhance competition and foster development in the telecommunications sector while promoting sustainable growth and ensuring market fairness.
The need for this amendment has arisen from financial constraints resulting from an unprecedented economic crisis, forcing telecom companies to reduce their budgets for building new towers, thereby slowing infrastructure development. By enabling independent companies to take on tower construction, the government seeks to address these challenges.
Specifically, it plans to build 276 new towers to boost connectivity and expand the digital economy from $2.3 billion in 2023 to a projected $15 billion by 2030. Furthermore, while independent firms will be responsible for tower construction, telecom companies will continue to provide other necessary equipment, ensuring a collaborative approach to improving network coverage.
Moreover, the amendment to the TRC Act will be tabled in parliament, with a debate expected to occur within the next two months. This legislative change represents a proactive step toward enhancing telecommunications infrastructure in Sri Lanka, thereby positioning the country for greater digital advancement in the coming years.
Alex Van Halen is exploring AI to complete unreleased Van Halen music left unfinished by his late brother Eddie. The drummer revealed that while the band has a vault of material, many tracks are incomplete and lack vocals. He hopes AI can analyse Eddie’s guitar style to generate new solos.
Alex has reached out to OpenAI, seeking their help in recreating his brother’s signature playing patterns. He envisions using AI-generated guitar parts alongside vocals from Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, despite not having spoken to the singer in decades. Completing the project could take years.
Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in 2020, left a significant legacy in rock music. His son Wolfgang, who toured with Van Halen, has said there is no chance of a reunion, preferring not to play the band’s music without his father.
AI is already playing a role in the music industry. Randy Travis, who lost his singing ability after a stroke, recently released a song with AI-generated vocals, recreating his voice through advanced technology. The success of that project offers hope for similar ventures, including Alex’s plans for Van Halen’s unfinished work.
Vietnam is committed to ensuring universal access to fibre-optic internet by 2030, aiming to connect every city, province, industrial facility, and household nationwide. The initiative includes launching at least two new international submarine cable routes and achieving 99% coverage of the 5G broadband network by the end of 2025, with a goal for all internet users to benefit from fibre-optic connections offering speeds of at least 1 Gbps.
Additionally, each citizen will have access to one Internet of Things (IoT) connection and a digital identity, with over 70% of adults expected to possess a digital or electronic signature by 2030. To support this digital transformation, Vietnam plans to establish hyper-scale, AI-supportive, and edge data centres that meet international standards while focusing on attracting domestic and international investments in digital infrastructure.
Enhancing digital infrastructure is vital for Vietnam’s socioeconomic growth and competitiveness in the global market. The government seeks to create a robust economic foundation that supports innovation and drives sustainable development by investing in and improving its digital capabilities. As Vietnam positions itself in the digital age, these strategic initiatives will empower citizens with greater access to technology and bolster the nation’s economic resilience and global standing.
