Access

AI-powered translations now available on Reddit globally

Reddit is expanding its AI-powered translation feature to over 35 countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This marks a significant shift in the platform’s approach to increasing accessibility for non-English-speaking users. Reddit’s latest move follows its earlier translation service for French, broadening its language offerings to accommodate its growing user base.

The new feature enables automatic translation for both posts and comments, allowing conversations across multiple languages without needing manual input. Users can choose their preferred language settings, facilitating smoother interactions in diverse communities. Development like this one allows multilingual conversations to take place seamlessly within a single thread.

Reddit’s AI-powered translations extend beyond user interactions. Search engines will also index translated content, potentially drawing in more users who are searching for content in their local language. Reddit has already rolled out support in Brazil and Spain, with plans to expand to Germany, Italy, the Philippines, and other regions in Latin America soon.

The company continues to see growth in both its user base and ad revenue. Enhancing language support with AI-powered tools is a strategic move to appeal to global audiences, positioning Reddit for further international expansion.

Quad leaders set principles for Digital Public Infrastructure

The Quad leaders, comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, outlined principles to guide the development and deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) during their 6th Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. Recognising the transformative power of digital technologies, they emphasised the need for DPI to foster inclusivity, ensure security, and promote scalability while respecting privacy and human rights.

The principles aim to provide a blueprint for governments and private sectors to collaborate on creating secure, interoperable digital systems. These systems would offer equitable access, support public service delivery, and drive sustainable development by addressing key challenges such as digital divides, privacy concerns, and cybersecurity risks. They focus on creating an inclusive, safe, and transparent digital ecosystem that can adapt to evolving demands, especially in pursuit of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Among the core principles are:

Inclusivity: Governments should strive to close digital divides by eliminating barriers that hinder access and ensuring no erroneous biases are embedded in digital systems.

Interoperability: DPI should be based on open standards that ensure compatibility across systems, balancing legal and technical requirements.

Scalability: Infrastructure should be designed to accommodate growing demand without significant disruptions.

Security and Privacy: DPI must integrate privacy-enhancing technologies and cybersecurity features to protect users’ data and ensure system resilience.

Collaboration: A culture of openness is encouraged by involving community actors and innovators throughout the DPI’s lifecycle.

Human Rights and Governance: DPI must respect human rights and be governed transparently to maximise public trust and benefit.

Sustainability: DPI should be built with sustainability in mind, ensuring long-term financial and technological viability.

These principles highlight the Quad’s commitment to ensuring that digitalisation leads to equitable, reliable, and sustainable outcomes for societies, strongly emphasising maintaining democratic values and human rights.

Officials call for restoring BTRC’s independence to ensure fair telecom practices in Bangladesh

Officials from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Users Association (BMPUA) are united in their call to restore the BTRC’s independence as stipulated in the original Telecommunication Regulation Act of 2001.

They argue that the BTRC is compromised by excessive influence from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, undermining its role as an impartial regulator. Both groups demand full autonomy over licensing, tariff regulation, and governance to reclaim their regulatory effectiveness.

The BMPUA also advocates for significant amendments to the Telecommunication Regulation Act, particularly removing legal clauses that shield the BTRC from judicial review. Such changes, they argue, are vital to enhancing public accountability and ensuring the commission operates with greater transparency in the public interest.

Moreover, they stress the need to reduce telecom service costs in Bangladesh by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and promoting competitive licensing for key infrastructure like submarine cables. Strengthening competition and enforcing higher standards for telecom infrastructure, such as stricter tower quality and equipment regulations, are seen as essential steps toward making telecom services more reliable and affordable for all.

Additionally, BTRC officials and the BMPUA emphasise the importance of transparent, merit-based governance within the commission. They propose that all leadership positions be reserved for qualified Bangladeshi citizens to ensure that local expertise is prioritised and that the commission remains fully committed to advancing national interests.

In a further push for transparency, both groups advocate for public hearings before setting tariffs for internet and voice services, giving consumers a say in pricing decisions. They also highlight the critical need to recognise internet access as a fundamental human right, insisting that the BTRC be given full authority over internet regulation to prevent arbitrary shutdowns and external interference. These measures, they believe, will reinforce the commission’s independence while safeguarding the interests of consumers and promoting a more competitive, efficient telecom sector.

India to benefit from Google and Nvidia AI investments

Tech giants Google and Nvidia are increasing their focus on AI in India. The companies made the announcement following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent US visit, signalling plans for deeper involvement in AI development across the country.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang commended Prime Minister Modi’s keen interest in AI and its potential to transform industries. Huang also recognised growing tech talent and startup ecosystem, which he views as vital to AI innovation and development. Nvidia has formed various partnerships in India to help scale AI capabilities.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasised the Prime Minister’s push for India to adopt AI across sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture. Pichai confirmed Google’s intention to continue robust investments in AI to help further India’s digital transformation and ensure AI benefits the wider population.

Both Google and Nvidia are committed to supporting India’s technological growth, recognising its pivotal role in shaping the future of AI globally. Their collaboration with the Indian government aims to boost innovation and provide advanced AI solutions for various industries.

Google CEO warns of AI divide and announces $120m education fund

Speaking at the UN Summit of the Future 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai described AI as the most transformative technology yet and announced a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund. The fund would provide AI education and training worldwide through partnerships with local NGOs and nonprofits.

Pichai highlighted four key areas where AI can contribute to sustainable development: language accessibility, scientific discovery, climate disaster alerts, and economic progress. He stressed the importance of harnessing AI for global advancement while addressing its risks.

He also warned of the potential for an ‘AI divide,’ where some regions may need to catch up in access to the technology. To combat this, Pichai called for smart global regulations that mitigate harm without promoting national protectionism, which could limit the benefits of AI.

Although Pichai did not mention the environmental impacts of AI, he emphasised the need for balanced regulation to ensure equal access and opportunities for AI development worldwide.

Voiceitt brings personalised AI speech recognition to remote work

Israeli company Voiceitt aims to revolutionise communication for people with speech impairments through its AI-powered speech recognition system. Using personalised voice models, Voiceitt helps those affected by conditions like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, and Down syndrome to communicate more effectively with both people and digital devices.

Voiceitt, launched in 2021 as a vocal translator app, is now integrated with platforms such as WebEx, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. It allows users to convert non-standard speech into captions and text for video calls and written documents, opening up new opportunities for remote work and communication.

Co-founder Sara Smolley views the project as a personal mission, inspired by her grandmother’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Voiceitt is designed to offer accessibility in the workplace and beyond, with users like accessibility advocate Colin Hughes praising its accuracy but also advocating for more features.

As the field of speech recognition advances, Voiceitt partners with major platforms and complies with strict privacy regulations to protect user data. Smolley believes the technology will significantly improve users’ independence and enjoyment of modern technology.

Apple expands iPhone 16 production to Brazil

The iPhone 16 series officially launches globally today, with Apple expanding production beyond China and India to include Brazil, where Foxconn is assembling the new model. This is the first time an Apple product is produced in South America at launch, helping the company avoid Brazil’s high import tariffs and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.

Brazilian regulatory filings confirm that Foxconn’s factory in Jundiaí, São Paulo, is now mass-producing the basic iPhone 16 model. While the plant has previously assembled older iPhone models, this is the first time it is included in the launch lineup for a new release, although it will not produce the higher-end Pro variants.

Previous iPhone models, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, were assembled in Brazil after their initial production in China. In contrast, the iPhone 16 is being produced in Brazil much earlier in the release cycle, highlighting Apple’s strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce dependence on China. The Brazilian facility is currently focused on the base model, as entry-level iPhones tend to be more popular in the region.

This year also marks a significant milestone for Apple as it launches India-made iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models, showcasing the expanding manufacturing capabilities in India.

India’s telecommunications transformation: New right-of-way rules unveiled

The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made a significant advancement by notifying new right-of-way rules under the Telecommunications Act of 2023. That initiative aims to streamline the installation of essential telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile towers and small cells, on public and private properties.

By empowering central and state governments to oversee temporary telecommunications installations in the public interest, the DoT ensures quick responses during emergencies or major public events, keeping citizens connected when it matters most. Additionally, the introduction of a force majeure clause allows for extended application timelines in the event of unforeseen circumstances, acknowledging the challenges that telecom providers in India may face and providing the necessary flexibility for project completion.

Furthermore, the DoT has underscored the importance of maintenance in its regulatory framework by introducing specific permissions for the upkeep of telecom networks. The proactive approach enhances the reliability of existing infrastructure, fostering greater consumer confidence in telecommunications services. The DoT has also established a clear fee structure that balances revenue generation with the promotion of infrastructure development, specifying fees for applications related to small cell installations and network examinations.

TRAI introduces unified service authorisation framework to streamline Indian telecom sector

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has put forward a unified service authorisation framework designed to streamline the licensing process for various telecom services, including mobile, satellite, landline, broadband, and internet. That initiative embodies the principle of ‘One Nation – One Authorization,’ aiming to simplify the regulatory landscape and enhance market competitiveness.

TRAI has categorised the proposed authorisations into three distinct groups – main service authorisations, which encompass primary telecom services; auxiliary service authorisations, tailored for enterprise-focused services with lighter regulatory oversight; and captive service authorisations, intended for private networks that require specific spectrum allocations.

TRAI recommends consolidating commercial VSAT-CUG and GMPCS services into a single authorisation for satellite-based telecommunications to improve operational efficiency. By removing restrictions on VSAT operators, they will be able to extend their services beyond closed user groups, while satellite providers can utilise gateways in India for international operations.

Additionally, TRAI proposes significant reductions in entry fees for various service authorisations to lower barriers for new market entrants and stimulate competition. The merger of National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) services into a unified Long Distance Service Authorization will facilitate the establishment of gateways and cable landing stations, thereby streamlining operations.

However, the proposal needs to specifically address the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) services, leaving some stakeholders concerned about its implications for the broader telecommunications framework. That gap indicates a pressing need for further dialogue on this important issue.

European Commission targets Apple for DMA compliance

The European Commission is taking significant steps to ensure Apple aligns its practices with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). That initiative involves specifying the actions Apple must undertake to enhance interoperability with other products, marking a pivotal moment as it represents the first formal use of this DMA tool to engage with the tech giant.

The move reflects the Commission’s commitment to fostering a competitive digital market within the EU, particularly in light of ongoing discussions regarding Apple’s role in this landscape. To this end, the Commission has initiated two key proceedings focused on interoperability issues concerning Apple’s iOS operating system.

The first aims to simplify the connection process for non-Apple devices, such as smartwatches and headphones, enabling them to work seamlessly with iPhones and iPads. That includes enhancing features like Bluetooth pairing and notifications. The second proceeding examines how Apple interacts with developers seeking interoperability, aiming to establish a fair and efficient process that encourages innovation while addressing potential privacy and security concerns.

The European Commission has established a clear timeline for these proceedings, setting a six-month deadline for investigations into Apple’s compliance with the DMA. Should Apple fail to meet the specified requirements, the Commission may impose fines or restrictions on the company’s operations in certain regions or technology sectors. Moreover, it follows a previous mandate requiring Apple to address competition concerns related to access to near-field communication (NFC) technology for contactless payments, highlighting the company’s ongoing scrutiny.