The US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its draft guidelines on digital identity, aiming to enhance security and accessibility when accessing government services. The revisions, reflecting feedback received throughout 2023, emphasise the importance of modern digital methods, such as digital credentials on smartphones and traditional identity verification.
Jason Miller, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted that the updated guidelines are part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to strengthen anti-fraud measures while ensuring equitable access to services. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio added that the guidelines aim to manage risks and prevent fraud, making digital services accessible.
One key update area involves expanding guidance on emerging technologies like passkeys and digital wallets, which allow for more secure online transactions and identity verification. NIST also included provisions for those who prefer or need to use traditional identification methods, ensuring that services remain accessible to everyone.
NIST is seeking public comments on these updated guidelines until 7 October 2024, with a webinar scheduled for 28 August to discuss the changes further. These guidelines, once finalised, are expected to equip federal agencies better to counter evolving threats while providing critical services to the public.
Visitors to the Great Wall of China can now enjoy the convenience of having food and drinks delivered by drones. Chinese delivery company Meituan has launched the first drone service in Beijing, designed to serve tourists exploring a remote section of the Great Wall. The drones, which can carry up to 2.3 kilograms, cover the distance from a nearby hotel rooftop to a watchtower in just five minutes, significantly faster than the 50 minutes it would take on foot.
The service operates between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with a nominal delivery fee of just 4 yuan. After completing deliveries, drones also assist in carrying waste to recycling stations. While the drones are autonomous, they still require human assistance to load packages at the hotel and receive them at the watchtower, where app users collect their orders.
Meituan’s expansion into drone delivery is part of a broader trend across China, where drones are increasingly used for logistics in both urban and rural areas. The company first tested drone deliveries in Shenzhen in 2021 and now operates over 30 routes across multiple cities, including Shanghai. These drones navigate urban spaces by following set paths and delivering packages to designated kiosks.
The rise in drone delivery services aligns with the Chinese government’s push to develop the ‘low-altitude economy,’ a new growth sector focusing on businesses that utilise civil aerial vehicles. This initiative is seen as a key driver for the country’s economic future, reflecting the growing importance of innovative technology in everyday life.
Nokia and TIM Brasil have officially announced a strategic partnership to significantly expand 5G coverage across Brazil, with implementation set to begin in January 2025. This collaboration will enhance TIM’s 5G radio access network (RAN) in 15 Brazilian states, making advanced connectivity available to a larger portion of the population.
Under this agreement, Nokia will supply TIM with state-of-the-art equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including baseband units, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These technologies utilise Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, known for its energy efficiency and improved network capacity. Additionally, TIM will implement Nokia’s MantaRay Networks Management system, featuring AI capabilities for better monitoring and management of the network. Nokia will also provide digital deployment, optimisation, and technical support services to ensure a smooth transition and operation of the upgraded network.
The partnership aims to broaden 5G access for consumers and empower Brazilian enterprises to digitise their operations effectively. With a strong emphasis on IoT solutions, this initiative aligns with TIM’s growth strategy, positioning the company to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital landscape.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, while TIM’s CTO, Marco Di Costanzo, highlighted its significance in reinforcing TIM’s leadership in the 5G market in Brazil.
The UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI) has made notable progress since its launch, reflecting a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic growth through collaboration in emerging technologies. Recently, the National Security Advisors from both countries convened to establish a framework for the initiative, focusing on regulatory and licensing protocols. That meeting resulted in the formation of a bilateral task force designed to streamline communication between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the UK government, ensuring a cohesive approach to the initiative’s objectives.
Regarding sector-specific collaborations, discussions have commenced in key areas such as telecommunications, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health and biotechnology, advanced materials and semiconductors. The two nations are exploring the implementation of Open RAN systems to enhance telecom security and innovation.
Investment partnerships are also a significant focus of the TSI. Investment forums are being organized to attract Indian enterprises, particularly in green technology, offshore wind, and green hydrogen sectors. The initiative includes dedicated programs to empower women in technology, with funding opportunities designed to support their participation and leadership in these fields. This emphasis on inclusivity highlights the initiative’s broader goal of fostering sustainable economic development.
Moreover, the TSI is addressing global tech governance by collaborating on the establishment of digital technical standards and frameworks for internet governance and cybersecurity. This proactive approach aims to tackle emerging challenges in the digital landscape, ensuring that both countries are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of technology in a global context.
Why does this matter?
Looking ahead, plans are in place to launch initiatives focused on technology research centres, incubators, and academic partnerships. As the TSI progresses, further updates will highlight specific projects and collaborations, aligning with the goals of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
The European Union is deepening its involvement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a particular focus on digital transformation. Ursula von der Leyen, recently re-elected as European Commission president, has outlined plans to establish a portfolio dedicated to the Mediterranean, which will address investment, partnerships, and economic stability. This initiative follows significant financial support for countries like Egypt and Lebanon, aiming to stabilise these nations and bolster EU-MENA relations through the Southern Neighbourhood partnership.
A key element of the EU’s strategy is advancing digital infrastructure across the region. Projects like the MEDUSA Submarine Cable, which aims to connect several MENA countries with high-speed internet, exemplify Europe’s commitment to digital development. With over 4.5 million students expected to benefit from increased connectivity, the EU is prioritising educational and economic growth in the region. However, significant digital divides still exist, particularly between urban and rural areas and along gender lines, underscoring the need for expanded efforts.
Europe’s digital investments are expected to yield considerable benefits, including access to a skilled ICT workforce and strengthened political influence in the region. By supporting digital transformation, the EU aims to stabilise the MENA region economically, reduce irregular migration, and counter external influences such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, digital advancements are seen as crucial in enhancing climate resilience, particularly through technologies like smart grids.
To fully realise these goals, the EU must expand its digital programmes and improve coordination with Southern Neighbourhood countries. Initiatives focusing on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure need broader implementation to ensure inclusive growth. Enhanced data analysis and reporting on digital development are also essential for effectively targeting resources and measuring progress. The EU’s commitment to integrating digital elements into its broader strategy for the Mediterranean could serve as a blueprint for future cooperation in the region.
Pakistan has recently experienced widespread reports of slow Internet speeds, with users struggling to access services like WhatsApp, both on mobile data and broadband. The country’s IT minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, attributes the slowdown to the widespread use of VPNs, which are often employed to bypass local network restrictions.
Ms. Khawaja explained that when many users resort to VPNs, it can place additional strain on the system, potentially leading to slower Internet speeds. However, this situation is unprecedented, marking the first time that VPN usage on such a scale has been linked to significant regional Internet slowdowns. Meanwhile, Pakistani IT experts are concerned that the government might use this situation as a pretext to tighten digital surveillance and introduce stricter content filtering.
In her statement, Ms. Khawaja hinted at potential future controls to limit content deemed threatening or defamatory to the state or individuals. While she did not specify whether these controls would involve a nationwide firewall, the minister did mention the government’s plan to auction 5G spectrums next year and to lay new Internet cables connecting Pakistan to the Gulf and Africa, aiming to improve Internet speed and stability.
The debate around VPNs in Pakistan is likely to intensify, especially as the government considers regulating these services by approving specific providers. Such measures could impact millions of VPN users in the country, raising concerns about future access to unrestricted Internet services.
MIMOS, the Malaysian Government’s applied research and development arm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Worldcoin Foundation, Tools for Humanity (TFH), and e-government services provider MyEG to integrate Worldcoin technology into Malaysia’s digital infrastructure. This partnership significantly advances Malaysia’s efforts to modernise its digital identity systems.
Worldcoin’s technology is based on the proof-of-humanity method and uses advanced biometric and cryptographic techniques to verify individual identities securely. By implementing this system, Malaysia aims to address current identification challenges with a more transparent and tamper-proof solution. The collaboration will also explore the feasibility of local manufacturing for TFH’s Orbs, which are essential for this technology.
MyEG’s spokesperson highlighted that this integration will enhance the security and efficiency of digital transactions, foster trust in online platforms, and encourage businesses to adopt digital transformation. This move is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and spur economic growth, aligning with Malaysia’s vision to become a leader in digital innovation.
Additionally, the partnership will support the development of a skilled workforce through training and educational initiatives, equipping Malaysians with the necessary skills for the digital age. This collaboration strengthens digital identity and security and builds a robust foundation for future technological advancements.
The EU is facing a significant divide among its member states regarding the regulation of high-risk telecom suppliers, particularly Huawei and ZTE, in the context of 5G network infrastructure. Eleven of the 27 EU countries have enacted legal measures to restrict these suppliers following the European Commission’s adoption of the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox in 2020.
The following divide reflects varying levels of concern about national security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations. Scepticism surrounding Huawei and ZTE intensified in 2018 when numerous countries, including the US and Japan, began excluding these companies from public tenders due to allegations of espionage and their ties to the Chinese government.
Sweden was among the first EU nations to ban Huawei, mandating the removal of its equipment from 5G networks by 1 January 2025. Despite Huawei’s denials of wrongdoing, distrust persists within the EU. Responses to these security concerns vary significantly. Germany has announced that components from Huawei and ZTE must be removed from its 5G core networks by the end of 2026, aligning with its National Security Strategy.
In contrast, Italy has taken a more cautious approach, evaluating cases involving Huawei individually. Despite signing a 5G security declaration with the US, Slovenia rejected a bill to exclude high-risk manufacturers, indicating a more lenient stance.
SK Telecom and Nokia have announced a strategic partnership to implement AI-driven fibre sensing technology to enhance network reliability in South Korea. The collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, plans to roll out the innovative technology across SK Telecom’s national fixed network by the end of 2024.
The primary goal is proactively monitoring and detecting environmental changes that could impact optical cables, addressing issues before they escalate into significant disruptions. The fibre sensing technology will utilise advanced AI and machine learning techniques to monitor various environmental factors, including earthquakes, climate fluctuations, and disruptions from nearby construction activities. By continuously analysing data from SK Telecom’s commercial networks, the system aims to identify potential threats to network stability early on.
The proactive approach is designed to minimise damage from line breaks and prevent service interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for customers. The integration of these advanced technologies allows for real-time monitoring and analysis, which is crucial for maintaining the resilience of network infrastructure. Ryu Jeong-hwan, Head of Infrastructure Strategy Technology at SK Telecom, emphasised the importance of this collaboration in accelerating the adoption of AI technologies.
He noted that this partnership prepares SK Telecom for the evolving AI landscape, positioning it as a leader in innovative network solutions. Similarly, John Harrington, President of Nokia Asia Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Nokia’s sensing technology into automated networks, highlighting their commitment to providing stable services by proactively addressing potential issues.
NATO’s initiative to enhance global internet resilience through satellite communications has made significant strides since its launch on 31 July 2024. With a $2.5 million investment from NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme, the project aims to create a hybrid network that can reroute data during emergencies when undersea cables are compromised.
Collaborating with prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University, the consortium known as HEIST is focused on developing a working prototype within the next two years, with a demonstration planned at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden.
The initiative seeks to bolster internet security by integrating satellite and submarine cable technologies and addresses the complex legal challenges associated with international telecommunications. By promoting collaboration among NATO Allies and partners, this project represents a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the stability of global communications in an increasingly digital landscape.
