Digital divide

DeepSeek’s AI model sets new benchmark in image generation

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has announced that its Janus-Pro-7B model has surpassed competitors, including OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 and Stability AI’s Stable Diffusion, in benchmark rankings for text-to-image generation. This achievement solidifies DeepSeek’s reputation as a key player in the rapidly evolving AI market.

According to a technical report, the Janus-Pro model builds upon its predecessor by incorporating enhanced training processes, higher-quality data, and advanced scaling, resulting in improved stability and more detailed image outputs. The company credited the inclusion of 72 million high-quality synthetic images, combined with real-world data, for the model’s superior performance.

This success follows the launch of DeepSeek’s new AI assistant based on the DeepSeek-V3 model, which has become the top-rated free app in the US Apple App Store. The news sent shockwaves through the tech industry, leading to declines in shares of companies like Nvidia and Oracle, as investors reassessed the competitive dynamics in AI development.

OpenAI and Stability AI have yet to comment on the claims. DeepSeek’s achievements highlight the growing influence of Chinese firms in cutting-edge AI innovation, setting the stage for heightened competition in the global tech market.

TikTok’s return to US app stores still unclear

TikTok users in the United States remain in limbo as the popular app continues to be unavailable for download from Apple and Google app stores. The platform, owned by China’s ByteDance, resumed service following a temporary shutdown, but legal uncertainties have prevented its return to digital storefronts.

The impasse stems from a US law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns. President Trump recently extended the enforcement deadline, sparking debates about potential buyers, including high-profile figures like Elon Musk. However, no clear resolution has emerged, leaving users and tech giants caught in legal purgatory.

Some frustrated fans have resorted to selling devices with TikTok pre-installed for exorbitant prices on platforms like eBay. Others are attempting workarounds, such as location changes or VPNs, to regain access. Despite these efforts, confusion about TikTok’s long-term future has prompted some users to abandon the app entirely, citing dissatisfaction with political interference.

As negotiations continue, TikTok’s status in the US remains precarious, with both users and the company waiting anxiously for clarity on its fate.

Bluesky joins the short-video frenzy

Bluesky has launched a vertical video feed, positioning itself as a competitor in the short-video space amidst uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US. This new feature is accessible via the Explore tab and allows users to scroll through trending videos by swiping up. For convenience, users can pin the feed to their home screen or add it to their list of custom feeds.

Acknowledging developers building TikTok alternatives, Bluesky highlighted emerging platforms such as ‘Tik.Blue’ and ‘Skylight.Social,’ which are currently in early development stages. These efforts align with Bluesky’s growth, as the platform has surpassed 28 million users.

Other platforms are also leveraging TikTok’s precarious situation. Elon Musk’s X recently introduced a vertical video feed, while Meta unveiled Edits, a video editing app to rival ByteDance’s CapCut. Bluesky’s latest move highlights a broader shift among social networks seeking to capture the short-video audience in the US and globally.

Russia slaps Google with $78 million fine

A Russian court has imposed an 8 billion rouble ($78 million) fine on Google for failing to comply with previous penalties related to administrative offences, according to the Moscow courts’ press service. The fine marks a sharp increase from the usual smaller penalties issued to foreign tech companies operating in Russia.

Russia has repeatedly demanded that foreign platforms, including YouTube, remove content it deems illegal. Critics argue that the government’s pressure on YouTube, once a major platform in Russia, is aimed at limiting access to dissenting voices. YouTube’s daily users in Russia have plummeted from 50 million to 12 million amid growing restrictions and alleged speed disruptions.

The Kremlin denies any deliberate interference with YouTube, instead blaming Google for failing to upgrade its infrastructure in the country, a claim the tech giant disputes. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin has accused Google of acting as a tool for US political influence, further straining relations.

US users turn to RedNote amid TikTok ban threat

With the potential TikTok ban in the US drawing near, thousands of users are migrating to the Chinese app RedNote, making it the most downloaded app on Apple’s US App Store. Dubbed ‘TikTok refugees,’ these users are rapidly building new communities on the platform, which combines features of TikTok and Instagram to share lifestyle content.

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has around 300 million monthly users and is popular among young urban women for sharing tips on fashion, travel, and more. The app has welcomed its new users from the US with open arms, with thousands of posts guiding them on navigating the platform and even learning basic Mandarin phrases.

While TikTok continues to resist demands to sell its US operations, RedNote has seen a surge of interest from users looking to preserve their online presence. Many users, like school canteen worker Sarah Fotheringham and fashion designer Marcus Robinson, say the platform is giving them fresh opportunities to connect and grow their followings.

Despite security concerns surrounding Chinese apps, RedNote’s growing popularity shows that TikTok’s future may face challenges even without a formal ban. Some users report spending more time on RedNote than on TikTok and plan to continue building their presence there regardless of the outcome.

Tizeti launches FreeFiber broadband in Nigeria and Ghana, enhancing digital capabilities in West Africa

Tizeti, a prominent internet service provider in West Africa, has launched its FreeFiber broadband service in Nigeria and Ghana, offering speeds of over 1Gbps, significantly faster than the regional average of 28Mbps. Initially available in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Accra, the service will expand to more cities within the next year.

A key feature of FreeFiber is its focus on online gaming. Its dedicated fibre port provides ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and seamless performance even with multiple devices connected. New users can benefit from free installation, a complimentary first month, and a referral program that rewards customers with free setup and subscriptions for referring others.

The service also includes VoIP, free calls to several countries with African populations, and other digital services such as Teleport Services, which offer access to US IP addresses and digital wallets. Tizeti, which serves over four million subscribers and partners with global tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable, reliable internet across the region.

With over a decade of experience providing solar-powered, unlimited internet services, Tizeti has grown from a startup to a billion-naira business. Its mission remains focused on delivering accessible internet to millions across West Africa.

The company continues to innovate with new services and expand its network, demonstrating its commitment to improving digital infrastructure in the region. Through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with organisations like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tizeti is positioning itself as a leader in driving digital transformation across West Africa.

Quantum software startup BlueQubit gains major financial backing

BlueQubit, a San Francisco-based startup specialising in quantum software, has raised $10 million in seed funding led by Nyca Partners. Founded by Stanford alumni in 2022, the company aims to integrate quantum computing into practical applications, leveraging its Quantum-Software-as-a-Service (QSaaS) platform. This technology provides users access to quantum processing units (QPUs) and quantum computing emulators, helping industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, and material science overcome the limits of traditional computing.

Co-founder and CEO Hrant Gharibyan highlighted BlueQubit’s approach of using advanced GPUs to test quantum algorithms before deploying them on quantum processors. The US based company’s software emulators are reported to run up to 100 times faster than typical alternatives, with proprietary algorithms designed for tasks like financial modelling and quantum optimisation.

This funding round, which also saw participation from Restive, Chaac Ventures, and others, is set to accelerate BlueQubit’s mission to make quantum computing accessible for enterprise use. Nyca Partners’ Tom Brown praised the team’s expertise and drive to turn theoretical quantum advances into operational tools for sectors preparing for quantum breakthroughs.

Ericsson wins patent victory against Lenovo in US

A preliminary ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has found Lenovo smartphones, including models from its Motorola Mobility division, infringe patents held by Ericsson. The decision, announced on Tuesday, centres on technology related to 5G wireless communications. If upheld, the ruling could lead to a ban on the import of affected Lenovo smartphones into the United States.

The dispute began last year when Ericsson filed a complaint accusing Motorola’s Moto G, Edge, and Razr phones of patent violations. Lenovo has denied these allegations. The ITC is expected to deliver its final verdict in April, leaving the potential ban looming over Lenovo’s operations in a major market.

This is not the only legal battle between the two tech giants. They are currently engaged in related lawsuits across South America, the United Kingdom, and North Carolina. Courts in Brazil and Colombia have already granted preliminary bans on Lenovo smartphone sales, though Lenovo has been pushing back, including a successful appeal in the US to revisit these enforcement measures.

With 5G technology at the heart of the dispute, the case underscores the high stakes involved in global telecommunications innovation and intellectual property rights. Both companies have so far declined to comment on the latest ruling.

Dynamic Coalitions: Bridging digital divides and shaping equitable online governance

The session ‘Dynamic Coalitions and the Global Digital Compact’ at IGF 2024 in Riyadh highlighted the significant role of Dynamic Coalitions (DCs) in advancing the Global Digital Compact’s (GDC) objectives. Moderated by Jutta Croll, the discussion served as a platform to illustrate the alignment of DC efforts with the GDC’s goals, emphasising the need for broader collaboration and inclusion.

One of the pressing topics addressed was bridging digital divides, as emphasised by June Paris, an experienced nurse engaged in research on nutrition in pregnant women and a business development expert. She underscored the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting their increased vulnerability to digital marginalisation. Paris called on DCs to prioritise policies that combat polarisation and promote equitable internet access for underrepresented regions.

The conversation also delved into expanding the benefits of the digital economy. Muhammad Shabbir, a member of the Internet Society’s Accessibility Special Interest Group, a member of the Pakistan ISOC chapter, and a member of the Digital Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), detailed the contributions of coalitions like the DC on Financial Inclusion, which advocates for accessible financial services, and the DC on Open Education, which focuses on enhancing learning opportunities. Shabbir also highlighted the DC on Accessibility’s work towards digital inclusivity for persons with disabilities and the DC on Environment’s initiatives to address the environmental impacts of digitalisation.

Founder and investor of the WAF lifestyle app and chair of Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values, Olivier Crepin-Leblond, provided insights on fostering safe and inclusive digital spaces, stressing the pivotal work of DCs like the DC on Internet Rights and Principles, which champions human rights online, and the DC on Child Online Safety, which ensures the protection of children in the digital realm. He highlighted the significant proportion of under-18 internet users, linking their rights to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Data governance and AI regulation also featured prominently. Tatevik Grigoryan, co-chair of Dynamic Coalition on Interoperability, Equitable and Interoperable Data Governance and Internet Universality Indicators, discussed frameworks for responsible data management. At the same time, Yao Amevi Amnessinou Sossou, a research fellow for innovation and entrepreneurship, spotlighted AI-related initiatives. These included tackling gender biases through the DC on Gender and Internet Governance and exploring AI’s potential in healthcare and connected devices through other coalitions. Their contributions underscored the need for ethical and inclusive governance of emerging technologies.

The session’s open dialogue further enriched its value. The lead of three dynamic coalitions – Digital Economy, Digital Health and Environment, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, highlighted the urgency of job creation and digital inclusion, while audience members raised critical points on data integrity and the transformative potential of gamification. Mark Carvell’s (co-moderator of the session) mention of the WSIS+20 Review added a forward-looking perspective, inviting DCs to contribute their expertise to this landmark evaluation.

By showcasing the diverse initiatives of Dynamic Coalitions, the session reinforced their essential role in shaping global internet governance. The call for greater inclusion, tangible outcomes, and multistakeholder collaboration resonated throughout, marking a clear path forward for advancing the GDC’s objectives.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Inclusive digital innovation: global experts call for action and collaboration

The ‘Fostering Inclusive Digital Innovation and Transformation‘ session at Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 brought together representatives from the UNDP, Italy’s Digital Agency, and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) to share insights and solutions for a more connected, equitable world. Global leaders and experts explored strategies to foster inclusive digital innovation, underscoring the urgency to close digital divides and empower underserved communities.

Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of the UNDP, set the stage by emphasising capacity development as a critical foundation for digital transformation. ‘We need digital roads and bridges; public infrastructures that serve as enablers for innovation,’ he explained, highlighting the UNDP’s initiatives in 125 countries, including training civil servants in AI and digital skills in Kenya. Opp also advocated for a unified global framework, pointing to the Global Digital Compact as a guidepost for ensuring human rights and ethical governance in the digital age.

Italy’s progress in building robust digital public infrastructure provided a case study. Mario Nobile, Director of Italy’s Digital Agency, outlined achievements such as 36 million digital identity users and 2 billion e-invoices annually. Nobile stressed the importance of digital literacy by summarising that ‘Technology evolves faster than we can legislate. Empowering citizens with knowledge is key to ensuring inclusion, not exclusion.’

The role of engineering capacity in digital innovation emerged as a focal point. Gong Ke, President of the WFEO, highlighted a decade-long initiative to train 100,000 African engineers in AI. ‘Inclusive digital transformation requires tailored solutions that reflect local needs—whether cultural, linguistic, or economic,’ he said, adding that human oversight remains vital in managing AI’s ethical and factual risks.

Audience members raised pressing concerns, including the need for a UN declaration on AI ethics and strategies for unifying global digital literacy and inclusion efforts. Addressing these, Opp noted the UN’s commitment to ethical AI governance while calling on nations to back their commitments with resources.

At the end of the session, the panellists made clear that bridging the digital divide requires global cooperation, inclusive policies, and educational investment. As Gong summarised, ‘We must combine innovation with responsibility. Only then can digital transformation truly benefit all.’

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions and insightful session reports can be found on dig.watch.