Development

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.

Norway to host the 2025 Internet Governance Forum

Norway has been selected by the UN to host the 2025 Internet Governance Forum (IGF), marking a significant milestone as the largest UN meeting ever held in the country. Scheduled for June 2025, the forum will gather thousands of participants from governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to address critical issues in global internet governance.

Karianne Tung, Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, emphasised the importance of the IGF, stating, ‘In an era where some countries seek to restrict online freedoms, it is more vital than ever for nations like Norway to engage in discussions and negotiations regarding the frameworks that govern the internet.’ Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide echoed this sentiment, highlighting Norway’s commitment to a free and open internet as fundamental to democracy and human rights.

The IGF 2025 will celebrate the forum’s 20th anniversary, offering a platform for international collaboration on themes such as digital inclusion, public policy, and online safety. Over five days, the event will feature hundreds of presentations, workshops, and meetings, with around 4,000 in-person and an equal number of virtual participants expected to contribute.

Norwegian stakeholders will have a unique opportunity to showcase local innovations and perspectives on the global stage. Selected over Russia as the host, Norway’s role underscores the international community’s trust in its ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the future of the internet.

As the digital landscape evolves, the 2025 IGF is poised to be pivotal in shaping a safe, inclusive, and democratic online space for all.

IGF 2024 closing ceremony: Shaping the future of internet governance

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh concluded with a forward-looking ceremony that reflected on its achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. The forum, a key platform for global discussions on internet governance, highlighted the importance of inclusivity, digital equality, and adapting to emerging technological challenges.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasised the enduring relevance of the WSIS principles and the ethical considerations essential in navigating digital innovation. Vint Cerf, chair of the IGF leadership panel, proposed elevating the IGF to a permanent status within the UN structure to secure stable funding and expand its impact.

‘The IGF must evolve to deliver tangible results,’ Cerf remarked, suggesting a focus on measurable metrics and concrete outputs, including revisiting foundational documents and preparing for the next IGF in Oslo. Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society reinforced the need for continuous self-assessment, urging the IGF to enhance its processes for greater stakeholder benefits.

Inclusivity was a dominant theme, with speakers advocating for broader representation in digital policymaking. Ghanaian physician Dr. Angela Sulemana underscored the transformative power of digital tools in healthcare, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives, especially from young professionals.

Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim, member of the Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, called for legislative innovation to address digital challenges, emphasising collaboration, inclusivity, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children and the environment. Senior advisor in the Ministry of Communications of Cuba, Juan Fernandez, stressed the urgent need to bridge digital inequalities, particularly between developed and developing nations.

The forum also addressed pressing global issues, such as the digital divide and governance of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. The session closed with a call for stronger global digital cooperation and a shared commitment to implementing the Global Digital Compact.

As participants look to the IGF 2025 in Oslo, the focus remains on turning discussions into actionable outcomes, ensuring the internet remains a safe, inclusive, and transformative tool for all.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum 2024 sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Shaping the future of the IGF: Reflections and aspirations

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, the session ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’ provided a platform to reflect on the forum’s 19-year history and envision its future role. Amid preparations for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plus 20 review and the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), participants emphasised the IGF’s continued relevance as a multistakeholder platform for global internet governance.

A legacy of dialogue and collaboration

Speakers hailed the IGF’s unique role in fostering inclusive dialogue on digital policy. Timea Suto of the International Chamber of Commerce praised its vibrant ecosystem for addressing critical internet governance issues, while Valeria Betancourt from the Association for Progressive Communications highlighted its capacity to bring diverse stakeholders together for meaningful debates.

ICANN’s Göran Marby underscored the IGF’s centrality within the WSIS framework, describing it as a space for shaping narratives and informing policy through open discussion. Juan Fernandez from the Ministry of Communications of Cuba raised a critical point about representation, urging for more consistent and diverse attendance to ensure the forum remains truly inclusive. Other participants echoed this call and highlighted the importance of engaging voices from underrepresented regions and communities.

Evolving for greater impact

As the IGF approaches its 20th anniversary, there is broad consensus on the need to evolve its structure and mandate to enhance its effectiveness. Proposals included integrating the WSIS framework and GDC implementation into its work and making the IGF a permanent institution within the UN system.

‘Strengthening the IGF’s institutional foundation is crucial for its long-term impact,’ argued Vint Cerf, a founding father of the internet.

Speakers also stressed the importance of producing tangible outcomes. Valeria Betancourt and Göran Marby called for actionable recommendations and systematic progress tracking, while Lesotho’s ICT Minister, Nthati Moorosi, suggested special forums with private sector leaders to tackle connectivity challenges. These measures, they argued, would enhance the IGF’s relevance in addressing pressing digital issues.

Inclusivity and grassroots engagement

Enhancing inclusivity remained a recurring theme. Carol Roach, MAG Chair for IGF 2024, and Christine Arida, Board Member of the Strategic Advisory to the Executive President of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt, highlighted the need to amplify voices from the Global South and engage underserved communities.

Leveraging national and regional IGFs (NRIs) was identified as a key strategy for grassroots engagement. ‘The IGF’s strength lies in its ability to facilitate conversations that reach the margins,’ noted Valeria Betancourt.

Balancing innovation with privacy and accessibility

Emerging technologies, particularly AI, featured prominently in discussions. Participants stressed the IGF’s role in addressing the governance challenges posed by rapid innovation while safeguarding privacy and inclusivity.

‘Multistakeholder processes must move beyond handshakes to deeper collaboration,’ remarked one speaker, capturing the need for cohesive efforts in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Looking ahead

The session concluded with a collective vision for the IGF’s future. As it approaches its 20th year, the forum is tasked with balancing its role as a space for open dialogue with the need for concrete outcomes.

Strengthened partnerships, a clearer institutional framework, and an inclusive approach will be essential in ensuring the IGF remains a cornerstone of global internet governance. The journey forward will be defined by its ability to adapt and address the complex challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

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

African parliamentarians discuss digital transformation at IGF 2024

A networking session at IGF 2024 in Riyadh examined the vital role of African parliamentarians in shaping inclusive digital policies. Discussions revolved around creating legislation that keeps pace with technological evolution, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and addressing Africa’s unique challenges in the digital age.

Participants called for stronger engagement between parliamentarians, technologists, and scientists to craft practical and forward-looking digital frameworks.

Speakers, including Catherine Mumma from Kenya and Millennium Anthony from Tanzania, underscored the need to improve digital infrastructure and internet access, particularly in rural regions. Challenges such as expensive data costs, insufficient digital skills, and a lack of dedicated parliamentary committees for science and technology were highlighted. Susan Dossi from Malawi and Daniel Molokele from Zimbabwe stressed the importance of public participation in the legislative process to ensure policies reflect citizens’ needs.

The session addressed the borderless nature of the internet and the importance of regional and global collaboration to tackle cybercrime and cross-border governance issues. Ayoban Ngao from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lekhotsa Mafatle from Lesotho emphasised the need to update educational curricula to align with digital needs while investing in digital skills and infrastructure. Ke Gong from China contributed insights on leveraging international best practices to guide Africa’s digital transformation.

Concluding discussions focused on the critical role of parliamentarians in driving digital growth through informed policymaking. Participants advocated for greater cooperation across sectors to ensure Africa capitalises on digital opportunities while addressing its unique challenges. The session underscored a collaborative approach as key to fostering inclusive digital development across the continent.

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

Tackling internet fragmentation: A global challenge at IGF 2024

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, the main session ‘Policy Network on Internet Fragmentation’ delved into implementing Article 29C of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which seeks to prevent internet fragmentation. A diverse panel comprising government officials, technical experts, and civil society representatives highlighted the multifaceted nature of this issue and proposed actionable strategies to address it.

The scope of internet fragmentation

Panellists underscored that internet fragmentation manifests on technical, governance, and user experience levels. While the global network of over 70,000 systems remains technically unified, fragmentation is evident in user experiences. Anriette Esterhuysen from the Association for Progressive Communications pointed out, ‘How you view the internet as fragmented or not depends on whose internet you think it is.’ She stressed that billions face access and content restrictions, fragmenting their digital experience.

Gbenga Sesan of Paradigm Initiative echoed this concern, noting that fragmentation undermines the goal of universal connectivity by 2030. The tension between a seamless technical infrastructure and fractured user realities loomed large in the discussion.

Operationalising the GDC commitment

Alisa Heaver from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate highlighted the critical role of Article 29C as a blueprint for preventing fragmentation. She called for a measurable framework to track progress by the GDC’s 2027 review, emphasising that research on the economic impacts of fragmentation must be prioritised. ‘We need to start measuring internet fragmentation now more than ever,’ Heaver urged.

Strategies for collaboration and progress

Multistakeholder cooperation emerged as a cornerstone for addressing fragmentation. Wim Degezelle, a consultant with the IGF Secretariat, presented the Policy Network on Internet Fragmentation (PNIF) framework, while Amitabh Singhal of ICANN highlighted the IGF’s unique position in bridging technical and policy divides. Singhal also pointed to the potential renewal of the IGF’s mandate as pivotal in continuing these essential discussions.

The session emphasised inclusivity in technical standard-setting processes, with Sesan advocating for civil society’s role and audience members calling for stronger private sector engagement. Sheetal Kumar, co-facilitator of the session, stressed the importance of leveraging national and regional IGFs to foster localised dialogues on fragmentation.

Next steps and future outlook

The panel identified key actions, including developing measurable frameworks, conducting economic research, and utilising national and regional IGFs to sustain discussions. The upcoming IGF in 2025 was flagged as a milestone for assessing progress. Despite the issue’s complexity, the panellists were united in their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and seamless internet.

As Esterhuysen aptly summarised, addressing internet fragmentation requires a concerted effort to view the digital landscape through diverse lenses. This session reaffirmed that preventing fragmentation is not just a technical challenge but a deeply human one, demanding collaboration, research, and sustained dialogue.

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

Netflix fined for failing to inform customers about data usage

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has imposed a €4.75 million ($4.98 million) fine on Netflix for not adequately informing its customers about how their personal data was being used between 2018 and 2020. The fine follows a detailed investigation that began in 2019, which revealed that Netflix’s privacy statement was insufficiently clear regarding the company’s data practices. Specifically, the DPA found that the streaming giant did not provide customers with enough information on how their data was being processed or used.

The investigation also uncovered that when customers sought to understand which personal data Netflix was collecting, they did not receive clear answers. This lack of transparency was deemed a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets strict requirements on companies to protect user privacy and ensure clear communication about data usage.

In response to the findings, Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved how it informs customers about its data collection practices. Despite these changes, the company has objected to the fine, though it did not provide a comment when approached by the press.

This fine highlights the increasing scrutiny on companies to comply with GDPR and underscores the importance of clear, transparent data handling practices, especially for tech giants like Netflix that handle vast amounts of personal information.

Basis lands $34 million to revolutionise accounting

Basis, an AI startup, has secured $34 million in a Series A funding round to develop its AI-powered accounting automation product. The round, led by Khosla Ventures, attracted a diverse group of investors, including NFDG (the AI-focused fund managed by former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and ex-Apple executive Daniel Gross), OpenAI board members Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo, and Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean.

The New York-based company is part of a growing group of AI startups creating autonomous agents—systems capable of performing tasks independently. Basis’ product, designed specifically for accounting firms, can handle various workflows such as entering transactions, verifying data accuracy, and integrating with popular ledger systems like QuickBooks and Xero. The product has already shown promising results, with large firms like Wiss reporting a 30% reduction in time spent on manual accounting tasks. Basis functions similarly to a junior accountant, allowing staff to focus on reviewing the AI’s work rather than completing tasks themselves.

Basis also aims to address the critical shortage of accountants in the US, exacerbated by retiring baby boomers and a decline in younger generations entering the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting sector employs over 3 million people, but the number of candidates sitting for the CPA exam has fallen by 33% between 2016 and 2021. The shortage has led many firms to outsource work to countries like India. Moreover, with AI’s potential to automate tasks traditionally performed by accountants, the sector is expected to experience significant disruption. A 2023 OpenAI paper suggested that automation powered by large language models could eventually impact all accountant and auditor roles.

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.

Trump meets crypto leader to plan Bitcoin reserve

President-elect Donald Trump met with Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, on 16 December at Mar-a-Lago to discuss plans for a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The meeting focused on developing a policy framework for the reserve, which aims to classify Bitcoin as a strategic asset within the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilisation Fund. The plan also includes rigorous audits and security protocols for government-held Bitcoin, consolidating assets within seven days and establishing a management programme within 60 days.

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is designed to bolster US economic security and global financial leadership in the digital asset space. The move aligns with Trump’s broader pro-crypto agenda, which includes appointing key industry advocates like Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary and Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. His administration’s crypto-friendly outlook is expected to enhance regulatory clarity and foster innovation.

The news coincided with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $108,268.45 on 17 December. This surge reflects growing confidence in the cryptocurrency’s role in the US financial landscape. Meanwhile, Ohio’s Derek Merrin has also proposed a state-backed Bitcoin reserve, signalling increasing governmental interest in Bitcoin as a hedge against economic uncertainties.