Digital identities

Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play

According to state media reports, Iran has lifted its ban on Meta’s WhatsApp and Google Play, marking a tentative move toward easing internet restrictions. Known for its stringent online censorship, Iran has long restricted access to US-based platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, though many Iranians bypass these blocks using virtual private networks.

The decision, announced after a meeting led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, reflects a ‘positive majority vote’ to restore access to some popular foreign platforms. Information and Communications Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi hailed the move as the ‘first step in removing internet limitations.’

Social media has played a significant role in Iran, particularly as a tool for organising anti-government protests. In response to such restrictions, the United States has urged Big Tech companies to support efforts to circumvent censorship in countries like Iran.

German parties outline technology policies ahead of election

As Germany prepares for national elections on February 23, political parties are outlining their tech policy priorities, including digitalisation, AI, and platform regulation. Here’s where the leading parties stand as they finalise their programs ahead of the vote.

The centre-right CDU, currently leading in polls with 33%, proposes creating a dedicated Digital Ministry to streamline responsibilities under the Ministry of Transport. The party envisions broader use of AI and cloud technology in German industry while simplifying citizen interactions with authorities through digital accounts.

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD, polling at 15%, focuses on reducing dependence on US and Chinese tech platforms by promoting European alternatives. The party also prioritises faster digitalisation of public administration and equitable rules for regulating AI and digital platforms, echoing EU-wide goals of tech sovereignty and security.

The Greens, with 14% support, highlight the role of AI in reducing administrative workloads amid labour shortages. They stress the need for greater interoperability across IT systems and call for an open-source strategy to modernise Germany’s digital infrastructure, warning that the country lags behind EU digitalisation targets.

The far-right AfD, projected to secure 17%, opposes EU platform regulations like the Digital Services Act and seeks to reverse Germany’s adoption of the NetzDG law. The party argues these measures infringe on free speech and calls for transparency in funding non-state actors and NGOs involved in shaping public opinion.

The parties’ contrasting visions set the stage for significant debates on the future of technology policy in Germany.

Israeli spyware deal reports denied by US and Israel

Officials from the United States and Israel have refuted claims of approving the sale of Israeli spyware firm Paragon to Florida-based AE Industrial Partners. Reports of the transaction surfaced in Israeli media, suggesting both governments had greenlit the deal, but US and Israeli representatives dismissed these assertions.

The White House clarified that the sale was a private transaction with no formal US approval, while Israel‘s Defence Ministry stated it was still evaluating the deal. Paragon, linked to former Israeli intelligence officers, has faced scrutiny in the US market, including a paused $2 million contract with ICE.

The alleged acquisition has drawn attention due to Paragon’s ties to national security and controversial surveillance software. Both AE and Paragon have not yet commented on the situation.

WhatsApp wins case as US judge rules against NSO Group

A US judge has ruled against Israel’s NSO Group in a lawsuit brought by WhatsApp, finding the spyware firm liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case, heard in Oakland, California, revolves around allegations that NSO exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp to install Pegasus spyware, enabling unauthorised surveillance of 1,400 individuals. The court decision moves the case forward to determine damages.

Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, described the ruling as a triumph for privacy, emphasising the need for accountability in the spyware industry. WhatsApp expressed gratitude for support from various organisations and pledged continued efforts to safeguard private communications. Cybersecurity experts, including Citizen Lab’s John Scott-Railton, hailed the judgment as a pivotal moment for holding spyware companies accountable.

NSO argued that its Pegasus software serves to combat serious crime and threats to national security. However, the courts previously rejected claims of immunity, noting the company’s activities fell outside the protection of federal law. Appeals by NSO to higher courts, including the US Supreme Court, failed, paving the way for the trial to proceed.

The judgment signals a significant shift in how the spyware industry may be regulated, with implications for firms previously claiming they were not responsible for the misuse of their technology. Experts see it as a warning to surveillance companies that illegal actions will not go unchallenged.

Japan set to find Google guilty of antitrust violations, Nikkei Asia reports

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Japan’s competition watchdog, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), is expected to find Google guilty of violating the country’s antitrust laws. The JFTC is reportedly preparing to issue a cease-and-desist order, directing Google to halt its monopolistic practices. The investigation, which began last October, focuses on Google’s dominance in web search services.

Google has yet to comment on the allegations, and the JFTC has also not responded to requests for a statement. This investigation follows similar antitrust actions in Europe and other major economies, where concerns have been raised about Google’s market power. The company’s Chrome browser, which is the most widely used globally, plays a central role in its advertising business by providing valuable user data.

This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of Google’s practices. In the US, the Department of Justice has argued that Google should be forced to divest Chrome and be banned from re-entering the browser market for five years as part of efforts to address its search engine monopoly.

Court rules against Craig Wright’s Bitcoin inventor claim

Craig Wright, an Australian computer scientist, has been found in contempt of court for falsely asserting he is Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Despite a High Court ruling in March debunking his claim, Wright continued launching lawsuits seeking intellectual property rights over Bitcoin, including a $1.2 trillion demand.

The court described Wright‘s actions as ‘legal terrorism’ and sentenced him to a suspended 12-month prison term. If he persists, he risks jail time. Wright’s claim lacked concrete evidence, prompting the cryptocurrency industry to unite against him.

The court found Wright ‘lied extensively’ in his pursuit of recognition, creating a ‘chilling effect’ on the industry. The identity of Bitcoin’s inventor, Satoshi Nakamoto, remains unknown, as all claims, including Wright’s, have been discredited.

Privacy concerns force Worldcoin to erase iris scan data

Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has been instructed to delete all iris scan data collected during its operations. The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) confirmed the enforcement after collaborating with Bavaria’s data watchdog, which ruled the venture breached European Union privacy laws.

The project, designed to create a global identity system using biometric data, faced criticism across multiple countries. In March, Spain’s High Court upheld a temporary ban on the iris-scanning initiative, rejecting an appeal from Worldcoin’s owners.

Based in Bavaria, Germany, Worldcoin rebranded itself as ‘World’ and had aimed to reward participants with free cryptocurrency and digital IDs in exchange for biometric verification. Privacy advocates have voiced strong concerns over the storage and handling of sensitive data.

The directive marks a significant regulatory challenge for Worldcoin, reflecting the growing scrutiny of biometric technologies under Europe’s strict privacy standards. Compliance with the deletion order is now essential to align with the General Data Protection Regulation.

UN discusses ethical tech and inclusion at IGF 2024

Speakers at IGF 2024 highlighted digital innovation within the United Nations system, demonstrating how emerging technologies are enhancing services and operational efficiency. Representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, the UN Pension Fund, and UNICC shared their organisations’ progress and collaborative efforts.

Michael Walton, Head of Digital Services at UNHCR, detailed initiatives supporting refugees through digital tools. These include mobile apps for services and efforts to counter misinformation. Walton stressed the importance of digital inclusion and innovation to bridge gaps in education and access for vulnerable groups.

Fui Meng Liew, Chief of Digital Center of Excellence at UNICEF, emphasised safeguarding children’s data rights through a comprehensive digital resilience framework. UNICEF’s work also involves developing digital public goods, with a focus on accessibility for children with disabilities and securing data privacy.

Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio from the UN Pension Fund presented a blockchain-powered proof-of-life system that uses biometrics and AI in support of e-Government for the aging population. This system ensures beneficiaries’ security and privacy while streamlining verification processes. Similarly, Sameer Chauhan of UNICC showcased digital solutions like AI chatbots and cybersecurity initiatives supporting UN agencies.

The session’s collaborative tone extended into discussions of the UN Digital ID project, which links multiple UN agencies. Audience members raised questions on accessibility, with Nancy Marango and Sary Qasim suggesting broader use of these solutions to support underrepresented communities globally.

Efforts across UN organisations reflect a shared commitment to ethical technology use and digital inclusion. The panellists urged collaboration and transparency as key to addressing challenges such as data protection and equitable access while maintaining focus on innovation.

TikTok appeals to Supreme Court to block looming US ban

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have asked the Supreme Court to halt a US law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok by 19 January or face a nationwide ban. The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment, as it targets one of the most widely used social media platforms in the United States, which currently has 170 million American users. A group of TikTok users also submitted a similar request to prevent the shutdown.

The law, passed by Congress in April, reflects concerns over national security. The Justice Department claims TikTok poses a threat due to its access to vast user data and potential for content manipulation by a Chinese-owned company. A lower court in December upheld the law, rejecting TikTok’s argument that it infringes on free speech rights. TikTok maintains that users should be free to decide for themselves whether to use the app and that shutting it down for even a month could cause massive losses in users and advertisers.

With the ban set to take effect the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, TikTok has urged the Supreme Court to decide by 6 January. Trump, who once supported banning TikTok, has since reversed his position and expressed willingness to reconsider. The case highlights rising trade tensions between the US and China and could set a precedent for other foreign-owned apps operating in America.

US firm buys Israeli spyware company

Florida-based AE Industrial Partners has acquired Israeli spyware company Paragon for an estimated $500 million, with reports suggesting the deal could reach up to $900 million. Paragon, a competitor to NSO Group, is known for providing cybersecurity tools to government agencies that it claims meet “enlightened democracy” standards. The acquisition was completed on 13 December and reportedly approved by both US and Israeli officials.

Paragon, founded in 2019 by former Israeli intelligence officers and backed by ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, is merging with Virginia-based cybersecurity firm Red Lattice. This move aims to strengthen the firm’s presence in the global surveillance market. The US subsidiary of Paragon recently signed a one-year contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reflecting its growing footprint in government cybersecurity services.

The acquisition comes amid tightened scrutiny of spyware technologies after allegations of abuse involving competitors like NSO Group. In 2021, the US added NSO to its trade blacklist, citing its misuse in targeting activists and journalists. Paragon, however, positions itself as a provider of ethically guided surveillance tools, limiting its activities to messaging apps and governmental communications.