Dominica

In Dominica, internet regulation is primarily overseen by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC). Established under the Telecommunications Act No. 8 of 2000, the NTRC is responsible for coordinating an effective regulatory regime to enhance telecommunications operations in the interest of the country’s sustainable development. The NTRC’s duties include licensing telecommunications providers, managing spectrum allocation, and ensuring compliance with national regulations.

Dominica is also a member of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), a regional regulatory body formed by a treaty signed on 4 May 2000. ECTEL serves as the regulatory body for telecommunications in its member states, including Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ECTEL’s role is to promote open competition in telecommunications, harmonize policies on a regional level, and provide for universal service and fair pricing.

Consult Dominica’s digital strategies and regulations

Follow Dominica’s digital submarine cables

Iraq

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest and Syria to the west. The capital and largest city is Baghdad. Iraq is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Iraqi Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, Armenians, Yazidis, Mandaeans, Persians and Shabakis with similarly diverse geography and wildlife.

Eritrea

Internet penetration in Eritrea remains low, with approximately 20.0% of the population, or about 714,000 individuals, using the internet as of January 2025. This figure reflects a slight increase from the previous year, indicating slow but steady growth in internet adoption. The country’s connectivity is primarily reliant on satellite links and limited terrestrial connections through neighbouring countries, as Eritrea lacks a submarine cable landing station. This dependence results in higher latency, lower bandwidth, and increased costs, hindering the country’s digital development and access to reliable internet services.

Eritrea’s digital infrastructure is underdeveloped, with minimal investment in expanding network coverage. The state-owned telecommunications company, EriTel, is the sole provider of internet services, which may limit competition and innovation. Access to SIM cards and internet services often requires government approval, creating barriers for widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to improve digital infrastructure. The African Development Bank Group has signed an agreement with Eritrea for a $19.5 million grant to fund the Desert to Power Eritrea 12MW Mini Grid Project, aiming to enhance energy access, which is crucial for powering digital technologies.

Eritrea currently lacks a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy and a dedicated cybersecurity authority. However, the country is a participant in the Horn of Africa Digital Governance and Cybersecurity Initiative, which aims to enhance cybersecurity policies and awareness across member states. Despite the absence of formal structures, Eritrea has taken some steps to address cybersecurity concerns. In May 2024, the Eritrean government reported thwarting a significant cyberattack targeting its internet infrastructure during Independence Day celebrations.

Consult Eritrea’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Eritrea’s digital infrastructure

India

India’s past, present, and future are closely intertwined with digital and AI developments. Origins of the digital era based on ‘0’ and ‘1’ could be traced back to the invention of the number ‘0’ or Shunya in Sanscrit. Number ‘zero’ travelled from India via the Arab world to Renaissance Italy, arriving at modernity and our era.

Currently, India is a space of vibrant digital and AI developments from the tech sector to academia. With a young and dynamic population, India will play an important role in shaping global AI and digital developments.

The potential of ancient Indian thinking, such as Kaytola, in addressing modern governance challenges is a fascinating topic that will be explored in the forthcoming Diplo’s webinar with Prof. Subrata K. Mitra on 5 September.

Further down, you can interact with Diplo’s AI assistant built on India’s tech strategies and policies and browse India’s digital profile summary.

Consult India’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow India’s digital submarine cables

Honduras

Honduras is a country in Central America. The republic of Honduras is bordered to the west by Guatemala, to the southwest by El Salvador, to the southeast by Nicaragua, to the south by the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Fonseca, and to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea. Its capital and largest city is Tegucigalpa.

San Marino

San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is the fifth smallest country in the world and a European microstate in Southern Europe enclaved by Italy. Located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains, San Marino is a landlocked country, but the northeastern end is within 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) of the Italian city of Rimini on the Adriatic Sea. The nearest airport is also in Italy. T

Grenada


Grenada has been progressively enhancing its digital infrastructure to support economic growth and improve public services. The nation’s connectivity is bolstered by submarine fiber optic cables, notably the Eastern Caribbean Fiber System (ECFS) and the Southern Caribbean Fiber (SCF). The ECFS is a 1,730 km network interconnecting 14 eastern Caribbean islands, while the SCF is an underwater fiber optics ring network connecting several Caribbean nations. These cables are integral to Grenada’s telecommunications infrastructure, facilitating internet services and international communications. Despite these advancements, challenges such as limited digital infrastructure in rural areas and logistical constraints persist.

Consult Grenada’s digital strategies and regulations

Follow Grenada’s digital submarine cables

Georgia

Georgia has been actively working towards fostering a digital economy, recognising its potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. The government has made significant policy efforts to create an environment conducive to private sector development and digitalisation. The country’s digital economy is characterised by a well-developed connectivity infrastructure, with 100% population coverage by at least 4G mobile networks and 62% of households having a computer at home. However, there are still gaps in urban-rural connectivity and in connecting the last mile, with the lack of affordable and quality broadband internet service putting rural areas at a competitive disadvantage.

Data protection and privacy have also taken a front seat in Georgia’s digital development. In 2023, the Parliament adopted a new Law on Personal Data Protection, which came into force in March 2024. This legislation aligns Georgia’s regulatory standards more closely with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), introducing a robust set of rights for individuals and obligations for data controllers and processors. It mandates data breach reporting, appointing Data Protection Officers in both public and private sectors, and privacy-by-design principles in digital services. The Personal Data Protection Service (PDPS), an independent supervisory authority, is tasked with enforcement, oversight, and public awareness-raising.

In the cybersecurity domain, Georgia has developed an advanced and multi-layered framework to defend against a rising tide of cyber threats. The National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021–2024, coordinated by the National Security Council, outlines strategic goals such as strengthening cyber resilience, building national capabilities, developing a cyber-aware culture, and fostering international partnerships. The Cyber Security Bureau of the Ministry of Defence plays a key role in ensuring the security of defense infrastructure and building sector-specific expertise. Alongside national institutions, Georgia collaborates with NATO, the EU, and other international bodies to align its defensive capabilities with global standards.

Consult Georgia’s digital strategies and regulations

Follow Georgia’s digital submarine cables

Jordan

Jordan’s digital profile reflects a country in steady transformation, guided by a clear strategic vision and a growing investment in technology-driven governance. Through policies such as the National Digital Transformation Strategy, the Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2023–2027), and the Blockchain Technology Policy (2025), Jordan is laying the foundation for a modern digital economy.

Internet penetration now exceeds 90%, with improvements in broadband infrastructure, the introduction of 5G, and the expansion of smart services across sectors. The capital, Amman, recognised as the 2025 Arab Digital Capital, symbolises the country’s commitment to innovation and digital urban development.

The e-commerce sector is expanding rapidly, supported by increasing mobile and digital payment adoption, though cash remains dominant. Public platforms like the Sanad app are enabling secure digital identity services, streamlining citizen access to government offerings.

In the realm of cybersecurity, Jordan has launched a comprehensive national strategy and established the National Cyber Security Centre, resulting in a significant leap in global rankings. Meanwhile, the Personal Data Protection Law (2023) marks an important step toward safeguarding privacy and personal data, though concerns remain regarding the implications of the Cybercrime Law on digital rights.

Jordan’s embrace of emerging technologies—including blockchain, IoT, and AI—is supported by institutional frameworks and innovation programs, placing the country among the region’s forward-looking digital actors. While challenges persist, particularly around regulatory balance and inclusion, Jordan’s trajectory signals a deliberate and structured approach to digital transformation.

Consult Jordan’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Jordan’s digital infrastructure

Jamaica

As of early 2024, Jamaica is experiencing significant growth in digital adoption and usage. The country has approximately 2.40 million internet users, reflecting an internet penetration rate of 85.1%. Additionally, there are about 1.61 million social media users, accounting for 56.9% of the total population. Moreover, Jamaica boasts around 3.27 million active cellular mobile connections, exceeding the population with a rate of 115.9%.

Internet governance

Internet governance in Jamaica adopts a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government bodies, private sector companies, civil society organisations, and the technical community. The main goal is to ensure equitable, secure, and sustainable development of the internet, which promotes innovation, economic growth, and social inclusion.

Key Institutions and Stakeholders:

The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) is responsible for formulating and implementing national policies related to science, technology, and energy, including internet governance. This ministry drives the National ICT Policy and other strategic plans aimed at advancing Jamaica’s digital transformation.

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) plays a critical role in regulating the telecommunications sector. It ensures that service providers deliver efficient, reliable, and affordable services to the public by granting licenses, overseeing service quality, and handling consumer complaints.

The Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) manages Jamaica’s radio frequency spectrum, which is essential for all forms of wireless communication. The SMA is responsible for the allocation and monitoring of frequency bands to prevent interference and ensure the optimal use of the spectrum.

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is a regional body that influences ICT policy and regulation across the Caribbean. The CTU provides a platform for regional cooperation and policy alignment, which impacts Jamaica’s internet governance framework.

Regional Collaboration

Jamaica is also actively participating in regional discussions on internet governance, particularly through the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF). This forum aims to address internet governance policies and foster regional consensus on critical issues affecting the digital landscape in the Caribbean. The focus is on creating a collaborative environment that supports the digital future of the region

Digital strategies

Jamaica’s National ICT Policy

Jamaica’s National ICT Policy is a cornerstone of the country’s digital strategy, designed to guide the development and integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) across all sectors of the economy. The policy focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, fostering innovation, and improving public services through e-governance.

Key Components of the National ICT Policy

Infrastructure Development: The Jamaican government is committed to building a robust digital infrastructure that includes high-speed broadband networks, data centers, and modern telecommunication systems. Initiatives under this component include expanding fiber optic networks to rural and underserved areas, enhancing mobile network coverage, and investing in 5G technology.

Digital Literacy and Skills Development: Digital literacy is a critical focus area, with efforts to equip citizens with the skills necessary to participate in the digital economy. Programs are designed for all age groups, from primary education to adult training. Key initiatives include integrating ICT into school curricula, offering coding and digital skills workshops, and providing online learning platforms.

E-Governance and Public Services: E-governance initiatives aim to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public services through digital means. The government has launched several projects to digitise public records, streamline administrative processes, and provide online services. The National Identification System (NIDS) is a flagship project that provides a unique identification number to each citizen, facilitating easier access to public services.

Major Initiatives

Digital Jamaica

The European Union, through its Global Gateway initiative, has launched ‘Digital Jamaica,’ a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing Jamaica’s digital infrastructure. This initiative focuses on providing high-speed internet connectivity to schools, universities, and homes across the island. Additionally, it emphasises digital training to equip citizens with necessary skills for the digital age. By fostering greater internet access and digital literacy, the EU aims to support Jamaica’s socio-economic development, ensuring that education and other critical services are accessible and efficient, ultimately bridging the digital divide.

Jamaica Eye

Jamaica Eye is a national CCTV surveillance program aimed at improving public safety and security through technology. It integrates footage from both public and private cameras into a centralised system, enabling better monitoring and response to incidents.

Regulatory and Policy Framework

Data Protection Act (2020): The Data Protection Act is a crucial component of Jamaica’s digital strategy, aimed at protecting personal data and ensuring privacy. The act aligns with international standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and establishes guidelines for data collection, processing, and storage. It also provides mechanisms for data breach notifications and outlines the rights of data subjects.

Cybersecurity

The Jamaican government has established a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to address these challenges and create a secure digital environment for businesses and individuals.

Cybersecurity Policy Framework:

National Cybersecurity Strategy

Jamaica’s National Cybersecurity Strategy outlines the government’s approach to securing the country’s digital landscape. The strategy focuses on building resilience against cyber threats, enhancing the capacity to respond to cyber incidents, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among citizens and organisations.

Key objectives of the strategy include:

  • Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Ensuring the security and resilience of critical infrastructures, such as telecommunications, financial services, energy, and transportation.
  • Enhancing Cyber Incident Response: Establishing robust mechanisms for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents.
  • Promoting Cybersecurity Awareness: Educating the public and private sectors about the importance of cybersecurity and best practices for protecting digital assets.

Key Institutions and Stakeholders:

Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT): JaCIRT is the primary entity responsible for coordinating responses to cyber incidents in Jamaica. It plays a crucial role in detecting, analysing, and mitigating cyber threats. JaCIRT also provides support to public and private sector organisations in managing cybersecurity incidents.

Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET): MSET oversees the implementation of national cybersecurity policies and strategies. The ministry works closely with other government agencies, private sector partners, and international organisations to enhance Jamaica’s cybersecurity posture.

Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR): OUR regulates the telecommunications sector and ensures that service providers adhere to cybersecurity standards and practices. The office collaborates with other regulatory bodies to address cybersecurity issues in the utilities sector.

AI strategies and policies

Although the country does not yet have a dedicated AI policy, the Jamaican government has shown considerable interest in developing regulatory frameworks and guidelines that promote ethical AI use, data privacy, and security. Initiatives are currently underway to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and inclusively, addressing both the opportunities and challenges that come with AI adoption. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate AI into various sectors while safeguarding the interests of the public and ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely distributed.

Academic and Research Contributions:

University Programs

Jamaican universities are taking significant steps to incorporate AI into their educational offerings. Leading institutions like the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) have begun offering programs and courses focused on AI and related fields. These programs aim to cultivate a new generation of AI researchers and practitioners equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive AI innovation. Courses cover a range of AI-related subjects, including machine learning, data science, and robotics, providing students with a solid foundation in AI technologies.

Research Projects

In addition to expanding their curricula, academic institutions in Jamaica are actively engaged in AI research projects. These projects often involve collaborations with international partners and focus on a variety of AI applications. For instance, research efforts are exploring natural language processing, which can significantly improve communication technologies, and computer vision, which has applications in areas such as security and healthcare. AI applications in healthcare and agriculture are particularly noteworthy, as they aim to address local and regional challenges, improving outcomes in these critical sectors.

Private Sector and Startups

Tech Startups

Jamaica’s tech startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with a number of startups focusing on AI-driven solutions. These startups are developing innovative applications across various domains, including fintech, healthcare, and logistics. For example, in the fintech sector, AI is being used to enhance fraud detection and customer service automation. In healthcare, AI technologies are helping to improve diagnostics and patient care, while in logistics, AI is optimizing supply chain management and delivery services. These startups are not only addressing local challenges but also positioning Jamaica as a competitive player in the global tech landscape.

The growth of tech startups is supported by a favorable business environment and increasing investment in digital infrastructure. Public-private partnerships are also playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and providing startups with the resources they need to succeed.