Updates

3 Feb 2026

Global tech leaders gather as Web Summit Qatar opens

Discussions at the summit focus on tech innovation, partnerships, and market entry, with long-term collaboration a key priority.

3 Feb 2026

Europe warns over reliance on foreign digital technologies

Officials say safeguarding digital infrastructure is vital for Europe’s digital competitiveness, security, and economic future.

3 Feb 2026

Australia steps up platform scrutiny after mass Snapchat removals

The ban on under-16s in Australia has led to mass Snapchat account removals, while platforms caution that current age-assurance tools remain unreliable and open to circumvention.

3 Feb 2026

France challenges EU privacy overhaul

The debate over privacy reform has intensified in the EU after France opposed Commission plans to reshape personal data concepts within the GDPR.

3 Feb 2026

EU plans a secure military data space by 2030

The European Defence Agency plans a secure data network to accelerate decision-making and protect sensitive defence information across the EU.

3 Feb 2026

Submarine cables keep the global internet running

Hidden beneath the oceans lies a fragile but essential network whose security and resilience are increasingly seen as vital to the stability of the global digital economy.

3 Feb 2026

UNESCO and HBKU advance research on digital behaviour

A new UNESCO Chair in Qatar explores how emerging technologies influence daily life, focusing on digital well-being, ethical innovation and global dialogue on responsible design.

3 Feb 2026

Toronto explores intelligent traffic systems to improve jams and transit

City planners and experts suggest that AI-enhanced traffic signal systems could help reduce gridlock across Toronto streets and improve travel times for vehicles and the new Finch West LRT.

3 Feb 2026

Options markets signal caution as Bitcoin steadies

Some analysts see early stabilisation after heavy selling, but recovery depends on Bitcoin holding key support levels.

3 Feb 2026

Generative AI accelerates discovery in complex materials science

Researchers are using generative artificial intelligence to aid the design and discovery of complex materials by predicting structures and properties that would be costly or slow to identify through traditional computational methods.