Re: [DC3] RES: DC3 Outcome Community Networks: the Internet by the People, for the People

Hi Folks Here is the recent IEEE Interent Inclusion Monthly report as a Ebook http://online.fliphtml5.com/gnel/wiuw/ Content *03 January 2018* *Synopsis* *Scroll to read full summaries with links to news articles. * Vietnam have recruited 10,000 people to join a military cyber warfare unit, to counter “wrong” views online and critics of the one-party state. The Chinese Government have shut down more than 13,000 ‘illegal websites’ and 10 million user accounts. China claims their regulations protect national security and stability. Iranian officials have blocked their citizens from accessing the messaging app Telegram, after fears the communications channel is being used for “armed uprising.” A survey by Paul Hastings, an international law firm has found that most top UK and US corporations are ill-prepared for GDPR. Only 29% of UK firms and 18% of US firms are hiring a data privacy officer or additional privacy staff. Germany is introducing a new law which mandates that social media firms such as Facebook and Twitter must remove hateful content that has been reported, within 24 hours. Otherwise they face fines of up to 50 million euros. European Central Bank governing council member Ewald Nowotny urged the Government to tax and regulate Bitcoin amid concerns criminals are using cryptocurrencies to launder money and avoid taxes. The European Union’s antitrust watchdog has a launched a new investigation to scrutinise how corporations handle large amounts of consumer data. This comes amid fears that big businesses use big data to exclude rivals from the markets. AT&T Inc, the world’s largest US telecommunications company have built a nationwide broadband network that all 50 US states will participate in, as part of a $6.5 billion Government contract. US Attorney General Lori Swanson from Minnesota announced last week that the US midwestern state would be challenging the Federal Communications Commission decision to repeal the net neutrality rules. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to unblock social media sites such as Telegram and Instagram after his administration classified them as ‘legitimate avenues for communication.’ Australia’s security agency has banned the Chinese tech firm Huawei Marine Networks from installing a cable designed to deliver internet to the Solomon Islands, amid fears of spying. According to HUB8, a web-hosting firm, 72% of Nigeria’s Internet revenues are going to the United States. This is because out of 34,000 sites a mere 1,000 are located in Nigeria. Disclaimer: Please note that this monitor is a summary of news sources and does not reflect the official views of IEEE. For more information, visit the *IEEE Internet Initiative website* <http://internetinitiative.ieee.org/>, and see *IEEE Global Internet Policy Monitor* <http://internetinitiative.ieee.org/resources/ieee-global-internet-governance-monitor> past issues. Join *IEEE Collabratec™* <http://bmsmail2.ieee.org/ctd/lu?RID=1-4C65BMA&CON=1-KJ9OXQ&PRO=&AID=&OID=1-3CI7KEN&CID=1-442XXWX&COID=1-4BFVRO1&T=https%3a%2f%2fieee-collabratec.ieee.org%2fapp%2fcommunity%2f65&Z=d142a1a453a4aebed1ccf13af75cef0&TN=7&RT=Clicked+On+URL> Internet Technology Policy Community discussions related to internet policy issues and to collaborate with other members of the global technical and policy communities. *IEEE Global Internet Policy Monitor * *03 January 2018* Table of Contents *Synopsis 1 <#__RefHeading__3430_228551753>* *Europe 4 <#__RefHeading__3432_228551753>* *Internet governance 4 <#__RefHeading__3434_228551753>* *Cybersecurity 5 <#__RefHeading__3436_228551753>* *Privacy 5 <#__RefHeading__3438_228551753>* *Internet Inclusion 6 <#__RefHeading__3440_228551753>* *United States of America 8 <#__RefHeading__3442_228551753>* *Internet governance 8 <#__RefHeading__3444_228551753>* *Cybersecurity 10 <#__RefHeading__3446_228551753>* *Privacy 11 <#__RefHeading__3448_228551753>* *Internet Inclusion 12 <#__RefHeading__3450_228551753>* *Pan-Asia 14 <#__RefHeading__3452_228551753>* *Internet governance 14 <#__RefHeading__3454_228551753>* *Cybersecurity 15 <#__RefHeading__3456_228551753>* *Privacy 15 <#__RefHeading__3458_228551753>* *Internet Inclusion 16 <#__RefHeading__3460_228551753>* *Rest of the World 18 <#__RefHeading__3462_228551753>* *Internet governance 18 <#__RefHeading__3464_228551753>* *Cybersecurity 19 <#__RefHeading__3466_228551753>* *Privacy 19 <#__RefHeading__3468_228551753>* *Internet Inclusion 20 <#__RefHeading__3470_228551753>* *Global Institutions 22 <#__RefHeading__3472_228551753>* *Diary Dates 23 <#__RefHeading__3474_228551753>* *Europe* *Internet governance* *01.12.18* *The Hill * *Germany to fine social media firms that don't remove hateful content* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/367040-germany-will-now-penalize-social-media-firms-that-dont-remove-hateful> Germany is introducing a new law which mandates that social media firms such as Facebook and Twitter must remove hateful content that has been reported within 24 hours. Otherwise they face fines of up to 50 million euros. “*Germany has begun enforcing a new law that mandates that social media firms must swiftly remove hate speech, hoax stories and illegal content from their platforms or face a fine.”* “*Social media firms with at least 2 million users will have 24 hours to remove material that has been flagged to them and could see fines up to 50 million euros if they don’t.”* *02.01.18* *Computer Weekly * *Top UK and US firms still overestimating GDPR readiness* <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450432510/Top-UK-and-US-firms-still-overestimating-GDPR-readiness> A survey by Paul Hastings, an international law firm has found that most top UK and US corporations are ill-prepared for GDPR. Only 29% of UK firms and 18% of US firms are hiring a data privacy officer or additional privacy staff. “*Less than five months before the compliance deadline for the EU’s General* *Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), most top UK and US firms are still overestimating their state of readiness, a study suggests.”* “*Some **94% of *FTSE 350 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTSE_350_Index>* companies and 98% of *Fortune 500 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortune_500>* companies believe they are on track to comply with the *GDPR <http://www.computerweekly.com/essentialguide/Essential-guide-to-the-EU-General-Data-Protection-Regulation-GDPR> * by *25 May 2018 <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450295538/D-Day-for-GDPR-is-25-May-2018>*, according to a survey by international law firm *Paul Hastings <https://www.paulhastings.com/>*.”* *03.01.18* *Channel NewsAsia* *ECB governor calls for tax, regulation on bitcoin* <https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/technology/ecb-governor-calls-for-tax--regulation-on-bitcoin-9829550> European Central Bank governing council member Ewald Nowotny urged the Government to tax and regulate Bitcoin amid concerns criminals are using cryptocurrencies to launder money and avoid taxes. “*A top European Central Bank official on Wednesday (Jan 3) called for governments to regulate and tax bitcoin, labelling the cryptocurrency an object of speculation and a tool for money laundering.”* *"One ought to apply what the basic rule is in any other financial transaction: everyone involved should reveal their identity," ECB governing council member Ewald Nowotny told the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.”* *Cybersecurity* *02.01.18* *MIT Technology Review * *Six Cyber Threats to Really Worry About in 2018* <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450432488/Ransomware-to-hit-cloud-computing-in-2018-predicts-MIT> According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a US based research university, there are six major cyber threats. Some of these include: ransomware in the cloud, the weaponization of AI, and mining cryptocurrencies. “*From AI-powered hacking to tampering with voting systems, here are some of the big risks on our radar screen.”* “*The cyberattack on the Equifax credit reporting agency in 2017, which led to the theft of Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other data on almost half the U.S. population, was a stark reminder that hackers are thinking big when it comes to targets.”* *Privacy* *29.12.17* *NewEurope* *Two Romanians to be extradited to US for hacking Washington surveillance cameras at Trump inauguration* <https://www.neweurope.eu/article/two-romanians-extradited-us-hacking-washington-surveillance-cameras-trump-inauguration/> Two Romanian nationals have been extradited to the US after accusations that they hacked into Washington surveillance cameras before President Donald Trump’s inauguration. “*Two Romanian nationals are to be extradited to the US, accused of hacking Washington surveillance cameras before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Mihai Isvanca, 25, and Eveline Cismaru, 28, were arrested earlier this month in Bucharest while trying to leave the country.”* “*They now extradition to the US on charges of wire fraud and attacking protected computers, according to court filings from the Department of Justice.”* *01.02.18* *The Hill * *EU antitrust regulator concerned about big data's effects on competition* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/367043-eu-regulator-concerned-about-control-of-big-data> The European Union’s antitrust watchdog has a launched a new investigation to scrutinise how corporations handle large amounts of consumer data. This comes amid fears that big businesses use big data to exclude rivals from the markets. “*The European Union’s antitrust watchdog said in an interview published Tuesday that her office plans to scrutinize how corporations control large amounts of data.”* “*Margrethe Vestager, Europe’s competition commissioner, told The Wall Street Journal <https://www.wsj.com/articles/eu-competition-chief-tracks-how-companies-use-big-data-1514889000> that she is concerned with how large companies can use their access to mass datasets of consumers to hurt potential competitors.”* *Internet Inclusion* *28.12.17* *GOV.UK <http://GOV.UK>* *Rule changes to speed up rollout of mobile and fast broadband in rural areas* <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rule-changes-to-speed-up-rollout-of-mobile-and-fast-broadband-in-rural-areas> The UK Government announced reforms to the outdated Electronic Communications code which will reduce the cost of placing communication infrastructure on private land. Minister for Digital Matt Hancock hopes this will ‘diminish the digital divide.’ “*The reforms to the outdated legislation will reduce the costs of housing phone masts and other communications infrastructure on private land. This opens the way for faster and more reliable broadband and mobile services, particularly in rural areas.”* “*The changes to the UK’s Electronic Communications Code will: bring down the rents telecoms operators pay to landowners to install equipment to be more in line with utilities providers, such as gas and water.”* *28.12.17* *GOV.UK <http://GOV.UK>* *Better mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity for rail passengers* <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/better-mobile-and-wi-fi-connectivity-for-rail-passengers> The UK Government have initiated an ambitious plan to dramatically increase internet connectivity for rail passengers. Each train could get speeds of around 1 Gigabit Per Second (Gbps). “*Government fires starting pistol on an ambitious plan that could see UK’s train passengers benefitting from a dramatic improvement in onboard mobile and Wi-Fi connections.”* “*The Government has fired the starting gun on an ambitious plan that could see the UK’s train passengers to benefit from a dramatic improvement in onboard mobile and Wi-Fi connections.”* *United States of America* *Internet governance* *26.12.17* *The Hill * *Minnesota AG to sue FCC over net neutrality repeal* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/366514-minnesota-ag-to-sue-fcc-over-net-neutrality-repeal> US Attorney General Lori Swanson from Minnesota announced last week that the US midwestern state would be challenging the Federal Communications Commission decision to repeal the net neutrality rules. “*Minnesota is joining a lawsuit to challenge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to repeal the net neutrality rules, according to reports.”* “*Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson (D) told Minnesota Public Radio <https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/12/26/swanson-joins-suit-over-repeal-of-net-neutrality-rule> and other outlets that repealing the rules could hurt consumers and political speech online.”* *01.02.18 * *ArsTechnica* *Ajit Pai’s FCC is still editing the net neutrality repeal order* <https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/files/2017/12/2017dec_twitter_white-paper.pdf> The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have not yet released their net neutrality repeal order because it is undergoing final changes while the FCC prepares for legal battle. “*The Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/12/goodbye-net-neutrality-ajit-pais-fcc-votes-to-allow-blocking-and-throttling/> net neutrality rules on December 14, but the FCC is still making edits to the repeal order and hasn't released the final version. The final order should be similar to the draft <http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db1122/DOC-347927A1.pdf> released by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai three weeks before <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/11/rip-net-neutrality-fcc-chair-releases-plan-to-deregulate-isps/> the vote, but some changes will be made.”* *"The goal is to release it as soon as possible," an FCC spokesperson told Ars today. The spokesperson said he can't discuss any changes made to the draft order until a final version is released.”* *01.02.18* *The Hill * *State Department calls on Iran to stop blocking social media* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/technology/367071-state-department-calls-on-iran-to-stop-blocking-social-media> The United States President Donald Trump has urged Iran to unblock social media sites such as Telegram and Instagram after his administration classified them as ‘legitimate avenues for communication.’ “*The State Department on Tuesday urged the Iranian government to end its blocking of social media platforms amid continued protests the country's clerical rulers.” * “*Steve Goldstein, U.S. **undersecretary of State, said the administration would like Iran to “open these sites,” **according to The Associated Press <https://apnews.com/31a56e37ce844b9fbb3bd9ec754d7b2c?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=AP>. The founder of the messaging app Telegram said Sunday <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/technology/366904-iran-blocks-access-to-secure-messaging-app> that Iranian** authorities blocked many of its citizens from accessing the app after the technology company refused to close down some channels.”* *01.12.18* *The Hill * *Germany to fine social media firms that don't remove hateful content* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/367040-germany-will-now-penalize-social-media-firms-that-dont-remove-hateful> Germany is introducing a new law which mandates that social media firms such as Facebook and Twitter must remove hateful content that has been reported, within 24 hours. Otherwise they face fines of up to 50 million euros. “*Germany has begun enforcing a new law that mandates that social media firms must swiftly remove hate speech, hoax stories and illegal content from their platforms or face a fine.”* “*Social media firms with at least 2 million users will have 24 hours to remove material that has been flagged to them and could see fines up to 50 million euros if they don’t.”* *02.01.18* *Computer Weekly * *Top UK and US firms still overestimating GDPR readiness* <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450432510/Top-UK-and-US-firms-still-overestimating-GDPR-readiness> A survey by Paul Hastings, an international law firm has found that most top UK and US corporations are ill-prepared for GDPR. Only 29% of UK firms and 18% of US firms are hiring a data privacy officer or additional privacy staff. “*Less than five months before the compliance deadline for the EU’s General* *Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), most top UK and US firms are still overestimating their state of readiness, a study suggests.”* “*Some **94% of *FTSE 350 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTSE_350_Index>* companies and 98% of *Fortune 500 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortune_500>* companies believe they are on track to comply with the *GDPR <http://www.computerweekly.com/essentialguide/Essential-guide-to-the-EU-General-Data-Protection-Regulation-GDPR> * by *25 May 2018 <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450295538/D-Day-for-GDPR-is-25-May-2018>*, according to a survey by international law firm *Paul Hastings <https://www.paulhastings.com/>*.”* *Cybersecurity* *30.12.17* *The Hill * *Pressure builds to improve election cybersecurity* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/367040-germany-will-now-penalize-social-media-firms-that-dont-remove-hateful> The pressure is mounting on the United States to ensure their election systems are cyber resilient in order to prevent hacks in the 2018 midterms. “*Congressional efforts to secure election systems from cyberattacks are picking up steam with lawmakers under pressure to prevent hacks in the 2018 midterms.”* “*After the revelation that Russia tried to probe election systems in 21 states in the 2016 election, security experts, state officials and others demanded federal action to help states upgrade outdated voting machines and bolster security around voter registration databases.”* *02.01.18* *MIT Technology Review * *Six Cyber Threats to Really Worry About in 2018* <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450432488/Ransomware-to-hit-cloud-computing-in-2018-predicts-MIT> According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a US based research university, there are six major cyber threats. Some of these include: ransomware in the cloud, the weaponization of AI, and mining cryptocurrencies. “*From AI-powered hacking to tampering with voting systems, here are some of the big risks on our radar screen.”* “*The cyberattack on the Equifax credit reporting agency in 2017, which led to the theft of Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other data on almost half the U.S. population, was a stark reminder that hackers are thinking big when it comes to targets.”* *Privacy* *27.12.17* *Library of Congress* *Update on the Twitter Archive at the Library of Congress* <https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/files/2017/12/2017dec_twitter_white-paper.pdf> The Library of Congress issued a white paper last week which details plans to no longer collect every single tweet published, as it aims to take a more selective approach to its Twitter archive. “*In April 2010, the Library of Congress and Twitter signed an agreement providing the Library the public tweet text from the company’s inception through the date of the agreement, an archive of tweets from 2006 through April 2010. * Additionally, Twitter agreed to provide tweets on an ongoing basis under the same terms.”* “*The Library saw an opportunity to document the emergence of online social media for future generations. Its first objectives were to acquire and preserve the 2006-10 archive; to establish a secure, sustainable process for receiving and preserving a daily, ongoing stream of tweets through the present day; and to create a structure for organizing the entire archive by date.”* *29.12.17* *NewEurope* *Two Romanians to be extradited to US for hacking Washington surveillance cameras at Trump inauguration* <https://www.neweurope.eu/article/two-romanians-extradited-us-hacking-washington-surveillance-cameras-trump-inauguration/> Two Romanian nationals have been extradited to the US after accusations that they hacked into Washington surveillance cameras before President Donald Trump’s inauguration. “*Two Romanian nationals are to be extradited to the US, accused of hacking Washington surveillance cameras before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Mihai Isvanca, 25, and Eveline Cismaru, 28, were arrested earlier this month in Bucharest while trying to leave the country.”* “*They now extradition to the US on charges of wire fraud and attacking protected computers, according to court filings from the Department of Justice.”* *01.01.18* *Politico * *After Equifax breach, anger but no action in Congress* <https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/01/equifax-data-breach-congress-action-319631> US representative Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, a Democrat who introduced legislation after the Equifax incident, expressed his frustration at the lack of action from Congress. “*The massive Equifax data breach, which compromised the identities of more than 145 million Americans, prompted a telling response from Congress: It did nothing.”* “*Some industry leaders and lawmakers thought September’s revelation of the massive intrusion — which took place months after the credit reporting agency failed to act on a warning from the Homeland Security Department — might be the long-envisioned incident that prompted Congress to finally fix the country’s confusing and ineffectual data security laws.”* *Internet Inclusion* *27.12.17* *The Guardian * ‘*Nigeria losing 72% Internet revenues to United States’* <http://guardian.ng/technology/nigeria-losing-72-internet-revenues-to-united-states/> According to HUB8, a web-hosting firm, 72% of Nigeria’s Internet revenues are going to the United States. This is because out of 34,000 sites a mere 1,000 are located in Nigeria. “*About 72 percent of Nigeria’s Internet revenues have been confirmed going to the United States of America (USA), instead of accruing to the country.”* “*According to HUB8, a web-hosting firm, which carried out a survey earlier in the month, an outcome, which was made available to journalists, majority of .ng and.com.ng <http://and.com.ng> websites in Nigeria are still hosted in the United States, making the country to be experiencing major capital flight in that realm.”* *28.12.17* *Reuters * *Apple and Amazon in talks to set up in Saudi Arabia* <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-tech-exclusive/exclusive-apple-and-amazon-in-talks-to-set-up-in-saudi-arabia-sources-idUSKBN1EM0PZ> Apple and Amazon are planning to establish a direct presence in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. However, talks are in the early stages and nothing has yet been confirmed. “*Apple and Amazon are in licensing discussions with Riyadh on investing in Saudi Arabia, two sources told Reuters, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push to give the conservative kingdom a high-tech look.”* “*A third source confirmed that Apple was in talks with SAGIA, Saudi Arabia’s foreign investment authority.”* *29.12.17* *Reuters* *AT&T says all U.S. states will use its public safety network* <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-at-t-network/att-says-all-u-s-states-will-use-its-public-safety-network-idUSKBN1EN1DZ> AT&T Inc, the world’s largest US telecommunications company have built a nationwide broadband network that all 50 US states will participate in, as part of a $6.5 billion Government contract. “*AT&T Inc said on Friday that all 50 U.S. states had decided to participate in the nationwide broadband network it is building for first responders as part of a $6.5 billion government contract.”* “*In March, the U.S. government awarded a contract to AT&T to build the network, years after a federal commission recommended setting up such a system following the 9/11 attacks.”* *Pan-Asia* *Internet governance* *27.12.17* *Nextgov* *China’s Internet 'Clean-up' Has Closed Over 13,000 Illegal Websites Since 2015* <http://www.nextgov.com/cio-briefing/2017/12/chinas-internet-clean-has-closed-over-13000-illegal-websites-2015/144836/> The Chinese Government have shut down more than 13,000 ‘illegal websites’ and 10 million user accounts. China claims their regulations protect national security and stability. “*A high-level review of how well China is implementing a new cybersecurity law and other regulations pertaining to cyberspace says that authorities have taken down 13,000 illegal websites and barred some 10 million user accounts since 2015.”* “*The numbers were included in a report filed on Dec. 24 <http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2017-12/24/content_2034836.htm> (link in Chinese) before the standing committee of China’s National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislative body (although it’s viewed as relatively powerless compared to the Communist Party’s topmost committees). State news service Xinhua reported <http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2017-12/24/c_1122158880.htm> (link in Chinese) on the numbers the same day.”* *29.12.17* *Nextgov* *All the Things You Can—and Can’t—Do with Your WeChat Account in China* <http://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2017/12/all-things-you-canand-cantdo-your-wechat-account-china/144859/> WeChat a Chinese messaging app has expanded to let users order food, hail cars and pay utility bills. However politically sensitive messages, images and articles critical of the Government are banned. “*In China, people will soon be able to bring nothing but their smartphones (and clothes, perhaps) when going out, and the one and only app they’ll need to download is WeChat.”* “*Owned by tech giant Tencent, WeChat has evolved from China’s answer to WhatsApp to an all-in-one app that let users order food, hail cars, and pay utility bills through its payment function. It has made cash and credit cards obsolete for many users, and it might soon do the same to physical identity cards issued by the government.”* *Cybersecurity* *27.12.17* *Channel NewsAsia * *Vietnam unveils 10,000-strong cyber unit to combat 'wrong views' <https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/technology/vietnam-unveils-10-000-strong-cyber-unit-to-combat--wrong-views--9811366>* Vietnam have recruited 10,000 people to join a military cyber warfare unit, to counter “wrong” views online and critics of the one-party state. “*Vietnam has unveiled a new, 10,000-strong military cyber warfare unit to counter "wrong" views on the Internet, media reported, amid a widening crackdown on critics of the one-party state.”* “*The cyber unit, named Force 47, is already in operation in several sectors, Tuoi Tre newspaper quoted Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Nghia, deputy head of the military's political department, as saying at a conference of the Central Propaganda Department on Monday in the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City.”* *02.01.18* *MIT Technology Review * *Six Cyber Threats to Really Worry About in 2018* <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450432488/Ransomware-to-hit-cloud-computing-in-2018-predicts-MIT> According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a US based research university, there are six major cyber threats. Some of these include: ransomware in the cloud, the weaponization of AI, and mining cryptocurrencies. “*From AI-powered hacking to tampering with voting systems, here are some of the big risks on our radar screen.”* “*The cyberattack on the Equifax credit reporting agency in 2017, which led to the theft of Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other data on almost half the U.S. population, was a stark reminder that hackers are thinking big when it comes to targets.”* *Privacy* *28.12.17* *Financial Times * *Huawei’s undersea cable project raises red flag in Australia* <https://www.ft.com/content/96513f58-d959-11e7-a039-c64b1c09b482> Australia’s security agency has banned the Chinese tech firm Huawei Marine Networks from installing a cable designed to deliver internet to the Solomon Islands, amid fears of spying. “*In less than a decade of existence, Huawei Marine Networks has won contracts to install 40,000km of submarine cable, enough to circumnavigate the planet. But the global rollout has hit a snag in the South Pacific as Australia counters China’s growing influence in its backyard.” * “*Canberra is poised to stymie a deal under which Huawei was to run a seabed cable more than 4,000km from Sydney to the Solomon Islands, instead bankrolling the A$100m (US$78m) project itself.” * *29.12.17* *Reuters * *India likens cryptocurrencies to Ponzi scheme, cautions investors* <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-cryptocurrencies/india-likens-cryptocurrencies-to-ponzi-scheme-cautions-investors-idUSKBN1EN0FB> India’s Finance Minister has warned against the use of cryptocurrencies, comparing them to Ponzi schemes which he said, ‘can result in a sudden and prolonged crash, exposing investors.’ “*India’s finance ministry on Friday cautioned investors about the risks of trading in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, saying digital currency investments are like “Ponzi schemes.”* “*Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender and have no regulatory permission or protection in the country, the finance ministry said in a statement, but stopped short of announcing an outright ban or imposing any curbs.”* *Internet Inclusion* *28.12.17* *Reuters * *Apple and Amazon in talks to set up in Saudi Arabia* <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-tech-exclusive/exclusive-apple-and-amazon-in-talks-to-set-up-in-saudi-arabia-sources-idUSKBN1EM0PZ> Apple and Amazon are planning to establish a direct presence in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. However, talks are in the early stages and nothing has yet been confirmed. “*Apple and Amazon are in licensing discussions with Riyadh on investing in Saudi Arabia, two sources told Reuters, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push to give the conservative kingdom a high-tech look.”* “*A third source confirmed that Apple was in talks with SAGIA, Saudi Arabia’s foreign investment authority.”* *03.01.18* *Channel NewsAsia* *Beijing to build US$2 billion AI research park - Xinhua* <https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/technology/beijing-to-build-us-2-billion-ai-research-park---xinhua-9829450> Beijing is building an artificial intelligence (AI) development park worth $2.12 billion in the City’s west, to fulfil its desire of becoming a world leader in AI by 2025. “*Beijing is planning to build a 13.8 billion yuan (US$2.12 billion) artificial intelligence development park in the city's west, the official Xinhua news agency reported, as China pushes ahead to fulfil its ambition to become a world leader in AI by 2025.”* *“The AI park will house up to 400 enterprises and have an estimated annual output of 50 billion yuan, Xinhua said, citing a report from authorities in Beijing's Mentougou district.”* *03.01.18* *The Guardian * *Firm moves to set up phone manufacturing factory in Ogoni* <http://guardian.ng/technology/firm-moves-to-set-up-phone-manufacturing-factory-in-ogoni/> RoboMicheal Limited, an indigenous firm in the Nigeria Delta region has signed a contract with a Chinese company to build a phone manufacturing factory in Ogoni Land. The factory will train over 500 people in technology. “ *An indigenous firm in the Niger Delta region, the RoboMicheal Limited, said it has signed a contract with a Chinese company to set up a phone manufacturing factory in Ogoni land.” “The phone factory, according to the Managing Director of the firm, Ayobo Michael Ibrahim, would empower over 500 people who would be trained in technology, adding that it would also address issues of unemployment in the region.”* *Rest of the World* *Internet governance* *01.02.18* *The Hill * *State Department calls on Iran to stop blocking social media* <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/technology/367071-state-department-calls-on-iran-to-stop-blocking-social-media> The United States President Donald Trump has urged Iran to unblock social media sites such as Telegram and Instagram after his administration classified them as ‘legitimate avenues for communication.’ “*The State Department on Tuesday urged the Iranian government to end its blocking of social media platforms amid continued protests against the country's clerical rulers.” * “*Steve Goldstein, U.S. **undersecretary of State, said the administration would like Iran to “open these sites,” **according to The Associated Press <https://apnews.com/31a56e37ce844b9fbb3bd9ec754d7b2c?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=AP>. The founder of the messaging app Telegram said Sunday <http://thehill.com/policy/technology/technology/366904-iran-blocks-access-to-secure-messaging-app> that Iranian** authorities blocked many of its citizens from accessing the app after the technology company refused to close down some channels.”* *02.01.18* *The New York Times* *Iranian Authorities Block Access to Social Media Tools* <https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/technology/iran-protests-social-media.html> Iranian officials have blocked their citizens from accessing the messaging app, Telegram after fears the communications channel is being used for “armed uprising.” “*As protests in Iran stretched into their sixth day on Tuesday, the Iranian authorities continued to restrict access to social media tools that have become key sources of information to antigovernment demonstrators.”* “*Telegram, a messaging app that is widely used in Iran, has been blocked since Dec. 31, while internet access has been sporadically cut off to several cities where protests have taken place, according to cybersecurity researchers monitoring internet activity in the country. Access to other social media platforms like Instagram has also been intermittent.”* *Cybersecurity* *02.01.18* *MIT Technology Review * *Six Cyber Threats to Really Worry About in 2018* <http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450432488/Ransomware-to-hit-cloud-computing-in-2018-predicts-MIT> According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a US based research university, there are six major cyber threats. Some of these include: ransomware in the cloud, the weaponization of AI, and mining cryptocurrencies. “*From AI-powered hacking to tampering with voting systems, here are some of the big risks on our radar screen.”* “*The cyberattack on the Equifax credit reporting agency in 2017, which led to the theft of Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other data on almost half the U.S. population, was a stark reminder that hackers are thinking big when it comes to targets.”* *Privacy* *28.12.17* *Financial Times * *Huawei’s undersea cable project raises red flag in Australia* <https://www.ft.com/content/96513f58-d959-11e7-a039-c64b1c09b482> Australia’s security agency has banned the Chinese tech firm Huawei Marine Networks from installing a cable designed to deliver internet to the Solomon Islands, amid fears of spying. “*In less than a decade of existence, Huawei Marine Networks has won contracts to install 40,000km of submarine cable, enough to circumnavigate the planet. But the global rollout has hit a snag in the South Pacific as Australia counters China’s growing influence in its backyard.” * “*Canberra is poised to stymie a deal under which Huawei was to run a seabed cable more than 4,000km from Sydney to the Solomon Islands, instead bankrolling the A$100m (US$78m) project itself.” * *Internet Inclusion* *27.12.17* *The Guardian * ‘*Nigeria losing 72% Internet revenues to United States’* <http://guardian.ng/technology/nigeria-losing-72-internet-revenues-to-united-states/> According to HUB8, a web-hosting firm, 72% of Nigeria’s Internet revenues are going to the United States. This is because out of 34,000 sites a mere 1,000 are located in Nigeria. “*About 72 percent of Nigeria’s Internet revenues have been confirmed going to the United States of America (USA), instead of accruing to the country.”* “*According to HUB8, a web-hosting firm, which carried out a survey earlier in the month, an outcome, which was made available to journalists, majority of .ng and.com.ng <http://and.com.ng> websites in Nigeria are still hosted in the United States, making the country to be experiencing major capital flight in that realm.”* *03.01.18* *The Guardian * *‘Government must prioritise broadband in 2018 to lift Nigeria’* <http://guardian.ng/technology/government-must-prioritise-broadband-in-2018-to-lift-nigeria/> Bosun Tijani, Chief Executive Officer of the technology centre Co-Creation Hub, has urged the Nigerian Government to invest in broadband and technology experts to ‘make the technology side of the ecosystem thrive’. “*The Chief Executive Officer of the Co-Creation Hub (ccHub), Bosun Tijani, speaks to ADEYEMI ADEPETUN on the need to intensify efforts on the national broadband plan, its role as enabler bringing in FDI into Nigeria among other issues in 2018.”* “ *CcHUB has remained a light for incubation hubs in Africa. As a stakeholder, what would you say are the biggest problems of start-ups?I think a major challenge largely in Africa, not just for those in Nigeria is broadband.”* *03.01.18* *The Guardian * *Firm moves to set up phone manufacturing factory in Ogoni* <http://guardian.ng/technology/firm-moves-to-set-up-phone-manufacturing-factory-in-ogoni/> RoboMicheal Limited, an indigenous firm in the Niger Delta region has signed a contract with a Chinese company to build a phone manufacturing factory in Ogoni Land. The factory will train over 500 people in technology. “ *An indigenous firm in the Niger Delta region, the RoboMicheal Limited, said it has signed a contract with a Chinese company to set up a phone manufacturing factory in Ogoni land.” “The phone factory, according to the Managing Director of the firm, Ayobo Michael Ibrahim, would empower over 500 people who would be trained in technology, adding that it would also address issues of unemployment in the region.”* *Global Institutions* *No new items of relevance * *Diary Dates* *GDPR Summit* <http://www.gdprsummit.london/?utm_source=TSE&utm_medium=AdRoll> *– 30.01.18* London, England *Manusec Europe* <https://www.manusecevent.com/europe/>* – 07.02.18-08.02.18* Munich, Germany *Global Internet and Jurisdiction Conference 2018* <https://conference.internetjurisdiction.net/>* – 26.02.18-28.02.18* Ottawa, Canada *RSA* <https://www.rsaconference.com/events/us18> *– 16.04.18–20.04.18* San Francisco, USA *Africa Internet Summit* <https://www.afnog.org/>* – 29.04.18-11.05.18* Dakar, Senegal Glenn McKnight NARALO Secretariat mcknight.glenn(a)gmail.com skype gmcknight twitter gmcknight 289-830 6259 . On Mon, Jan 8, 2018 at 12:03 PM, Carlos Rey-Moreno < carlos.reymoreno(a)gmail.com&gt; wrote: