A European Union court has rejected Apple’s bid to challenge its designation as a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), upholding the Commission’s regulatory authority. The court ruled that Apple’s argument regarding fundamental rights lacked a direct legal connection to the designation, while also dismissing the company’s attempt to treat its five separate App … Read more
The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has triggered a sharp divide between aviation industry leaders and the European Commission over the cause of recent airport border disruptions. While the Commission initially maintained that the impact of the biometric registration system was limited, Ursula von der Leyen recently acknowledged that “technical issues” remain that require … Read more
The strategic rivalry between the United States and China has shifted from land and air to the ocean floor, where undersea cables now serve as the primary infrastructure for 95% to 99% of global internet traffic. According to ThinkChina and recent reports from Reuters, this competition for “data highways” is evolving from a commercial market … Read more
Senior economic officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have officially concluded negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). The agreement, which marks the bloc’s first regionwide digital economy pact, was finalized following a series of meetings held in Manila from May 27 to 29. The successful resolution of outstanding issues … Read more
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has launched a new initiative to bolster the digital literacy of the Filipino workforce by offering free online courses. In partnership with UNESCO-UNEVOC and the HP Foundation, the agency has integrated more than 30 modules from the HP LIFE Program into its existing e-Tesda platform. Expanding Access … Read more
Rotorua Leads the Charge: How Libraries are Becoming Digital Lifelines As technology continues its relentless march forward, a growing digital divide threatens to leave many behind. But in Rotorua, New Zealand, a proactive solution is taking shape. The Rotorua Library, in partnership with Digi-Coaches, is offering 12 weeks of free, drop-in digital support, ensuring residents … Read more
Recent suicide cases involving adolescents and students in Indonesia have prompted concern about increasing psychosocial pressures facing young people. Cases have been reported in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Demak, and Bandung, with one instance suspected to be linked to a break-up. Digital Spaces and Mental Health Suko Widodo, Chair of the Indonesian Communication Scholars Association … Read more
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, recently participated in the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026, held in New Delhi, India, on February 20, 2026. During the forum, Jokowi discussed key issues surrounding data sovereignty and the more complex challenge of artificial intelligence (AI) sovereignty. Data and AI Sovereignty in Focus Jokowi emphasized the … Read more
Uganda’s Digital Leap: Mbale ICT Hub and the Future of Skills Development Uganda is making significant strides in its digital transformation with the establishment of a new ICT innovation hub in Mbale. This public-private partnership, involving Spotlight on Africa and Algorithmic Partners, signals a commitment to bridging the skills gap and fostering a thriving tech … Read more
Indonesia’s government currently operates approximately 27,000 separate digital applications across its ministries and agencies, a situation experts say hinders effective policymaking and efficient governance. Fragmented Systems Raise Concerns According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital, as of January 2026, these applications operate independently, lacking integration with one another. This fragmentation raises concerns about inconsistent … Read more