Registration opens for APNIC 62
APNIC 62 will take place in Mumbai and online in September 2026, bringing together workshops, partner meetings, a conference and APNIC’s policy and membership discussions.
TikTok and ByteDance agree US $400 million settlement with US Department of Justice
TikTok and its parent ByteDance have agreed to pay US$400 million to settle a United States Department of Justice lawsuit alleging violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The settlement provides for an immediate payment of US$300 million and a further US$100 million linked to a 2019 Federal Trade Commission order.
Lesotho moves from AI policy to national strategy and digital infrastructure planning
Lesotho is moving towards implementing its recently finalised AI policy by developing a national AI strategy alongside plans for a national data centre, with a focus on infrastructure, skills and practical implementation.
Pope Leo XIV warns AI could deepen technological dependence
Pope Leo XIV has called for human-centred AI policies, warning that rapid technological development could increase dependence on wealthier countries and reinforce existing economic inequalities.
South Korea and Mexico explore closer cooperation on AI
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco in Seoul on 24 August 2024 to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence, energy security and other areas, and called for strengthening the institutional foundation for trade and investment.
W3C clears path for continued work on Open Screen Application Protocol
A W3C Patent Advisory Group has recommended continuing work on the Open Screen Application Protocol after examining patent licensing issues that could affect the development of the proposed web standard.
New Zealand proposes social media ban for under-16s
New Zealand’s National Party plans to introduce legislation restricting social media access for children under 16, with platforms facing significant penalties for failing to comply.
India and Brazil sign MoU on telecommunications and ICT cooperation
India’s Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazil’s Minister of Communications Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed a memorandum of understanding on 21 August 2024 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and information and communications technologies (ICTs). The MoU creates a framework for exchanging information, experiences and best practices and for joint initiatives in areas such as spectrum and satellite‑orbit management, 5G, Open RAN, cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure.
Australia requires Roblox to strengthen child safety measures
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has secured a court-enforceable agreement requiring Roblox to introduce additional measures to protect children from grooming and sexual exploitation.
Apc submits input to UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) has submitted a written input to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment for the rapporteur’s forthcoming report on environmental human rights defenders and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The submission outlines technology‑facilitated violence, legal repression and community‑led measures aimed at protecting environmental defenders.
