IT Ministry, PTA Finally Responds to Internet Slowdown in Pakistan:
Amid fear of billions of losses, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) failed to satisfy the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications over the slowdown of internet services in the country. Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan chaired the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications held on Thursday.
Pakistan is Using Surveillance Services from 15 Companies Including Israeli to Spy on Citizens:
The Pakistani government has recently started ramping up its surveillance efforts to monitor and track the online activity of citizens in the country. Last month, the Pakistani security agencies received a green light to openly listen to citizens’ phone calls, intercept WhatsApp messages and more. The PTA also recently completed its firewall trial to control social media. While we don’t have the details on what software Pakistan is using to do so or how it’s operating, Pakistan is reportedly acquiring this technology from several firms across the globe.
Mass Exodus of IT Companies From Pakistan is Imminent, P@SHA Warns:
Ali Ihsan, Senior Vice Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), has unequivocally condemned the grave consequences of the hastily implemented national firewall. “The booming IT industry is facing a disaster; grappling with unprecedented operational disruptions that threaten the very foundation of Pakistan’s burgeoned tech sector. We demand review and consultation with the IT industry,” he stated. Ali Ihsan added that the imposition of the firewall has triggered enormous challenges; with prolonged internet disconnections and erratic VPN performance threatening a complete meltdown of business operations. These disruptions are not mere inconveniences; but, a direct, tangible and aggressive assault on the industry’s viability – inflicting estimated and devastating financial losses estimated to reach at $300 million, which can further increase exponentially.
Pakistan’s First Open-World Crypto Game Pikamoon Launches Play-to-Earn Arcade Games:
Get ahead of everyone! Sign up to the PIKAHUB now and be among the first to experience play-to-earn gaming in Pakistan.Markets that are larger than crypto gaming have long dominated the Pakistani gaming industry, with the biggest winners often being Android games, as well as small indie developers that possess limited influence or financial standing. However, despite these challenges, the country’s crypto interest is still continuing to evolve. This has been most notably demonstrated through the breakthrough of Islamabad-based software and game development studio, Orbit Cosmos.
Govt Weighs Several Options to Settle Rs. 78.6 Billion Pending LDI Dues:
The government is contemplating several options for the settlement of outstanding amounts of around Rs. 78.66 billion against Long Distance International (LDI) companies including framing regulations for the appointment of a referee and making the decision of the referee as non-appealable in the court. Official documents available with ProPakistani revealed that to date, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has raised a claim of Rs. 24.134 billion against the Principal amount besides the Late payment adjustment fee (LPAF) amounting to Rs. 54.532 Billion (total 24.134+54.532 = Rs. 78.666 billion).
Google Makes a Comeback in Foldable Market With Massively Improved Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
Google’s new Pixel 9 lineup boasts four devices, with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold standing out as a major upgrade. A far cry from its predecessor, the original Pixel Fold, the new model offers a much more refined and sophisticated experience. Google has completely redesigned the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, resulting in a taller, slimmer device. Compared to the first-generation Pixel Fold, it’s notably larger, stretching 15.5 millimeters taller. This makes it even taller than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. It’s also lighter than before, which should make it more comfortable to use. The hinge finally allows the foldable to open completely flat, unlike its predecessor.
Pakistan Hit With Another Major Internet Outage:
On Thursday, numerous Pakistani cities experienced internet disruptions, exacerbating existing worries about service reliability. This comes up after sources told ProPakistani that the social media and internet services are expected to return to normal within two to three days. The firewall installation is a significant step towards regulating online content and ensuring a secure digital environment in Pakistan. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap) reported that over the past several weeks, connection speeds have dropped by 30 to 40%. Wispap further cautioned that the situation has become critical, with many companies now contemplating moving their operations abroad.
Internet, WhatsApp and Instagram Set to Return to Normal as Govt Completes 2nd Firewall Trial:
Pakistan has successfully conducted the second trial of its social media firewall, aiming to regulate online content and ensure national security. Internet service providers have installed firewalls that enable the blocking of social media apps and restrict audio and video downloads. Sources told The Media that the firewall installation and trial temporarily affected mobile signals and internet services. The move is part of efforts to curb controversial content and propaganda on social media platforms. The firewall possesses deep packet inspection capabilities, allowing for the identification of propaganda points and blocking of IPs promoting anti-state propaganda. This initiative aims to safeguard national security and maintain online harmony.
Google Pixel 9 Series Has Two Pro Phones This Time: 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL:
In a surprising twist, Google has unveiled a compact version of its flagship device – the Pixel 9 Pro, featuring a 6.3-inch display. This announcement came alongside the introduction of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, sporting a larger 6.8-inch screen, which succeeds last year’s top-tier model. Both new Pixel devices boast high-brightness Super Actua LTPO displays, capable of reaching an impressive 3,000 nits. These screens feature a variable refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz and are protected by flat Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Pixel 9 Pro’s display offers a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL steps up to 1344 x 2992 pixels.
Govt Sets Up National CERT Council to Strengthen Cybersecurity Framework:
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has announced the formation of the National Computer Emergency Team (CERT) Council. The CERT Council has been established under Rule 4 of the National Computer Emergency Rules 2023, according to an official notification issued by the ministry. The CERT Council is designed to serve as a consultative and advisory body for all levels of CERTs across the nation. Its primary functions include ensuring the effective performance of CERT roles, conducting assessments, and resolving conflicts as per the guidelines outlined in the CERT Rules 2023.
Google Pixel 9 Launched with New Camera and Even More AI Features:
Google is shaking up its traditional release schedule this year, opting for an August launch instead of the usual October unveiling. This shift is accompanied by a restructuring of the Pixel lineup.While the standard model remains, it has been repositioned in the hierarchy due to the introduction of a new Pro variant with comparable dimensions.
Korea Gets Its First Open Source AI Model Thanks to LG:
South Korea has debuted in the global AI arena with EXAONE 3.0, the country’s first open-source AI model. Developed by LG AI Research, this launch positions South Korea alongside established American tech giants and emerging players from China and the Middle East in the competitive field of artificial intelligence. EXAONE 3.0 is built on the Decoder-only Transformer architecture and boasts impressive specifications, including 7.8 billion parameters and training on 8 terabytes of data. Currently, the model supports English and Korean languages.
As you head back to the office, Zoom promises it’s still relevant:
Zoom chief product officer Smita Hashim explains why even video-chat innovators need the physical space – with a little help from AI. For many, Zoom rose to prominence during the pandemic era of working at home in pyjamas. Schools held virtual classes on the platform during lockdowns and friends gathered there when they couldn’t meet in person. There were even Zoom weddings and funerals. It was so ubiquitous during lockdown that “Zoom” entered the lexicon as a catch-all term for virtual calls, joining companies like Kleenex or Band-Aid whose names symbolise a single product. With offices shut, demand reportedly surged from 10 million daily meeting participants to 200 million in March 2020. Zoom’s market valuation peaked at approximately $161.65bn (£125bn) in October 2020. But as lockdowns lifted, that sky-high stock price was followed with an equally spectacular crash. Today, the San Jose-headquartered company is hovering closer to its pre-pandemic valuation at around $17bn (£13bn). Like so many technology companies, Zoom issued layoffs in February 2023, axing 15% of jobs. Soon after, CEO Eric Yuan made a surprising announcement: the company that helped millions of people work from home wanted their own employees back to the office in person. Changing predictions about the future of work prompted a rethink: now, Zoom wants to be known for more than “Zoom calls”.
No laughing matter – how AI is helping comedians write jokes:
“Why did the politician bring a ladder to the debate? To make sure he could reach new heights with his promises!” Ask AI to write a political joke, and the above is an example of what you can get. Perhaps not funny enough to deliver on stage in front of a paying audience, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for AI in comedy. Comedians are increasingly experimenting with the technology to write scripts and brainstorm ideas, including Anesti Danelis. Earlier this year, the Canadian asked popular AI chatbot ChatGPT to write him a show. The result is what he has been performing throughout this summer, including at this month’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Disney+ terms prevent allergy death lawsuit, Disney says:
Disney World is arguing a man cannot sue it over the death of his wife because of terms he signed up to in a free trial of Disney+. Jeffrey Piccolo filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Disney after his wife died in 2023 from a severe allergic reaction after eating at a restaurant at the theme park. However, Disney argues its terms of use, which Mr Piccolo agreed to when creating his Disney account in 2019, means they have to settle out of court. “We are deeply saddened by the family’s loss and understand their grief,” Disney said in a statement.”Given that this restaurant is neither owned nor operated by Disney, we are merely defending ourselves against the plaintiff’s attorney’s attempt to include us in their lawsuit against the restaurant.”
China firm claims world’s fastest-charging EV battery:
Chinese car maker Zeekr says its new electric vehicle (EV) batteries charge faster than any of its rivals, including industry leaders Tesla and BYD. The firm claims its upgraded batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity in 10 and a half minutes using its ultra-fast charging stations. In comparison, Elon Musk’s Tesla says a 15 minute charge allows its Model 3 to cover 175 miles (282km), a little under half the car’s full range. Zeekr’s 2025 007 sedan, which will be available from next week, will be its first vehicle to have the new battery.The battery performs well even in cold weather charging from 10% to 80% of its capacity in less than half an hour at temperatures as low as -10C, the company also said.
Taking TikTok comedy to the Edinburgh Fringe:
If you fluff a joke in a TikTok, you’ve always got the option of deleting the video. Not so much live on stage at the world’s biggest performance arts festival. But for a group of acts who’ve gained a large following on the app, that hasn’t put them off taking their sets offline at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. “All that time posting on TikTok helped me build my confidence,” says Courtney Buchner. “Having that online platform where I could try things out and feel a little bit safer,” she tells Media. TikTok bosses noticed many people like Courtney trying to take their comedy from feeds to theatres this year and the platform has been announced as a sponsor of the festival.
Why is Elon Musk’s X struggling with technical problems?:
He may be the richest man in the world, but – as his glitch-prone conversation with Donald Trump showed – it seems Elon Musk still can’t overcome X’s technical problems. Mr Musk’s interview with the presidential hopeful was delayed by 40 minutes while the platform struggled with tech issues. It was not X’s first high-profile malfunction. In May 2023, Florida governor Ron DeSantis attempted to launch his own bid for the White House on X with Mr Musk. But, much like his ultimately doomed campaign, problems plagued the interview from the outset. Gremlins meant Mr DeSantis had to sit and wait before he could even give his speech.It seemed to be a cautionary tale that Mr Musk was heeding – the day before his interview with Mr Trump he said he would be performing “system scaling tests” on “Spaces” – the name for X’s audio chat feature.
A week of unrest – and a week of silence from big tech:
For days, similar scenes have played out across England and parts of Northern Ireland – unrest, communities in fear, a huge police presence, with the flames being fanned by social media. For days, Media have been contacting big tech companies, trying to find out what they are doing about it. Whatever it is, they don’t want to talk about it – the messaging app Telegram has been the only firm to issue an on-the-record statement. It is hoped the tide has started to turn on the streets. But if they hoped that by keeping quiet they would avoid further scrutiny, the tech firms may well be wrong. “I think it is horrendous they are not taking more ownership of what is happening”, says Baroness Martha Lane Fox, one of the leading lights in the UK tech scene. She knows big tech from the inside, having sat on the board of Twitter, as it was then called. “Generally, they don’t like getting involved in politics – it doesn’t serve them well”, she told the Media. Given the UK is a relatively small market, in global terms, she’s “not surprised” by the silence – but says it should not deter the government from acting. “The lack of accountability and serious regulation that is taking this on is something I think that should alarm all of us”, she says.
Musk shares faked far-right ‘detainment camp’ for rioters post:
Elon Musk has deleted an image he shared on X, formerly Twitter, which promoted a conspiracy theory about the UK building “detainment camps” on the Falkland Islands for rioters. The image – which was faked to look like it had come from the Daily Telegraph website – had been posted by the co-leader of the far-right Britain First party, Ashlea Simon, though it had appeared elsewhere before she shared it. Mr Musk’s post was viewed more than 1.7 million times before it was removed – with Ms Simon’s post briefly tagged with a note reading “this story does not exist” before it too was removed. It is the latest in a series of controversial interventions from the tech billionaire since the unrest began, some of which have been directly condemned by the prime minister. The role of social media platforms, including X, in the disorder is also the subject of intense scrutiny, with the government and media regulator urging greater action from them. Mr Musk has not acknowledged he published then deleted the post. The Media has approached X for comment.The Telegraph has stressed it did not publish any such article. “This is a fabricated headline for an article that does not exist,” said a Telegraph Media Group spokesperson. “We notified relevant platforms and requested that the post be taken down.”
Take action now over riot posts, social media firms told:
The government has defended the media regulator’s response to the unrest in the UK, saying it has made clear social media companies should act over their role in the crisis. Ofcom has published an open letter to the platforms saying they should not wait until it gets enhanced powers under the Online Safety Act before taking action. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson agreed, saying tech firms “have an obligation now” to “deal with” material that incites violence. Critics, though, say a tougher approach is needed. “Online misinformation is a clear and present danger spilling across into unrest on UK streets in real-time”, said Azzurra Moores, from fact-checking organisation Full Fact. “We can’t afford to wait weeks and months for bolder, stronger action from Ofcom and the government.”