Internet

In a major stride toward digital transformation, Pakistan is preparing to roll out its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy by early 2025. This ambitious policy focuses on integrating AI to strengthen cybersecurity across sectors, with capabilities to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time, potentially averting critical data breaches. The AI policy aligns with Pakistan’s goal of becoming a …

VPN Block Trial in First Step Toward Internet Regulation On Sunday, the Pakistani government tested a six-hour block on over two dozen Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), marking a significant move toward internet regulation in the country. The trial, conducted between 4pm and 10pm, was the first time a government firewall visibly impacted internet access nationwide. The VPN block affected both …

OpenAI’s ChatGPT experienced a brief yet significant outage on Friday, affecting over 19,000 users for around 30 minutes. Despite the disruption, OpenAI quickly restored service by 5 pm PT (0100 GMT) with users regaining access within minutes. CEO Sam Altman took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize for the downtime, acknowledging the inconvenience and reassuring users of the platform’s full …

Apple has taken a major step into artificial intelligence with the launch of Apple Intelligence. This new set of AI features is now available on select iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices, marking the company’s entrance into the fast-growing world of generative AI. Apple’s AI Vision Apple first announced these AI features in June, and now they’re here. Competing with big …

Introduction Gitex Global 2024, the world’s largest technology and startup exhibition, kicked off today in Dubai, highlighting Pakistan’s rapidly growing information and communication technology (ICT) and startup ecosystem. This prestigious event provides a global platform for Pakistani companies to showcase their innovations and form partnerships with international tech firms. Pakistan’s Strong Presence at Gitex Global Alongside Gitex Global, the North …

US Court’s Ruling on Google Play Store A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google must allow rival tech firms’ apps to be available on its Google Play store. This ruling will last for three years and will take effect starting next month. This decision comes as part of the ongoing legal battle between Google and Epic Games, the creators …

In a significant enforcement of EU data privacy laws, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined Meta, Facebook’s parent company, $101 million (€102 million) over inadequate security practices related to password protection. The fine comes after an investigation revealed that Meta had failed to adequately safeguard user passwords and had delayed notifying the regulator about the breach. The Breach: …

In a landmark step toward digital transformation, Punjab’s free Wi-Fi initiative has now expanded to over 230 locations across several cities, offering free internet access to millions. The expansion is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to create a more connected province. This growth is driven by the Safe City Project, with Lahore emerging as the leading hub …

PTA Receives Proposals for 5G Spectrum Auction Despite Industry Concerns Five international consultants have submitted proposals to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to oversee the 5G spectrum auction, anticipated to be completed within the ongoing fiscal year. However, there are concerns within the industry about whether this is the right time to roll out 5G technology in the country. In …

In a recent meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, addressed the ongoing internet disruptions across Pakistan. He clarified that the issues were primarily due to a technical fault in the submarine cable that connects Pakistan to the global internet infrastructure. The chairman reassured …