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US Agency Invests $225 Million to Expand Africa’s Fiber Infrastructure

US Agency Invests $225 Million to Expand Africa’s Fiber Infrastructure

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A major investment in Africa’s digital infrastructure is expected to be made, with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) playing a key role. In the upcoming weeks, the DFC will make a $90 million tranche toward a larger $225 million investment intended to increase fibre-optic access throughout the continent. This project highlights the growing geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States in Africa, a continent with abundant natural resources and a growing population.

Closing the Digital Connectivity Gaps in Africa

US Agency Invests $225 Million to Expand Africa’s Fiber Infrastructure

Image Source: techpoint.africa

Africa continues to be the least connected continent in the world even though digital services are quickly filling up infrastructure gaps in nations with little to no legacy networks.  Leading infrastructure company Liquid will be better able to handle its impending debt, which includes a $156 million term loan and $620 million in bonds that mature in 2026, thanks to the new capital infusion. Liquid needs this financial assistance in order to keep growing its network and provide services throughout Africa.

Partnerships with the US Tech Giants

To improve internet connectivity in East Africa, Liquid is working with Microsoft and Google, two of the biggest tech companies in the United States. The goal of the collaboration with Microsoft is to give 20 million people in Kenya and Zambia access to reasonably priced last-mile connectivity. Concurrently, the partnership with Google entails constructing terrestrial fiber networks across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa. In addition to connecting numerous data centers, this vast network will provide a fallback alternative for managing traffic in the event of subsea cable disruptions.

Also Read: TSMC Launches €10 Billion German Plant Amid Global Chip War

Increasing The Fiber Network of Africa

Liquid has already installed more than 110,000 kilometers (68,000 miles) of fiber throughout Africa in response to the rising demand for data storage and high-speed internet services. These kinds of investments, which give millions of people access to dependable, high-speed internet, are essential to promoting economic growth and development as the digital landscape of the continent changes.

TSMC Launches €10 Billion German Plant Amid Global Chip War

TSMC Launches €10 Billion German Plant Amid Global Chip War

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In a significant move to fortify Europe’s semiconductor industry, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has begun construction on its first European plant in Dresden, Germany. The €10 billion ($11 billion) facility marks a pivotal moment in the continent’s strategy to secure its chip supplies amid escalating tensions between the United States and China. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by prominent figures including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and TSMC CEO C.C. Wei.

Europe’s Semiconductor Strategy

TSMC Launches €10 Billion German Plant Amid Global Chip War

Image Source: bnnbloomberg.ca

Germany is at the forefront of the European Union’s ambitious plan to produce 20% of the world’s semiconductors by 2030. The initiative comes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The chip shortages caused by the pandemic led to widespread disruptions, including the temporary shutdown of car factories across the globe.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of self-reliance in his remarks at the ceremony. “We are dependent on semiconductors for our sustainable future technologies, but we must not be dependent on other regions of the world for the supply of semiconductors,” Scholz stated. The Dresden plant is a crucial step in reducing Europe’s reliance on Asian imports and ensuring a steady supply of chips for the continent’s industries.

The European Union has backed this project with a €5 billion subsidy, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to bolstering domestic semiconductor production. The German government is also playing a leading role, with plans to invest €20 billion in the semiconductor industry, including €10 billion in aid for an upcoming Intel Corp. plant in Magdeburg. The Dresden facility, set to begin production by the end of 2027, will focus on manufacturing chips for the automotive and industrial sectors, which are vital to Germany’s economy.

Global Implications of the Dresden Plant

The construction of TSMC’s Dresden plant has far-reaching implications beyond Europe. The global semiconductor industry has become a battleground in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. With China being the largest market for semiconductors, the country is striving to increase its domestic production of advanced chips. In response, the U.S. has imposed export controls and tariffs, citing national security concerns, to curb China’s technological advancements.

Also Read: Logically Expands Its AI Operations with the Acquisition of Insikt AI

As the world’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC plays a critical role in this global power struggle. The Dresden plant, in which TSMC holds a 70% stake, will serve as a cornerstone of Europe’s semiconductor ambitions. The involvement of industry giants like Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors NV, and Robert Bosch GmbH, each holding a 10% stake in the venture, underscores the strategic importance of this project.

The new facility not only strengthens Europe’s position in the global semiconductor race but also highlights the increasing localization of chip production as nations seek to secure their technological future in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.

Logically Expands Its AI Operations with the Acquisition of Insikt AI

Logically Expands Its AI Operations with the Acquisition of Insikt AI

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intellegence, News, Tech News / By

The strategic acquisition of London-based Insikt AI by Logically The purchase of Barcelona-based AI startup Insikt AI has been announced by Logically, a pioneer in the application of AI to block harmful internet content. Through the integration of Insikt’s cutting-edge technology into its current platform, Logically hopes to improve its intelligence operations.

Increasing Capabilities Using Insikt AI

Logically Expands Its AI Operations with the Acquisition of Insikt AI

Image Source: tech.eu

Insikt AI was established in 2016 and focuses on creating machine learning models that are designed to identify and reduce hazardous content. Their Social Network Analysis (SNA) capabilities and domain-specific models have enabled governments and private businesses to assess intricate web networks and recognise new dangers. With the recent integration of Insikt’s technology into Logically Intelligence®, the company’s flagship platform, users will have access to state-of-the-art solutions for combating a wider variety of online threats, such as terrorism and extremism.

Integration of Leadership and Expertise

Jennifer Woodard and Guillem Garcia, the co-founders of Insikt, will join Logically as part of the acquisition. As VP of AI at Logically, Jennifer, a specialist in AI for counterterrorism, will lead the company with her wealth of knowledge in moral AI applications. In his new position as Head of Data Science, Guillem will leverage Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) research to scale Logically’s data science capabilities.

Improving Detection of Internet Threats

The CEO of Logically, Lyric Jain, emphasised the importance of the acquisition by pointing out that Logically’s goal of preventing harmful online information is ideally aligned with Insikt’s creative use of AI and SNA. It is anticipated that the incorporation of Insikt’s skills will improve Logically’s capacity to identify and address attacks at an early stage, offering a strong defence against more cunning cybercriminals.

Also Read: London-Based Clearly Raises €3.9M to Target Net Zero in Supply Chains

A Novel Chapter in Intelligence Driven by AI

This acquisition demonstrates Logically’s dedication to furthering AI research while also enhancing its technological advantage. Logically is positioned to provide even more value to its clients by leveraging Insikt’s AI know-how, enabling them to manage the intricacies of the digital world while preserving free expression and halting the dissemination of damaging content.

London-Based Clearly Raises €3.9M to Target Net Zero in Supply Chains

London-Based Clearly Raises €3.9M to Target Net Zero in Supply Chains

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Clearly, a London-based platform for climate analytics has raised €3.9 million in initial money to advance its goal of accelerating net-zero ambitions throughout international supply chains. Pace Ventures and Nine Realms led the fundraising round. Notable angels including Margaux Primat and Lord Nash were among the existing investors, as well as Mobilion, Next Gear, and M1720. With this additional funding, Clearly will be able to expand its business and improve its product line to satisfy the rising demand on a worldwide scale.

Increasing AI Proficiency and Expanding Activities

London-Based Clearly Raises €3.9M to Target Net Zero in Supply Chains

Image Source: siliconcanals.com

Expanding Clearly’s suite of in-house AI capabilities, which form the basis of its climate intelligence platform, will be made possible by this new funding. With these finances, the company intends to expand its workforce and improve its current offerings in order to better serve its expanding clientele. Clearly gives fleet owners, logistics managers, and other supply chain stakeholders useful insights to help them make decisions that increase financial and energy efficiency by utilising AI and real-time data integration.

Resolving a Serious Issue in the Transportation Sector

Since the transportation industry contributes around 25% of global emissions, decarbonization is an essential goal for reaching net-zero emissions. Clearly meets this difficulty head-on by providing a platform that combines information from multiple sources, such as asset management, operations, vehicle mobility, and energy usage. As a result, businesses are able to determine which decarbonization projects are most successful and secure funding for them, making sustainability a competitive advantage.

Market Effect and Upcoming Opportunities

Clearly was founded in 2021 by Danielle Walsh, a former director of HSBC, and has since become popular with business clients in the US, Europe, and Asia. The company’s technology, which works with significant players in consumer products, package delivery, and fleet management, has already recorded data from over 100 million journeys. Given that the transportation industry is expected to invest $1.75 trillion a year in order to achieve net-zero targets, Clearly’s solutions are expected to be crucial in the global shift towards more environmentally friendly technologies.

Also Read: Meta Faces Lawsuit from Polish Billionaire Alleging Fake Ad Scandal

Concluding Remarks: Developing Sustainable Supply Chains

With this latest fundraising round, Clearly has made great progress toward its goal of decarbonising supply chains globally. The company provides organisations with real-time decision-making tools and AI-driven insights, which not only help them decrease emissions but also help them reach their sustainability goals in a way that is profitable. Clearly is ideally positioned to spearhead the push toward achieving sustainable mobility as the need for data-driven procurement and sustainable operations only grows.

 
Meta Faces Lawsuit from Polish Billionaire Alleging Fake Ad Scandal

Meta Faces Lawsuit from Polish Billionaire Alleging Fake Ad Scandal

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Polish billionaire Rafal Brzoska and his wife are preparing to take legal action against Meta Platforms, Inc. over fake advertisements circulating on Facebook and Instagram. These ads reportedly misuse Brzoska’s image and spread false information about his wife. The couple has expressed frustration over Meta’s handling of the situation, despite notifying the company in early July. This lawsuit, still in its planning stages, is part of a broader global trend where high-profile individuals seek to hold social media giants accountable for the content they allow on their platforms.

A Growing Legal Battle

Meta Faces Lawsuit from Polish Billionaire Alleging Fake Ad Scandal

Image Source: voi.id

Brzoska, who is well-known as the creator of the Polish parcel locker company InPost, has taken a public stand against the fake advertisements featuring his likeness. These ads, which have been linked to various scams, continue to appear on Meta’s platforms despite his complaints. “We plan to file a private lawsuit against Meta,” Brzoska told Reuters, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the company’s response.

However, the billionaire and his legal team have not yet determined the jurisdiction in which they will file the lawsuit. They are considering multiple scenarios, including legal action in the United States if they find European jurisdictions to be unresponsive. This potential lawsuit could join a series of legal challenges globally that aim to curb the spread of fraudulent content on social media platforms. Brzoska’s case could become a significant example of individuals taking on tech giants in court, especially if it proceeds in multiple countries.

Meta’s Response and the Broader Implications

A spokesperson for Meta acknowledged the issue, stating that the company removes false advertisements once it becomes aware of them and works with local authorities to combat scammers. However, the persistence of these ads raises questions about the effectiveness of Meta’s measures to protect users from misleading content. Brzoska’s case underscores the ongoing struggle between individuals and large tech companies over content moderation and accountability.

Also Read: X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

As Brzoska and his wife deliberate their legal strategy, their actions may inspire others facing similar issues to seek justice. The outcome of this potential lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how social media platforms manage and respond to reports of fake advertisements, especially when they involve high-profile figures. For Meta, this is yet another reminder of the growing pressure it faces from global users and regulators to tighten its control over the content that appears on its platforms.

X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

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An important complaint against social media network X, formerly known as Twitter, was submitted on Monday by the Austrian advocacy group NOYB (None of Your Business). The corporation, which is owned by Elon Musk, is accused of violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union by improperly exploiting customers’ personal data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) systems without getting the required authorization.

The GDPR Grievance and Its Consequences

X Faces Austrian Complaint Over Data Usage for AI Training

Image Source: tribune.com.pk

Max Schrems, a well-known privacy campaigner, led the complaint that was filed with data protection authorities across nine EU nations. This action is a component of a larger plan to put further pressure on Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which serves as the principal regulator for numerous significant American technology companies doing business in Europe because Ireland is home to their European headquarters. The main point of NOYB’s complaint is that X has been processing user data for AI training without providing users with an opportunity to opt out beforehand, which is a clear violation of GDPR regulations.

Ireland's Part in the Protracted Legal Battle

In order to rectify the situation, the Irish Data Protection Commission, which is leading the way in regulating these matters, has taken action. It has requested an injunction prohibiting X from utilizing user data for AI research until appropriate consent procedures are put in place. X consented to temporarily stop using personal data for AI training in response to the complaint. However, NOYB contends that rather than addressing the basic legality of the data processing itself, the DPC’s measures are more focused on mitigation.

The Position of Max Schrems and Legal Issues

Max Schrems, a prominent proponent of digital age privacy rights, voiced his worries regarding X’s operations. He said,

"We want to ensure that Twitter fully complies with EU law, which, at a bare minimum, requires to ask users for consent in this case."

money.usnews.com

The case brought to light that X had not notified users of their right to object to data collecting until many weeks after the process had commenced, giving rise to further ethical and legal concerns. 

Analogous to Meta's AI Approach

This is not a unique instance. Similar problems arose for Facebook’s parent firm Meta in June when the Irish DPC asked for a postponement of the AI assistant’s European launch citing privacy concerns. Additionally, NOYB has filed complaints against Meta, highlighting the wider ramifications for IT businesses that use user data for AI training without the express consent of the user.

Also Read: MiddleGame Ventures Hits €55M Milestone Towards €150M Fintech Fund

Final Thoughts: X's Future and EU Data Privacy

As the matter develops, X’s adherence to EU data protection regulations is still being investigated. The resolution of this case may establish a standard for how tech companies function in Europe, especially in relation to the use of private information for artificial intelligence research.