Internet Governance Weekly Brief (W24A20) UN High-level Panel for Digital Cooperation Roadmap launched; European Council adopted conclusions on EU Digital Strategy; Digital Economy and Society Index released; Africa in urgent need of affordable broadband; FBI warns of increased cyberattacks on mobile banking app..
DIGITAL POLITICS
The United Nations Secretary-General has launched his Roadmap on Digital Cooperation,
The United Nations Secretary-General has launched his Roadmap on Digital Cooperation, calling on the global community to connect, respect and protect all people in the digital age. Based on recommendations from the Secretary-General’s High-level Panel for Digital Cooperation convened from 2018-2019, and further informed by a series of roundtable discussions with key stakeholders, the report outlines eight key areas for action to advance a safer and more equitable digital world.
The European Council adopted conclusions on European Union Digital Strategy
The European Council adopted conclusions on European Union Digital Strategy and called for a reinforced EU digital government policy. The council also called for actions to boost 5G roll out, bridge the digital divide, enhance the development of eHealth, artificial intelligence and digital platforms. The text also highlights the impact of the digital transformation in fighting the pandemic.
WEF, EDB launch global road map to promote ‘critical’ flow of data across borders
The Economic Development Board (EDB), Bahrain’s main investment promotion agency, has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch a new roadmap for cross-border data flows to help drive global tech-based collaboration.
DIGITAL ECONOMY
2020 Digital Economy and Society Index released
The European Commissionreleased the results of the 2020 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), which monitors the progress of European countries in their digital transition and connectivity. According to the report, the most significant digital progress is noted in Ireland, followed by the Netherlands, Malta and Spain.
Thailand and Czech Republic to push on digital tax
Thailand approved a bill that will require foreign firms making money from digital services in the Thai market to pay VAT. This is the latest push for digital taxation in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia and the Philippines last month.
In Europe, Czech coalition agrees 5% digital tax on firms with global revenue over 750 million euros ($853 million) annually. The tax is directed to of global internet giants such as Amazon and Google.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Africa in urgent need of affordable broadband internet to fight COVID-19
Africa needs much more affordable broadband internet to fight COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Word Bank cited by The director of Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Jean-Paul Adam, the continent needs about USD100 billion to achieve universal, affordable and good quality internet access by 2030. Presently, only 17.8% of households in Africa have internet at home.
United Kingdom to review Huawei 5G infrastructure
The UK government is set to conduct a cyber security review on telecommunications company Huawei to measure its potential for espionage using 5G infrastructure. Furthemore, The head of the NATO military alliance said on Wednesday that the European countries could not ignore the rise of China and it was important that Britain had a review of the role of Huawei in its 5G network to ensure its security. In addition, according to reports, USA has offered to build Britain’s 5G and nuclear power stations to end UK-China cyber relationship on 5G.
DATA PROTECTION
FBI warns of increased cyberattacks on mobile banking app
The FBI has warned of the increased rise of cyberattacks on mobile banking app. In a public service announcement, the FBI noted it expects to see hackers “exploit” mobile banking platforms, which have seen a 50% surge in use since the beginning of the pandemic.
ONLINE EDUCATION
Rwanda partners with ITU and UNICEF to bring connectivity to all schools
The ITU and UNICEF partner with Rwanda in test ‘Africa for the Giga’ project to bring connectivity to all school. The information was given on June 5 by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of ITU’s telecoms development bureau. Rwanda was selected regarding its ICT policy that helped improve access to the Internet and digital services in the country.
EBU joins UNESCO Global Education Coalition
The EBU has joined the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, an initiative that aims to facilitate distance learning for the millions of children and young people around the world affected by COVID-19 school closures.
CYCER ATTACKS
Japanese firm HONDA hit by cyber attack
Japanese firm Honda has been hit by cyber attack which has restricted its employees from using work computers following an internal network issue. This attack forced the company to suspend some of its auto and motorcycle production.
Thousands of journalists, advocacy groups and politicians worldwide were targeted by « Dark Basin ».
A hack-for-hire group, called Dark Basin, has been outed after targeting thousands of individuals and organizations worldwide including advocacy groups and journalists, elected and senior government officials, over the course of seven years across six continents, according to a report published on Tuesday by Citizen Lab, part of the University of Toronto’s Munk School
CONTENT
China and Russia blamed for spreading out false and misleading online information about Covid-19
The European Union accused Beijing and Moscow of spreading out coronavirus disinformation campaigns. According to European Commission , platforms still aren’t doing enough to tackle disinformation related to the coronavirus crisis. China said it is a “victim of disinformation” and rejected claims from the EU that the country has spread “fake news” about COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.
Twitter deleted 170,000 accounts linked to China influence campaign
Twitter announced that it had shut down more than 170,000 accounts tied to the Chinese government. Experts working with Twitter who reviewed the accounts said they pushed deceptive narratives around the Hong Kong protests, Covid-19, and other topics.
