Stories about Technology from September, 2024
Seeking independence from Chinese exports, Brazil enters bid to explore rare earths
Rare earths are essential for the green energy transition, however, they are also difficult to mine and harmful to the environment, leading to the “rare earth paradox.”
Some Caribbean podcasts to tune into on International Podcast Day
After a somewhat slow start, Caribbean influencers began to embrace the format over the past decade, as Internet usage in the region increased — and many have established regular audiences.
How social media is fueling geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa
"TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a stage where complex geopolitical tensions are reduced, dramatized, and frequently distorted."
Ghanaians rally online demanding justice for citizens arrested in protests against illegal gold mining
"[I]llegal gold mining is destroying the environment, making people ill, adding to water scarcity and damaging farmlands and crops such as cocoa."
Young Kenyans use technology to mobilize against Finance Bill amid disinformation surge
During the anti-finance bill protests, widespread false information distorted the movement’s message and sowed division among participants and the public.
What does data governance mean to you? Join us for an online discussion on September 30
Connected Conversations is a series of informal, virtual discussion sessions focused on the principles of collective, democratic, participatory, and deliberative data governance.
Mass pager attack in Lebanon raises concerns over cyber warfare and terrorism
The detonation of pagers across Lebanon signals a dangerous new era in cyber warfare and a serious escalation that could trigger a regional war.
Fueling China's EV expansion: The green revolution and its environmental demands in Central Asia
China is looking to increase its electric vehicle exports in Central Asia, however, the region's coal-based energy grid and increasing EV-related mining projects could stunt the benefits of this green vehicle transition.
Digital partisans: Dissecting Facebook sentiment towards Sri Lanka's main presidential candidates
Facebook’s approximately eight and a half million users in Sri Lanka post far more content and commentary at any time and on any issue or politician than other social media platforms.
Does ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ conquer the game world with its free spirit or China’s soft power?
Some believe that China's desire to promote its soft power has contributed to the game's popularity, others see the creating team's will to confront the destiny of the gaming sector.
I tried online therapy in Uganda, but is it an accessible mental health alternative for everyone?
"[T]eletherapy is still in its infancy in Uganda. It allows individuals to receive therapy and counselling services anonymously from licensed professionals via video conferencing, phone calls, or online messaging."
Operation Knock Knock: On the hunt for dissident voices in Venezuela
Amidst Venezuela's highest repression peak, Operation Knock Knock is a doxxing campaign sponsored by the Venezuelan regime to threaten and persecute voters, journalists, activists and political and community leaders.
VenApp, the Chavista app co-opted for harassment in Venezuela
Nicolás Maduro's regime uses an app for doxxing to expose citizens and illegally detain them, violating the rights of Venezuelans who demand transparency in the results of the presidential election.
Chinese electric car production kicks off in Uzbekistan
The Uzbek government says it will give incentives for both consumers and producers of electric and hybrid cars until 2030.
What you need to know about the X (formerly Twitter) situation in Brazil
Elon Musk challenged justice Alexandre de Moraes withdrawing X's legal representation in Brazil to avoid complying with legal orders. Now, Brazilians are finding a new heaven on BlueSky.
The murder of a young girl in Ethiopia reveals TikTok’s content moderation failures
Despite TikTok's policy prohibiting AI-generated content featuring individuals under 18 — whether real or fictional — videos featuring the likeness of the victim, Heaven Awot, proliferated across TikTok and other platforms ...
