Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s telecom authority has given TikTok three months to comply with cultural and moral standards amid rising backlash over inappropriate content. This reflects a broader trend in conservative countries to regulate social media rather than ban it outright, challenging TikTok’s ability to balance global reach with local norms.
Bahrain’s Crown Prince has issued Edict (52) of 2025, announcing transfers and new appointments of directors in the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. The changes include leadership shifts across aviation, ports, commercial affairs, ship registry, and maritime safety directorates.
Oman’s TRA launched the “Trusted Identity” campaign to promote the national .om domain as a trusted symbol of Omani digital identity. The campaign highlights legal benefits, corporate ties, and the domain’s role in enhancing the digital economy. Management of the domain is overseen by TRA under an ICANN agreement since 2012.
In 2012, BTRC planned a $1.5 billion 3G spectrum auction for five operators, marking a major telecom sector milestone in Bangladesh. The move aimed to boost internet speeds and support emerging mobile technologies like 4G and LTE.
Sri Lanka’s telecommunications regulator, TRCSL, will introduce number portability in 2026, allowing mobile users to retain their numbers when switching providers. A dedicated company has been formed and licensed to manage the system, and regulatory approvals are in place. The service will begin after technical upgrades and final preparations.
Bangladesh’s telecom ministry ordered removal of the internet shutdown clause from the telecom law and called for reforming surveillance systems to align with international standards, enhancing digital rights and legal oversight.
Bahrain launched a national AI policy aligned with GCC ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI use, foster public trust, and boost government efficiency. The policy promotes training, legal compliance, and innovation to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation and sustainable development goals.
The UAE Cyber Security Council has partnered with Rilian Technologies and CPX Holding to implement AI-driven cybersecurity solutions protecting critical infrastructure. The collaboration equips the NSOC with advanced automated threat detection and response capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s cyber resilience amid rapid digital modernization.
Pakistan’s PTA QoS survey for Q2 2025 reveals that major telecom operators—Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, and Zong—failed to fully meet standards for 4G coverage, latency, and broadband performance, highlighting urgent needs to improve mobile network quality
Kyrgyzstan has imposed a one-year state monopoly on international internet traffic, transferring control to state telecom ElCat. The decree aims to improve digital infrastructure but lacks clarity. The move comes amid rising government control over media and online content in the country.