Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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 introduced strict online rules to protect children, criminalising cyberbullying and exploitation, banning the sharing of minors’ data, and promoting balanced supervision as lawmakers move to regulate children’s access to social media and digital platforms nationwide.
UNESCO marked Pakistan’s 16 Days of Activism by confronting digital gender-based violence through advocacy, art, and youth engagement. From policy dialogue to the “Seen & Unseen” exhibition and digital safety campaigns, the initiative exposed online abuse, humanised its impact, and equipped women with tools for protection and digital literacy.
Egypt’s child protection authority has called for stricter regulation of children’s online activity, warning that social media and digital platforms expose minors to harmful content, exploitation, and abuse. As parliamentary debate intensifies, lawmakers are preparing legislation to strengthen safeguards, regulate platforms, and promote preventive digital safety for children nationwide.
Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority presented three technical working papers at the GCC Telecom Bureau meeting, addressing 6 GHz spectrum use, mobile device applications, and interference in positioning systems, reinforcing regional coordination on wireless policy and highlighting Qatar’s role in shaping future-ready telecom frameworks.
Bahrain’s Transportation Minister met the UN Resident Coordinator to explore deeper cooperation, aligning national priorities with international initiatives and advancing cross-sector collaboration to support the Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable development across transportation and telecommunications.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has warned that sharing illegal, hateful, defamatory, or false content online is a punishable offence under PECA 2016. The regulator urged responsible social media use, highlighting the risks to individuals and institutions, and reaffirmed its commitment to awareness campaigns that promote ethical digital behaviour and a secure online ecosystem.
MCIT and MOPH hosted a healthcare-focused SMEs Go Digital workshop to promote digital transformation and AI adoption across Qatar’s health sector. The session showcased practical applications to improve patient experience and operational efficiency, supporting innovation-driven SME growth in line with the Digital Agenda 2030.
PTA has warned users against sharing illegal online content, including blasphemy, hate speech, fake news, and obscene material, stressing such acts are punishable under law. The Authority also launched a facility enabling overseas Pakistanis to retain their SIM cards while abroad, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
PTCL has submitted the Telenor Pakistan–Ufone merger to the telecom regulator, triggering a formal review of competition, spectrum, and consumer impact. PTA’s assessment is expected within two months, followed by SECP and court approvals. The deal aims to strengthen PTCL’s mobile business and reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape.
Zimbabwe’s telecoms regulator has denied claims that a new cybercrime law is being enforced, stating that digital offences remain governed by the existing Criminal Law Act. POTRAZ warned against misinformation, urging verification through official channels as cyber laws globally raise concerns around free speech, privacy, and enforcement powers.