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👫 Committee set up to oversee Nigerian 1st digital census

👫 Committee set up to oversee Nigerian 1st digital census

Musk’s X Faces Backlash in Europe Over Paid Blue Checkmark Controversy

Innovation Village
July 15, 2024

Today’s Menu ☕️

👫 Federal Government Establishes High-Level Committee to Oversee Nigeria’s First Fully Digital Census
⚖️ South African Mobile Market Faces Overhaul as ICASA Cracks Down on Anti-Competitive Practices
🛜 CanalBox Invests $13.5 Million to Launch High-Speed Fiber Optic Internet in Uganda
💵 Musk’s X Faces Backlash in Europe Over Paid Blue Checkmark Controversy

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👫👫 DIGITAL CENSUS

Federal Government Establishes High-Level Committee to Oversee Nigeria’s First Fully Digital Census

The Federal Government, in a move set to revolutionise data collection and analysis in Nigeria, has established a high-level committee to oversee the nation’s first fully digital census. This ambitious initiative aims to leverage technology to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of the census process, addressing historical challenges and ensuring reliable data for evidence-based policymaking.

The newly formed committee, comprising key stakeholders from various government agencies, security forces, and technical experts, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the digital census. Their mandate includes the secure deployment of personnel, distribution of materials, and implementation of digital tools and platforms for data collection.

This groundbreaking shift towards a digital census marks a significant departure from traditional paper-based methods, which have often been plagued by logistical hurdles, data inconsistencies, and delays in results. By adopting a digital approach, the government aims to streamline the process, reduce costs, and improve data quality...…....continue reading

⚖️ REGULATION

South African Mobile Market Faces Overhaul as ICASA Cracks Down on Anti-Competitive Practices

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), in a bold move to protect consumers and promote fair competition, has amended the Electronic Communications Act to curb market power abuse in the mobile retail sector. This regulatory shakeup aims to rein in dominant mobile network operators (MNOs) and prevent them from abusing their market power.

The amendment, known as the Mobile Broadband Services Amendment Regulations 2024 (pdf), introduces a series of measures designed to level the playing field and promote greater transparency in the industry. The regulations mandate that MNOs with significant market power (SMP), such as MTN and Vodacom, provide ICASA with comprehensive financial and operational data, including confidential accounts, records, and other relevant documents.

This move seeks to empower ICASA with the necessary information to effectively monitor and assess the activities of dominant players in the market. By gaining deeper insights into their operations, ICASA can identify and address potential anti-competitive practices, ensuring that consumers are not subjected to unfair pricing or discriminatory treatment..…....continue reading

🛜 INTERNET

CanalBox Invests $13.5 Million to Launch High-Speed Fiber Optic Internet in Uganda

CanalBox, a new broadband internet service provider, has officially launched in Uganda, promising to revolutionize internet connectivity in the East African nation. The company has invested over Shs50 billion (US$13.5 million) in the past 11 months to establish its fiber optic network infrastructure in the country, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s digital transformation journey.

This strategic investment aligns with Uganda’s recent initiatives to boost digital connectivity and foster innovation. The government’s commitment to expanding internet access and promoting digital literacy has created a favorable environment for companies like CanalBox to thrive.

CanalBox aims to democratise broadband internet access through its fiber optic technology, offering high-speed and reliable internet services to homes, businesses, and schools. The company has already connected over 5,000 homes in Kampala, the capital city, making it the 13th city and Uganda the 8th African country to benefit from CanalBox’s services. ...…....continue reading

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🧑🏽‍💻 SOCIAL MEDIA

Musk’s X Faces Backlash in Europe Over Paid Blue Checkmark Controversy

European regulators have leveled accusations against Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for allegedly deceiving users with its paid blue checkmark system. The European Commission released a statement on Friday claiming that X has breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in multiple areas, including the use of “dark patterns,” a lack of transparency in advertising, and restricted data access for researchers.

The core of the issue lies in X’s blue checkmark verification system, which was overhauled under Musk’s ownership. Previously, the blue checkmark was a coveted symbol of authenticity, reserved for notable figures, organizations, and brands. However, under the new system, anyone can purchase a blue checkmark for a monthly fee, raising concerns about the badge’s legitimacy and potentially misleading users....…....continue reading