Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of X formerly Twitter, Elon Musk has taken on a new role as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at The Walt Disney Company.  Musk made the announcement through his X handle, expressing enthusiasm to collaborate with Disney’s team to redefine their content. In a tweet, Musk shared his excitement, stating his intention to work with Disney’s leadership to enhance inclusivity even in their linguini. He wrote: “Excited to join @Disney as their Chief DEI Officer. “Can’t wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content MORE woke! Even the linguini.”…

As the deadline for the Federal Government’s ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme draws near, applicants are facing a barrage of technical hurdles, casting doubt on the smooth execution of the initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s digital economy. With the March 31, 2024 deadline looming, the 3MTT programme is grappling with technical glitches, leaving many applicants frustrated and uncertain about their participation. Numerous applicants have voiced concerns over encountering errors in questionnaires, difficulties in saving profiles, and various other technical malfunctions while attempting to navigate the registration process. Launched with the ambitious objective of training three million technical talents…

OpenAI has introduced its latest breakthrough, Voice Engine, which marks a significant step forward in voice cloning technology. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights: OpenAI has been refining voice cloning technology with the development of Voice Engine. This cutting-edge tool allows users to generate synthetic voices from short 15-second voice samples. The underlying model powering Voice Engine has a proven track record, having been utilized in platforms like ChatGPT. In developing Voice Engine, OpenAI has utilized a diverse range of training data, including both licensed and publicly available content. However, the company is facing legal challenges related to intellectual…

In a strategic move to consolidate its audio services, Google has announced the shutdown of its Podcasts app in the United States.  With over 500 million global installations, the Podcasts app provided users with a seamless platform for discovering and enjoying podcasts. However, Google has revealed plans to discontinue the app, urging users to transition their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2, 2024. This decision comes as Google aims to centralize its audio offerings under the YouTube platform. YouTube Music, which now supports podcasts worldwide and allows users to upload their RSS feeds, presents an all-encompassing solution for audio…

In its recently released 2023 Ads Safety Report, tech giant Google unveiled its robust efforts in combating online scams, revealing that it thwarted a staggering 206.5 million scam advertisements.  The report underscores the pervasive nature of scams and frauds in the digital realm, with bad actors continuously refining their strategies to exploit digital advertising for illicit gains. Google emphasized its proactive stance, swiftly updating policies, deploying rapid-response enforcement teams, and enhancing detection techniques to counter these evolving threats. Duncan Lennox, Google’s VP and GM of Ads Privacy and Safety, highlighted the ongoing battle against scam ads, citing the emergence of…

In a meeting with Guinness Nigeria Plc’s management team, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, reiterated the agency’s commitment to refrain from introducing additional taxes in the country.  Adedeji emphasized that the focus remains on expanding the tax base rather than increasing tax rates. Adedeji highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a single-digit tax regime, indicating that the maximum number of taxes post-reform would be capped at nine. He emphasized FIRS’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and customer relations, particularly by categorizing taxpayers based on turnover. Furthermore, Adedeji mentioned key government initiatives aimed at bolstering…

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of X, has electrified the platform with groundbreaking updates, causing a surge of excitement among users. In a bold move, Musk, also renowned as the founder and lead designer of SpaceX, announced on Thursday that accounts with 2,500 verified subscribers will now enjoy premium features at no charge, while those surpassing 5,000 subscribers will ascend to even greater heights with Premium+ privileges. Since acquiring X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, Musk has been reshaping the platform, and his latest announcement, made via his X handle, has sparked widespread anticipation and applause. The tweet declared, “Going forward,…

Instagram has rolled out a new feature reminiscent of Snapchat, called Vanish Mode, enabling users to send disappearing text, images, and videos. Here’s a breakdown of its functionality and how to use it effectively: In 2020, Instagram introduced Vanish Mode, allowing users to share messages that automatically disappear once viewed. This feature supports text, voice messages, emojis, photos, and stickers, enhancing privacy and spontaneity in conversations. Similar to WhatsApp’s disappearing messages, Vanish Mode on Instagram is ideal for sending transient content, ensuring privacy and security. However, users should note that while messages cannot be copied, saved, or forwarded, recipients can…

Portugal’s data regulator, CNPD, has issued a mandate requiring Sam Altman’s iris-scanning project, Worldcoin, to cease data collection for a period of 90 days.  This move comes amidst mounting concerns surrounding data privacy and the protection of individual rights in the digital realm. Worldcoin, which incentivizes individuals to undergo facial scans through its “orb” devices in exchange for digital IDs and complimentary cryptocurrency, has attracted participation from more than 4.5 million people across 120 countries, as reported on Worldcoin’s official website. However, CNPD has expressed significant reservations regarding the potential risks posed to citizens’ data protection rights, deeming urgent intervention…

In newly unsealed court documents from a class-action lawsuit against Meta, it’s been revealed that Facebook launched a covert project, dubbed “Project Ghostbusters,” in 2016, aiming to intercept and decrypt network traffic between Snapchat users and servers. The documents disclosed Meta’s efforts to gain insights into users’ behavior on competitor platforms like Snapchat, Amazon, and YouTube. Using techniques like intercepting and decrypting encrypted app traffic, Meta sought to level the playing field with its rivals. One internal email from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlights the urgency to understand Snapchat’s growth trajectory, stating, “Given how quickly they’re growing, it seems important…

As the U.S. enters election season, Instagram has adjusted its political content recommendations, limiting proactive suggestions.  While some users appreciate the break, concerns arise regarding access to diverse perspectives. To override the filter, users can adjust their settings following simple steps outlined below. In response to Instagram’s recent shift in political content recommendations, users now have the option to override the platform’s filters. This adjustment, coinciding with the U.S. election season, aims to provide users with more control over their feed’s political discourse. The change primarily affects Instagram and its competitor, Threads, where proactive recommendations of political content have been…

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, revealed that all Premium subscribers on the social media platform will gain access to its AI chatbot, Grok, within the week. Previously limited to Premium+ subscribers, Grok’s availability marks a strategic move within X’s subscription tiers, with Musk highlighting the expansion as an effort to enhance user experience and retention. Musk’s decision to open-source Grok aims to challenge the closed-source model adopted by competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, reflecting a broader industry trend toward transparency and accessibility in AI technology. As X faces declining user engagement and increasing competition from alternative platforms, such as…

In a bid to bolster Nigeria’s energy sector, the European Union (EU) has unveiled two groundbreaking projects valued at €9 million.  The initiative aims to tackle the nation’s energy challenges and promote sustainability. The EU, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, announced the projects during a workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday. These projects are integral to addressing Nigeria’s pressing need for clean, affordable, and sustainable energy. Nigeria’s energy consumption per capita has been notably lower compared to other nations, highlighting the urgency for intervention. With an emphasis on advancing energy accessibility and…

E-hailing drivers in Lagos, organized under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, are contemplating a protest due to an ongoing disagreement involving a data-sharing arrangement between the Lagos State government and Uber Technologies System Nigeria Limited. Recent actions by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT), which reportedly include impounding vehicles of Uber app users for alleged non-compliance with the agreement, have sparked the drivers’ response. The state government has mandated Uber to integrate its application programme interface (API) for real-time data sharing during active trips, citing purposes of government monitoring and accountability. However, the specifics of real-time…

The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has mandated applicants of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to furnish their National Identification Numbers (NINs) as part of the requisite criteria for securing grants aimed at mitigating the impact of recent economic reforms on businesses nationwide. The directive follows the government’s commitment, facilitated by the Bank of Industry, to disburse three categories of funding totaling N200 billion to bolster manufacturers and businesses across Nigeria. This new requirement aligns with recent regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, which mandates the linkage of NINs with bank accounts. Trade Minister Doris Aniete announced the…

Nadeem Anjarwalla, a key figure at Binance, evaded custody in Nigeria amidst allegations of tax evasion, stirring a whirlwind of controversy.  The 38-year-old executive managed to flee from an Abuja guest house on Friday, 22 March, capitalizing on a momentary lapse during the ongoing Ramadan fast. Reports suggest Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan citizenship, exploited his privileges, escaping via a Middle East-bound flight. However, the mystery deepens as authorities grapple with how he boarded an international flight sans his British passport, which remained under Nigerian custody. Investigators are piecing together clues to ascertain his whereabouts and reapprehend him. Anjarwalla’s…

In response to a recent internet outage that affected West and Central Africa, the Federal Government has urged cooperation among West African nations to safeguard shared telecommunications infrastructure.  The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, emphasized the need for a unified approach during the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly Annual General Meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The outage, which occurred on March 14th, resulted in disruptions to online services, including banking operations, due to failures in multiple subsea cables. Maida highlighted the urgency for the subregion to establish mechanisms to protect submarine infrastructure…

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has initiated a significant response to combat the prevailing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria. The programme, unveiled by Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister for Industry, Trade, and Investment, aims to provide relief to Nigerians facing economic hardships. Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations amidst economic challenges. The minister stated, “The launch of the BOI Palliative programme is a strong commitment to food security. We are seeking ways to address the food insecurity issues currently being faced in the country. The Federal Government is aware of the skyrocketing food prices and is…

Taking a stand against cyberbullying and online crimes, the Osun State Government has established a committee aimed at enforcing laws against fake news on the internet.  This move has drawn criticism from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who perceive it as an attempt to suppress opposing voices and potentially pave the way for authoritarianism under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, announced the formation of the committee, which will operate under the Ministry of Justice and include members from the journalism and legal fields. Their primary objective is to combat the spread…

Telecom companies in Nigeria are gearing up for another round of subscriber disconnections who have failed to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their SIM cards. This forthcoming disconnection, slated for Friday, March 29, 2024, follows a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) requiring all registered SIMs lacking proper NIN linkage to be either corrected or completely disconnected from networks. The ongoing process, which commenced on February 28, 2024, is part of the government’s efforts to curb criminal activities like banditry and kidnapping, contributing to enhancing national security. The disconnection unfolds in stages, with the first phase implemented…

Stability AI, a prominent AI startup known for its innovative image generation tool, Stable Diffusion, is facing a significant shakeup as its CEO, Emad Mostaque, stepped down from his role and the company’s board. Mostaque’s departure is marking the second major leadership change in the AI industry this week, signaling a pivotal moment for the sector. The unicorn startup, backed by notable investors including Lightspeed Venture Partners and Coatue Management, revealed that Mostaque’s decision to resign stems from his advocacy for a decentralized approach to AI. In a statement released by the company, it was disclosed that Mostaque believes “you’re…

In a bid to enhance user experience, WhatsApp is gearing up to roll out a new feature for Android users – voice message transcription.  The latest WhatsApp beta version 2.24.7.7 has revealed this upcoming functionality, as reported by tipster AssembleDebug. Through an analysis of the app’s code, references to voice message transcripts and the prerequisites for activating the feature on Android have been unveiled. Once this feature is enabled, users will have the ability to convert audio messages into text, providing a convenient alternative to listening to lengthy voice notes. The process involves downloading approximately 150MB of additional app data…

Social media giant, Reddit  has unveiled plans to go public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO).  The move places Reddit’s estimated value at an impressive $6.4 billion, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. The IPO, set to commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, follows Reddit’s decision to price its shares at $34 each, representing the upper end of the previously forecasted range. This offering, encompassing 22 million shares, positions Reddit as one of the most substantial public debuts in the realm of social media. Of notable interest is Reddit’s unconventional step of extending the…

Apple CEO Tim Cook has opened a new Apple store in Shanghai, China, attracting a large crowd, with some even camping overnight.  Cook shared his arrival in Shanghai on his personal Weibo account. Reports also mentioned his meetings with Chinese suppliers, including Wang Chuanfu, founder of BYD, a supplier of electronics to Apple. Apple is facing challenges in China due to declining iPhone sales and tough competition from local brands like Huawei. Sales of iPhones in China dropped by 24% compared to the previous year, as estimated by consultants. Cook is scheduled to head to Beijing next for the China…

Truecaller, a well-known caller ID app, has introduced a new feature powered by AI to combat spam calls.  This tool, named ‘Max’, is currently accessible on the Android version of the app. It functions by blocking calls not originating from your trusted contacts. When a number isn’t recognized by Truecaller’s database, the AI steps in to decide if the call is spam. Previously, the app relied solely on its extensive phone number database to identify spam calls. However, this AI-powered tool might also prevent calls from unfamiliar or non-spamming numbers. Presently, the new feature is exclusive to Truecaller Premium subscribers…

Keeping your accounts safe is super important, especially online where hackers are always trying to get in.  One way to add extra security is by using two-factor authentication (2FA). It sounds fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple to set up. Here’s how you can do it: 1. Choose Your 2FA Method: There are different ways to do 2FA, like using an app, receiving a text message, or using a physical token. Pick the method that works best for you. 2. Enable 2FA in Your Account Settings: Go to the security settings of the account you want to protect. Look for…

Having an e-commerce website is a great way to sell products and reach customers worldwide.  But with this convenience comes the responsibility of keeping your website safe and secure from cyber threats. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your e-commerce website: 1. Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider: Start by selecting a trustworthy hosting provider that offers robust security features. Make sure they provide SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to safeguard sensitive data like customer information and payment details. 2. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your website’s software, including your content management system (CMS), plugins, and extensions.…

Access Bank has announced its acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya from the KCB Group, marking its second major acquisition in Kenya within five years. The acquisition, following its purchase of Transnational Bank Limited in 2019, signifies Access Bank’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Kenya. The deal, announced by Access Holdings’ Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, is subject to regulatory approvals from the central banks of Kenya and Nigeria. According to KCB Group’s CEO, Paul Russo, the acquisition by Access Bank will involve the purchase of the entire stake in the National Bank of Kenya, a move expected to enhance…

The French competition authority, Autorité de la Concurrence, has imposed a hefty €250 million fine on Google for breaching copyright rules.  The tech giant allegedly utilized content from press agencies and publishers to train its AI model, Bard, now known as Gemini, without proper notification or authorization. This marks the fourth decision in four years against Google in this ongoing case. The authority’s statement highlights Google’s failure to comply with the French law on related rights, aimed at fostering fair negotiations between digital platforms and media entities. Specifically addressing the use of data to train Google’s AI tool, the Autorité…

Unilever Plc, a leading British multinational consumer goods giant, has unveiled a sweeping restructuring strategy, targeting the elimination of approximately 7,500 positions globally.  This move is part of a larger initiative aimed at securing savings of approximately $869 million (£684 million) over the next three years. Primarily affecting office-based roles, the restructuring reflects Unilever’s strategic pivot towards technology investment to drive efficiency gains and cost reductions. The company has pledged to engage in thorough consultations with affected employees, with the workforce adjustments expected to be implemented over the next two years. Hein Schumacher, Unilever’s CEO, emphasized that these changes are…