Tech

Iran lifts bans on WhatsApp and Google Play, promising wider online access

bne Tehran bureau December 24, 2024

Tensions over Iran's internet restrictions intensified on December 24 as 136 members of parliament publicly opposed moves to ease the country's strict social media filtering system.

Albania imposes one-year TikTok ban

bne IntelliNews December 23, 2024

Decision follows killing of a 14-year-old student, but opposition claims it is pre-election move.

Azerbaijan trades barbs with French and US diplomats in online "Twiplomacy"

bne IntelliNews December 20, 2024

Azerbaijani foreign ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada calls France a "failed state" and slams US "hypocrisy" in heated exchanges on X.

Uncertain future for Russian IT growth

bne IntelliNews December 19, 2024

Almost three years after the departure of major Western IT firms, Russia's tech market is on the rise, but the growth is unlikely to be sustainable.

TikTok says it has stepped up moderation ahead of Croatian presidential election

bne IntelliNews December 18, 2024

Statement issued after cancellation of Romanian presidential election prompts European Commission investigation into how the hugely popular platform manages election interference risks.

Slovenia sets up emergency alert system after devastating floods

bne IntelliNews December 17, 2024

System to use cell broadcast technology to ensure everyone is reached during emergencies, regardless of internet access or app usage.

Amnesty accuses Serbia of spying on journalists and activists

bne IntelliNews December 16, 2024

Human rights group says Serbian authorities conducted covert surveillance on journalists, activists and civil society members using advanced spyware and digital forensic tools.

Novi Robot tops Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Turkey 2024 ranking

Akin Nazli in Belgrade December 15, 2024

Developer of robotic automation systems for manufacturing plants is country's fastest growing tech startup.

Shares in Hungary’s 4iG skyrocket amid speculation over SpaceX collaboration

Tamas Csonka in Budapest December 11, 2024

4iG’s HUSAT satellite programme will be the first of its kind in the CEE region to develop satellite-based telecommunications and Earth observation capabilities.

BCR’s venture capital company invests in SaaS platform FieldOS

bne IntelliNews December 11, 2024

BCR Seed Starter investment to help FieldOS finance product development, accelerate growth in the local market and expand its operations in North America.

Uzbekistan’s first unicorn Uzum to launch a second funding round and fuel faster growth

Ben Aris in Berlin December 10, 2024

Uzum is Uzbekistan’s leading tech giant and has doubled in size since its launch in 2022. It already raised $144mn this year, giving it a valuation of over $1bn that makes it the country’s first ever unicorn, and now will go for a second round.

Poland's PragmaGO acquires Romanian digital factoring company Telecredit

bne IntelliNews December 10, 2024

Telecredit’s operations to be significantly expanded after takeover by private equity-backed PragmaGO.

Iran claims new milestone with successful satellite launch

bne Tehran bureau December 6, 2024

Iran's Defence Ministry announced on December 6 a successful space launch that placed two satellites into low Earth orbit.

Kyrgyzstan: MPs seem willing to give police a free hand

Eurasianet December 4, 2024

Critics say introduced bill marks a step towards a police state.

Investigation shows Russian money channeled to Romanian media and conspiracy theorists

Iulian Ernst in Bucharest December 3, 2024

Snoop investigation finds Kremlin-linked digital advertising firm AdNow channelled at least €2mn to Romanian media and influencers promoting conspiracy theories and far-right content.

Russia's robot industry struggles

bne IntelliNews December 2, 2024

Since the departure of global industrial robot manufacturers, Russia has been striving to establish local robot production as a substitute, but progress has been minimal so far.

Iran imposes ban on promoting and training cryptomining

bne Tehran bureau December 1, 2024

Iran has banned the advertisement of crypto mining machines in a new diktat from the Pezehskian administration as the country continues to suffer from ongoing power shortages.

Iraq blocks 4chan in latest internet crackdown

bne Gulf bureau November 29, 2024

Iraq has expanded its internet restrictions, blocking access to several major international websites including the Internet Archive and 4chan, according to multiple sources across the country.

Iran hints at lifting internet restrictions in stages by March

bne Tehran bureau November 29, 2024

Iran will gradually lift internet restrictions in three phases by the Iranian New Year in March, a senior government official said on November 29.

Chinese innovation park plans business centre in Serbia

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade November 29, 2024

Plan to launch business centre is part of increase in economic ties between Serbia and China after Free Trade Agreement came into effect in July.

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