| Africa
Rwanda now offers the most affordable broadband internet in East Africa, surpassing Tanzania and Kenya, according to a new report by British broadband research firm Cable.co.uk. The price drop happened due to advancements in technology and infrastructure, along with increased competition among service providers. Rwandans now pay an average of $43.22 per month for broadband internet, as compared to $60.96 last year. The price drop is expected to increase the country's internet penetration, which stood at 30.5% in 2023. — Damilare Dosunmu from Lagos China
In the world's largest experiment with self-driving cars, "robo taxis" from Chinese tech giant Baidu have rapidly expanded in its pilot city of Wuhan since 2022. But the prospect of the service reaching the U.S. seemed distant – until now. California has approved Chinese autonomous car startup WeRide to test its driverless vehicles with passengers in San José. This comes amid reports that the company is poised to seek a $5 billion IPO. In the meantime, California Democrats have urged the Biden administration to stop further restrictions on U.S. technology exports to China, arguing that fresh curbs "could send longstanding U.S. companies into a death spiral." — Joanna Chiu from Vancouver Latin America
Last week, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused WhatsApp of handing over a database with citizens' personal information — including conversations and shared videos — to opposition leaders. The embattled leader, whose election win for a third term in office has been called into question by numerous countries, has urged Venezuelans to switch from WhatsApp to Telegram, called TikTok and Instagram "conscious multipliers of hate," and said he would temporarily ban X. Maduro's government has arrested thousands of protestors and dissidents since last month's controversial election, for which authorities have yet to provide vote tallies. — Karla Zabludovsky from Mexico City South Asia
Over the past few weeks, social media influencers in India have been on a crusade against the government's plans to classify them as "digital news broadcasters." The plan was introduced in a proposed law that was circulated among select stakeholders for consultations. Rest of World wrote a detailed report on what the proposal entailed and how it could impact everyone on the internet — from local content creators to Taylor Swift. On August 12, the government reportedly told all stakeholders that their comments were no longer required. There was no clarity on what the government plans to do next with the proposed legislation. — Itika Sharma Punit from Warsaw Southeast Asia
Users of generative AI apps in Singapore may soon see labels stating what data was used in training, how it was tested, and what the risks are. The aim is to increase transparency around testing and the limitations and risks of AI models, such as biased content, said the minister for digital development and information. The guidelines, which are a part of the national strategy of "AI for the public good," will be rolled out by early 2025.— Rina Chandran from Bangkok | 
