poa! Launches Largest Wi-Fi Network in Kenya, Apple Removes Parental Control Apps From App Store, and South Korean Automakers Protest Subsidies to Chinese EVs

Africa

poa! launches largest Wi-Fi hotspot in Kenya

poa! Internet has launched Kenya’s largest Wi-Fi network in Nairobi and Kiambu, according to reports. The network, which includes up to 3,000 hotspots across the two counties, will provide free internet access to its subscribers when they connect to the public hostpots. poa! is providing this service through its partnership with Fon, a global Wi-Fi solutions provider. poa! is looking to reduce the cost of internet by up to half. Users “…can stream or download files as large as they like, opening up the Internet to far richer use at a far lower cost,” CEO of poa! Internet, Andy Halsall, said.

MTN launches security as a service in Kenya

MTN has launched a managed security-as-a-service for its business customers in Kenya, it has been revealed. This product offers Kenyan businesses a pay-as-you-go managed security service to ward off the activities of cybercriminals. In addition, IT managers receive expert training to improve security at the enterprise level.

Asia

China warns UK about discrimination in 5G contracts

China has warned the UK government to not discriminate against Chinese companies in the development of 5G networks. The US has charged its allies to avoid using Huawei and ZTE in their fifth generation network due to alleged ties to the Chinese state. While the UK has not banned Huawei, some of its companies have decided to use Huawei equipment only in non-core areas of their 5G installations. China’s ambassador too the UK wants the UK to not be coerced into taking decisions that hurts its national interest. “The last thing China expects from a truly open and fair ‘global Britain’ is a playing field that is not level,” he said according to Reuters.

South Korea wants an end to subsidies enjoyed by Chinese EVs

South Korean automakers are demanding an end to the subsidies enjoyed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, Reuters has reported. The demand came from an automakers’ group, Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, saying that China discriminates against vehicles installed with Korean batteries, giving the Chinese vehicles an unfair advantage. While Korean electric vehicles receive no subsidies when they export to China, Chinese automakers have received 40% of the $19 billion subsidies offered by the Korean government. “It is like South Korea is using taxpayers’ money to nurture China’s EV industry.” Jeong Marn-ki, president of the group said in an interview.

The Americas

Amazon prepping HQ2 in Virginia

Amazon has started staffing its second headquarters in Virginia, according to reports by Reuters. This marks the commencement of hiring up to 400 personnel in 2019. Amazon had been searching for a second base, called HQ2, and settled on Virginia after politicians rejected its planned settlement in New York. The retail company is currently leasing office buildings and has posted job listings for financial analysts, HR specialists among others.

Apple removes parental control apps from App Store

Apple has removed several parental control apps from its App Store. This has led to accusations from app developers that Apple was trying to limit competition. Apple defended itself, saying the apps in question used risky Mobile Device Management (MDM) to control the devices of children. Also, Apple says it gave the developers ample time to update their rules to meet Apple’s standards. “MDM gives a third party control and access over a device and its most sensitive information, including user location, app use, email accounts, camera permissions, and browsing history,” Apple said. Meanwhile, Apple’s new iOS operating System has Screen Time tools to allow users manage their on-screen time.

Europe

Vodafone denies Huawei security risks in Italy

Vodafone has denied reports that Huawei equipment supplied between 2011 and 2012 allowed unauthoried access, the BBC has reported. A
Bloomberg report had alleged that some Huawei equipment might have provided illegal access to homes and businesses through their fixed-lines. Vodafone clarified the supposed backdoor, saying it was used for diagnostics services and could not be accessed via the internet. “Bloomberg is incorrect in saying that this ‘could have given Huawei unauthorised access to the carrier’s fixed-line network in Italy,” Vodafone said.

UK Defence Secretary sacked over Huawei leak

UK’s Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, has been sacked from office following an inquiry, the BBC has reported. This follows an inquiry into alleged leaks about how the UK was going to give Huawei limited access to its 5G network. The Prime Mnister, Theresa May, concluded that there was compelling evidence implicating Gavin Williamson. “No other credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified,” the PM said in a letter. Gavin maintains his innocence, saying a thorough investigation would have vindicated him.