Nigeria to Lift Twitter Ban, Facebook Could Have to Sell Giphy, and Google to Cut Pay for Remote Workers

Africa

Nigeria to lift Twitter ban

Nigeria’s Minister of Information has announced that the country will soon lift its Twitter ban after working to resolve some of its differences. The government banned Twitter in June after it deleted President Buhari’s tweet about punishing secessionists.

Government of Ghana to pilot e-cedi

The Bank of Ghana is partnering with Giesecke+Devrient to pilot a new Central Bank Digital Currency (retail CBDC). The new e-cedi will be tested with banks and other relevant stakeholders.

Moove raises $23m in Series A funding

African mobility fintech startup Moove has raised $23 million in Series A round led by Speedinvest and Left Lane Capital. Moove provides loans by financing vehicle purchases to its customers.

Europe

Hacker returns $260m in stolen crypto

Hacker who stole hundreds of millions in cryptocurrency from Poly Network has returned $260 million of the funds to the crypto exchange. In a Q&A he posted to the public, the hacker said he took the funds to expose bugs in the system.

Facebook could be forced to sell Giphy

UK’s competition watchdog could force Facebook to sell off Giphy, it has been announced. The $400 million acquisition could be cancelled if it is found others were denied access to its gifs due to the acquisition.

First electric plane takes off in Scotland

Scotland is testing its first electric-powered flight in Orkney. The hybrid electric plane is an Ampaire six-seater that has had one of its twin engines converted to an electric battery converter. It will only be used in short haul flights.

The Americas

Instagram launches feature to limit abusive messages

Instagram has introduced a feature that limits messages when a large number of people suddenly start following users. The feature also automatically hides messages from people who don’t follow you.

Google to cut pay of remote workers

Google has announced that it will reduce the pay of workers who decide to permanently work from home. The tech giant has developed a calculator to show staff the cost of working remote.

Apple workers raise concern over new child protection feature

A new child protection feature on Apple has sparked concern among Apple’s own employees. The new feature is designed to scan US phones for child sex abuse images, raising concerns of potential abuse by repressive governments.

Asia

Samsung’s heir released from prison

Samsung’s heir Lee Jae-young has been released from prison in South Korea on parole after spending half of his intended jail sentence. Lee was imprisoned after he was convicted of bribery and embezzlement.

China to continue crackdown on tech firms

China has announced plans to continue its massive crackdown on much of the economy, including the tech and industries. The country intends to put on leash on monopolies as well as national security all the way through 2025.

China’s CATL set to raise $9bln in funding

China’s CATL has announced plans to privately list shares in a bid to raise about $9 billion in funding. The funds will enable the firm invest across six lithium ion battery projects.