Ghana Government Takes Over AirtelTigo; TikTok Sued for Billions in UK; Facebook Disrupts Palestinian Hacking Campaign

Africa

Ghana government acquires 100% of AirtelTigo

The Ghana government is acquiring 100% of shares in AirtelTigo as Bharti Airtel prepares to leave the country. This means the government also acquires all of the company’s liabilities and customers.

CSquared to help lease off GRIDCo’s excess fibre

The Ghana Grid Company is tapping CSquared to help it lease its excess fibre capacity to interested network operators in the country. This would allow CSquared to provide internet infrastructure to underserved communities in parts of the country.

Okra raises $3.5m in Seed Round

Okra, a Nigerian Open Finance platform, has secured $3.5 million in a Seed Round led by America-based Susa Ventures. Okra’s platform allows developers to create custom digital applications for customers and businesses.

Europe

Associated Newspapers sues Google over search results

Daily Mail Owner, Associated Newspapers, has sued Google for allegedly manipulating search results. It accuses Google of downgrading its links while favouring other media websites.

TikTok sued over use of children’s data

TikTok is being sued for billions of pounds over its use of children’s data. The suit is being pursued by former UK Children’s Commissioner, Ann Longfield, on behalf of millions of children who used the platform.

Carphone Warehouse closes all shops in Ireland

Carphone Warehouse has closed all 81 warehouses and in-store shops in the Republic of Ireland. A combination of less in-store traffic and a fall in phone replacements forced it to shut its stores.

The Americas

Instagram allows users filter out abusive messages

Instagram has introduced new filters that allows users automatically block abusive messages from accounts they don’t follow. Messages with emojis that are deemed offensive will be targeted and removed.

Facebook to create its own Clubhouse

Facebook is rolling out an audio feature called Live Audio Rooms, is version of Clubhouse. In addition, the tech giant will introduce Soundbites for users to create and share short audio clips.

Senators grill Apple and Google over monopoly

US Senators have grilled both Apple and Google over what has been described as anti-competitive behaviours in the app market. Spotify and Tile who have apps on both stores accused the two of charging exorbitant fees while copying their works.

Asia

Taiwan authorities investigate hack of Apple supplier

Taiwan’s anti-cybersecurity investigators are probing a recent hack that targeted Quanta Computer, a tech manufacturer that produces many Apple products. The hacker group, known as Revil, published stolen blueprints of unreleased products in a ransomware attack.

Tesla comes under Chinese pressure after customer complaint

Tesla has come under Chinese pressure after a customer protested at the Shanghai auto show about how it handled her complaints about a malfunctioning brake. Tesla has since apologised to the customer, but state media has called the apology insincere.

Facebook accuses Palestinian spies of hacking campaign

Facebook announced that it has intercepted a long-running espionage campaign led by Palestinian spies. The hacking campaign allegedly targeted dissidents, reporters, and activists both at home and abroad.