Covid-19

Virus spurs unexpected test for US schools: Online learning

By JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus shutdowns have launched an unplanned, unprecedented experiment with online education at schools across the U.S., and the nation’s largest school system plunged in Monday as New York City asked over 1.1 million students to log in and learn. After a whirlwind week of planning, […]

ITU guidelines released for efficient communication in times of crisis

The ITU (The International Telecommunication Union) has launched new guidelines in telecommunication technology to try to curb present and future disasters, the loss of life or disaster escalation, through efficient and timely communication in times of crisis. By promoting coordination and synchronicity, these guidelines will allow access to telecom networks and services during the Coronavirus […]

Europe eyes smartphone location data to stem virus spread

By FRANK BAJAK and NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press Several European nations are evaluating powerful but potentially intrusive tools for fighting the coronavirus pandemic, a move that could put public health at odds with individual privacy. The tools in question are apps that would use real-time phone-location data to track the movements of virus carriers and […]

Big data and state surveillance, the solution – for now

There has been good news in recent weeks with reports that China – the original source – of the coronavirus pandemic – has now contained its spread. This has however, come at a cost, with the use of more intense levels of surveillance and tracking measures. Before the outbreak, citizens of China were subject to […]

Business Fallout: Supercomputers vs. coronavirus; more masks

By The Associated Press undefined The rapid worldwide spread of the coronavirus since it was first revealed in China less than three months ago has dealt an unparalleled shock to the global economy. Following are weekend business developments related to the outbreak as governments attempt to stabilize their economies, companies navigate through an altered landscape, […]

National broadband strategy for better connectivity and coverage

‘Work from home’ (WFH) is now being applied and insisted on in the majority of countries as they attempt to navigate their way through the economic impact of the coronavirus. However, Denmark has a national broadband strategy that looks visionary. Data analytics company, GlobalData states that the country is due to reach 100% broadband coverage […]

Virus outbreak means (mis)information overload: How to cope

By BARBARA ORTUTAY and DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press The coronavirus pandemic is leading to information overload for many people, often making it difficult to separate fact from fiction and rumor from deliberate efforts to mislead. Already, text messages predicting a nationwide lockdown have circulated, along with social media posts telling people that one way to […]

Telemedicine emerges as care option during COVID-19 outbreak

By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer Got a worrisome rash? You can still see a doctor if you can’t leave home during the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. public health officials, hospitals and insurance companies are pushing people to try telemedicine for their allergies, earaches and other minor problems and skip the doctor’s office or clinic. It’s […]

ToTok introduces new feature, ToTok Pay

ToTok, an instant messaging, video call, and voice chat app, released ToTok Pay on March 17th for Android users. With this new feature, users can make payments through a QR code contactless system, as well as send money to their contacts through their ToTok chat, achieved through partnership with licensed financial institutions. The app has […]