global tech trends

A strategic, global perspective on new frontiers in technology and their impact on regulation and policy.


As telecoms, media, the digital economy and world politics converge, it's essential for organisations to have a global perspective on the wide-ranging trends shaping the future of the communications sector.

Our Global Trends service helps leaders understand this bigger picture and set strategic direction for their organisation.

Drawing together on-the-ground expertise from key markets around the world, it provides a unique, high-level view of the latest developments and their implications for decision makers across industry, government and regulation.

key trends covered

Platforms, digital services and content

Understand the complex and shifting roles of online platforms and services in debates around global economics, trade and regulation.

  • Digital payments and currencies
  • Market power of big tech
  • Over-the-top voice and messaging platforms
  • Social media regulation
Connectivity

Stay on top of the latest developments in 5G and full-fibre coverage worldwide, as well as the wider relationship between global tech trends and internet connectivity.

  • 5G
  • Full fibre networks
  • Next generation satellites
  • Open radio access networks (open RAN)
Data economy

Follow the debate around privacy, data flows and Artificial Intelligence, and understand how new developments impact the global data economy.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Data flows
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Privacy in the digital age

global geographic scope

12 key markets covered in-depth across 5 continents

why subscribe

The future of communications sector regulation hinges on many complex technological, economic and geopolitical factors. Our global trend intelligence is here to help decision makers understand the different forces at work and see the bigger picture for their organisation.

With our own experts in multiple countries across the globe helping to report and benchmark, we offer a razor-sharp focus on the most important trends of the moment - delivered with the clarity and impartiality that have made us a trusted voice in regulation for over three decades.

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your deliverables

stay on top

Keep abreast of compelling new developments with our short analyses from around the world. These timely trend spotters are all based on original sources, accessible from an interactive map, and link to further research for more in-depth analysis.

get ahead

Get ahead of the latest global developments with our regulatory reports. Providing a high-level summary of the top trending topics, their drivers and implications across multiple key markets, our reports help you read the pulse of the digital world.

compare

Compare and contrast how different markets are responding to global tech trends shaping policy and regulation in the digital world. Our in-depth benchmarks deliver probing insights on new developments across key markets without losing sight of the bigger picture.

latest intelligence

Nepal regulates the use of social media and imposes an outright ban on TikTok
01 December 23 Elena Scaramuzzi

This Global Trends flash discusses how the government of Nepal, in addition to adopting binding government directives to regulate the use of social media in general, has also imposed an outright, nationwide ban on the use of TikTok. Several countries besides Nepal have also imposed bans on the use of TikTok out of moral, commercial, or safety considerations.

India proposes to regulate OTT media services under the Broadcasting Bill
24 November 23 Javier Morales Fhon

India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is consulting until 9 December 2023 on a draft bill replacing the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995. If enacted, the new legislation would extend the MIB’s purview to over-the-top (OTT) content. This Global Trends flash discusses this draft bill, as well as how some countries already regulate OTT services in parallel with broadcasters, while others have merely proposed it.

Singapore proposes shared liability scheme on phishing scams
21 November 23 Javier Morales Fhon

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) are consulting until 20 December 2023 on a new proposed shared responsibility framework for phishing scams. Under the proposal, both financial institutions and mobile network operators might be held liable for the financial losses encountered by phishing scams victims, this Global Trends flash highlights. Other countries around the world, including Australia and the UK, are also taking action to protect the public more effectively against the proliferation of online scams.

Stakeholders in India debate whether OTT communication services should be regulated
14 November 23 Javier Morales Fhon

This Global Trends flash reports on the ongoing debate on the regulatory framework applicable for telecoms and over-the-top (OTT) communication services in India. Telecoms operators argue that the expected 2024 draft Telecommunications Bill should apply the same rules to telecoms and OTT communication services (i.e. a level playing field). Other stakeholders sustain there is no need of additional regulation for OTTs or that only some regulation to ensure interoperability amongst OTT platforms is needed, such as in Europe. Additionally, this report covers the fair share debate in India and other jurisdictions, since Indian operators argue a network usage fee must be included in the draft telecoms bill.

Africa’s largest MNOs call on African governments to partner with the mobile industry on digital inclusion and infrastructure development
10 November 23 Gilles Bana

Six of Africa’s largest mobile telecommunications groups recently invited African heads of state to foster digital inclusion and mobile infrastructure development across the continent. The chief executive officers (CEOs) of these companies asked for fiscal reforms, new financing models for digital infrastructure, and access to more electricity from renewable sources to meet their climate targets.

Artificial intelligence: G7 agrees on guiding principles and code of conduct on advanced AI, UK AI Safety Summit outlines process for international collaboration on frontier AI safety
09 November 23 Elisar Bashir

Both initiatives have a global, non-binding character and focus on advanced AI systems such as foundation/frontier models and generative AI. The agreed outcomes would complement other efforts to create a global governance framework on AI, including the existing Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) AI principles.

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