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 the 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 regulators.

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
  • Market power of online platforms
  • 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 regulation hinges on many complex technological, economic and geopolitical factors. Our global 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 based on original sources, organised in 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

Canada proposes new guidance for biometric data processing
23 February 24 Jose Jehuda Garcia

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada closed consultations on draft guidelines for the lawful handling of biometric information by both private sector and government entities in Canada. This Global Trends Flash explains the rationale and content of these draft guidelines. It also notes that several other governments around the world have recently been addressing the need to better protect biometric data.

Quantum-related policy trends in the EU
07 February 24 Elena Scaramuzzi

At end of its term, in December 2023, the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU launched a Quantum Declaration, calling on member states to “making Europe the quantum valley of the world.” A few weeks later, the European Commission announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening the EU's economic security in key technology areas, including, amongst others, quantum technology. This Global Trends Flash provides an update of recent quantum-related policy initiatives currently implemented or under debate in the EU.

Japan evaluates effectiveness of transparency and fairness policies of digital platforms
05 February 24 Elena Scaramuzzi

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has closed its consultations on the implementation of transparency and fairness policies of Amazon, Apple, Google, LINE Yahoo, Meta, and Rakuten in 2023. METI identified room for improvement in several areas. Among the developments expected in 2024, the Japanese government might consider introducing new measures to encourage competition in the market of mobile app distribution and payment systems. Japan is actively contributing to international debates on competition in digital markets, this Global Trends Flash also highlights.

Australia concludes consultation on framework to combat scams
05 February 24 Jose Jehuda Garcia

This Global Trends Flash discusses the details behind a scams code framework proposed by the Australian Treasury. The framework would set clear roles and responsibilities for government, regulators, and industry to combat scams. It would focus on banks, telecommunications providers, and digital communications platforms. The proposal was submitted to public consultation in November 2023. Other governments around the world are also addressing how to protect consumers and businesses from scammers, who are more active online than ever.

Nigeria launches multi-stakeholder initiative to accelerate broadband deployments and take-up
29 January 24 Gilles Bana

Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), in January 2024. The NBAN aims to support broadband availability and affordability beyond the most populated urban areas of the country. It intends to do this by incentivising private investment in backbone and middle-mile infrastructure. Like in Nigeria, this Global Trends Flash also highlights that several other countries in sub-Saharan Africa have tried to bridge relevant infrastructure gaps nationwide.

Canada wraps up consultation on artificial intelligence and copyright
26 January 24 Jose Jehuda Garcia

This Global Trends Flash discusses the details behind a public consultation Canada’s federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development agency launched in October 2023 to gather input from stakeholders on the implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, for copyright policy. Other governments around the world are addressing this issue as well.

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