India’s Supreme Court has declined to regulate internet pricing despite recent increases by major telcos. China’s asset classification for data sees low participation, while Australia bans Kaspersky for security reasons. Significant corporate and technological developments also unfold across the region, including Alibaba’s investment plans and ongoing semiconductor restrictions by the U.S., with continuing scandals affecting major companies like WiseTech and Baidu.
In the latest Asian Tech Roundup, India’s Supreme Court has ruled against regulating internet prices, which were raised by major private telecommunications companies. The court advised consumers to consider public telecom operators, but the private sector largely dominates the market with more reliable services.
Meanwhile, in China, a government initiative allowing businesses to classify data as assets has seen minimal adoption, with fewer than 300 companies out of around 60 million participating.
Australia has prohibited the use of Kaspersky software due to security concerns, mirroring similar actions taken by the United States last year. Additionally, Telegram has been fined AUD$1 million for not promptly addressing inquiries regarding the prevention of child exploitation.
In corporate news, WiseTech’s board experienced resignations following media reports concerning its founder. In China, notable developments include Alibaba’s substantial investment in cloud infrastructure and plans to release an open-source AI model. Apple is also introducing its Developer service on WeChat amidst declining iPhone sales in China.
The U.S. plans to impose stricter semiconductor restrictions on China, which, along with advanced machine tool bottlenecks, may hinder the nation’s tech advancement. In AI, Huawei reports improved yield rates for its chips, and Baidu has acquired JOYY’s live-streaming business.
In India, local AI companies are backing OpenAI in a copyright dispute while newspapers are urging the government to address misinformation generated by AI technologies. The Indian tech sector is projected to grow by 5.1% this fiscal year.
In Japan, Tokyo Electron plans significant hiring to meet complex chipmaking demands, while South Korean Samsung has reached a wage agreement with its union and is collaborating with Intel on new display technologies. Taiwan’s Vanguard warns that U.S. tariffs may lead to inflationary pressures.
In Indonesia, an agreement has been established between Apple and the government to lift the ban on iPhone 16s. Meanwhile, North Korean hackers executed a significant cryptocurrency exchange heist, and law enforcement agencies in Thailand and Singapore have made arrests related to global data leaks. Further, three individuals have been charged with fraud linked to smuggling U.S. AI chips to China.
The Asian tech landscape demonstrates significant developments across various sectors, from regulatory changes in India and corporate advancements in China to security measures in Australia. The slow uptake of new initiatives highlights the challenges faced by governments and companies alike, while ongoing conflicts in the semiconductor space reflect broader geopolitical tensions. Companies continue to adapt in the face of these challenges, aligning strategies with regulatory frameworks and technological advancements.
Original Source: www.computing.co.uk
