Following four earthquakes in two days that sparked public anxiety, Bangladesh’s Home Ministry has announced plans to develop an early warning mobile application for earthquakes and other natural disasters. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that the initiative aims to alert citizens up to 10 seconds before a quake occurs, similar to systems used in other countries. He emphasized the need for public awareness and adherence to building codes to minimize risks, particularly in urban areas where open spaces are limited. Chowdhury also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of the Fire Service Department, which has shown competence in handling recent fire incidents. The proposal is currently under consideration as part of broader disaster preparedness measures discussed at a law and order committee meeting held at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology has confirmed there will be no return to the outdated telecom licensing system, which was deemed ineffective and obstructive to service growth. The new 'Telecommunication Network and Licensing–2025' policy, now officially gazetted, aims to overhaul the sector by replacing 26 existing license types with a simplified, converged structure. Over 3,000 licenses issued under previous administrations will be reviewed. The ministry clarified that internet prices will not rise under the new framework. The policy emphasizes shifting from a connection-based service model to a digital service–driven economy, promoting competition through four licensing tiers while reducing intermediaries. It also highlights the need for improved fiber connectivity, cybersecurity, and inclusion of emerging sectors such as edtech, fintech, and healthtech. The government expects the reform to expand operational scope for operators, ensure affordable services, and strengthen the foundation for a secure digital economy.

China is constructing the world’s first artificial floating island capable of withstanding nuclear explosions and extreme natural disasters. The 78,000-ton structure, named the Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility, is expected to be operational by 2028. Designed as a mobile, semi-submersible twin-hull platform, it can endure waves up to nine meters high and typhoons of category 17 intensity. The island will accommodate 238 people for up to four months without external supplies. Built using metamaterial sandwich panels that absorb shock waves, the facility will feature emergency power, communication, and navigation systems crucial for nuclear protection. Although described as a civilian scientific infrastructure, its design follows military-grade standards (GJB 1060.1-1991) for nuclear blast resistance. The island will measure 138 meters in length, 85 meters in width, and rise 45 meters above sea level, serving as a long-term deep-sea research base.

Following a 5.7 magnitude earthquake felt across parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, experts highlighted how smartphone-based alert systems can help users receive immediate warnings. While earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance, technologies like Google’s Earthquake Alert System use built-in accelerometers in Android phones to detect ground vibrations and send alerts to nearby users. The system, launched in 2020, provides information on the quake’s source, magnitude, and safety instructions. Users can activate it through their phone’s Safety and Emergency settings. Other popular apps such as My Earthquake Alerts and MyShake also offer real-time monitoring and notifications. MyShake, developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, additionally allows users to contribute data for scientific research. Both apps are free and available for Android and iOS platforms, helping millions stay informed and safe during seismic events.

A new report by Beirut-based digital rights group SMEX has raised serious concerns over the presence of Israeli-developed software AppCloud on certain Samsung Galaxy A and M series smartphones sold in the Middle East and North Africa. The program, created by Israeli company IronSource, reportedly has deep system integration, allowing access to users’ location, IP address, and device identifiers without explicit consent or a clear privacy policy. The issue has gained attention amid Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza, where 33 Palestinians were killed in a single day despite a ceasefire. Digital security experts warn that AppCloud cannot be fully removed without rooting the device, posing potential surveillance risks, particularly in conflict zones. Palestinian and regional media have questioned the sudden influx of smartphones into Gaza, suggesting possible espionage motives behind the imports. The controversy has intensified debates over digital privacy, surveillance, and the use of consumer technology in warfare.

Australia has begun enforcing a new law that bans children under 16 from using social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. The legislation, passed last year, requires companies to delete accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced it will start removing such accounts from December 4 and has already begun sending access restriction warnings. The government warned that platforms failing to comply by December 10 could face fines of up to 32 million dollars. Meta stated it supports the government’s goal of online safety but expressed concern that isolating teens from their communities is not a viable solution. Users mistakenly flagged as underage will be able to verify their age using video selfies or national IDs. The move has drawn global attention, with New Zealand and the Netherlands considering similar measures to address social media risks for minors.

The Bangladesh government has announced that all unregistered mobile phones will be automatically deactivated starting December 16 as part of a crackdown on illegal handset sales. The move targets three categories of devices: cloned, illegally imported, and smuggled phones. However, phones currently in use or purchased before December 16 will not be affected. Fayez Ahmad Tayyab, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that there will be no exemptions in enforcing the measure. He added that the government is working to simplify registration, deregistration, and re-registration processes for citizens. Expatriates will be allowed to bring one or two phones duty-free if registered properly, while additional devices will require payment of standard fees under existing National Board of Revenue rules. The government also pledged to take steps to make legal mobile phones more affordable for consumers.

The Australian government has announced a new law requiring Meta to remove all Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to users under 16 years old by December 10. The move aims to protect children’s mental health and prevent exposure to harmful online content. Meta has expressed concern over the decision but confirmed that it has already started disabling accounts of users aged 13 to 15 in Australia. From December 4, no new accounts will be allowed for users under 16, and existing ones will be deactivated. The government has warned of heavy fines for non-compliance. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the law is designed to safeguard young Australians, child rights organizations such as the Australian Child Rights Taskforce have criticized the measure, arguing that it could isolate teenagers from their social circles and communities. The policy also applies to other social media platforms like TikTok.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali inaugurated the new Cyber Support Centre under the Detective Branch (DB) to enhance the city’s capacity in combating cybercrimes. The inauguration ceremony took place on November 20 at the DB compound near the old Ramna Police Station. The commissioner emphasized that with technological advancement, the nature of crime is evolving, making cyber fraud, online harassment, and digital defamation major threats to personal and financial security. The new centre features advanced technology labs, skilled investigators, digital forensic experts, and a 24/7 support team. Citizens, especially women and youth, will now be able to report online harassment safely through the centre’s Facebook page or email. Sheikh Sajjat Ali also urged citizens to use digital platforms responsibly, stressing that ensuring cyber safety requires collective effort from law enforcement, families, and society. Senior DMP officials attended the event.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has launched an e-Services Management System to make all its services accessible online. The platform, inaugurated at BSTI’s Tejgaon headquarters by Director General S M Ferdous Alam, aims to streamline customer service and reduce manual procedures. Supported financially by the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) project and technically by Orange Business Development Ltd, the system allows customers to apply for mandatory product licenses, make online payments, and track applications through the portal eservice.bsti.gov.bd. Once an application is submitted, verification, inspection, sample collection, test fee payment, and final license issuance will all be processed digitally. Customers can also purchase Bangladesh Standards (BDS) documents online from anywhere in the world. BSTI plans to gradually integrate additional services, including metrology licenses, MSC licenses, chemical and physical lab tests, and administrative services, into the new digital platform.

Akij Resources has launched a new technology-driven career platform called NextJobz (nextjobz.com.bd) aimed at modernizing the recruitment process and supporting youth skill development, career guidance, and corporate networking in Bangladesh. The official inauguration took place at Akij House in Tejgaon, Dhaka, where Managing Director Sheikh Jasim Uddin formally announced the launch. Senior officials including Shoaib Hasan, Chief Business Officer of NextJobz Limited, Toufiq Hasan, Chief Business Development Officer of Akij Resources, Mohammad Afsar Uddin, Chief People Officer, and Zayed Bin Rashid, CEO of Akij IBS, attended the event. The initiative reflects Akij’s commitment to integrating technology into human resource development and creating a more efficient job market ecosystem for young professionals across the country.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a new mobile application called 'Jabo Kothay?' to enhance the capital’s public sanitation system through technology. The app, developed by Bhumijo with support from WaterAid Bangladesh, was unveiled at an event in Shyamoli Park marking World Toilet Day. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated that the initiative marks a new era for Dhaka’s sanitation management, aiming to build around 650 modern toilets across the city. The app helps users locate nearby toilets, view photos, service details, and operating hours, and make digital payments via QR code for cashless access. WaterAid’s 'Star Rating System' will assess cleanliness, safety, and hygiene standards, encouraging better maintenance and user satisfaction. As part of the event, WaterAid handed over five mobile toilets to DNCC to be installed in busy areas, ensuring safe and accessible sanitation for workers, low-income residents, and women. Officials from DNCC, DSCC, and partner organizations attended the event.

Xiaomi has cautioned that smartphone prices could increase next year due to a sharp rise in global memory chip prices, driven by soaring demand for chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Major manufacturers like Samsung are prioritizing high-speed memory production for AI applications, reducing output for mobile chips and tightening supply. Xiaomi President Lu Weibing said the company expects greater cost pressure in the coming year, noting that even higher retail prices may not fully offset production expenses. Despite modest sales growth of 0.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, Xiaomi’s revenue of 113.1 billion yuan fell slightly short of analyst expectations, and its Hong Kong-listed shares dropped 2.81% on the announcement. However, the company’s net profit surged 80.9% to 11.3 billion yuan, supported by new ventures in electric vehicles, AI, and other emerging technologies, which now account for a quarter of total revenue.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has launched a comprehensive e-Services Management System to deliver all quality-related services online. The initiative, inaugurated at BSTI’s Tejgaon headquarters, aims to make certification and licensing processes more efficient and transparent. Supported financially by the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) project and technically by Orange Business Development Ltd, the system allows clients to apply for product quality certificates, halal certification, metrology licenses, packaging approvals, and testing reports through a single digital platform. Users can submit applications, make payments, and track inspection and certification progress online. BSTI officials can also verify applications, issue inspection reports, collect samples, and grant licenses digitally. The platform is expected to enhance service accessibility, reduce processing time, and promote digital transformation within Bangladesh’s industrial and trade sectors.

Meta has won a landmark antitrust case brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which sought to force the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the FTC failed to prove Meta currently holds monopoly power in social networking. The decision contrasts with recent rulings against Google, which was found to have monopolized search and advertising markets. The FTC argued Meta maintained dominance through anticompetitive acquisitions and policies, citing CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 2008 remark that it was 'better to buy than compete.' However, the court found that the social media landscape has evolved significantly since the FTC filed its 2020 lawsuit, with TikTok emerging as a major rival. Meta welcomed the ruling, saying it reflects the intense competition it faces. Analysts noted that while the verdict is a major victory, Meta still faces upcoming regulatory challenges, including trials over social media’s impact on children’s mental health.