|
|
Read more on digital currencies in Africa, and other analysis snapshots in our latest Top 10 Global Tech Trends of the month (Non Global Trends clients can view the headlines).
|
|
|
(Global Trends)
The widespread use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum has led several African countries to introduce more regulatory oversight on the trading of cryptocurrencies. Nigeria, the world's second-largest Bitcoin market after the United States, reiterated a ban on the trading of cryptocurrencies in February 2021, following a warning issued in 2017. Debates over the launch of national digital currencies, which are blockchain-based but also legal tender, are gaining traction in Africa and beyond. Tunisia was one of the first countries in the world to launch a blockchain-based national digital currency in 2016, followed by Senegal in 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Media)
Cullen International's report on gender equality in media shows that only Brazil, Colombia, Peru and the USA of the eight studied countries do not have binding rules on the representation/portrayal of women and/or rules against gender discrimination in TV programmes and advertising. In the USA, the constitution assurance of free speech forbids the enactment of any laws or regulations that dictate expression.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Spectrum)
The Brazilian regulator, Anatel, approved the final rules to auction spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands. The auction is expected to take place in July 2021. The reserve prices have not yet been decided. Where bids in the auction exceed the reserve prices, the proceeds will not be paid to the state budget but converted into additional coverage obligations. The winning bidders will also have to pay to clear the 3.5 GHz band from satellite TV and for network deployments by EAF, a new independent state-owned entity supervised by Anatel.
|
|
|
|
(Digital Economy)
The Colombian ICT Ministry (MinTIC) issued guidelines for the development of blockchain projects by public entities. The main purpose of the guidelines is to help public entities to identify and implement simple use blockchain cases against the backdrop of Colombia´s digital transformation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Telecoms)
Following the mandate under the 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Federal Communications Commission approved the temporary emergency broadband benefit programme to provide a discount of up to US$50 per month towards a broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to US$100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Digital Economy)
The Slovak government adopted on 24 February 2021 the amendments to the national cybersecurity act. The new act provides for enhanced responsibilities for the national security authority (NBÚ), including the capacity to ban or restrict specific products, processes or services when used in essential services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Digital Economy)
The draft law would allow highly automated vehicles to drive in regular operation in defined areas on public roads throughout Germany.
|
|
|
|
(Digital Economy)
Actions foreseen in the strategy include establishing an environmental barometer to monitor the environmental impact of digital services and infrastructure, environmental considerations in 5G spectrum allocation, and targets to reduce energy consumption by data centres.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Postal)
The European Commission is consulting on the possible need for EU-level action to protect the rights of workers in the gig economy, so-called "platform workers". The consultation document highlights seven areas that could be addressed, including their employment status, ensuring fair working conditions and access to social protection, and controls on the way that algorithms manage working relationships. The consultation follows a number of recent court decisions on the employment rights of platform workers, including in the UK and Spain.
|
|
|
|
(Telecoms)
Cullen International's new Telecoms Tracker follows the European Commission's legislative proposal on the review of the EU Roaming Regulation. The current rules, dating from 2012, have been amended several times and will expire on 30 June 2022.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Competition Law)
The UK competition authority, CMA, opened an investigation into an alleged abuse of dominance in the form of unfair or anticompetitive terms that Apple imposes on third-party developers that distribute their apps through the App Store. The European Commission currently has three open investigations into Apple's App Store practices, which look very similar to the CMA's newly opened probe. In spite of Brexit, the CMA said that it "continues to coordinate closely with the Commission, as well as other agencies, to tackle these global concerns".
|
|
|
|
(Competition Law)
Cullen International's new Competition Law Tracker summarises the key features of the RRF and explains the relevant state aid aspects in relation to high-speed broadband connectivity projects, which are expected to feature in many national plans of the EU member states.
|
|
|
|
|
Other reports Europe
Competition Law Cases
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online course - 29 March - 1 April 2021
Register now to this new online training to get a comprehensive overview of how platforms will be regulated in the EU under the future Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.
The training will be held via 3 hour sessions over 4 days.
|
|
|
|
Online course - 23-25 March 2021
Register now to this online training that will take a deeper look at the main provisions and changes included in the European Electronic Communications Code that was adopted in December 2018.
The training will be held via 2-3 hour online sessions over 3 days.
|
|
|
|
|
