In an audacious move against China’s tech supremacy, the U.S. has issued an executive order curbing American investment in several Chinese industries. Citing national security fears linked to the development of military, surveillance, and cyber technology in China, the U.S. declared a national emergency facilitating swift action. This could significantly impact sectors such as semiconductors and quantum computing, and might also influence global investment trend.
Montana’s decision to ban TikTok raises significant free speech debates, with TikTok retaliating through a lawsuit. While the state’s unilateral action is unusual, the broader issue of communication rights and first amendment implications abroad remains highly significant.
President Biden nominates experienced telco lawyer Anna Gomez for FCC Commissioner, promising a fresh start for modern communication and bridging the digital divide, after a prolonged appointment process.
The US launches Disruptive Technology Strike Force to counter foreign adversaries acquiring sensitive technology, with recent prosecutions targeting Chinese entities. The move signifies increased efforts in containing China’s influence, potentially impacting global tech firms’ strategic decisions.
SoftBank, a Japanese corporation, has announced the creation of an expanded evergreen fund dedicated solely to supporting Black, Latinx and Native American entrepreneurs in the United States. SoftBank’s $100 million Opportunity Growth Fund for underrepresented founders was announced in June 2020, and this pledge is a continuation of that fund. Up till now, the initiative has already benefited 70 businesses. About 55% of the first portfolio firms were formed by Black people, 40% by Latino people, and 5% by Black and Latino people. Despite this, the SoftBank Opportunity portfolio favors men, with only 13% of companies in the portfolio having been started by women of color. SoftBank Group announced a pledge to invest in underrepresented creators in the face of rising racial inequality, and the SB Opportunity Fund was formed in less than 24 hours. SoftBank is now doubling down on its first investment by making this initiative…
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will fund new broadband rollouts across the country through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The FCC has announced its readiness to give the green light to more than $311 million in funding for the provision of broadband in 36 states. A total of 48 providers have been authorized for funding, and the FCC has noted that this financing will help nearly 200,000 homes and businesses in 36 states get access to gigabit speeds over the next ten years. Companies on that list include 3E8 Broadband Solutions, 4-County Fiber LLC, Aeneas Communications, Allen’s TV Cable Service Inc., Cincinnati Bell, Consolidated Communications, Cox Communications and more. Additionally, the FCC has issued a statement about its steps to increase oversight in the RDOF program. The Commission has stated that it will not approve of any service provider participating in…
