COGNICURRENT

Russia is taking significant steps to shut down internet access, drawing comparisons to authoritarian models seen in China and Iran.

The Iranian regime has tightened its control over the internet, effectively isolating its population during times of crisis.

Massive mobile internet outages are being reported in Moscow as authorities escalate efforts to control the internet.

A Tanzanian investor has taken over Kenya's Nation Media Group, ending a 66-year era of control by the Agha Khan's economic development fund.

WhatsApp has introduced a new parental control feature allowing parents to manage chat settings for accounts of users under the age of 13.

A new malware called 'Digital Lutera' poses a threat to UPI users by potentially taking control of their phones and draining their accounts.

Researchers have successfully created and uploaded a digital replica of a fruit fly's brain, enabling it to control a virtual body independently in a simulated environment.

The Kremlin claims recent disruptions to mobile internet connections in Moscow and other major cities are for security reasons and compliant with legal regulations.

The article discusses the overwhelming presence of digital screens in our lives and how they manipulate our attention and behavior, highlighting a dialogue on regaining control over our time and focus from tech companies' influence.

A student conflict over a message containing a rat emoji escalates to a court case, raising questions about institutional control over students' online communications.

TikTok is implementing a new policy that requires users under 16 to obtain parental consent to change account settings related to screen time.

The article discusses the dominance of Google and Apple in the mobile phone sector and the challenges users face in escaping their integrated systems.

Experts argue that the recent internet blackout in Iran is primarily a tactic by the regime to suppress communication and control the narrative amidst escalating conflict.

George Orwell's novel 1984 remains a significant literary reference due to its foresight of state control mechanisms and the erosion of privacy in the digital age.

Heathrow Airport has announced that travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting February 25, which is legally required for entry into the UK.

The article discusses how social media designs, rather than a lack of self-control among youth, are the primary challenge in managing excessive screen time.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has announced initiatives to enhance digital resilience in Europe, offering customers more control over AI solutions during his visit to Munich.

Europe plans to introduce a so-called digital euro by 2029, amidst concerns about cash elimination and the control of people's money movements.

A Korean researcher discusses the challenges of digital control in intimate relationships, highlighting the alarming rate of partner homicides in South Korea compared to Australia.

Russian authorities are investigating Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging app Telegram, for alleged terrorism-related charges, indicative of the regime's desire to control or block the platform altogether.

Finland will introduce a digital identity wallet for mobile devices by the end of 2026, allowing residents to securely identify themselves in various services and control their personal information sharing.

In Spain, a proposed ban on social media for under-16s aims to enhance online safety for children, garnering both support from youth and criticism from figures like Elon Musk.

Estonia's Minister of Education Kristina Kallas announced the country's opposition to the Chat Control proposal during a government press conference.

The report highlights a staggering increase in cyberbullying incidents in Lithuania, rising over three times in just one year.

The Russian regime is increasingly restricting access to communication applications, complicating digital communication for its citizens, especially the older generation.

Leaked documents reveal that Meta generates significant revenue from fraudulent ads while stalling control measures and hiding the extent of the issue from regulators.

Czech expert Václav Svátek argues that a verified digital identity is the only effective way for parents to control children's internet access, amidst discussions of social media bans for underage users in response to growing concerns for safety.

The Russian media regulator has throttled Telegram to push users towards the state-controlled app VK Max, an action that has even drawn criticism from Kremlin propagandists.

Internet disruptions in several Russian regions are attributed to 'security measures' amid concerns over state control of digital communication.

WhatsApp has filed complaints about government censorship following its ban in Russia, raising concerns over digital freedom and user privacy.

Russian authorities are attempting to completely block WhatsApp as part of a strategy to tighten control over digital communication and promote state-backed alternatives.

WhatsApp has been banned in Russia, significantly impacting communication for users in the country.

In Russia, WhatsApp accuses the government of attempting to cut off citizens from secure communication, escalating tensions between Big Tech and state authorities.

Russia has begun restricting Telegram to strengthen state control over internet communications amid efforts to promote domestic digital services.

The European Central Bank is developing a digital euro to adapt to the digital economy and maintain control over payment systems amidst geopolitical tensions.

A new book by French political scientist Asma Mhalla discusses the emergence of a new form of totalitarianism that combines political and technological power, suggesting that modern control mechanisms operate subtly through digital means rather than through overt bans or secret police.

A new citizen initiative in Finland calls for legislation to ensure that the country's critical digital services and data remain under domestic control, emphasizing the importance of national expertise over reliance on foreign systems.

The European Commission shows solidarity with Spain and France amidst personal attacks on President Pedro Sánchez from owners of digital platforms.

The Alexis Tsipras Institute proposes the creation of a centralized digital platform named TRANSPARENCY to unify and analyze public financial data.

The country is facing significant rat problems, with approximately one million rats captured last year, a decrease attributed to improved detection methods using digital strategies and sewer inspections.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain will ban access to social networks for children under 16 and will implement measures to enhance control over digital platforms.

EU Commissioner for Financial Services Maria Luís Albuquerque stated that Europe must maintain control over key technologies that are fundamental to the region's economies, emphasizing the importance of digital sovereignty.

Morocco's Minister of Digital Transition, Amal Al-Saghrouchni, emphasizes the country's capability to manage its digital data and applications, advocating for the development of advanced national skills in artificial intelligence to ensure control across various levels.

The Iranian regime has initiated a complete digital blackout, successfully interfering with Starlink satellite communications to disconnect protesters from the internet.

Josep Borrell, the EU's former top diplomat, argues that the EU should reconsider its perception of the US as its primary ally amid growing tensions over digital policies and Greenland control.