Latest news with #InternetSociety
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Benin and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience: Internet Society Pulse Country Report 2024
According to new data released by the Internet Society, West African countries are making notable strides in digital development, with several countries in the region improving their Internet resilience. This progress underscores the region's growing commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure, security, and market readiness, ensuring more stable and accessible online services for millions. The Internet Society's Pulse Internet Resilience Index —which tracks key indicators such as infrastructure, performance, security, and market preparedness—reveals that West Africa's overall Internet resilience score has climbed to 34%, marking a two-percentage-point increase between 2022 and 2023. This upward trend translates into more reliable access to essential online services, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, reinforcing the Internet's role as a key driver of development across the region. Benin (39%) and Senegal (36%) secured impressive six- and ten-point increases between 2022 and 2023, the highest increases among African countries. This moved them into the second and fifth positions in West Africa. 'Senegal has changed remarkably over the last few years,' commented Ahmath Bamba Mbacke, President of Internet Society Senegal Chapter. 'Over 60% of the population has access to the Internet, and at least 96% of Internet users have access to at least one device with 4G mobile Internet. 20% of users in Senegal can access online resources using IPv6, which is far above the average 7% for Africa. There are concerted efforts to improve upstream diversity to ensure that our in-country infrastructure can recover from unexpected events with the help of SENIX (Senegalese IXP) and keep our Internet stable and secure in the face of adversity.' 'There has been a marked effort to improve Internet infrastructure in Benin,' says Malick Alassane, Chair of Internet Society Benin Chapter. 'Strong foundations have been laid to continue improving Internet access, security, performance, and market readiness across the country to ensure that more people can take advantage of the social and economic benefits that strong, resilient, and stable Internet brings to the country and West Africa as a whole. The development of this environment and trusted infrastructures in our country has led, for example, to the emergence of new e-service platforms, now accessible in just one click, making life easier for citizens and businesses.' Côte d'Ivoire continues to have the highest IRI score in the region (42%) and the sixth highest in Africa. Although it didn't experience any growth between 2022 and 2023, its score has increased by 12 points since 2019. Benin, Burkina Faso (38%), Nigeria (38%), Senegal (36%), and Ghana (36%) round out the top six countries in West Africa. Niger (27%) was the only country in the region to experience a decrease in its Internet Resilience Index score for the past 12 months. As the individual Pulse Country Reports show, these changes are driven by multiple factors, including investment in Internet infrastructure and security, increased usage of IPv6, enabling policies, and growing collaboration among governments, technology providers, and local communities. An equally contributing factor is how much popular content is accessed through in-country servers and caches. Currently, Ghana has the highest percentage of the 1,000 most popular websites that its Internet users access locally (58%), followed by Togo (46%) and Nigeria (38%). Benin, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Sierra Leone access between 96-100% of all their most popular content from outside the region. The Internet Society is working with local partners in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger to increase this locally cached content figure to 50% by the end of 2025. 'Hosting popular content and local digital services within countries and regions is a cost-effective way to improve Internet performance and resilience,' says Michuki Mwangi, Internet Society Distinguished Technologist for Internet Growth. 'Importantly, the cost savings from not having to pay to access the content via international connections can be reinvested to improve the network or passed on to Internet users.' Data centres and Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) help in this effort as they help store content closer to end users and create shorter, more direct routes for Internet traffic instead of sending and receiving it via expensive international links. IXPs are Internet intersections, where networks connect locally to exchange traffic and help make the Internet faster and more affordable. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Euronews
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Signal was a 'risky' choice for sharing classified plans. Which is the most secure messaging app?
ADVERTISEMENT A mere three days after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth boasted on national television that America "no longer looked like fools," it emerged that he was part of a group of high-ranking officials who inadvertently texted plans for an attack in Yemen to a journalist. Hegseth, alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and others, had been using the messaging platform Signal to discuss highly sensitive and classified information. Democratic lawmakers swiftly condemned this as an "egregious" security breach, and US President Donald Trump said he knew "nothing about it," as his team claimed a "glitch" was to blame for the addition of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a message chain named "Houthi PC small group". Related What is Signal and should US officials have used it to share Yemen air strike plans? Though encrypted and technically secure, the platform is "full of risks" related to human error and spyware, and was not the appropriate choice for such a conversation, argues Callum Voge, Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy at Internet Society. "Governments have specific protocols for protecting classified information, and those protocols usually state that classified info can only be shared under certain conditions. So when people say Signal isn't appropriate for sharing state secrets, it's not just about Signal - it's about any consumer messaging app. Whether it's WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, they all pose risks," Voge told Euronews Next. A key danger is that Signal is available to the general public and used by millions worldwide. "Anyone in the world can create a Signal account. So, for example, someone without security clearance could be accidentally added to a group chat. That's one way secrets could be leaked - by accident, human error, or on purpose," Voge added. "Also, Signal is used on personal devices. That introduces the risk of spyware - software that can record what's happening on your device in real-time and send it to a third party. So even if Signal is the most secure app in the world, if your phone has spyware, it's still a leak". Related 'My concerns are more about people, institutions than the tech': Signal's Meredith Whittaker on AI Warnings Signal was a target for hackers In fact, the Pentagon issued a department-wide memo just days after the Signal group chat leak, warning that Russian professional hacking groups were actively targeting the app. According to the memo, the attackers were exploiting Signal's "linked devices" feature - a legitimate function that allows users to access their account across multiple devices - to spy on encrypted conversations. If a device is compromised - whether through malware, unauthorised access, or sophisticated spyware like Pegasus - encryption becomes irrelevant. Gustavo Alito Cybersecurity expert, Equans BeLux "Signal's effectiveness depends on the security of the device used. It's like installing the most secure alarm system in a house without doors," Gustavo Alito, a cybersecurity expert at Equans BeLux, noted. "If a device is compromised - whether through malware, unauthorised access, or sophisticated spyware like Pegasus - encryption becomes irrelevant. Attackers can monitor and capture all device activity in real time, including messages being written," he told Euronews Next. "A surprising development in this case is that reports indicate Signal was pre-installed on US government devices. While this suggests an institutional push for encrypted communication, it also raises concerns," Alito added. "The fact that Signal was made widely available may have led officials to assume it was approved for classified discussions, despite warnings from the NSA and the Defence Department against using it for sensitive matters". Related What is Pegasus, the Israeli mobile phone spyware used by governments around the world? Signal, WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram: Which is the most secure platform? On the low end of the spectrum, where messages are most vulnerable, are platforms that either lack end-to-end encryption or don't enable it by default. ADVERTISEMENT According to Voge, "that means it's encrypted from endpoint to endpoint. So, for example, one endpoint is your phone and the other is mine - and as the conversation or text goes back and forth between us, no third party can decrypt it, not even the provider". Apps like WeChat, for instance, do not offer end-to-end encryption, meaning messages can potentially be accessed by the service provider or government authorities - a major concern in countries like China. Similarly, Telegram does not encrypt group chats or even one-on-one chats by default; users must manually enable "secret chats" for end-to-end protection. Because of this, messages on these platforms are more susceptible to interception. At the high-security end are apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and to a limited extent, iMessage, all of which offer end-to-end encryption by default. ADVERTISEMENT Among them, Signal stands out for its open-source protocol, non-profit governance, minimal metadata retention, and default encryption across messages, calls, and group chats. Related Whatsapp faces strictest EU platform rules, but not Telegram WhatsApp, while also encrypted using Signal's protocol, is owned by Meta and retains more metadata, which some view as a potential vulnerability. iMessage is considered technically secure, but it's a closed-source, Apple-only system, which limits transparency and auditing. So, Signal is widely regarded by experts as the gold standard for encrypted messaging, but, as we've just seen, it is not immune to risks stemming from user error, device compromise, or misuse in contexts requiring classified communication protocols. "Like any company, Signal regularly audits other parts of their app - like how users verify their phone numbers or add new devices. Sometimes issues come up, and they respond with security patches, which they publish on their website with details," said Voge. ADVERTISEMENT "You may have heard of a recent vulnerability involving Russia. This was a phishing attack used in Ukraine: attackers sent fake QR codes to trick people into joining Signal groups. When someone scanned the code, it linked a new device to their account - effectively hijacking it," he continued. "It wasn't a flaw in the encryption protocol, but in how Signal handled device linking. Signal responded with an update - now, if you want to link a new device, you need Face ID or Touch ID". Related Report shows how messaging apps are used to spread political propaganda What's the best way to message securely? So what should Hegseth, Vance, Waltz and the rest of the Houthi PC small group have done instead? The US government almost certainly has its own systems for handling classified information. ADVERTISEMENT "Government officials are generally expected to use special devices and systems not available to the public. You might imagine a platform that only government officials can download, and maybe even has levels of classification built in - like confidential, secret, and top secret," said Voge. Indeed, he pictures "a government setting in which officials go to a secure room, leave their personal devices behind, and use a special computer that's not connected to the Internet to access sensitive information". "Since people travel, there are probably government networks or apps only accessible to officials using government-provided devices. These systems wouldn't be available to the public, and probably have built-in ways of handling classification levels," he added. Related Telegram ban: Which countries are clamping down on it and why? Or, as Alito puts it, "a government-approved, end-to-end encrypted system designed specifically for classified communications. Secure platforms like the NSA's Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol (SCIP) or classified networks such as SIPRNet and JWICS are more aligned with a governmental organisation's security and encryption needs". ADVERTISEMENT The system should also allow for records of conversations to be kept, which ties into record-keeping laws. "Some governments require policymakers to retain a record of their messages or emails. But Signal has features like disappearing messages. So if government officials use it, that record of communication could be lost, which may go against transparency or accountability laws," Voge said.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Internet Society Extends Multi-Year Partnership with Meta and Announces Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative
As leaders in mobile technology and connectivity gather in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress, the Internet Society ( global charitable organization championing an open, globally connected, and secure Internet—today announced the expansion of its partnership with Meta ( with the launch of a new Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative. The initiative aims to scale up efforts to expand affordable, reliable, and sustainable Internet access globally, with both the Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation committing a $30 million investment through 2030. Meta has joined as the first co-funding partner as the Internet Society calls for additional partners to support the vision of a more equitable, connected world. Across the globe, 2.6 billion people lack access to the Internet, excluding them from vital opportunities in education, healthcare, economic growth, and civic participation. Through the new Co-Funding Initiative, the Internet Society is leveraging its decades of expertise, global network, proven grant-making systems, and advocacy to help enable policies to address these issues. Meta is the first company to join the Co-Funding following a successful partnership ( with the Internet Society. Since 2018, the two organizations have collaborated to develop Internet Exchange Point (IXP) infrastructure, train technical communities, and measure Internet resilience in countries around the world. Specifically, the Co-Funding focuses on investing in community-centered infrastructure development, addressing market gaps and advocacy, and providing training to build technical capacity. It aims to: Increase Funding and Advocacy: Fund infrastructure deployment and empower communities to manage their networks. Address Market Gaps: Address market failures where commercial providers see no viable business case. Enhance Training: Scale training programs to build technical capacity, empower marginalized groups, and develop the next generation of Internet leaders. Improve Community-Centered Solutions: Build and strengthen last-mile community-centered solutions for people, businesses, schools and health facilities in underserved areas. Build Sustainable Networks: Support locally owned, scalable, and sustainable networks that create jobs and foster entrepreneurship, retain value within communities, and promote self-reliance. Mobilize Advocates: Increase global impact by working with the Internet Society's 130 local chapters and 133,000 members worldwide. 'Over the past several years, our partnership with Meta has resulted in 56 IXPs in 45 countries, giving millions of people faster, more affordable, and reliable Internet access,' said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. 'This new Connectivity Co-Funding initiative, supported by Meta, is a prime example of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to more than 2 billion people across the world with insufficient or no Internet. It is our hope that this fund plays a pivotal role in reducing this gap and creating a more equitable digital society.' "Meta is proud to extend our collaboration with the Internet Society, reinforcing our commitment to bridging the digital divide. Together, we aim to empower communities worldwide with sustainable and equitable Internet access, fostering innovation and connectivity for all, said Aaron Russell, Director of Edge Network Infrastructure. This partnership complements our existing infrastructure investments, including subsea cables, which help make the Internet ecosystem more reliable and lower the overall cost of providing access.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Internet Society. Press Contact: Allesandra deSantillana Internet Society desantillana@ Press@ About the Internet Society: Founded by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society (ISOC) is a global charitable organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet. Through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a wide range of groups to promote the technologies that keep the Internet safe and secure and advocates for policies that enable universal access. The Internet Society is also the organizational home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) About Meta: Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meta and Internet Society team up to expand internet access around the world
Meta and the Internet Society have established the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, which aims to expand affordable internet connection around the world. They announced the new project at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The partners are committing a $30 million investment through 2030 that will go to funding infrastructure development in various communities, specifically those overlooked or intentionally ignored by commercial providers. In addition, the initiative's money will go towards training programs that improve the technical know-how of marginalized grounds, to community-centered solutions for underserved areas, as well as to locally owned networks that create jobs. This an expansion of the non-profit organization's partnership with Meta, which started years ago when they worked together to improve internet connectivity in Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America by developing Internet exchange points. These points, or IXPs, are physical locations where internet providers can exchange traffic. Meta is only the Internet Society's first partner for the Co-Funding Initiative, and the non-profit org is putting out a call for more partners who can help grow that fund. "This new Connectivity Co-Funding initiative, supported by Meta, is a prime example of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to more than 2 billion people across the world with insufficient or no Internet," said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. "It is our hope that this fund plays a pivotal role in reducing this gap and creating a more equitable digital society." Engadget will be reporting all the latest mobile and smartphone news from MWC 2025 as it happens the week of March 2.
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Conference Calls for Policy Changes to Advance Africa's Digital Future
Following the conclusion of the Internet Society's 2025 Internet Development Conference ( key stakeholders are calling for policy action to address critical challenges and opportunities for Internet development across Africa. The conference brought together policymakers and tech leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss Internet development in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda). 250 attendees representing stakeholders across Africa heard from 50 speakers, including the Minister of Innovation and Technology for Ethiopia and the Director General of the Ethiopian Communications Authority, who shared insights on the most pressing Internet-related topics in the region, from governance and infrastructure expansion to digital literacy and policy improvement. The Internet Development Conference 2025 reinforced the importance of regional collaboration, investment in digital infrastructure, and progressive policy changes to build a stronger, more inclusive Internet ecosystem in Africa. The conference produced ten key policy calls to action: Strengthen Regional Collaboration and Integration: Promote cross-border infrastructure development, harmonize policies, and establish regional regulatory bodies to facilitate seamless connectivity and economic growth. Prioritize Infrastructure Development and Sharing: Accelerate investment in essential Internet infrastructure, including expanding backbone and last-mile connectivity, promoting the development of carrier-neutral data centers, and encouraging infrastructure sharing among operators. Expand IXP Deployment: Support the establishment and expansion of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) to improve local traffic routing, reduce latency, and lower Internet costs. Bridge the Access Gap through Targeted Interventions: Implement universal access policies and targeted subsidies to connect underserved and rural areas, addressing both connectivity and device affordability. Develop Digital Skills and Literacy Programs: Invest in comprehensive digital skills training programs to empower citizens with the skills needed to utilize the Internet effectively. Harmonize Digital Strategies and Regulations: Harmonize regulatory frameworks across the continent and streamline bureaucratic processes to facilitate investment and cross-border connectivity. Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Foster a supportive environment for local content development, tech startups, and innovation in the digital sector. Support Open Data Standards for Infrastructure Mapping: Promote the adoption of open data standards for telecommunications infrastructure to improve transparency and facilitate informed investment decisions. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leverage private sector expertise and investment through PPPs to expand internet access and infrastructure development. Measure and Monitor Internet Connectivity: Utilize data-driven tools to monitor Internet performance, identify outages, and track progress toward universal access goals. These calls to action are grounded in the recognition that a resilient and accessible Internet is crucial for Africa's social and economic development. According to the Internet Society's Pulse tool ( an index that tracks key metrics related to infrastructure, performance, security, and market readiness, Africa's overall Internet resilience score now stands at 34, reflecting a one-percentage-point increase between 2022 and 2023—the latest data available. This means more reliable access to essential online services like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions across the continent. Western Africa and Middle Africa demonstrated the most significant regional improvements, each with a 2-point increase in their overall resilience scores. East Africa also continues to strengthen, with gains spread across multiple countries, including Ethiopia. 'While we see promising growth in Internet resilience across Africa, challenges remain in connecting the unconnected and ensuring equitable access for all,' said Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President for Africa at the Internet Society. 'This conference has reinforced the importance of infrastructure development and paves the way for deeper regional collaboration on Internet infrastructure, regulatory advancements, and digital innovation." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Internet Society. For more information: Allesandra deSantillana Internet Society desantillana@ About the Internet Society: Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global charitable organization working to ensure that the Internet is for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 130+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies and technologies that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure.
