Mobile telecommunications
China’s new Silk Road runs through cyberspace, worrying rivals and privacy advocates
China is fast becoming a global leader in cutting-edge technologies — such as artificial intelligence, facial recognition, surveillance and 5G. But critics say China’s technology enables authoritarian control and increases dependence on an autocratic state.
On this Scottish island, you have no choice but to unplug
Summer is the busiest time of year for the islands off the west coast of Scotland. People say each island is unique and, for some, there’s nowhere more beautiful. But some residents of the Isle of Coll fear they may soon lose what makes their home so special — its near-total lack of cell phone coverage.
Musicologist collects Saharan music with cellphones
Traveling from the U.S. west coast to West Africa, a Portland-based musicologist set out to record traditional guitar music. But once he arrived, he discovered a specific cell phone technology had become a major component of the Saharan music culture.
Pakistanis question government’s use of bans on cell phones, other tech
Pakistan’s government likes to ban things. On New Year’s eve, it instituted bans on particular ways of using motorbikes. But that’s perhaps one of the milder bans. On several occasions this year, the government has banned the use of cell phones, social media and even motorbikes entirely.
