Policy Observatory

Up to a billion people using the internet in developing countries are ignored by web statistics, which focus on US-based servers and ignore mobile-only users and shared devices, says a new study. The result is a form of digital imperialism, says a new study by Global Web Index (GWI), a digital measurement company which provides information to a wide range of some of the webs largest advertisers and brands such as Twitter. Because those users either don't show up, or are believed to be in mature economies, they aren't targeted for advertising - or the brand-building that is important to establish companies.
 

In one of world’s largest efforts to collect biometric information, Pakistan has ordered mobile phone users to verify their identities through fingerprints for a national database being compiled to curb terrorism. If they don’t, their service will be shut off, an unthinkable option for many after a dozen years of explosive growth in mobile phone usage.