Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died more than 14 years ago, but in this age where controversy surrounds AI and the technology industry he helped to create, many wonder what he would make of the situation.

We'll never be able answer that question, but some of Jobs's belongings are going up for auction and are a terrific reminder of how much technology has changed.

His personal possessions, which include eight-track cassettes, also provide some much-needed reminders that great ideas come from all around us.


Mobile internet access has been disrupted in Iran amid widespread protests. EPA
Mobile internet access has been disrupted in Iran amid widespread protests. EPA

In brief | As social unrest and protests in Iran spread to more than 100 cities, officials in the country tried to quell anger by significantly curtailing internet access.

Although Iran has done this before, what makes this most recent incident unique is how it was implemented.

The signal for IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), which is mainly used for mobile device internet connections, was the first to fall, meaning protesters sharing media and broadcasting live images out of the country were affected.

Why it matters | We've reached the point where internet infrastructure is paramount in most parts of the world. It's not a luxury, and some might argue it's a right.

What officials in Iran most probably tried to do was to limit the spread of protests, which were gaining momentum through social media, without taking away the basic internet access for others.

It didn't work, and later the country imposed a widespread internet blackout but amid a proliferation of low-Earth orbit satellite internet services, even that attempt might be unsuccessful.

Quite simply, the internet is everywhere, and making it disappear is almost impossible now.

Quoted | "This doesn’t look like a technical issue. The timing and sharp drop point to a deliberate, centralised move"

– Mohammed Soliman, technology analyst and senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington


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The UAE aims to improve child safety online through monitoring, co-operation and legislation.
The UAE aims to improve child safety online through monitoring, co-operation and legislation.

About 4,000 digital platforms that could attract users in the UAE are being monitored, with child safety a top priority, authorities say.

The government, in co-ordination with the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency, is monitoring risks, said Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet.

This is a signal: While there's ample debate around the world about how to regulate digital platforms readily available to all, there's very little debate among regulators that something has to be done to keep children safe.

What the UAE is doing with this particular move is setting a precedent in building consensus that will probably catch on globally.


The Fast F61H car was launched in the UAE last month. Photo: Alexander Seoev
The Fast F61H car was launched in the UAE last month. Photo: Alexander Seoev

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