global tech trends

A strategic, global perspective on new frontiers in technology and their impact on regulation and policy.


As telecoms, media, the digital economy and world politics converge, it's essential for organisations to have a global perspective on the wide-ranging trends shaping the future of the communications sector.

Our Global Trends service helps leaders understand the bigger picture and set strategic direction for their organisation.

Drawing together on-the-ground expertise from key markets around the world, it provides a unique, high-level view of the latest developments and their implications for decision makers across industry, government and regulators.

key trends covered

Platforms, digital services and content

Understand the complex and shifting roles of online platforms and services in debates around global economics, trade and regulation.

  • Digital payments
  • Market power of online platforms
  • Over-the-top voice and messaging platforms
  • Social media regulation
Connectivity

Stay on top of the latest developments in 5G and full-fibre coverage worldwide, as well as the wider relationship between global tech trends and internet connectivity.

  • 5G
  • Full fibre networks
  • Next generation satellites
  • Open radio access networks (open RAN)
Data economy

Follow the debate around privacy, data flows and artificial intelligence, and understand how new developments impact the global data economy.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Data flows
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Privacy in the digital age

global geographic scope

12 key markets covered in-depth across 5 continents

why subscribe

The future of communications regulation hinges on many complex technological, economic and geopolitical factors. Our global intelligence is here to help decision makers understand the different forces at work and see the bigger picture for their organisation.

With our own experts in multiple countries across the globe helping to report and benchmark, we offer a razor-sharp focus on the most important trends of the moment - delivered with the clarity and impartiality that have made us a trusted voice in regulation for over three decades.

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your deliverables

stay on top

Keep abreast of compelling new developments with our short analyses from around the world. These timely trend spotters are based on original sources, organised in an interactive map, and link to further research for more in-depth analysis.

get ahead

Get ahead of the latest global developments with our regulatory reports. Providing a high-level summary of the top trending topics, their drivers and implications across multiple key markets, our reports help you read the pulse of the digital world.

compare

Compare and contrast how different markets are responding to global tech trends shaping policy and regulation in the digital world. Our in-depth benchmarks deliver probing insights on new developments across key markets without losing sight of the bigger picture.

latest intelligence

Kenya reviews licensing framework for both satellite and terrestrial services
17 March 25 Gilles Bana

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) recently concluded a public consultation as part of its review of Kenya’s telecoms market structure. This review is a reassessment of the existing Unified Licensing Framework (ULF) in light of current technological and market developments. This Global Trends Flash discusses the rationale and scope of the new Kenyan licensing framework proposal. If approved, the new framework is expected to launch in 2025, according to a proposed roadmap.

Korea adopts comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation
05 March 25 Javier Morales Fhon

Korea enacted the AI Basic Act (AIBA), which aims to both regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and boost Korea’s domestic AI industry. This makes Korea the second jurisdiction worldwide, after the EU, to adopt a comprehensive AI framework legislation. This Global Trends flash summarises the key aspects of the AIBA and discusses other approaches to AI regulation around the world.

Pakistan strengthens its supervision over social media content
25 February 25 Javier Morales Fhon

The government of Pakistan amended the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016. The amended PECA criminalizes intentional spreading of misinformation and creates four new government bodies to regulate social media content. This Global Trends flash summarises the key aspects of the new rules in force in Pakistan since 29 January 2025. The flash also reports on the main concerns raised by civil society organizations about the amended PECA, and briefly discusses how some other Asian countries criminalize the spreading of disinformation on social media.

Nigeria: telecoms regulator allows tariff increases, with added transparency
18 February 25 Gilles Bana

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) authorised telecom service providers to increase retail service prices by up to 50%. The NCC’s aim is to address rising operational costs in the telecoms sector while protecting consumer interests. This Global Trends Flash discusses how retail price regulation in the telecoms sector is helping operators cope with both inflation and downward pressure on revenues around the world.

Countries in the Americas join call for global age assurance standards
04 February 25 Jose Jehuda Garcia

Many countries in the Americas are concerned about implementing age assurance standards. National age assurance frameworks coexist with regional and international initiatives to protect minors from online privacy risks. This flash summarises several of these initiatives.

India publishes draft digital personal data protection rules 2025
22 January 25 Javier Morales Fhon

The government of India (GoI) is consulting until 18 February 2025 on draft implementing rules for its Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023. The DPDP Act is not yet in force. The GoI expects the draft rules to be rolled out by mid-2025, but businesses will be given two years to fully comply. This Global Trends flash summarises the key aspects of the proposed rules in conjunction with the DPDP Act. The upcoming implementation of the DPDP Act and its regulations will affect many international businesses due to India's status as the world's most populous country and its growing role in the global digital economy.

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