Meta and the Internet Society have launched the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, a new project aimed at expanding affordable internet connections worldwide.
Announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the initiative commits a $30 million investment through 2030 to support infrastructure development in communities that have been overlooked by commercial providers.
The initiative will fund projects designed to improve connectivity in underserved areas, with investments directed toward building locally owned networks, community-centered solutions, and training programs to enhance technical skills in marginalized regions. This effort builds on a longstanding partnership between Meta and the Internet Society, which has previously focused on developing internet exchange points (IXPs) in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society, emphasized the importance of collective action. “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,” Wentworth said. She expressed hope that the initiative would play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering a more equitable digital society.
Meta is the first partner in the initiative, and the Internet Society is now calling for additional partners to help grow the fund and extend its impact. The partnership underscores a commitment to leveraging private and non-profit collaboration to address global connectivity challenges and promote economic growth and social inclusion through improved access to the internet.
Brussels has fined Apple and Meta over €700 million combined, launching its first crackdown under the Digital Markets Act aimed at curbing big tech’s power and boosting competition in the digital economy.
Apple and Meta have been fined €500 million and €200 million respectively by the European Union for breaching the bloc’s new Digital Markets Act, escalating tensions in the transatlantic tech trade dispute.
A former Meta executive, Sarah Wynn-Williams, testified before U.S. senators on Wednesday, alleging that the company compromised national security to build a lucrative business in China.
Meta is rolling out its “Teen Accounts” feature to Facebook and Messenger, offering enhanced privacy and parental controls to protect young users online. This comes as lawmakers push for stricter social media regulations, responding to growing concerns over children’s safety.
The EU is preparing to rule on Apple and Meta’s alleged breaches of the Digital Markets Act, potentially issuing fines as it seeks to curb Big Tech’s dominance and reinforce fair competition across the digital landscape.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
The heads of intelligence agencies from Central Asian countries held their first-ever meeting in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
China launched its Shenzhou-20 mission on Thursday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The successful liftoff marks its 15th crewed flight as Pakistan eyes sending the first foreign astronaut on a future mission.
President Donald Trump called on Vladimir Putin to halt missile strikes on Kyiv, urging a return to peace talks amid rising casualties.
A ballistic missile linked to North Korea killed at least eight in Kyiv, marking a concerning escalation in Russia's use of foreign weaponry, Ukrainian sources reveal.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least nine people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Three astronauts will head to China’s space station on Thursday as part of the Shenzhou-20 mission, replacing a crew that spent six months conducting research in orbit.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Scientists claim to have discovered a new color, "olo", perceived during an experiment involving laser pulses aimed at retinal cells. The blue-green hue is more saturated than any natural color, but some experts question whether it should be classified as a true new color.
OpenAI has unveiled a new option called Flex processing, an API service designed to provide more affordable AI model usage in exchange for slower response times and occasional resource unavailability.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
The heads of intelligence agencies from Central Asian countries held their first-ever meeting in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
China launched its Shenzhou-20 mission on Thursday, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The successful liftoff marks its 15th crewed flight as Pakistan eyes sending the first foreign astronaut on a future mission.
President Donald Trump called on Vladimir Putin to halt missile strikes on Kyiv, urging a return to peace talks amid rising casualties.
A ballistic missile linked to North Korea killed at least eight in Kyiv, marking a concerning escalation in Russia's use of foreign weaponry, Ukrainian sources reveal.
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