Opinion
Opinion
IT management
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Goliath vs Goliath and the complexities of 5G intellectual property
Is Apple the good guy or the bad guy? It has violated patents and had its wrist slapped by the courts (bad), yet its products are still available for adoring fans to buy (good) Continue Reading
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Should we be worried that half of UK organisations don’t have a policy for the safe use of AI?
As artificial intelligence becomes more mainstream, business leaders must be aware of the risks and make sure their firms do not build bias into AI algorithms Continue Reading
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Audit services – the next frontier for tech giants?
As data analytics, AI and automation technology advance, could we be about to see technology firms take on some of the responsibilities of the big financial audit firms? Continue Reading
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What are the options for regulating internet companies?
The UK – and other countries – are likely to introduce new regulations for internet and tech companies like Facebook and Google. We consider what sort of rules they might introduce Continue Reading
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Getting it right this time: Why the strategy is not about delivery for NHSX
Government needs to move on from the mantras and beliefs that exist around digital and technology – the new NHSX organisation could set an example by transforming healthcare Continue Reading
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Improving public/private collaboration to boost digital government
TechUK and the civil service are working together on a programme to develop digital skills in Whitehall and a better understanding of government needs in the tech industry Continue Reading
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The winter of AI discontent – thoughts on trends in tech ethics
All organisations need to consider the ethics of their technology use, especially as artificial intelligence tools become more mainstream Continue Reading
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Making the move to cloud work for you
Getting the best out of a move to the cloud means getting the size right, turning off what you don’t need, smart purchasing and continuously decluttering your new environment Continue Reading
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Building Britain’s national digital twin
The tech sector and wider industry are coming together to create a “digital twin” of Britain to help improve the nation’s physical infrastructure – and you can help Continue Reading
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Brexit and data protection: What’s next?
PA Consulting assesses how a no-deal Brexit would affect the flow of data from the UK into and out of Europe Continue Reading
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How to prepare for the UK’s uncertain Brexit terms
Analyst firm Gartner looks at the main business continuity plans that need to be in place Continue Reading
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Will AI replace lawyers? Assessing the potential of artificial intelligence in legal services
You may not be surprised to learn that lawyers don't expect AI to replace them, but the potential for the technology in law and other professional services must not be underestimated Continue Reading
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Leading IT: Lessons from the front line
As a CIO, whatever challenges you face in terms of budget, mandates or timetable, you may already have the right people to carry out incredible IT feats. Here are four ways to lead your organisation to unprecedented success Continue Reading
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Facebook’s high-stakes privacy gamble goes to Dublin court
A high-wire gamble with billions in compensation at stake for European internet users – part of a complex case between Facebook and the Irish information commissioner – hides challenge to the unlawfulness of US state internet surveillance Continue Reading
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Can we live without passwords?
Can you imagine a future in which we can be secure online without having to remember an unwieldly list of passwords? Solutions are emerging that could make passwords redundant, but there will be other security problems to resolve Continue Reading
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Austerity versus the march of technology – an economist’s perspective
Technology, in the economic sense, is an indicator of growth in a successful developed economy. But is tech efficiency also enabling the negative effects of austerity? Continue Reading
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Feudal Lords and anarchic allies – the new models for software collaboration
Software developers often take an unconventional view of contracts for the work they undertake, which can come back and bite them Continue Reading
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Resist the tech backlash before it’s too late
An increasingly unhealthy narrative has grown up around the tech sector – some of which is justified. But industry leaders need to push back and argue for the benefits of technology, too Continue Reading
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Douglas Engelbart, the forgotten hero of modern computing
Half a century ago, Douglas Engelbart demonstrated an experimental computer that laid the foundations for modern computing. His vision to use computing power to solve complex problems in all areas of human activity has become reality, but not in the... Continue Reading
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Raising security awareness through phishing simulation – how to get it right
Testing employees’ security practices by sending fake phishing emails has become commonplace, but few organisations are conducting such exercises effectively Continue Reading
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Brexit and digital identity – avoiding future restrictions on digital trade
The UK has been a major contributor to European efforts to establish cross-border digital identities. Governments need to ensure that Brexit does not introduce unwanted restrictions that harm digital trade Continue Reading
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Agile becomes mainstream
There are clear parallels between the conditions that led the IT industry to adopt agile approaches and the challenges facing business today Continue Reading
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More effective digital transformation through the power of your own people
The old model of escalating decisions up and down the management chain does not work any more. Business leaders need to delegate responsibility for projects to business and technology specialists and eliminate the fear of failure Continue Reading
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Tips for minimising the impact of the Microsoft Office price rise
Microsoft has “adjusted” prices with Office 2019, making it more expensive to buy on-premise versions of its products Continue Reading
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An IR35 survival guide for employers and contractors
Forthcoming changes to IR35 regulations will affect most private sector companies using IT contractors – so what do you need to do to prepare? Continue Reading
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The journey to turning your organisation into a platform
Compete with digital rivals by becoming a platform organisation – how companies can start navigating the transformation journey Continue Reading
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GCHQ offers help to embryonic Irish cyber security organisation
Ciaran Martin head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, builds bridges with the Republic of Ireland's intelligence community during an official visit to Dublin Continue Reading
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Dynamic pricing online should not be regulated as anti-competitive
Competition authorities are examining online retailers' use of dynamic pricing to see if it's fair to consumers – but the principle of regulating such activity is economically wrong Continue Reading
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Emerging govtech – a new opportunity for innovation in public service delivery?
The government has started to engage with the IT sector over how best to introduce emerging technologies in public service delivery – an initiative that, if successful, should be welcomed Continue Reading
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Introducing ‘focus and leverage’ – the value algorithm of the internet era
Anyone pitching a business idea or designing a new service needs to understand the economics of mature internet technology Continue Reading
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Making the UK the safest place to live and work online
Government, industry and individuals all have to play their part in enhancing cyber security practices Continue Reading
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UK winners and losers in digital tech
The UK's retail and telecoms companies are among the best in the world at digital technology, but a survey of digital leaders shows there is still room for improvement for many UK firms Continue Reading
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Digital services tax weakens the case for tech startups to choose the UK
The UK government’s plan for a tax specifically targeting big digital firms risks undermining international efforts to reform corporate taxation for the digital age Continue Reading
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Are SAP’s indirect use charges legal?
The German legal system is examining whether SAP can legitimately charge for indirect access to its software from a third-party application Continue Reading
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The lesson of TSB – testing, 1, 2, 3
An organisation’s IT system might look good on the surface, but you can’t fix a problem if you don’t know it’s there Continue Reading
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Will the EU Copyright Directive ‘break the internet’?
A new European Union law proposed for copyrighted material has provoked strong reactions from all sides – but what does it mean? Continue Reading
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Want a 200% pay rise? If you do, let the robots do all the work
One of the newest Nobel economists has a theory, and if it's correct we'll all be in for a huge salary increase when the robots take over Continue Reading
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Customers need to be at the centre of GDPR plans
Responding to a breach is not just about data, it is about taking care of, and protecting, customers Continue Reading
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The risks of regulating artificial intelligence algorithms
For AI to improve our lives, it needs to reflect the real world, but regulating algorithms to be how we would like them to be risks introducing an unreality that makes them ineffective Continue Reading
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Everyone, everywhere is responsible for IIoT cyber security
Cyber security in the industrial internet of things is not limited to a single company, industry or region – it is an international threat to public safety, and can only be addressed through collaboration that extends beyond borders and competitive ... Continue Reading
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While Brexit rages on, the UK needs to be looking at the global picture
Talks at the World Trade Organisation in October will shape the future of digital trade, and it is crucial the voice of UK tech is heard Continue Reading
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Why the government should rethink the UK’s surveillance laws
The European Court of Human Rights has made clear that the Snoopers’ Charter is an unlawful violation of people’s rights and freedoms Continue Reading
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Your IT provider is being acquired – what does this mean for you and your business?
Merger and acquisition activity is widespread in the IT sector, but what does it mean for you when one of your key tech suppliers is bought up by another firm? Continue Reading
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Capitalism too short-termist? The tech sector suggests otherwise
Many observers criticise businesses and stock markets for being too short-termist – but if that was the case, how did Amazon, Uber and their ilk ever come into existence? Continue Reading
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From Aberdeen to Brighton: Investing in the UK’s digital future
More investment in the UK’s broadband infrastructure is critical to ensure the UK’s future success in technology in a post-Brexit world Continue Reading
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The more an Apple product is worth, the more you want one
Apple may be the world's first trillion-dollar company, but it's not the most valuable ever – however, it might well be the first to so successfully exploit the theories of a 19th century US economist Continue Reading
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Better the data you know – how GDPR is affecting UK tech companies
As the dust settles from the General Data Protection Regulation, the implications for technology firms in the UK are becoming clearer Continue Reading
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AI: Black boxes and the boardroom
Computers can and do make mistakes and AI is only as good its training so relying purely on machine intelligence to make critical decisions is risky Continue Reading
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Why your marketing team needs help from IT more than ever
Some IT and marketing departments have a troubled history of working together, but better collaboration is essential to make a success of digital transformation Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Risk tolerance key to security outsourcing policy
What critical security controls can be outsourced, and how do organisations – SMEs in particular – maintain confidence that they are being managed effectively and appropriately? Continue Reading
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Software development is not the only place where DevOps-style optimisation might be useful
Too much of IT focuses on the importance what is measured, rather than measuring what's important Continue Reading
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Intellectual property in an AI world
The controversial European Copyright Directive has gone back to the drawing board, but it raises important questions about the use of artificial intelligence in protecting individual rights Continue Reading
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What the ICO's Facebook fine teaches us
Legal expert Alexander Egerton considers whether the ICO’s planned £500,000 fine for Facebook is the precursor of a spate of increased fines across the board, or if it shows the ICO’s stance has not changed and will continue to target certain ... Continue Reading
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Why #techmatters – the challenge for everyone in the UK tech community
The UK technology sector faces unprecedented challenges – and opportunities – but we must never lose sight of the fact that it exists to make people’s lives better Continue Reading
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Mind your drone business
Amazon is just the tip of the iceberg – companies are pouring hundreds of millions into the development of commercial drones Continue Reading
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The desire for perfect recycling is making the e-waste problem worse
Shipping our electronic waste to poorer countries isn't going to solve the problem of recycling – there's a more economic solution Continue Reading
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Cyber security – why you’re doing it all wrong
Most organisations can list the IT security tools and controls they have, so why do most of them still get the security basics wrong? Continue Reading
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Digital transformation is just business change
Don't always start with the technology if you're driving transformation, but always start with the business Continue Reading
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Bridging the gender pay gap in the technology industry
Publication of gender pay gap figures for large organisations shows the tech sector has a long way to go to back up its rhetoric about equal opportunities Continue Reading
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Why software giants are failing
Oracle’s latest financial results illustrate that the core businesses of many of the software behemoths of the past are under strain Continue Reading
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Technology can help solve some of society’s pressing social and environmental problems
A recent initiative on using technology to tackle the illegal wildlife trade shows how much the tech sector can contribute to solving some of society's biggest challenges Continue Reading
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Is 5G more than just another generation of mobile?
Although several mobile network operators have announced launch dates for 5G services, many people remain unsure about the aspirations for 5G, what it means for users, its monetisation and its timescales Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Understand data for risk-based protection
Why is it important to know where data flows, with whom it is shared and where it lives at rest, and what is the best way of achieving this? Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Ignorance about data is tantamount to negligence
Why is it important to know where data flows, with whom it's shared and where it lives at rest, and what is the best way of achieving this? Continue Reading
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Big data skills shortages – and how to work around them
Businesses are finding it hard to recruit enough people with big data and analytics skills, but for CIOs there are alternative strategies to consider Continue Reading
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GDPR – like a lot of regulation – will mostly benefit the big incumbents
The law of unintended consequences applies to the new EU data protection laws, because the big players it seeks to regulate can better afford to comply Continue Reading
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Tier 2 visas – a challenge for the tech sector
With staff shortages already being reported in the technology sector and Brexit potentially adding to the problem, tech departments need to get their Tier 2 visa applications right Continue Reading
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Ethics and tech – a double-edged sword
Just because a business activity is legal doesn’t mean it will be acceptable to customers, as the ethical debates in tech are proving Continue Reading
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Taking the quantum leap: What is quantum technology for business?
Quantum computers are many years away, but the first applications of quantum technology will arrive in only one or two years – so businesses need to be ready Continue Reading
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Beware of the digital bandwagon
The rush to become ‘digital by default’ could drive costs up and have a damaging effect on understanding customer demand, writes John Seddon Continue Reading
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A strong UK-India bond on tech can benefit us all
The UK tech sector can benefit from the government’s work to forge closer ties with India’s burgeoning digital economy Continue Reading
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It’s not too late to get GDPR ready
With the GDPR compliance deadline on 25 May 2018, there is little time to get ready, but it is not too late, according to the IAPP, which provides a checklist to help organisations ensure they are in the best position possible for the deadline Continue Reading
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Building a tech future between the UK and India
A new tech partnership between the UK and India will benefit the digital economy in both countries, says secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport Matt Hancock Continue Reading
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Hacking the internet of things just got easier – it’s time to look at your security
Are you taking security for internet-connected devices seriously enough? Continue Reading
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If we're measuring GDP wrong in a digital world, what does that say about the economy?
Conventional measures of economic success such as GDP fail to account for the nature of free digital services. How different would the UK economy appear if that changed? Continue Reading
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Security Think Tank: Reducing dwell has never been more important
Why is reducing cyber attacker dwell time important, and how should this be tackled? Continue Reading
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GDPR and the right to erasure: hiding in the shadows or welcome shade?
The European Union's new data protection laws introduce a right to be forgotten – but what does it means for corporate IT? Continue Reading
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After the TSB debacle, is it time for IT people to run retail banking?
Given that high-street banks are effectively little more than a computer system processing algorithms, would they be better off run by tech experts than bankers? Continue Reading
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How a new ISO standard helps you take control of your IT assets
The updated ISO standard 19770-1:2017 offers IT managers a way to bring their hardware and software assets under a single management standard Continue Reading
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Blockchain: Paving the way for broad adoption
The foundations have been laid for organisations to begin standardising on the technology, talent and platforms that will drive future blockchain initiatives Continue Reading
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Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world
Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading
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Moving away from analogue health in a digital world
Healthcare records still rely on faxes, email, mail and paper, but the innovative use of technology will lead to major improvements in medical care Continue Reading
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Lauri Love escaped extradition to the US - what does that mean for future cases?
The US lost its attempt to extradite Lauri Love to face hacking charges in a landmark case. What will it mean for other UK citizens facing extradition? Continue Reading
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The seven levers of digital transformation
Organisations that embark on digital transformation projects often run into difficulties. Following the seven principles of digital transformation will help them reap the benefits of digital technology Continue Reading
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Driving digitisation: open standards in process automation
Organisations often can’t take advantage of advances in digital technology due to the lack of interoperability in their IT systems in different facilities, but open standards promise a way forward Continue Reading
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Who do you trust to censor social media?
Calls to censor Facebook and its rivals are growing – but society needs to consider carefully the motivations of those making such demands Continue Reading
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SAP licensing – reassuringly expensive?
SAP’s recent settlement with AB InBev has again put audits and licensing under the spotlight. We look at how to get the best value and avoid fines Continue Reading
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Better public services – a Beveridge for the 21st century
A new 'manifesto' from digital government experts lays out a path to delivering the internet-enabled state that's been promised for years but is yet to become a reality Continue Reading
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Australian firms need to move faster in the digital age
Just over a tenth of IT professionals in Australia say their companies can roll out a new product in less than three months, despite operating in fast-moving markets with digitally savvy customers Continue Reading
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How to make the most of your SAP licences
There is no point in paying for something you never use – or worse, using the wrong licence. Doing the bare minimum for SAP licence management is not enough Continue Reading
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Diversity matters – International Women’s Day 2018
The tech sector has a poor reputation for workplace diversity - if we are to take advantage of the opportunities of the digital economy, this has to change Continue Reading
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Taxing tech giants on revenue only ends up with us customers paying more
EU proposals to tax internet companies based on sales in each country fail to apply the tax burden on the right people Continue Reading
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GDPR gotchas and how to handle them
We look at common problems organisations encounter when dealing with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force on 25 May 2018 Continue Reading
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A smarter state can only be built on smarter procurement
Digital government has improved, but progress needs to be made when it comes to public sector procurement Continue Reading
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Why police forces need to be honest about mass mobile phone surveillance
Police forces across the UK are covering up their use of sophisticated mass surveillance devices, known as IMSI-catchers - the Bristol Cable and Liberty are campaigning for proper transparency Continue Reading
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Mobile biometrics set to be game-changer in APAC
Telcos, financial institutions and other industry players risk losing market share if they do not keep up with the demand for security, convenience and mobility Continue Reading
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Does artificial intelligence have a language problem?
As AI 'learns' from human input, the language we use becomes an increasingly important consideration Continue Reading
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3, 2, 1, GDPR: How to be prepared on 25 May
There are seven key areas organisations should review to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, and even though the deadline is less than four months away, it is still not too late to start Continue Reading
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How to achieve a healthy, balanced relationship with your ERP provider
Observing the enterprise software market today is like observing a major relationship crisis where one side is failing to listen to the other Continue Reading
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Europe’s shameful role in spy-tech exports that led to torture and jail
Governments in Europe actively assisted in government oppression in Iran, Bahrain and Russia by providing states with sophisticated surveillance equipment. The European Parliament is pressing for changes in the law to restrict exports of ... Continue Reading