Current Final

Category: Tech

  • PTA denies subscriber data breach, blames external sources

    PTA denies subscriber data breach, blames external sources

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rejected claims that subscriber data was leaked from telecom companies, clarifying that it neither gathers nor oversees such information. The authority stated that subscriber records are retained by licensed telecom operators.

    The statement was issued after media reports started circulating with allegations that personal information of SIM operators was available for purchase online. The reported datasets included familial information, travel histories, vehicle registrations, and digitized national identity cards. Location data was reportedly being sold for Rs500, while call and data records were priced at Rs2,000, and travel details at Rs5,000.

    In its announcement, PTA mentioned that an initial investigation indicated that the exposed information seemed to have been compiled from various external sources rather than originating from telecom providers. It also noted that audits conducted within the licensed telecom industry revealed no security breaches.

    The regulator added that, as part of its extensive effort to combat unlawful online content, it had blocked 1,372 websites, applications, and social media accounts associated with the sale or distribution of personal information.

    The Ministry of Interior has established an inquiry committee to look into the leak’s origin and suggest additional measures. The committee is presently investigating how the data was gathered and made accessible online.

    Concerns regarding extensive data breaches are not new. Earlier this year, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan (PKCERT) alerted that the login information and passwords of over 180 million Pakistani internet users had been exposed in a worldwide breach. PKCERT reported that the compromised file contained more than 184 million unique account details in an unencrypted format and advised users to implement protective actions.

    In March 2024, a joint investigation team looking into another incident found that data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had been compromised. This breach reportedly affected the records of 2.7 million individuals between 2019 and 2023.

    The latest reports of subscriber data being sold online have once again raised concerns about the management of personal information in Pakistan, prompting multiple agencies to engage in tracking the leaks’ sources.

  • Apple unveils iPhone 17 Air amid AI race and tariff pressures

    Apple unveils iPhone 17 Air amid AI race and tariff pressures

    Apple unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup on Tuesday, featuring its thinnest smartphone ever, as the tech giant works to prove it can keep pace in the generative AI race.

    The Silicon Valley powerhouse held its annual iPhone release event amid mounting pressures: the White House is pushing the company to reduce its dependence on Chinese manufacturing, while investors question whether Apple is truly ready for the AI age.

    Adding to these challenges, the company faces headwinds from President Donald Trump’s high tariff policies. Apple shares have dropped more than three percent since the Republican took office in January.

    Against this backdrop, Apple is betting on a product that it hopes will spark a super-cycle of iPhone purchases and reverse the trend of customers holding onto their devices longer before upgrading.

    “The event shows Apple sidestepping the heart of the AI arms race while positioning itself as a long-term innovator on the AI hardware front, with silicon and device-level integration,” said Emarketer analyst Gadjo Sevilla.

    To reinvigorate its brand, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 Air, which CEO Tim Cook called “a total game changer.”

    At just 5.6mm thick (less than a quarter inch), the $999 device features Apple’s new A19 Pro processor — its most powerful iPhone chip to date — and promises all-day battery life with up to 40 hours of video playback.

    The Air joins Apple’s more standard lineup, including the premium iPhone Pro 17, the company’s most expensive and highest-performing model.

    While all new devices incorporate generative AI technology, Apple made no major announcements about expanding its AI capabilities beyond updates to existing features in its “Apple Intelligence” suite.

    The company’s AI push has struggled to gain traction since it launched “Apple Intelligence” late last year. Users have been particularly disappointed with improvements to Siri, which remains surprisingly basic despite years of promises.

    Apple reportedly plans to integrate AI into online search next year and overhaul Siri, though the company hasn’t confirmed these reports.

    The tech giant is also said to be partnering with Google to tap into its search and AI expertise.

    “To truly differentiate and smoke the competition, Apple will have to crack AI as a new contextual user-interface” on its devices, Forrester analyst Thomas Husson said in a note.

    “Executing such an ambitious AI strategy will take time. It won’t happen at best until next year, if not for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary” in 2027, he added.


    – Pivot to Air –

    Industry analysts see the iPhone Air as a strategic pivot, with Apple positioning ultra-thin design — rather than larger screens — as its new premium selling point.

    The super-slim profile could also pave the way for Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone, expected as early as next year. Samsung and China’s Huawei already offer foldable smartphones.

    However, engineering such thin devices presents challenges: higher production costs and reduced battery space, though Apple claims 24-hour battery life for the iPhone 17 Air when fully charged.

    Despite tariffs that increase production costs, Apple kept iPhone prices unchanged from last year’s equivalent models — a move that may squeeze profit margins.

    Cook revealed in July that Trump’s tariffs cost Apple $800 million last quarter, with an estimated $1.1 billion impact expected this quarter.

    Apple shares fell 1.40 percent after pricing details were announced, reflecting investor concerns about the company’s ability to maintain its profit margins.

    Apple also introduced the AirPods Pro 3, featuring enhanced noise cancellation and real-time translation capabilities, along with the Apple Watch Series 11, which includes 5G connectivity, extended battery life, and heart health monitoring features pending regulatory approval.

  • Nepal lifts social media ban after protests leave 19 dead

    Nepal lifts social media ban after protests leave 19 dead

    Nepal has lifted a nationwide ban on social media after violent protests over the restrictions left 19 people dead and more than 100 injured.

    The government had blocked Facebook, X, YouTube among other platforms last week, citing violations of registration laws, fake accounts spreading hate speech, misinformation and fraud. The move sparked widespread anger with thousands of young protesters gathering outside the parliament in Kathmandu.

    Some demonstrators broke through barriers and attempted to enter the parliament building. Police used water cannons and rubber bullets besides resorting to baton-charge to disperse the crowd, causing dozens of casualties.

    Following the unrest, the government held an emergency meeting late Monday night and announced the decision to lift the ban.

    The prime minister expressed sorrow over the deaths, pledging financial support for the victims’ families. He also promised free medical treatment for the injured.

  • Submarine cable cuts near Jeddah could disrupt internet nationwide: PTCL

    Submarine cable cuts near Jeddah could disrupt internet nationwide: PTCL

    Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) on Saturday said that users in the country may experience disruptions due to submarine cable cuts near Jeddah.

    According to a statement issued by PTCL, the cuts occurred near Jeddah, affecting partial bandwidth capacity on the SMW4 and IMEWE systems, two of the key undersea cables that connect the country to global networks.

    The statement further said that international partners were working to restore the damaged links, while local teams were arranging alternative bandwidth to mitigate the impact.

    “We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this time,” it added.

    The statement comes as multiple outrage reports surfaced Saturday morning. Data from Down Detector also showed disruptions building up overnight before a surge in complaints by 9 am.

  • Tesla pay deal could make Elon Musk world’s first trillionaire

    Tesla pay deal could make Elon Musk world’s first trillionaire

    Elon Musk, already the world’s richest person, could be on the path to becoming the first trillionaire in history after Tesla’s board unveiled a massive new pay package for its CEO.

    The plan would grant Musk 423.7 million additional Tesla shares if the company achieves extraordinary growth.To unlock the shares, Tesla’s market capitalization must first rise to $2 trillion, nearly double today’s value, and eventually reach $8.5 trillion. 

    Musk must also meet ambitious operational and financial milestones, such as having 1 million robots in operation or boosting Tesla’s adjusted operating income to $50 billion, well above the $16.6 billion it reported last year.

    For Musk to receive the full package, Tesla’s market capitalization would need to rise to $8.5 trillion, far beyond its current $1.1 trillion valuation. That milestone would make Tesla the most valuable company in history, worth about twice Nvidia’s current market cap. 

    “It’s a big pay package but Tesla needs to keep its biggest asset in Musk as CEO,” Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives told a media outlet. “In this AI era Musk now will drive its next leg of growth. The Board had a $1 trillion dollar decision and made the right one.”


    The company’s proxy statement stressed Musk’s role in Tesla’s future, saying the board “believes that Mr. Musk singularly possesses the leadership characteristics necessary to transform Tesla and realize its long-term mission at an unparalleled level.”


    Musk already owns 410 million Tesla shares, worth $139 billion, alongside stakes in SpaceX, xAI, and other ventures. He has said it is essential for him to hold around 25% of Tesla’s voting control. “I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having 25% voting control.Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla,” he wrote in a post on X.

    The new package connects Musk’s fortune to Tesla’s ability to achieve unprecedented growth. If those targets are reached, he would not only secure his position as the richest person alive, but also become the world’s first trillionaire.

  • Mark Zuckerberg takes Meta to court… but there’s a twist in the tale

    Mark Zuckerberg takes Meta to court… but there’s a twist in the tale

    A US lawyer who shares the same name as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has filed a lawsuit against the company after Facebook repeatedly blocked his account, multiple media outlets have reported.

    Attorney Mark S. Zuckerberg, who lives in Indiana and has practiced bankruptcy law for nearly 38 years, said Facebook suspended his account five times over the past eight years.

    “They keep blocking me saying I’m using someone else’s name,” he said. “Each suspension not only disrupted my legal practice but also cost me thousands of dollars in business.”

    Zuckerberg explained that he provided Facebook with everything to prove his identity, including photos, his credit card, and a photo ID. “I’ve had this name long before the Meta CEO became famous. Yet they still keep suspending my account,” he added.

    The lawyer argued that the repeated suspensions have damaged his professional reputation and forced him to take legal action against Meta.

  • Nepal blocks Facebook, X and YouTube among other social media platforms

    Nepal blocks Facebook, X and YouTube among other social media platforms

    Nepal has announced blocking most social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, after the companies refused to comply with new regulations requiring them to register with the government.

    Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung said that about two dozen popular social networks in Nepal received repeated notices to officially register their companies but ignored them. “The platforms will be blocked immediately,” he told reporters.

    TikTok, Viber and three other social media platforms will continue to operate because they have registered with the government.

    While authorities have directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to disable all platforms that fail to meet the requirements, the action comes days after the government demanded that social media companies set up liaison offices in Nepal, appoint grievance officers and follow a strict code of conduct.

    Officials argued that fake accounts and hate speech were fueling cybercrime and disturbing social harmony in a country where nearly 90 percent of the 30 million population uses the internet.

    At the same time, the government has introduced a bill in parliament aimed at tightening control of social media. The legislation, which has not yet been fully debated, has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups. Activists say it could be used as a tool for censorship and to punish opponents voicing dissent online.

    Officials defend the move, insisting that laws are needed to hold both users and operators accountable for what is published on social platforms.

  • Google fined $425 million in US privacy case, €325m in France over cookies

    Google fined $425 million in US privacy case, €325m in France over cookies

    A United States (US) federal jury on Wednesday ordered Google to pay about $425 million for collecting data from smartphone apps even when users had activated privacy settings, the company confirmed.

    “This case is about Google’s illegal interception of consumers’ private activity on consumer mobile apps,” attorneys for the plaintiffs charged in a class action suit filed in July 2020.

    The verdict came at the end of a trial in San Francisco, just a day after a federal judge in Washington DC handed Google a victory by rejecting the government’s demand that it sells its Chrome web browser as part of a major antitrust case.

    “This decision misunderstands how our products work, and we will appeal it,” Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said. “Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalisation, we honour that choice.”

    In the privacy lawsuit, plaintiffs argued that Google intercepted, tracked, collected, and sold users’ mobile app activity data regardless of the privacy settings they selected. “Google’s privacy promises and assurances are blatant lies,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys said in the lawsuit.

    The case adds to mounting scrutiny of how the tech giant balances its ad-driven business model with user privacy. Google has been working to phase out online tracking cookies and replace them with alternatives that are less intrusive but equally effective for advertisers.

    Cookies, which are small files saved to browsers, allow websites to monitor user activity and are a cornerstone of digital advertising.

    On the same day as the US verdict, France’s data protection watchdog National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) hit Google and fast-fashion retailer Shein with record fines for failing to comply with cookie consent rules. CNIL fined Shein €150 million ($175 million) and Google €325 million, accusing both companies of setting advertising cookies without securing users’ free and informed consent.

    Google said it would review the decision and insisted it had complied with earlier CNIL demands. This is the third fine CNIL has imposed on Google over cookies, following penalties of €100 million in 2020 and €150 million in 2021.

  • Did your non-PTA device start working? Here’s why…

    Did your non-PTA device start working? Here’s why…

    Hundreds of users of non-registered mobile phones have reported sudden network activation of devices over the past one week.

    As they celebrate what was deemed a bug in the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), reports have quoted the telecom watchdog as outlining the changes that have resulted in the activation.

    According to reports, the PTA has offloaded old IMEI records of mobile devices to streamline overall system performance.

    As a result, any mobile phone that is not registered will remain active on the network for 60 days only. In case of non-payment of applicable FBR customs duties/taxes within this period, the device will be re-blocked, in accordance with DIRBS regulations.

    While said activity will assist both PTA and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in improving DIRBS operations and ensuring more effective system management, it aims to encourage users to register their mobile devices by paying the applicable FBR duties/taxes, thereby contributing to a compliant and sustainable digital environment.

    First introduced under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, PTA tax guarantees that every mobile device user in Pakistan, whether local or foreign, makes a fair contribution to the national budget.

    This system ensures that all users, regardless of the source of their mobile devices, pay their share, promoting an equitable tax structure.

    By imposing taxes on imported mobile phones, PTA maintains a healthy balance between local and foreign devices in the market. This regulation prevents market saturation, encourages fair competition and supports the growth of domestic mobile manufacturers.

    The revenue collected from PTA taxes is a significant source of national income. These funds are channeled into various sectors of the economy, supporting development projects, infrastructure improvements and other government initiatives that drive economic progress.

    The PTA tax revenues also contribute to maintaining and expanding the country’s mobile communication infrastructure, supporting networks to maintain reliable and efficient services for millions of users.

  • HONOR Introduces the All-new HONOR X9c with Pre-Bookings Starting August 31st

    HONOR Introduces the All-new HONOR X9c with Pre-Bookings Starting August 31st

    Global technology brand HONOR today announced that pre-bookings are officially open from 31st August till 8th September for the eagerly awaited HONOR X9c, the newest addition to its acclaimed X Series line-up. Setting a benchmark as the most powerful mid-range smartphone in the market, the HONOR X9c seamlessly integrates outstanding durability, long-lasting battery life, stunning display quality, photography capabilities, and advanced AI experience. Encased in a lightweight design that elevates premium aesthetics to new heights, the HONOR X9c is ready to deliver an exceptional choice in the mid-range segment.

    Customers who pre-book the HONOR X9c within this period will also receive a FREE HONOR Choice TWS as an exclusive gift.

    Optimal Durability with All-round Protections

    Committed to pioneering innovative technologies designed to mitigate user pain points, the latest HONOR X9c showcases the new generation of HONOR Anti-Drop Display, offering impressive resistance to drops from heights of up to 2 meters. Its ultra-tempered glass and resistance shield provide comprehensive protection, while the unique bézier curve design safeguards the corners from impacts. The HONOR X9c achieved a remarkable 166% enhancement in comprehensive reliability compared to its predecessor. Equipped with a three-layer waterproof structure, the HONOR X9c provides 360° protection against water exposure, together with an IP65M rating for water and dust resistance. It can withstand splashes and has been tested to function after being submerged in water for up to 5 minutes at a depth of 25cm. Supporting wet hand touch control, the HONOR X9c ensures seamless interaction even with wet or greasy hands, making it a reliable companion for any adventure.

    Enduring Power with Enhanced Safety & Fast Charging

    As the industry’s first smartphone with an ultra-large 6600mAh Silicon-carbon Battery, the HONOR X9c sets a new standard in battery innovation, offering exceptionally long battery life and the largest capacity available today. Users can enjoy a full day of seamless use, with up to 48.4 hours of music streaming and 25.8 hours of online video playback on a single charge. To enhance durability, the battery features an Armor-level Protective Coating and a specialized safety coating that works with the HONOR Power Management System to isolate the electrodes in extreme conditions. With multi-point temperature monitoring, the battery performs well in temperatures from -30°C to 55°C, delivering up to 20 hours of audio calls in -30°C and 30 hours of audio calls in 55°C. Additionally, the AI enables the device to maintain continuous calls for up to 50 minutes when the battery drops to 2%, while the 66W wired HONOR SuperCharge rapidly revives the battery for extended usage. The AI Safe Charging System ensures safe and efficient charging, providing users with peace of mind while powering up.

    Exceptional Visual Display Offers Optimal Immersion

    The HONOR X9c features a 6.78-inch Eye-comfort OLED Display, which supports 1.07 billion colors and a 1.5K resolution, delivering vibrant hues and breathtaking details for a more immersive viewing experience. With a high refresh rate of 120Hz, the display showcases incredibly smooth motion and improved responsiveness for a more fluid interface. In addition, the display ensures an exceptionally sharp and clear viewing experience with its industry-leading peak HDR brightness of 4000nits. The HONOR X9c also guarantees a comfortable viewing experience with eye-comfort features such as 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, Circadian Night Display and Dynamic Dimming.

    AI-powered Smartphone Photography Experience

    Packed with a robust 108MP Ultra-sensing Camera featuring a 1/1.67” large sensor, the HONOR X9c captures images with exceptional detail and enhanced brightness. Leveraging its 9-in-1 pixel binning technology equivalent to a pixel size of 1.92μm, this main camera enables users to take well-lit and sharp images in any lighting scenario. With 3x Lossless Zoom and three distinct portrait modes – 1x Environmental Portrait, 2x Atmospheric Portrait, and 3x Close-up Portrait – users can create stunning portrait shots with diverse focal lengths. To elevate the photography experience, the main camera is equipped with OIS, effectively reducing blurring and shakiness for ultra-clear images. Furthermore, the HONOR X9c integrates AI photography features like HONOR AI Motion Sensing and AI Eraser, enhancing image quality and streamlining photo editing on smartphones.

    Smart User Experience in Stylish Design

    Boasting an ultra-slim design and a refined titanium finish, the HONOR X9c is exceptionally lightweight and sleek, weighing just 189g and measuring 7.98mm in thickness. Additionally, powered by the latest MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14, the HONOR X9c delivers a truly personalized and seamless user experience, enriched with intelligent features including Magic Capsule, Magic Portal and Parallel Space.

    Color, Price and Availability 

    Catering to users’ diverse style preferences, the HONOR X9c will be available in three captivating colorways: Titanium Purple, Titanium Black and Jade Cyan.

    Pre-booking period: 31st August – 8th September 2025

    Pre-order gift: FREE HONOR Choice TWS (limited-time exclusive offer)

    Price starting at Rs. 99,999/-

    About HONOR      

    HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enables people to become a better version of themselves.