AI for venues: Smart City Networks teamed with HIVE to help convention centers move from AI pilots to organization-wide rollout, adding strategy, governance, workforce training and implementation support. SIM blocking rules under pressure: Indian telecom operators rejected a proposal to block suspicious SIMs within 2–3 hours for “digital arrest” cases, agreeing instead to disconnect only twice daily to protect due diligence. Online gambling crackdown: Sri Lanka’s TRCSL ordered operators to block 146 unlicensed gambling sites nationwide, citing its gaming law framework. China telecom security probe: A US House committee alleges banned Chinese carriers (China Mobile/Telecom/Unicom) kept US network presence after FCC actions, raising concerns about access to critical infrastructure. AI infrastructure investment: Ooredoo will invest about $800m in Zankore, targeting 1GW of NVIDIA DSX AI Factory capacity across Southeast Asia. Cybercrime surge in Africa: Interpol says AI now drives over 55% of reported African cybercrimes, with telecom and finance hit hardest. Regulatory enforcement in Pakistan: PTA reports blocking 1.54m+ URLs by July 2026, with an 89% blocking rate. Telecom vandalism in Malaysia: Pahang reported RM3m+ losses from telecom infrastructure theft and vandalism, disrupting services and prompting tighter security reminders. Identity security growth: 1Kosmos added Frank Cohen as CRO to expand sales for identity proofing and passwordless authentication.