CHINA: Digital currency is a hedge against dollar supremacy

Among global central banks, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) has been among the most aggressive in research and development of a blockchain-based digital currency, including at least 130 pending patent applications. Beijing appears to have diverse motivations, including t… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password […]
CHINA: Digital privacy law is a bid for global lead in internet governance

China’s legislature released the draft of a new Personal Information Privacy Law (PIPL) for public comment in October and may approve a final version this year. Once enacted, the law will impose substantial new compliance requirements on both Chinese and foreign companie… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA: Ant group crackdown unlikely to extend to other private sector firms

Following the suspension of Ant’s USD 35bn IPO in November, subsequent regulatory actions have clarified the nature of regulators’ concerns about Alibaba/Ant. These actions suggest that the crackdown is primarily a response to specific concerns about a few large internet… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MENA: After 10 years, Arab Spring re-run unlikely

The Arab Spring, now ten years on, generally had a greater positive impact in Arab countries that weren’t touched by protests than those that were. Middle- and low-income Arab states have been unable to make large strides addressing youth unemployment, which was one of the p… Become a member to read the rest of […]