Published daily by the Lowy Institute

Digital Asia links: Philippines disaster networks, North Korean mobiles, Chinese cyber hackers, Indonesian complaint apps and more

Digital Asia links: Philippines disaster networks, North Korean mobiles, Chinese cyber hackers, Indonesian complaint apps and more

The Asia Pacific is the most dynamic digital landscape in the world, home to the fastest adopters of new technologies and the largest concentration of mobile and social media users. An escalation in online activism, changing cyber dynamics, developments in digital diplomacy and the exploitation of big data are shaping the region's engagement with the world.

  • From Foreign Affairs: why Beijing is cracking down on 'unverified' information online.
  • @JopeTarai from the University of South Pacific looks at whether social media should be regulated in Fiji.
  • Reuters has reported new North Korean mobile figures, with Egypt-owned operator Koryolink admitting to 3 million- subscribers, a tripling since 2012. But Koryolink isn't able to extract profits and now faces competition from the North Korean Government.
  • Japanese companies are taking virtual reality to new and exciting places.
  • In a first, Chinese hackers have been arrested at the behest of the US Government. But does America really want China arresting hackers? 
  • On that note, the head of cyber firm FireEye believes the US-China no-hack pact could be a game changer.
  • Marikina in the Philippines will become the first city in the world with 'disaster-proof' communications. Powered by FireChat's mesh network (the app of choice of Hong Kong's Umbrella protesters), developer Open Garden is working with the government to roll out the project across the Philippines.
  • Tonga's parliament has unanimously passed a bill giving the government internet blocking powers.
  • Single Chinese are turning to rent-a-partner mobile apps to fool family members.
  • Indonesians are flocking to Qlue, a new accountability mobile app which allows users to complain about shoddy public services in Jakarta by posting geo-located photos of their complaints online. Here's how it works:




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