Saudi Communications Minister Meets with ITU Secretary-General, Global Tech Leaders

The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA
The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA
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Saudi Communications Minister Meets with ITU Secretary-General, Global Tech Leaders

The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA
The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha has discussed with the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ways to enhance cooperation and digital inclusion.

The discussion in Davos on Monday also focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world, empowering individuals, and protecting the planet.

The meeting, held as part of the Saudi delegation's participation in the annual World Economic Forum meeting, emphasized the significance of expanding partnerships to foster the digital economy's growth.

It also highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence, developing national digital skills, and enabling digital entrepreneurship.

Al-Swaha also met with various leaders of prominent global technology and innovation companies to enhance partnerships in the digital economy and innovation sectors.

The discussions focused on developing solutions and technologies related to cloud computing, generative artificial intelligence, and enhancing the digital capabilities of Saudis in emerging technologies and localizing digital content.

Additionally, the minister conducted meetings with the founder and CEO of Scale AI, Alexander Wang and President and CEO of the Ericsson Group Borje Ekholm to explore partnerships, exchange expertise, and foster the growth of the digital economy and innovation.



Britain to Introduce Digital Driving Licences this Year

A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
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Britain to Introduce Digital Driving Licences this Year

A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
A gaggle of geese stop traffic on The Mall as they cross the road in front of Buckingham Palace, in London, Britain October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo

Britain will introduce digital driving licences later this year in a push to use data to transform public services, the government said on Tuesday.

The licence will be held in a new GOV.UK digital wallet on smartphones and it will enable users to easily prove their age when buying age-restricted items as well as proving a right to drive.

Security features built into smartphones like facial recognition will ensure digital documents are secure even if a device is lost, the government said.

Other credentials issued by the government such as veteran cards and criminal record checks will be added by the end of 2027, it said, while physical documents would also remain available, according to Reuters.

The wallet will come alongside a government app, due this summer, that will make using services like applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport easier.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said the GOV.UK wallet would mean that every letter or identity document received from the government could be issued virtually.

"For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they're entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before," he said.

"Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data."

A government review published on Tuesday said the full digitisation of public services could result in more than 45 billion pounds ($55 billion) a year of savings and productivity benefits.

Digital driving licences already exist in Australia, Denmark, Iceland and in some US states.