Ministry of Communications Unveils Roadmap for Building Deep Tech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

20:15-6 January 2025 AD ـ 07 Rajab 1446 AH

Ministry of Communications Unveils Roadmap for Building Deep Tech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and in collaboration with "Hello Tomorrow," has launched the Deep Tech Report, highlighting the current state and future prospects of the deep tech ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and key initiatives supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The report aims to shed light on the opportunities and potential in this vital sector, recognized as a cornerstone for advancing the digital economy and sustainable development, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

It focuses on five primary pillars of Saudi Arabia’s deep tech ecosystem: deep tech ecosystem, investment, infrastructure and ecosystem enablers, talent, and policies, regulations, and government incentives. It also emphasizes the role of research, development, and innovation in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced technologies.

The report reveals significant growth in the deep tech sector, with 50% of startups focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). There are more than 43 high-growth startups driving innovation in the Kingdom, collectively securing over $987 million in funding in 2022, supported by 104 investors. Additionally, the number of researchers in Saudi Arabia has risen by 75% since 2015, reflecting the nation’s commitment to advancing research and development.

Vice Minister for Technology Mohammed Robayan stated that the report represents an important step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for advanced technologies. By prioritizing innovation and investing in talent and infrastructure, the Kingdom aims to build an integrated ecosystem that supports digital transformation and sustainable development.

He encouraged stakeholders in the public and private sectors, particularly academic institutions and investors, to leverage the report’s insights to create a roadmap that fosters innovation and contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

New Instagram Location Sharing Feature Sparks Privacy Fears

(FILES) A photograph taken during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 19, 2025, shows the logo of Meta, the US company that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Asharq Al Awsat

08:57-9 August 2025 AD ـ 15 Safar 1447 AH

Asharq Al Awsat

08:57-9 August 2025 AD ـ 15 Safar 1447 AH

New Instagram Location Sharing Feature Sparks Privacy Fears

Instagram users are warning about a new location sharing feature, fearing that the hugely popular app could be putting people in danger by revealing their whereabouts without their knowledge.

The Meta-owned image sharing platform added an option on Wednesday which shares locations using an Instagram map, similar to a feature rival Snapchat has offered since 2017.

Some users have since been shocked to discover that their location was being shared, viral posts have shown, reported AFP.

"Mine was turned on and my home address was showing for all of my followers to see," Instagram user Lindsey Bell wrote in reply to a warning posted by "Bachelor" reality television personality Kelley Flanagan to her 300,000 TikTok followers.

"Turned it off immediately once I knew but had me feeling absolutely sick about it."

In a TikTok video, Flanagan called Instagram's new location sharing feature "dangerous" and gave step-by-step instructions on how to make sure it is turned off.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri fired off a post on Meta-owned Threads stressing that Instagram location sharing is off by default, meaning users need to opt in for it to be active.

"Quick Friend Map clarification, your location will only be shared if you decide to share it, and if you do, it can only be shared with a limited group of people you choose," Mosseri wrote.

"To start, location sharing is completely off."

The feature was added as a way for friends to better connect with one another, sharing posts from "cool spots," Instagram said in a blog post.

Users can be selective regarding who they share locations with, and can turn it off whenever they wish, according to Instagram.

Wariness regarding whether Instagram is watching out for user privacy comes just a week after a federal jury in San Francisco sided with women who accused Meta of exploiting health data gathered by the Flo app, which tracks menstruation and efforts to get pregnant.

A jury concluded that Meta used women's sensitive health data to better target money-making ads, according to law firm Labaton Keller Sucharow, which represented the plaintiffs.

Evidence at trial showed Meta was aware it was getting confidential health data from the third-party app, and that some employees appeared to mock the nature of the information, the law firm contended.

"This case was about more than just data -- it was about dignity, trust, and accountability," lead attorney Carol Villegas said in a blog post.

Damages in the suit have yet to be determined.

Ministry of Communications Unveils Roadmap for Building Deep Tech Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia