Digital technology, the Internet and society | In focus | DW | 26.07.2016
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In focus

Digital technology, the Internet and society

Collection of #mediadev articles looking at news, analysis and research around the topic of how digital technology is changing the world.

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Privacy is not dead, but it’s going to cost you

These days it’s hard to disconnect from digital life, even temporarily. But Mozilla’s Cathleen Berger argues we should give more thought to how we can do that and control the personal data that companies are harvesting. (12.03.2018)

Innovative digital responses to crises and challenges

From mapping drought crises to averting Internet shutdowns, digital project innovators offer tips to others aiming to develop digital projects of their own. (19.09.2017)

Using social media for good during Ghana's elections

With Internet shutdowns becoming the norm during Africa's elections, a tech group is betting on Ghana staying online when the country votes so it can track social media to spot potential trouble. (05.12.2016)

Zimbabwe's tightening grip on online communications

After messaging services and social media helped fuel protests earlier in 2016, the Zimbabwe government is clamping down on cyberspace. With elections due in 2018, online rights are expected to erode further. (15.11.2016)

The new power of manipulation

Google and Facebook are able to influence the opinions of their users. That's dangerous. By Sandro Gaycken (18.10.2016)

How technology can help educate child refugees

Designing with users, building on existing ideas and understanding the ecosystem are some of the prerequisites for success when creating digital projects in education argues Becky Telford from UNICEF. (20.06.2016)

Women and mobile phones: Two billion remain unconnected

Although mobile phone ownership is booming, women in developing countries are still less likely to own a mobile. A new report highlights some strategies for connecting women. (18.05.2015)

What is m-learning?

M-learning, or mobile learning, is one of the new trend words in development circles. But what exactly is m-learning, how is it different from e-learning and how is it being used? (11.03.2016)

Takeaways from the global internet report

The Internet Society's latest Global Internet Report finds that while mobiles are helping millions of people get online, cost and lack of relevant content are still barriers to permitting internet access. (06.08.2015)

'Social networks don't encourage the exchange of ideas'

Facebook is a “happening party” right now, says Sahar Habib Ghazi from Global Voices. If you're not there, your content doesn't get attention. But according to her, this might change soon. (29.01.2016)

Communication shutdowns: “The fabric of society is torn”

Access to information is a human right, also regarding the Internet. But Ben Wagner from the Centre for Internet & Human Rights says countries block Internet access regularly, which has serious implications for society. (16.10.2015)

Tech companies fail to make the grade on privacy

A new ranking of major technology companies has given them low marks for protecting the privacy and freedom of expression of their users. #mediadev talks to the project's director, Rebecca MacKinnon, about the results. (12.11.2015)

Taking Free Basics in Kenya for a spin

The fiery debate raging around Facebook's Free Basics is largely theoretical in nature. To see what Free Basics is like in practice, Kenyan researcher Nanjira Sambuli loaded it on her phone and took it for a test drive. (27.11.2015)

A guide to Internet metrics and measures

Media development workers trying to measure Internet activity in a country face a complex task. DW Akademie's Lena Nitsche has prepared a useful guide to the key metrics and measures of the web, and where to find them. (27.10.2015)

Feature phone and smartphone battle it out in Africa

Mobile phone use has been skyrocketing in Africa - the number of handsets is set to reach a billion next year. Most people still use so-called feature phones but the rival smartphone is expected to catch up before long. (27.05.2015)