Save the Date: Bread&Net is back! 15 to 17 November 2019
SMEX is thrilled to announce the return of Bread&Net, the annual Arabic-language unconference to strengthen and defend human rights in digitally networked spaces in the MENA region. Join us from 15 to 17 November 2019 at Antwork in Beirut! We took your comments and feedback from last year’s inaugural Bread&Net to heart, and together with […]
Grindr Ban: Lebanese Courts Restrict LGBTQ+ Rights
Ogero bans Grindr due to court order.(photo credits: “The Daily Star Lebanon”) A few weeks ago Ogero, the ministry of telecommunications operated internet service provider (ISP), blocked Grindr, a popular gay online dating application, due to a court order from the general disciplinary judge Marie Abou Mourad, which stated that the application “secures romantic and […]
Dear Careem, Stop Sharing Riders’ Personal Information with Drivers
It was recently revealed that Careem, the Emirati-based ride hailing company, recently purchased by Uber, routinely shares riders’ full names and phone numbers with drivers, or “captains” as the company refers to them. This policy has resulted in drivers sending unsolicited Facebook friend requests to riders, violating their privacy and potentially threatening their safety. On […]
Uber buys Careem: What does that mean to us as consumers?
On Tuesday, Uber announced that it acquired Careem, the sole competitor in the Middle East, for $ 3.1 billion. $ 1.4 billion will be paid in cash and Careem shareholders will receive $ 1.7 billion in Uber shares. “Uber will have all its transport, delivery and payment operations across the Greater Middle East,” said Careem, […]