Here’s what happened in tech yesterday.
1. Big carriers and banks start sharing fraud data
The new Cross-Sector Anti-Fraud Exchange (CSAFE) links Bell, Rogers and Telus with BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, National Bank, Scotiabank and RBC to share confirmed fraud intelligence and spot repeat scammers, MobileSyrup reports. Read the full story
Why it matters: Most phone scams end at a bank account. Connecting the two is overdue, but the details on privacy safeguards are thin.
2. Ottawa adds $500 million for regional AI adoption
AI Minister Evan Solomon announced a $500-million, five-year top-up to the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, bringing it to $700 million, BetaKit reports. It’s delivered through the seven regional development agencies and aimed at helping businesses adopt and commercialize AI.
Why it matters: This is money for companies using AI, not just building it. Application windows vary by region.
3. Eastlink switches on a 5G standalone core
Eastlink has upgraded its network core to Nokia’s 5G Standalone technology and committed $12 million more to bring 5G to new places in Atlantic Canada, on top of $30 million spent over the past year. Read the full story
Why it matters: Regional carriers investing in their own networks is how Atlantic Canada gets real competition.
4. Google funds free cyber clinics across Canada
Google.org is giving $3.5 million to Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst to launch Cyber Clinics Canada, a national network where students and new cybersecurity professionals give free security help to non-profits and community groups, BetaKit reports.
Why it matters: Small non-profits are easy targets and can rarely afford security consultants. This helps both them and people trying to break into the field.
5. Netflix lays off about 1,000 people
Netflix is cutting roughly 1,000 jobs, about 6% of its staff, mostly in product, technology, legal and HR, MobileSyrup reports, citing Variety. It’s the company’s biggest round of cuts since 2022.
Why it matters: Even the streaming leader is tightening up. Expect more focus on what drives subscriptions and ad revenue.
