As we move further into the digital age, our works and lives are getting internet-oriented in a more diversified way. This trend is especially apparent in the mobile industry, where technology is constantly evolving to make our lives easier. With that note, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) had been working on the software-based SIM since 2010. Eventually, it became real, and Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G smartwatch implemented eSIM in 2016. So, what is eSIM, and how does it work? Let's get to know everything about eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to connect to a wireless network without having to use a physical SIM card. This means that you can switch providers without having to go through the hassle of buying a new SIM card and switching your number. eSIM also allows you to have more than one network in your phone, but you can use one network at a time.

The eSIM is ten times smaller than any ordinary SIM card. As you already know, this SIM doesn't require to be inserted into the phone like the traditional SIM. eSIM is a built-in feature of the latest smartphone. Hence, eSIM will not work with any phone, and you will need to know if your handset has an eSIM feature or not. It is a kind of hardware of the phone, and it is not possible to take it out of the phone. 

Latest phones such as iPhone 11 series and later, Samsung fold and flip phone, Samsung 20 and 21 series, Google Pixel, Huawei's latest models, and more. Further, eSIM is also used in fitness tracking devices, Apple Watches, iPads, etc. Although it is part of the phone's hardware, it is not activated until its profile is downloaded to the phone from the operator network.

How does an eSIM work?

eSIM is basically a microchip that is programmable and is a built-in feature in eSIM supported devices. That means you can change the information inside if you want. However, the traditional SIM cards are not programmable. That means no one can change everything inside if they want to. So, we only have to use the services of one company with a regular sim card.

On the other hand, eSIMs work by connecting to a cellular network provider through an eSIM enabled device. The eSIM-enabled device will then have access to the provider's network and services.

A regular SIM card usually contains some important information or data. Such as user ID, location, phone number, user authorization data, personal security key, saved contact number, and text message. We cannot change these data if we want. We can only save or delete contact numbers and text messages. The rest of the information is permanently saved in the SIM card, which can never be deleted. And due to this, we are bound to use the network of that SIM company.

But since eSIM is programmable, a user can change all the information if he wants. It's a lot like saving, deleting, or deleting something from the phone's memory. Therefore, an eSIM card allows you to profile users on different networks.

Pros and cons eSIM

While eSIM technology seems groundbreaking, it has cons too. Let's get to know the pros and cons of eSIM.

Pros

eSIM technology offers a number of advantages over traditional SIM cards. Perhaps the most notable advantage is that eSIMs can be remotely activated and deactivated, which means that users can switch carriers without having to go to a physical store and swap out SIM cards. This can be a great convenience, especially when traveling because you won't have to worry about losing your SIM card or having to find a local carrier to get a new one. An eSIM can store the data of five virtual sims.

eSIMs also offer increased security, as they are not as easily lost or stolen as traditional SIM cards. eSIM is also more difficult to hack or counterfeit than traditional SIM cards. Additionally, eSIM technology allows for more flexible plans, as users can add or delete data packages without having to visit a physical store.

The smaller size of E-SIMs allows for more space inside the phone, which can be used by smartphone manufacturers to increase battery size or add new features. Additionally, fewer holes in the phone mean that it is less likely to become clogged with dust.

The use of e-SIM in small devices such as smartwatches can provide a convenient and efficient experience. Apple and Samsung have already implemented eSIM in different watch series.

Finally, eSIMs are more environmentally friendly, as they do not require the use of physical cards.

Cons

Although using eSIM may seem simple at first, the process can be complex. In the case of an ordinary SIM card, if the phone does not work for any reason, the user can usually retrieve important information by removing the SIM and inserting it into another phone. On the other hand, if the phone is damaged, most of your information is also lost unless it is saved online.

If you are concerned about your movement being monitored, it's easy to remove your SIM card. With eSIM, there is no such advantage, but the upside is that your phone can't be wiped clean if it is stolen.

eSIM supported phones are not widely available, and they are not cheap either. Hence, you may need to spend more to access the eSIM service.

How to use eSIM in Bangladesh?

Currently, Grameen Phone (GP) offers an eSIM service in Bangladeshi. You can buy GP eSIM online and store. It is expected that eventually; other operators will also introduce eSIM in Bangladesh. 

When you buy an eSIM from an operator, they will give you a QR code. Scanning this code, your phone will save the operator's identity in the eSIM database in your set. Then the eSIM will be installed on your phone. Your mobile number in that eSIM will be activated on your phone.

Final Words

Recognized by GSME, ETSI, Global Platform, and SIM Alliance, e-SIM will be the connectivity of the future and will play an important role in the future of the telecom sector. Apple, Google, Huawei, and Windows are incorporating e-SIM into their ecosystems, and millions of people around the world are already taking advantage of it.

Yesterday marked 'Data Privacy Day' or 'International Data Security Day,' observed globally, raising awareness about the importance of securing personal information. Various international organizations have implemented various initiatives to promote awareness regarding the security of personal information. According to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) of the United Nations, 128 out of 194 countries worldwide have laws pertaining to information security and personal privacy. Similarly, Article 43 (kha) of our constitution also recognizes privacy rights as fundamental human rights.

However, while our constitution and laws emphasize information security and personal privacy, individual privacy is constantly breached. From intimate phone calls to the proliferation of audio-video content online, personal information is vulnerable and can reach millions of people in an instant. From politicians to ordinary citizens, no one is immune, especially in today's digital age, where personal information is readily accessible to multinational corporations. Additionally, both government and non-government entities collect personal information in various ways. Due to the lack of clear guidelines about what information an individual should disclose or how much information can be demanded, the privacy of personal information is under considerable threat, according to experts in social and digital security.

A few days ago, a leaked telephone conversation involving former Information Minister Dr. Murad Hassan created quite a stir. The incident led to his eventual resignation. Similar incidents of leaked phone conversations involving various political leaders have occurred before. It's not just phone calls; the advancement of communication technology has enabled the widespread sharing of various types of information, including audio and video, in an alarming rate. The investigation into Dr. Murad Hassan's leaked phone call from two years ago is still ongoing, led by law enforcement agencies. Recently, the trend of leaking phone conversations has surged among politicians, and even ordinary individuals are resorting to various apps to avoid discussing sensitive matters over the phone. Alongside concerns about security and privacy, there is ongoing debate within the political arena regarding the legal aspects of these issues.

How Personal Privacy Is Breached

Personal privacy is breached in various ways, starting from close acquaintances. Firstly, there's a decline in the perception of security regarding the protection of personal information worldwide. People tend to reveal a lot of information, both knowingly and unknowingly, often with a misplaced trust in the security of digital platforms.

Research shows that personal privacy is most often compromised by those closest to us. If not through hacking or leaks, personal matters often find their way online through various social media platforms or are exposed due to threats. Breakups between spouses, partners, or lovers, for instance, can result in one party sharing personal photos or videos online out of revenge. Additionally, personal matters are sometimes exploited and used to mentally harass individuals. In some cases, even without their knowledge, hackers can expose any piece of personal information online. We regularly share a significant amount of personal information on platforms like Facebook and other communication mediums. This can inadvertently expose our privacy. Moreover, personal data such as phone numbers, emails, and bank account numbers are shared in various ways with different multinational corporations. Self-interest and greed prompt individuals and organizations to utilize personal information for commercial or personal gains. Often, individuals willingly share all sorts of information inspired by their self-interest. Analyzing this data, those organizations gain insight into individuals' minds, often better than the individuals themselves.

What Does Bangladeshi Law Say About Personal Privacy?

Recording someone's personal phone call and sharing it without their consent is illegal in Bangladesh, as per the constitution and prevailing laws, unless authorized by the government. According to Article 43 of the constitution, every citizen has the right to privacy of correspondence and other means of communication. Furthermore, Section 71 of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act explicitly mentions that intercepting telephone conversations without the permission of both parties is a punishable offense. It states that if anyone intentionally intercepts any message intended for another person through telephone, that person shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or with a fine not exceeding five crore taka or with both.

However, these laws come with certain conditions. Under Section 97-K, these provisions will not apply to agencies appointed by the government for national security, law enforcement, or investigative purposes. In other words, government agencies have the legal authority to intercept phone conversations for national security and law enforcement reasons, but this requires authorization from the Minister or State Minister of the Home Ministry. While the law specifies who can be intercepted, for how long, and under what circumstances, it lacks clarity on these aspects.

Experts in social and digital security argue that governments have the authority to intercept communications for the sake of national security. Every country in the world has laws concerning this, particularly post-9/11, when countries worldwide shifted their focus from traditional notions to safeguarding national security interests. Although these laws do not make such interceptions acceptable in principle, they do extend the reach of governments to monitor individual communications, especially in the context of national security and public order. Nevertheless, it is not permissible to use these laws for personal or political gains.

The proliferation of leaked personal phone calls in our society has generated significant curiosity and discussion. However, these incidents should not be sensationalized, and such activities should be discouraged, according to experts. While these legal matters are complex, the leakage of personal phone calls continues to be a concern. Prominent politicians, public figures, and ordinary individuals alike have experienced personal conversations being leaked to the public.

It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of personal privacy and information security. Individuals should be educated about the risks associated with sharing sensitive information online and over the phone. Organizations and government agencies should also take steps to ensure that they handle personal data responsibly and securely, following established legal and ethical guidelines. Moreover, there is a need for clearer and more comprehensive laws and regulations that govern the collection, storage, and sharing of personal information in the digital age.

Soppiya, Bangladesh's first global no-coding e-commerce, blog, and portfolio platform has been officially launched at the BASIS SoftExpo 2023 at Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in the capital’s Purbachal area on Friday (February 24)

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the national trade organization of the information and communication technology sector, has organized the 4-day exhibition with the slogan 'Welcome to Smartverse'.

Md. Ekramul Haque, Honorable Managing Director of Soppiya Innovation Limited, cut a cake on Friday to open the launching ceremony.

During this 4-day exhibition, Soppiya’s stalls hosted various events including a chance to win attractive gift hampers by opening a free website for visitors.

Asad Bin Abdullah, executive director of Soppiya said, ''Soppiya is a saas-based cms platform. Through this, you can create your professional e-commerce, blog, and portfolio website in 30 minutes for free. By doing this, there will be a revolutionary change in the socio-economic system of the country through online platform business and Bangladesh will take a step forward in achieving Digital Bangladesh.''

''We have launched the platform with an emphasis on providing quality e-commerce websites, blog websites, and portfolio website creation solutions with the latest updates and most convenient packages, themes, plugins, widgets, hosted solutions, and advanced technologies. Even those who have no coding or technical knowledge can set up a beautiful website and all this is possible only with Soppiya.''

Twitter on Saturday began rolling out a controversial new paid subscription system which the social network's unpredictable new owner, billionaire Elon Musk, ordered staff to build after taking over last week.

The platform's mobile app began offering an update that will allow users to sign up for the new version of Twitter Blue, which Musk has said will cost $8 a month, and is set to grant users a blue checkmark and perks such as less advertising in their feeds.

"Starting today, we're adding great new features to Twitter Blue," says the update, only on iPhones for now. "Get Twitter Blue for $7.99 a month if you sign up now."

In a tweet, the California-based company's director of product development Esther Crawford specified that the new service had yet to go live.

"The new Blue isn't live yet -- the sprint to our launch continues but some folks may see us making updates because we are testing and pushing changes in real-time," she posted.

"New Blue ... coming soon!" she added.

On Friday, half of Twitter's 7,500 employees were laid off by Tesla boss Musk.

He ordered the redesign of Twitter Blue as a priority, making some teams work day and night on it, reportedly with a target launch date of November 7 -- a day before the US midterm elections.

The current version of the service, which costs $5, contains premium features, such as a more comfortable reading mode.

Musk wants to add a blue tick which until now has symbolized account verification, though he has not explained how the paying accounts will be verified.

Until now verification has been free and serves as proof of authenticity for the accounts of users such as politicians, governments, journalists, celebrities and sports figures -- a system Musk has derided as "lords and peasants."

The update also lists other benefits mentioned by Musk, such as the ability to post longer videos and audio messages.

"Since you're supporting Twitter in the battle against the bots, we're going to reward you with half the ads and make them twice as relevant," the offer states.

The Californian company needs to diversify its income, heavily reliant on advertising. Several advertisers have suspended their spending on the platform since its acquisition, after Musk vowed to dial back content moderation.

– BSS/AFP

Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) boss Elon Musk said in a filing on Monday he will serve as chief executive of Twitter, the social media company he just bought for $44 billion, a move that Wall Street analysts have said could stretch the billionaire thin.

Musk, who also runs rocket company SpaceX, brain-chip startup Neuralink and tunneling firm the Boring Company, fired Twitter's previous chief, Parag Agrawal, and other top company officials last week.

Tesla's stock has lost a third of its value since Musk made an offer to buy Twitter in April, compared with a 12% decline in the benchmark S&P 500 index (.SPX) in the same period.

Musk had previously changed his Twitter bio to "Chief Twit" in an allusion to his planned move.

Twitter on Monday declined comment on how long Musk might remain CEO or appoint someone else.

In another filing on Monday, Musk revealed that he became the sole director of Twitter as a result of the takeover.

"The following persons, who were directors of Twitter prior to the effective time of the merger, are no longer directors of Twitter: Bret Taylor, Parag Agrawal, Omid Kordestani, David Rosenblatt, Martha Lane Fox, Patrick Pichette, Egon Durban, Fei-Fei Li and Mimi Alemayehou," Musk said in the filing.

Shortly afterward, Musk tweeted that the move to dissolve the board "is just temporary," without elaborating.

Last week, Musk's takeover of the social media company for $44 billion concluded a months-long saga.

Since the takeover Musk has moved quickly to put his stamp on Twitter, which he had ridiculed for months for being slow to introduce product changes or take down spam accounts.

His teams began meeting with some employees to investigate Twitter's software code and understand how aspects of the platform worked, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Some staff who spoke with Reuters said they had received little communication from Musk or other leaders and were using news reports to piece together what was happening at the company.

- Reuters

Facebook parent Meta on Wednesday reported that its revenue declined for a second consecutive quarter, hurt by falling advertising sales as it faces competition from TikTok’s wildly popular video app.

The quarter’s weak results raised fresh questions about whether Meta’s plans to spend $10 billion a year on the metaverse — a concept that doesn’t quite exist yet and possibly never will — is prudent while its main source of revenue is faltering.

The quarterly results from Meta Platforms Inc. sent its stock tumbling 19% in after-hours trading to $105.20. If the sell-off holds through Thursday’s regular trading day, it will be the lowest it’s been since 2016. The stock closed Wednesday down 61% for the year.

Meta’s disappointing results followed weak earnings reports from Google parent Alphabet Inc. and Microsoft this week. The Menlo Park, California, company earned $4.4 billion, or $1.64 per share, in the three-month period that ended Sept. 30. That’s down 52% from, $9.19 billion, or $3.22 per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Analysts were expecting a profit of $1.90 per share, on average, according to FactSet.

Revenue fell 4% to $27.71 billion from $29.01 billion, slightly higher than the $27.4 billion that analysts had predicted.

Some of the company’s investors are concerned Meta is spending too much money and confusing people with its focus on the metaverse, a virtual, mixed and augmented reality concept that few people understand — while it also grapples with a weakening advertising business.

“Meta has drifted into the land of excess — too many people, too many ideas, too little urgency,” wrote Brad Gerstner, the CEO of Meta shareholder Altimeter Capital, earlier this week in a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “This lack of focus and fitness is obscured when growth is easy but deadly when growth slows and technology changes.”

In addition to an accelerating revenue decline, Meta also forecast weaker-than-expected sales for the current quarter, further raising worries that the revenue slump is more of a trend than an aberration.

“While we face near-term challenges on revenue, the fundamentals are there for a return to stronger revenue growth,” Zuckerberg said in a statement. “We’re approaching 2023 with a focus on prioritization and efficiency that will help us navigate the current environment and emerge an even stronger company.”

Meta said it expects staffing levels to stay roughly the same as in the current quarter — a departure from previous years’ double-digit workforce growth. The company had about 87,000 employees as of Sept. 30, an increase of 28% year-over-year.

“To return to stronger growth, Meta needs to turn its business around,” said Insider Intelligence analyst Debra Aho Williamson. “As Facebook Inc., it was a revolutionary company that changed the way people communicate and the way marketers interact with consumers. Today it’s no longer that innovative groundbreaker.”

She added that “Meta would benefit from less priority on the metaverse and more on fixing its core business.” Meta’s Reality Labs unit, which includes its metaverse and virtual reality efforts, had an operating loss of $3.67 billion in the third quarter, compared with a loss of $2.63 billion a year earlier. Its revenue was $285 million.

Meta said it expects Reality Labs operating losses in 2023 to “grow significantly year-over-year.”

Despite the revenue decline, Meta grew its user base. Facebook’s monthly active users were 2.96 billion as of Sept. 30, up 2% from a year earlier. And 3.71 billion people logged in to at least one of Meta’s family of apps — Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or Messenger — up 4% year-over-year.

– AP/UNB