Google has officially launched Gemini 3, the latest version of its flagship AI model, describing it as the company’s most intelligent, state-of-the-art iteration. Unveiled on Tuesday, the new model combines all of Gemini’s previous capabilities with advanced reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Gemini platform currently boasts 2 billion users every month across its services and the Gemini app surpasses 650 million users per month. Alphabet-owned Google stated that Gemini 3 is its attempt to make AI truly helpful by meeting user requests for powerful tools that simplify daily activities.The launch includes Gemini 3 Pro, a specialized version that offers multimodal capabilities and reportedly outperforms Gemini 2.5 in every major AI benchmark. Google claims this model demonstrates PhD-level reasoning, setting a new frontier standard in mathematics. Gemini 3 Pro tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. It acts as a true thought partner that gives you new ways to understand information and express yourself – Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind Google is also rolling out other complementary products, including the Google Antigravity platform, a tool that transforms AI from a simple coding assistant into an active partner for complex software tasks.
Cloudflare network problem knocks X and multiple sites offline
The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is experiencing a global outage, with thousands of users reporting issues with loading posts on both the app and web browser versions. The problem, which began around 11 a.m. UTC on Tuesday, is reportedly linked to a major network issue at Cloudflare, an American company providing essential web security and Content Delivery Network (CDN) services. Cloudflare has confirmed it is aware of the issue and is currently investigating.Cloudflare operates as a vital intermediary for a substantial portion of the internet. It helps websites defend against cyberattacks and ensures fast content delivery. When Cloudflare experiences a problem, it can simultaneously impact numerous, unrelated websites and services that rely on its network. According to Downdetector, nearly 12,000 users reported issues with X, where they were met with a consistent message like “posts aren’t loading right now”. While X has not released an official statement, the concurrent global outage at Cloudflare is the suspected source of disruption. Cloudflare is aware of and investigating an issue which potentially impacts multiple customers. Further details will be provided as more information becomes available The issue also affected their internal systems, including the Cloudflare dashboard feature and the application programming interface (API).This incident follows a major AWS global outage in October, which also temporarily affected multiple platforms, including Grammarly, Snapchat, and Reddit.Full service restoration across all impacted platforms, including X, is expected once Cloudflare successfully implements a solution to the network degradation.
NIN-SIM policy leads to loss of 59.7 million phone lines in Nigeria
Nigeria’s active voice subscriptions plummeted by 59.7 million in 2024, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) 2024 Subscriber/Network Performance Report. This correction, which saw the active subscriber base drop from 224.7 million in 2023 to 164.9 million by December 2024 (a 26.6% year-on-year decline), was primarily caused by the strict enforcement of the National Identification Number (NIN)–Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage policy.The mass deactivation of unlinked SIM cards marks a phase in the multi-year drive of the Federal Government to strengthen national security and establish a credible digital identity database.The NIN-SIM linkage policy was launched in February 2020 and jointly enforced by the NCC and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Following several extensions, the final cut-off date was September 14, 2024, leading to the automatic deactivation of any SIM without a verified NIN the following day.The government made the linkage mandatory primarily to curb the criminal use of anonymous SIM cards, strengthen national security, and create a more reliable national identity database. The policy also aims to expand financial inclusion and improve digital service delivery.The NCC report shows the massive decline was due to the removal of SIMs not linked to a verifiable NIN, coupled with the rectification of a long-standing subscriber-count discrepancy by a major mobile network operator, which had inflated the total subscriber count.The subscriber loss also affected other industry metrics. Teledensity fell from 103.66% to 76.08%, and internet subscriptions dropped by 24.6 million users (a 14.98% contraction).The NCC views the drop as a necessary and successful clean-up that has created a more authentic subscriber base. They argue that the verified database enhances national security and establishes a foundation for digital governance reforms, with President Bola Tinubu confirming that over 126 million Nigerians had been enrolled in the National Identity Database by September 2024.
Dangote and Otedola phones hacked, ransom demanded
The mobile phones of two of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, were reportedly compromised by hackers over the past week, with ransom demands made to both individuals, according to a report by TheCable. Sources confirm that cyber intruders gained access to the phones of Dangote, Africa’s richest man, and Otedola, seeking financial payment. Dangote experienced two separate breaches within a 48-hour period, while Otedola’s phone was breached once. As at the time this report was published, it remains unclear whether the businessmen have regained full control of their devices or the total extent of the data compromised. The nature and amount of the ransom requested by the hackers, as well as the precise information stolen, which may include highly sensitive financial, business, and personal data, have not been disclosed. Cybersecurity experts warn that such breaches could expose victims to severe financial and reputational risks.This incident follows similar high-profile cyberattacks in Nigeria. In 2024, phones belonging to state governors Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State were also breached by scammers who impersonated the officials to solicit financial support. Cybersecurity experts urge individuals and organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity protocols and remain cautious against phishing attempts and other digital threats.
NLC plans “mother of all protests” against Moove Africa over labor practices
The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is planning a major protest, dubbed the “Mother of All Protests”, against the vehicle financing company Moove Africa. The protest, which will take place at Moove Africa’s office, is aimed at tackling the company’s alleged continuous anti-labour practices and demanding the reversal of “oppressive policies,” including a 100% increase in the weekly remittance required from drivers in its drive-to-own scheme.The planned action escalates a conflict that began when Moove Africa drastically altered the payment structure for its drivers, leading to hardship and previous driver protests.The conflict centers on a 100% increase in the weekly remittance for drivers under the Moove’s drive-to-own scheme, raised from ₦56,400 to ₦112,200 in September 2025.Drivers expressed concern over the remittance breakdown showing that the actual vehicle loan repayment component (₦39,766) was less than the handling cost (₦42,735), raising questions about the fairness of the cost structure.In addition to the fee hike, the NLC and the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) accuse Moove of engaging in unlawful collection and seizure of vehicles, particularly the Suzuki Espresso and Alto models, from drivers without due process or justification.Lagos NLC Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, stated that Moove Africa has refused dialogue, leaving the NLC no choice but to protest; The company’s high-handedness and disregard for dialogue have left us with no option but to exercise our democratic and constitutional right to peaceful protest AUATON accused Moove of continuously exploiting drivers by recycling drivers and manipulating remittance systems. AUATON called on all e-hailing drivers (Uber, Bolt, etc.) in the state to join the solidarity protest.The NLC and AUATON argue that the remittance hike and vehicle seizures cause untold hardship and constitute exploitation of hardworking drivers who are struggling under prevailing economic realities. They demand an immediate reversal of all oppressive policies.
Anthony Joshua to face YouTuber Jake Paul in December
Former unified heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua will fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a professional bout on Friday, December 19, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.The anticipated match, titled “Judgment Day,” will be streamed live globally onNetflix. The fight is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds and marking Paul’s first professional contest against an elite heavyweight boxer.The bout is a sanctioned professional heavyweight fight contested over eight three-minute rounds using 10-ounce gloves, which is more accommodating to Paul’s career as a cruiserweight, different from the 12-round championship distance Joshua is accustomed to.The fight represents the most significant step up in competition for Paul (12-1, 7 KOs), who has largely built his professional record on wins against former MMA fighters and one victory over the retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson. Paul is historically a cruiserweight, making this his first professional fight at true heavyweight against a formidable opponent.The fighters are scheduled to meet face-to-face for the official kickoff press conference on Friday, November 21, in Miami.