In this episode of Beyond Global Waves, NEXUS-IBA investigates Russia's new wave of internet censorship known as the '16KB Curtain', a calculated form of infrastructural censorship targeting websites hosted by Cloudflare, OVH, Hetzner, and DigitalOcean. Since June 2025, major Russian ISPs, including Rostelecom, MTS, and Vimpelcom, have been throttling internet traffic by severing connections after only 16 kilobytes of data, creating the illusion of access while disabling functionality. This measure disrupts web browsing, API communication, and online payments, affecting everything from HTTP/1.1 to HTTP/3 over QUIC. By weaponising network protocols, Russia effectively censors foreign websites and independent media while advancing digital sovereignty.

As discussed in the podcast, technical solutions like reverse proxy setups, including WorldDirector by NEXUS-IBA, have mitigated disruptions for some international users; however, most businesses must now reconsider their cloud infrastructure or exit the Russian market. This episode examines how the 16KB Curtain marks a new frontier in state-level internet interference, posing a challenge to the neutrality, accessibility, and resilience of the global internet. With implications for cybersecurity, digital rights, and freedom of information, the podcast urges media professionals, tech providers, and policymakers to take note of this escalating strategy of digital isolation.

The advent of AI agents, autonomous software programmes distinct from basic chatbots, signifies a profound shift in artificial intelligence. Powered by advanced large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI's GPT-4, Anthropic's Claude, and Google's Gemini, these intelligent entities are adept at understanding, planning, and executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention, including browsing the web, interacting with third-party applications, and managing multi-step workflows. Their capabilities extend to critical domains like software engineering, where they demonstrate proficiency in writing and even hacking code, identifying previously unknown zero-day vulnerabilities in cybersecurity.

While promising significant advancements in workplace automation and digital transformation, their deployment is accompanied by considerable risks, including potential security vulnerabilities if compromised, the dangers of autonomy gone wrong, substantial data privacy issues, and susceptibility to AI hallucinations. The societal discussion surrounding job displacement is met with a strong emphasis on human-AI collaboration, advocating for agents to augment human capabilities rather than replace them, with humans retaining ultimate decision-making authority, all of which necessitates robust AI governance and strategic implementation to ensure responsible and trustworthy use

The U.S. CLOUD Act, a U.S. federal law enacted in 2018, grants U.S. law enforcement extraterritorial data access to compel U.S.-based cloud providers to disclose data, regardless of where it's stored. This presents significant data privacy and GDPR compliance risks for EU companies utilizing U.S. cloud hosting services, even with data centers in Europe. The potential for conflict with GDPR Article 48, which restricts cross-border data transfer based on foreign laws without a formal international agreement, is a primary concern for EU businesses. The stability of the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework is also under scrutiny, raising questions about its long-term viability as a legal basis for data transfers.

Recent political developments in the U.S. amplify these concerns, introducing fears of business continuity disruptions and potential instrumentalization of US hyperscalers for U.S. interests, further highlighting the urgency for digital sovereignty in Europe. To mitigate these cloud security risks, non-U.S. companies and EU companies are advised to prioritize European cloud providers, adopt federated sovereign cloud frameworks like Gaia-X, and implement strong client-side encryption with customer-managed keys. Ensuring data portability and engaging in EUCS certification are also crucial recommendations to maintain GDPR compliance and secure operations amidst evolving geopolitical shifts.

In 2025, European SMEs face a rapidly evolving digital landscape shaped by AI adoption, cybersecurity challenges, and hybrid work models. With EU initiatives like the Digital Decade and Digital Spain 2025 pushing for digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises must embrace cloud computing, marketing automation, and predictive analytics to stay competitive. Access to EU funding, innovation programs, and digital skills training will be crucial for growth. This podcast episode explores how SMEs can harness emerging technologies and navigate digital transformation across Europe.

Welcome to Beyond Global Waves, the podcast exploring the power of radio to connect across distances. In this episode, we delve into the unique radio program known as 16 Gwendoline Street. What began as a project using a simple tape recorder from the Isle of Wight, and later moving to Wales, has evolved its production while maintaining its core arts-based format. The program offers a worldwide exploration of music, artists, and poetry, airing via International Public Access Radio (IPAR), primarily using Shortwave frequencies and Internet streaming.

The true impact of 16 Gwendoline Street lies in its reach to a vast global audience. This distinctive program is heard on Medium Wave across parts of Europe and reaches distant listeners via Shortwave in places like New Zealand, Japan, and across the Americas and Asia. Crucially, the use of Shortwave radio, enabled by the public access radio platform provided by IPAR, allows the program to reach regions across the digital divide, bypassing Internet firewalls and local government censorship in countries where freedom of speech is limited. IPAR, a service by NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association, offers this platform for individuals and organizations, promoting free expression globally.

Discover how the ethical legacy of Alessandro Manzoni, one of Milan’s most revered cultural figures, continues to inspire modern global media. Rooted in the Enlightenment and Christian humanism, Manzoni’s values, truth, integrity, and moral responsibility, mirror the mission of NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA), a nonprofit dedicated to ethical, non-denominational, and independent broadcasting.

From Milan to the world, NEXUS-IBA upholds Manzoni’s vision by providing shortwave, AM, and online airtime that promotes freedom of expression, respect for all faiths, and resistance to manipulation. In an era of disinformation and media opportunism, NEXUS-IBA offers a principled platform grounded in dignity, public service, and Milanese cultural heritage.

Navigating the confined spaces of an elevator while traveling the world can sometimes feel like a social challenge, but understanding global elevator etiquette is essential for a comfortable and respectful experience. To ensure smooth journeys, remember basic traveler elevator etiquette like always allowing passengers to exit before you enter, and standing to the side while waiting to facilitate efficient boarding and exiting. Avoid blocking the doors and never rush into a crowded elevator, patience is key for promoting efficiency and comfort for everyone on board. Keep conversations and noise to a minimum, speak softly if you must talk, and refrain from eating or spraying fragrances in the shared space to respect fellow passengers. Mastering these fundamental international elevator rules contributes to a harmonious ride.

Beyond the universal guidelines, a crucial aspect of traveler elevator etiquette involves recognizing and respecting cultural differences in various regions. Approaches to personal space vary significantly across cultures, as do norms for politeness, greetings, and even communication styles within an elevator. Being aware of these nuances is a vital elevator tip for travelers to avoid misunderstandings and show consideration. Additionally, especially relevant for traveler health, practicing good elevator hygiene is important; consider avoiding direct hand contact with buttons by using a knuckle or object, and always remember to cover coughs and sneezes. By being mindful of both general conduct and specific cultural elevator etiquette, travelers can navigate these shared spaces with greater ease and respect worldwide.

The Droitwich Transmitting Station, located in Worcestershire, England, near Droitwich and the village of Wychbold, is a significant broadcasting facility established in 1934. This large station, owned and operated by Arqiva, houses the British Broadcasting Corporations (BBC) most powerful long-wave transmitter. The site was selected in December 1932 and purchased in March 1933. It features two prominent 213-metre-high (700 ft) guyed steel lattice radio masts, standing 180 metres (590 ft) apart. These imposing structures are visible from a significant distance and support the T-aerial used for long-wave transmissions. The station also transmits on medium wave (MW) frequencies.

A crucial function of the Droitwich Transmitting Station has been the transmission of BBC Radio 4 on 198 kilohertz (LW). Importantly, this long-wave signal also carries data for the Radio Teleswitching System (RTS), a service used by energy suppliers to switch electricity meters for time-controlled tariffs such as Economy 7 and Economy 10. The RTS data, including time-of-day and control signals, has been encoded using phase modulation since the early 1980s. The BBC transmits this signal on behalf of the Energy Networks Association (ENA). However, the use of the long-wave signal for RTS is scheduled to end by at least 30 June 2025, necessitating the transition of remaining customers using RTS meters to smart meters. The planned cessation of the long-wave transmission is also linked to factors like reliance on rare glass valves and past budget announcements.

Explore Radio City, The Station of the Cars, a unique independent radio service inspired by the golden age of European offshore broadcasting. Influenced by ship based commercial stations that revitalized radio with non stop music, the operator honed skills through years of pirate radio transmissions on shortwave, medium wave, and FM. The name Radio City was chosen in 1991, and the distinctive slogan The Station of the Cars was adopted to stand out. This identity is strongly linked to vintage cars, featuring car commercials and car songs in early years, and presenting a different classic vehicle in each QSL letter. The programming offers a fixed structure with a focus on 60s music and a broad selection of international music, including a segment called Dateline that highlights events and music from past years.

Today, Radio City primarily broadcasts in Europe on Medium Wave 1323 kHz. This transmission is facilitated through the International Public Access Radio (IPAR) program, a service provided by NEXUS International Broadcasting Association. IPAR is a public broadcasting platform offering airtime on shortwave and AM Medium Wave frequencies to support free speech and diverse viewpoints. It allows individuals and organisations to reach a worldwide audience, particularly targeting areas across the digital divide and regions facing internet censorship, providing an important platform for independent radio like Radio City

Opus Dei, a personal prelature within the Catholic Church, remains a subject of significant interest and ongoing debate, often described as a controversial force within Catholicism. Throughout its history, controversies about Opus Dei have included historical opposition from Jesuits, concerns surrounding corporal mortification with practices like the use of a cilice and discipline, and serious allegations of aggressive recruiting methods, sometimes likened to cult-like 'love bombing'. The organisation has also faced allegations of being highly controlling and maintaining secrecy, which has led to the formation of groups like the Opus Dei Awareness Network. Furthermore, the swift canonisation of its founder, Josemaría Escrivá, a figure often described as 'polarising', has drawn criticism, with some questioning its reliability.

Beyond these points, Opus Dei has been scrutinised for its alleged independence and influence within the Roman Catholic Church despite statistics suggesting a limited number of its members hold high positions. Critics have also pointed to legal disputes involving the prelature and raised questions about its questionable business activities, leading some to label it the 'Santa Mafia'. The experiences of former members, such as María del Carmen Tapia, who chronicled her 'disenchantment' in 'Beyond the Threshold', offer valuable insider perspectives on the organisation's practices and the reasons behind criticisms related to control and the apparent uniformity of outlook among members. Understanding these multifaceted controversies requires a detailed analysis of historical context, insider perspectives, and the opinions surrounding this influential personal prelature.