Meta’s Submarine Cable Megaproject

Meta’s Project Waterworth isn’t just another undersea cable - it’s an 50,000km+ behemoth set to link continents, with India’s data centres as a key hub. Doctoral researcher Anniki Mikelsaar from the Oxford Internet Institute breaks down its geopolitical stakes: Will it dodge regulatory battles? The project also raises questions about regulation and security. Who controls these underwater data highways? As demand for low-latency connections grows, Meta’s investment could redefine how the world stays online - and who profits from it.

AI vs. Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetes can silently attack nerves, leading to foot ulcers that risk amputation. Enter LookInside, an AI app that diagnoses ulcers in seconds using smartphone scans. Founder Dr. Hermilio Carvalho explains how it could slash global healthcare costs—and why it’s part of a wave of AI tools fighting diabetes’ invisible threats.

Tinder’s double dating revolution

Swipe culture just got safer: Tinder’s Double Date lets users’ team up with a friend to match with pairs. Gareth cheers it as a no-brainer for safety, while Chhavi wonders: Could this kill awkward first-date small talk? Either way, it’s a bold step towards reimagining digital dating.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Chhavi Sachdev.

More on this week's stories:

Meta’s submarine cable – the longest ever

LookInside – Diagnosing diabetic foot ulcers with AI

Tinder Double Dating

For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/

Follow us on all the socials:

Join our Facebook group

Instagram

BlueSky

YouTube

If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Contact us by email: [email protected]

Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices