Just like September, it’s been an eventful month in the world of politics with a new Prime Minister. Worry reigned over the world (only for 30 minutes) as WhatsApp went down, again, Halloween campaigns were on display, the digital skills gap continues to be a cause for concern for UK business leaders and the takeover of a major social media platform has been completed. 

But what have been the major headlines across the world of digital during October? Let’s take a look: 

Deliveroo opens first ‘phygital’ store 

Food delivery service Deliveroo has set up its inaugural bricks-and-mortar retail space on London’s New Oxford Street. Customers can now pick up their orders “within minutes” to local residents and office workers. But it’s also a store, of sorts. The location can also be used by walk-in customers to collect their app orders from a front desk. It will be open from 8am to 11pm every day.  

81% of UK bosses say digital skills gap is hurting business

The digital skills gap continues to be a concern for UK leaders. A survey of 5,000 UK workers, commissioned by AND Digital for its Nature of the UK’s Digital Skills Gap report, found that 81% of UK bosses believe the digital skills gap is hurting business. The same report found that 22% of employees admitted a lack of digital skills was impacting their ability to reach targets and more than 58% said they had received no digital training from their employers. 

Amazon to launch new ecommerce hub for affordable shopping options 

Amazon recently announced that they are launching Amazon Access, a hub for US-based customers to explore the ecommerce giant’s more affordable shopping programmes which includes discounts.

Amazon also announced that its discounted tier of Prime membership, which was introduced in 2017, will now be called Prime Access.

“We found that many of our customers are looking for ways to save money and time, now more than ever. We know that online shopping is a big part of how they save, and that’s why we’re introducing Amazon Access, a hub to make shopping easier for all customers.” Amazon said in a blog post.  

Could we see this initiative in the UK? 

Twitter is asking users to enter their birthdate to view sensitive content

Twitter is increasing their efforts to restrict harmful or sensitive content to users under 18. In order to do this, they are asking users to verify their birthdates before being given access to sensitive content. Twitter announced they are slowly rolling out a feature to restrict sensitive tweets unless users have a birthdate attached to their accounts and they’re over 18.

In an interview with TechCrunch, a Twitter spokesperson said the following: “We’re constantly iterating on our work to give people more choice and control over their experience, as well as to make Twitter safer for everyone. We’re slowly rolling out a feature to aid in restricting certain sensitive content from people who are under 18 years old or have not submitted their date of birth”. 

Elon Musk completes $44bn Twitter takeover

Speaking of Twitter, the future of the platform has come under speculation following the $44bn takeover by billionaire, Elon Musk. The takeover was not quiet however; after months of legal controversy, Musk completed the deal and also reportedly fired a number of top executives. 

Musk tweeted: “the bird is freed" in an apparent reference to the deal.

Musk has promised changes to the platform, as he’s been critical of the platform’s management in the past. He has said he would reverse bans on suspended users, which could include former US President Donald Trump, who was excluded following the Capitol riot in January 2021.

Millions of users speculate what these potential changes could mean for the long-term future of Twitter. 

Digital transformation could grow the UK economy by over £413 billion by 2030

As the UK looks to build the economy after the consequences of the pandemic, new research has highlighted how digital technology can drive economic growth and higher living standards in the UK. 

According to a report published by Public First, digital technology could grow the economy by over £413 billion by 2030. Digital Minister, Damien Collins said the following:” Technology is helping to drive economic growth and create new jobs and this new research shows its potential. Through our Digital Strategy we are backing the sector to spark innovation by rolling out world-class digital infrastructure, strengthening people's digital skills and supporting businesses with cutting-edge regulation.”

Read: Digital roundup, September, 2022