The Man of the Year in Time magazine was a non-human for the first time. A computer received the honour as 1982's 'greatest influence for good or evil." The article recognized that, "By itself, the personal computer is a machine with formidable capabilities for tabulating, modeling or recording. Those capabilities can be multiplied almost indefinitely by plugging it into a network of other computers. This is generally done by attaching a desk-top model to a telephone line (two-way cables and earth satellites are coming increasingly into use). One can then dial an electronic data base, which not only provides all manner of information but also collects and transmits messages: electronic mail."

The Taleban have ordered the closure of all girls' schools in the Swat valley, and warned parents and teachers of the consequences if their ban is flouted. The announcement was been made in mosques and broadcast on radio. The militants have set a deadline of January 5th for its order to be obeyed, or it would blow up school buildings and attack schoolgirls. It also told women not to set foot outside their homes without being fully covered. 'Female education is against Islamic teachings and spreads vulgarity in society,' declared the leader of the group that has control over parts of the North West Frontier Province.