Two major debates are brewing: the sender-pays argument, which would see Big Tech contribute to infrastructure costs in Europe, and the extent to which Section 230 protects social media platforms from liability over algorithms.
And oh, it’s our 100th edition! Thank you for reading us, week after week. Cheers to another 100.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
Brussels opens door to sender-pays consultation
Telecom providers have long argued that content providers – the likes of Google, Apple, Netflix, and others – should shoulder some infrastructure costs. Last week, after much anticipation, the European Commission took the first step by launching a public consultation on the future of connectivity.
The 12-week consultation, in the form of a questionnaire, is a prelude to plans that could require Big Tech to pay their share of costs related to the digital infrastructure. The questionnaire’s fourth section is dedicated to the ‘fair contribution by all digital players’, and explains how internet traffic has grown and how developments around the metaverse and other innovative technologies will push the demand for data and internet traffic even more. Companies completing the questionnaire are being asked to quantify their past and planned investments in the network infrastructure, and their past and future share of traffic, among other points.
For those eager to hear the reactions from both sides of the fence, the timing of the launch couldn’t have been better. Companies and European policymakers are expected to battle it out at this week’s GSMA Mobile World Congress in Spain, which started today and runs through Thursday.
Today, Telefonica’s and Orange’s CEOs took the stage in Barcelona to applaud the launch. Orange’s Christel Heydemann described the consultation as a first step toward fixing what she referred to as an ‘unbalanced situation’. Telefonica’s Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete said it was time for telcos and Big Tech to collaborate: ‘Collaborating means everybody contributing with a fair share of the effort.’
Content providers have yet to take the stage, but one of the main arguments we can expect to hear is how any initiative forcing Big Tech to contribute might breach net neutrality rules. This doesn’t really argue that content providers shouldn’t contribute; it only tells us what the impact of an EU initiative might be.
Since last week’s launch, the Dutch government has also spoken out against rules that could be imposed on Big Tech. Any financial imposition would be tantamount to an internet tax that would be passed on to consumers, the Dutch minister for economic affairs told Reuters in an interview.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has not committed to specific next steps. Time will tell.
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European Commission proposes new rules for faster, cheaper internet by 2030
The European Commission proposed new rules for the faster, cheaper, and more effective rollout of internet networks across the bloc.
The commission wants all EU households and businesses to have access to a one-gigabit connection by 2030. That’s one of the targets outlined in Europe’s Digital Decade, a set of objectives which the EU wants to reach by 2030.
The proposed Gigabit Infrastructure Act will replace the older Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (2014), which mandated that EU citizens and businesses be covered by internet speeds of at least 30 Mbps.
// MEDIA //
Google blocks access to news content in Canada; PM reacts
Google has temporarily blocked access to news content in Canada, responding to looming new rules in Canada. The draft rules, called the Online News Act, or Bill C-18, will oblige Google and other internet platforms to compensate Canadian media companies for making their news content available on the platforms. Google says the blocked content affects only 4% of Canadian viewers.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticised Google for making a terrible mistake. ‘It really surprises me that Google has decided that they’d rather prevent Canadians from accessing news than actually paying journalists for the work they do,’ he said, according to media reports.
UNESCO conducts three-day dialogue on guidelines to regulate digital platforms
UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay has warned about the negative effects of disinformation on the 90 or so elections coming up in the next two years and the risks of states developing regulations in isolation.
Speaking during the three-day Internet for Trust conference last week, she said that this situation calls for regulatory initiatives: ‘This regulatory work to ensure transparency, to protect democratic life, is, of course, the responsibility of states – and many of them are taking action, with at least 55 initiatives already underway. But if these regulatory initiatives are developed in isolation, with each country working in their own corner, they are not without risk.’ The conference served as a dialogue for informing UNESCO’s draft guidelines on regulating social media platforms to improve the reliability of information. The UN organisation said it would release the final version of the guidelines in September.
US Supreme Court hears lawsuits that may affect Section 230
The US Supreme Court has begun hearing arguments that could have implications for Section 230, a law that protects social media companies and other internet platforms from liability for third-party content posted on the platforms.
The lawsuit is an appeal filed by Twitter after a lower court allowed the case to proceed and ruled that the company had not taken adequate steps to prevent Islamic State terrorists from using the platform. The family of a Jordanian man accused Twitter of failing to police the platform after a 2017 attack led to the man’s death along with 38 other victims.
In a separate lawsuit against Google, the family of an American woman killed in a Paris attack by Islamist militants alleges that Google’s algorithm recommended content from the militant group to YouTube users. This type of activity doesn’t fall under immunity from Section 230, they claim.
Rulings in both cases are due by the end of June.
// JOBS //
Twitter lays off 200 employees
Twitter laid off at least 200 more of its employees, representing anywhere between 10% and 15% of its workforce, depending on which news report comes closest to reality.
Ericsson joins layoff frenzy
Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson also announced that it would lay off 8,500 employees globally – approximately 8% of its global workforce.
Animated video image shows a virtual courtroom using avatars to represent the magistrate and other court proceeding participants.
// METAVERSE //
Colombia court holds historic first hearing in the metaverse
These are the avatars of Magistrate María Victoria Quiñones (far right), and representatives of the parties to a lawsuit being heard in the metaverse by the Administrative Tribunal of Magdalena, in Colombia. The hearing took place in Meta’s Horizon Workrooms and livestreamed on YouTube. After the hearing, the magistrate told reporters: ‘It felt more real than a video call’. Many people were sceptical, but the editor of El Tiempo, Colombia’s most-read newspaper, thinks it’s a welcome innovation.
27 February–4 April: The first of three yearly sessions of the Human Rights Council starts today, in Geneva and online. What to watch for during the 52nd session:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ address, and speeches by heads of state (throughout week 1)
3 March: The 2023 Cyber Stability Conference, organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in New York and online, will tackle the rights and responsibilities of states in cyberspace under the UN Charter.
Demand for international bandwidth nearly doubles every two years. The strongest demand has been for links connected to Africa.
The demand comes mostly from a handful of content and cloud service providers: Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. (That’s an important point for the unfolding sender-pays debate.)
Munich had the world’s attention this weekend as leaders from around the globe gathered for a security summit to wrap up an action-packed week for cybersecurity. In other news, the private sector is focusing more on the latest generative AI frenzy than on the metaverse and cryptocurrencies.
Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
Munich Security Conference: Cyberspace a national security issue
The week (or rather, weekend) was dominated by security talks. Heads of government, defence ministers, and security experts descended upon the Bavarian capital on 17–19 February for the annual Munich Security Conference (MCS).
Unavoidably, the main topic was the Ukraine war, which started almost a year ago. World leaders hit hard on Russia, especially US Vice President Kamala Harris, who said that the USA formally accused Russia of committing crimes against humanity.
Against this backdrop of tensions, countries are increasingly aware of vulnerabilities to cyber attacks as they move to digitise their economies and rely more heavily on technology. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned: ‘Military forces are necessary to protect our security. But they are not sufficient. We must also secure our cyberspace, our supply chains, and our infrastructure.’
All in all, there were fewer explicit mentions of cybersecurity and cyber resilience compared to previous MSCs, which shows how digital security has become an issue of national security for countries worldwide.
A packed hall at Munich’s Hotel Bayerischer Hof following European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen’s address. Photo: Munich Security Conference
China’s role in the Ukraine war could affect tech trade relations
A new development could put China’s tech trade relations with other countries to the test. During the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that according to US intelligence, China is ‘strongly considering’ providing military support to Russia – a claim that China dismissed as disinformation.
The USA has already taken an aggressive stance, including restrictions on Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and other Chinese companies over national security concerns and controls on exports of high-tech chips and other technology to Chinese companies.
The EU has taken a milder approach by seeking to diversify its own sources of technology while still maintaining working relations with Beijing. Its approach is to encourage innovation within member countries by increasing investment in areas like AI and semiconductors while avoiding tech reliance on any single country, particularly China. For NATO’s Secretary-General Stoltenberg, although security interests should outweigh economic interests, countries ‘should continue to trade and engage economically with China’.
If China’s involvement in the ongoing war intensifies, this could affect the trade relations China has with other countries and regions, particularly the EU, which could be prodded to do much more than decrease its tech dependence on China.
Digital policy roundup (13–20 February)
// CYBERSECURITY //
NATO sets up coordination body to protect undersea cables
NATO has set up a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Protection Cell to coordinate engagement between military and industry stakeholders around the protection of undersea infrastructure. The new body will also share best practices and leverage new technologies. It will be led by former German military officer, Lieutenant General Hans-Werner Wiermann.
Norway seizes USD5.8 million worth of crypto
Norway seized a record USD5.8 million worth of cryptocurrency, stolen in March 2022 from a crypto-based game called Axie Infinity. Shortly after the cyberattack, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the North Korean hacker group Lazarus perpetrated the attack.
The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, which spearheaded the investigation, said that the Lazarus group started a still-ongoing massive money laundering operation right after the attack.
EU Council ministers discuss critical categories of devices in new cybersecurity law
EU ministers are discussing an amended version of the draft Cyber Resilience Act, which will establish baseline cybersecurity requirements for connected devices, such as internet of things (IoT) products that connect and exchange data with other devices.
Online platforms comply with first Digital Services Act deadline
Online platforms had until 17 February to inform the European Commission how big their monthly audience is. Platforms whose audience exceeds 45 million users include Facebook, Google Search, Maps, Play and Shopping, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Under the new Digital Services Act (DSA), these companies will be subject to additional obligations, such as making a risk assessment and taking corresponding risk mitigation measures. Among those below the threshold are eBay, Microsoft’s App Store, and Spotify.
// GENERATIVE AI //
Microsoft pitches AI-revamped Bing to advertisers
Microsoft is engaging in conversations with advertising agencies and demonstrating how its revamped Bing search engine, powered by generative AI, can insert paid links within responses to searches. The company is testing these ads on its early version of the Bing chatbot, which is available to a limited number of users, according to an anonymous advertising executive and ads seen by Reuters last week.
// SEMICONDUCTORS //
EU’s draft Chips Act enters next phase
European lawmakers have agreed on a draft text on semiconductors which will be used in negotiations with the EU Council. The Chips Act proposes that the EU’s share of global production capacity reach 20%. A second text, the Chips Joint Undertaking, will increase support for developing this type of European presence.
US chip plants get investment boosts
Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC has announced it will inject up to USD3.5 billion into its Arizona (USA) plant. The factory construction began in 2022 and will start operating in 2024. This will bring the total investment in the Arizona facility to USD40 billion (EUR37.4 billion).
In other news, Texas Instruments announced it would build a second semiconductor factory in Utah (USA), adjoining an existing factory. This will form part of the company’s USD11 billion (EUR10.3 billion) investment in Utah.
// METAVERSE //
Tencent lets go of VR hardware plans; Apple pushes back launch of MR headset
Chinese company Tencent Holdings has decided against taking the plunge into virtual reality hardware, as economic uncertainty calls for tighter purse strings and an overall restructuring of their metaverse unit, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Apple has also decided to postpone the launch of its first mixed reality (MR) headset by a few months. It’s not the first time the company has decided to push back the launch.
Gamer uses a virtual reality headset and controller Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
// CRYPTOCURRENCIES //
PayPal pauses stablecoin launch due to regulatory scrutiny
PayPal is hitting the brakes on its new project to create a type of cryptocurrency called stablecoin (as the name implies, stablecoins are pegged to a normal currency so that they’re less volatile than cryptocurrencies).
Bloomberg News reported that although the company hoped to launch its stablecoin in the coming weeks, the plans are now unclear, due to heightened regulatory scrutiny. A vital partner in the project is also being investigated by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
The cryptocurrency world is currently going through some turbulence after major players have fallen victim to collapsed investments.
// JOBS //
Job cull in tech sector continues
We’ve been keeping track of the companies announcing layoffs. This week it’s Yahoo’s turn, which announced plans to lay off more than 20% of its total 8,600 workforce, and DocuSign to lay off 10% of its workers in a second round of cuts. The BBC reports that Yahoo’s cuts will take place by the end of this week. Here’s the whole list of significant tech layoffs in 2023.
The week ahead (20–26 February)
20–24 February: The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is holding a week-long gathering in London for Commonwealth tech ministers, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Three main events will happen throughout the week: The CTO Forum on 20 February, the Ministerial Alliance for Digital Nations on 21–22 February, and the 60th council meeting on 23–24 February.
21–23 February: The Internet of Trust conference, organised by UNESCO, will serve as a discussion forum for UNESCO’s draft global Guidelines for regulating digital platforms. The input will help the UN agency finalise the guidelines in the coming months. The conference itself is on 22–23 February; the extra day on 21 February is dedicated to side events.
#ReadingCorner
The latest Munich Security Report
There’s an entire chapter dedicated to cybersecurity in the 174-page Munich Security Report 2023, released right before last weekend’s Munich Security Conference.
The chapter in brief: There’s one main reason why major powers are vying to control global architectures (including the digital infrastructure): Such control allows some countries to control the rules of the game and renders other countries dependent on them. There’s more focus on protectionist approaches, competition, and autonomy and less on free markets and interdependence. Read the report.
Bienvenue à la 13e édition de nos prédictions annuelles en matière de gouvernance et de diplomatie numériques. Voici nos prévisions pour l’année à venir.
1. Technologies
Chaque année démarre généralement par des annonces prometteuses sur la façon dont les dernières technologies vont sauver le monde. Mais pas cette fois-ci. Ce sera l’occasion, pour les technologies existantes – telles que le métavers, la blockchain et l’IA –, de faire la preuve de leur impact réel au-delà du simple battage médiatique.
2. Géopolitique numérique
Les tensions géopolitiques ont dominé une grande partie de l’année dernière. Dans la sphère numérique, elles ne semblent pas non plus vouloir s’apaiser. En 2023, elles se joueront plus intensément dans au moins trois grands domaines de la politique numérique : la protection des câbles sous-marins et des satellites, la production de semi-conducteurs et la libre circulation des données à travers les frontières.
3. Le(s) moment(s) numérique(s) de l’IBSA
Le trio IBSA – Inde, Brésil et Afrique du Sud – est susceptible de jouer un rôle de premier plan dans la réforme de la gouvernance numérique en liant développement, démocratie et diplomatie multilatérale. Les premiers résultats tangibles de l’élan numérique de l’IBSA pourraient être attendus pendant la présidence indienne du G20, qui, entre autres, promouvra « un nouvel étalon-or pour les données ».
4. La coopération numérique
Les processus de coopération numérique vont accélérer la préparation de 2025, date à laquelle la mise en œuvre du Sommet mondial sur la société de l’information (SMSI) sera réexaminée, y compris l’avenir du Forum sur la gouvernance de l’Internet (FGI). La « Osaka Track » sur la gouvernance des données, lancée lors de la présidence japonaise du G20 en 2019, connaîtra probablement une nouvelle vie, puisque le Japon doit accueillir le prochain FGI (Kyoto, octobre 2023). En septembre 2023, une réunion ministérielle sera consacrée à la préparation du Sommet du futur de 2024, au cours duquel le Pacte numérique mondial (PNM) sera adopté.
5. Les droits de l’Homme en ligne
Nous pouvons nous attendre à une meilleure exécution de la première génération des droits de l’Homme en ligne, telle que la liberté d’expression et la protection de la vie privée. Une approche globale de la numérisation et des droits de l’Homme mettra en lumière la deuxième génération (droits économiques, sociaux et culturels) et la troisième génération (environnementale et intergénérationnelle) des droits de l’Homme. La quatrième génération des droits de l’Homme prendra également de l’importance, en réponse aux risques liés aux développements de l’IA, des biotechnologies et des nanotechnologies.
6. La gouvernance du contenu
Les pays et les entreprises renforceront leur volonté de définir de meilleurs moyens de régir le contenu. Ils viseront à trouver un équilibre entre le statut juridique des plateformes de médias sociaux (entreprises privées ayant peu de responsabilités juridiques pour le contenu qu’elles publient) et leur rôle social (services publics d’information qui influent sur la façon dont les individus perçoivent la société et la politique). La stratégie de l’Union européenne en matière de gouvernance du contenu (notamment la législation sur les services numériques, ou « DSA ») servira probablement d’exemple à de nombreuses autres nations. Le résultat de l’expérience Twitter d’Elon Musk aura un impact significatif sur l’avenir de la gouvernance de contenu dans le secteur des entreprises.
7. La cybersécurité
De nombreuses organisations et de nombreux gouvernements ont amélioré leur cyberrésilience dans le contexte géopolitique de la guerre en Ukraine. L’agenda de la cybersécurité est de plus en plus présent dans les pays en développement, qui prennent part à des processus plus généraux, comme le Groupe de travail à composition non limitée (GNTCL) de l’ONU sur la cybersécurité et le Comité spécial de l’ONU sur la cybercriminalité. Ces processus mondiaux pourraient faire pression sur les principales cyberpuissances pour qu’elles se comportent de manière plus responsable.
8. L’économie numérique
La gouvernance de l’économie numérique se concentrera sur le commerce numérique, la réalisation du nouvel accord fiscal mondial et la réglementation des cryptomonnaies. L’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) redoublera d’efforts dans les négociations sur le commerce numérique, en essayant de concilier les positions sur les flux de données, la localisation des données et la vie privée. La mise en œuvre du nouvel accord fiscal mondial de l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE) continuera à être négociée, avec des conventions multilatérales pour appliquer l’accord, qui devraient être finalisées d’ici la moitié de l’année. Les États continueront d’adopter des réglementations sur les actifs numériques, notamment en ce qui concerne la protection des consommateurs et l’implication précise des institutions financières dans le contrôle de l’industrie.
9. La normalisation numérique
La pertinence des normes numériques en tant que mode de gouvernance douce va augmenter. Nous pouvons nous attendre à une intensification de la coopération en matière de normalisation numérique entre pays partageant les mêmes idées, à une accélération de la normalisation des nouvelles technologies et à davantage de discussions sur les implications des normes en cours d’élaboration en matière de droits de l’Homme.
10. La gouvernance des données
La gouvernance des données va mûrir avec la prise de conscience que nous avons de la nécessité de disposer d’autant de solutions de gouvernance qu’il y a de types de données. Les parties prenantes devront adopter une approche holistique prenant en compte les perspectives de normalisation, de sécurité, de droits de l’Homme et de droit.
11. La gouvernance de l’IA
À mesure que l’IA deviendra de plus en plus utilisée dans des contextes réels, les arguments relatifs à son éthique en général (comme la façon de s’assurer que les solutions d’IA sont créées et déployées selon des normes déontologiques) céderont la place à des préoccupations plus pratiques (comme les liens entre l’IA et l’éducation).
12. L’avenir du travail
Le format hybride du temps de travail au bureau et des négociations diplomatiques, combinant des éléments d’interactions en ligne et in situ, sera la nouvelle normalité. En plus de Zoom et des réunions en ligne, de nouveaux outils de réalité virtuelle seront développés pour faciliter une interaction virtuelle sans faille.
Examinez ces prédictions plus en détail en lisant la suite :
Ce qu’il faut surveiller : Les rendez-vous mondiaux de la politique numérique en 2023
Nous nous penchons sur le calendrier de la politique numérique afin de mettre en évidence certaines de ses principales discussions en 2023 à travers le monde. Comme à l’accoutumée, l’équipe de DW couvrira en temps réel des événements majeurs au cours de l’année tout en se concentrant également sur les événements grand public traitant des questions numériques.
La première des trois sessions annuelles du Conseil des droits de l’Homme examinera et discutera le rapport annuel du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies aux droits de l’Homme (HCR) et les rapports du Bureau du Haut-Commissaire et du Secrétaire général. Les rapports sur la situation des droits de l’Homme en Érythrée, au Soudan, à Chypre, au Soudan du Sud et en Afghanistan, entre autres, seront communiqués au Conseil des droits de l’Homme, et pris en considération.
Les discussions de haut niveau et l’examen des rapports sur les questions liées au numérique auront une importance particulière : « La vie privée et la protection des données personnelles en Amérique latine : un pas vers la mondialisation » ; « Les droits de l’enfant et l’environnement numérique » ; « L’impact négatif de la désinformation sur la jouissance et la réalisation des droits de l’Homme » ; « La promotion et la protection des droits de l’Homme et la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable ».
3 MARS. Conférence sur la cyberstabilité (New York, États-Unis, et en ligne) Organisée par l’Institut des Nations unies pour la recherche sur le désarmement (UNIDIR), sous le thème « Utilisation des TIC par les États : droits et responsabilités en fonction de la Charte des Nations unies », la conférence se concentrera sur la manière dont le droit international s’applique à l’utilisation des TIC par les États. Elle explorera les droits et obligations de la Charte des Nations unies applicables au cyberespace dans le but de faciliter les délibérations futures et de contribuer à l’avancement des négociations multilatérales.
Le premier forum de l’UIT sur le thème « Adopter le métavers », co-organisé par la National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), marquera le début des efforts de l’UIT pour promouvoir les initiatives de pré-normalisation du métavers. L’objectif du forum est de faciliter le dialogue mondial sur le métavers, de fournir des contributions et de débattre de sujets appropriés qui peuvent aider le travail du groupe de réflexion de l’UIT-T sur le métavers, récemment créé. Le forum explorera les défis et les opportunités pour un métavers accessible, durable et inclusif, étudiera comment développer des normes d’interopérabilité, et réfléchira à la manière dont il peut être utilisé pour atteindre les ODD et accélérer la transformation numérique. Le forum sera suivi de la première réunion du groupe de réflexion de l’UIT-T sur le métavers.
Le Forum 2023 du SMSI aura pour thème « Lignes d’action pour mieux reconstruire et accélérer la réalisation des ODD ». Le forum s’articulera autour de deux pistes : celle de haut niveau (14-15 mars) et celle du forum (13-17 mars). La piste de haut niveau consistera en des déclarations politiques, des dialogues de haut niveau, une cérémonie de remise du prix SMSI et une table ronde ministérielle. La piste du forum proposera aux participants une série de réunions de facilitation des lignes d’action du SMSI, des ateliers, des sessions de formation, des pistes thématiques spéciales, des cafés du savoir, un hackathon et une exposition sur la mise en œuvre du SMSI. Les ateliers virtuels se poursuivront en avril et en mai.
La session annuelle de la CSTD sert de cadre à la planification stratégique, à l’échange des leçons apprises et des meilleures pratiques, à la présentation des tendances fondamentales de la science, de la technologie et de l’innovation, et à la mise en évidence des technologies émergentes et disruptives. Les principaux thèmes de l’édition de cette année seront : la technologie et l’innovation pour une production plus écologique, plus productive et plus compétitive ; et la garantie d’une eau saine et d’un assainissement pour tous : une solution par la science, la technologie et l’innovation.
Le comité ad hoc chargé d’élaborer une convention internationale globale sur la lutte contre l’utilisation des TIC à des fins criminelles tiendra ses cinquième et sixième sessions respectivement à Vienne et à New York, la session de clôture ayant lieu début janvier 2024. La session de clôture, au cours de laquelle un projet de convention sera examiné et approuvé pour être soumis à l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies (AGNU) lors de sa 78e session, en septembre 2024, marquera la fin des travaux du comité.
Le 8e Forum STI se tiendra autour du thème « La science, la technologie et l’innovation pour une relance accélérée après la COVID-19 et la mise en œuvre complète de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable à tous les niveaux ». Comme les années précédentes, le thème du Forum STI sera étroitement aligné sur celui du Forum politique de haut niveau sur le développement durable (FPHN).
Le sommet mondial AI for Good est l’événement principal de la plateforme AI for Good, organisé par l’UIT en partenariat avec 40 agences affiliées des Nations unies et co-organisé avec la Suisse. L’événement comprendra des orateurs principaux, des solutions d’IA de pointe, des séances de présentation et des performances d’artistes inspirés par l’IA. Il comprendra également des expositions interactives, des débats et des démonstrations par plus de 30 robots d’avant-garde et leurs concepteurs humains.
Le FPHN se déroulera autour du thème « Accélérer la relance après la pandémie de coronavirus (COVID-19) et la mise en œuvre intégrale de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable à tous les niveaux ». Le FPHN se réunit chaque année pour discuter du suivi et de l’examen de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable et de ses ODD.
La 78e session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies (AGNU 78) s’ouvrira le mardi 12 septembre 2023. Le premier jour du débat général de haut niveau aura lieu le lundi 25 septembre 2023.
Le Gouvernement du Japon accueillera le 18e rassemblement annuel du FGI à Kyoto du 8 au 12 octobre. L’appel aux questions à traiter dans le cadre de la réunion était ouvert jusqu’au 31 janvier 2023. La prochaine étape du processus est la première réunion du groupe consultatif multipartite (MAG), du 8 au 10 mars 2023, qui commencera à planifier les travaux intersessions et le programme du FGI 2023.
L’édition 2023 de la semaine du commerce électronique de la CNUCED se tiendra sous le thème « Façonner l’avenir de l’économie numérique ». Elle sera axée sur l’élargissement de la fracture numérique et sur le risque que la numérisation fondée sur les données exacerbe les inégalités. Au cours de la semaine du e-commerce de la CNUCED, les parties prenantes de haut niveau se concentreront sur des solutions concrètes et tangibles dans des domaines politiques clés qui doivent être examinés pour parvenir à une numérisation inclusive et durable, ainsi que pour répondre à trois questions essentielles : à quoi ressemble l’avenir que nous souhaitons pour l’économie numérique ; que faut-il faire pour que cet avenir devienne réalité ; et comment les partenariats numériques et la coopération renforcée peuvent-ils contribuer à des résultats plus inclusifs et durables ?
Baromètre
Les développements de la politique numérique qui ont fait les gros titres ces dernières semaines
Le paysage politique numérique évolue quotidiennement. Voici donc les principaux développements de décembre et janvier. Nous les avons déchiffrés en petits paragraphes, qui font autorité. Vous trouverez plus de détails dans chaque mise à jour du Digital Watch Observatory.
Architecture de gouvernance numérique mondiale
Le Rwanda et la Suède, co-facilitateurs menant le processus intergouvernemental sur le Pacte Numérique Mondial, ont annoncé la feuille de route de son processus, comprenant des consultations informelles avec les parties prenantes et les États membres, des discussions thématiques, un document de réflexion basé sur les discussions, la présentation dudit document et les négociations sur le PNM.
Le Comité ad hoc des Nations unies sur la cybercriminalité a tenu sa quatrième session de négociation. L’Ukraine a appelé à la création de « Cyber Nations », une entité mondiale qui aiderait à partager les informations sur les menaces et à se préparer aux attaques futures.
Le commerce électronique et l’économie de l’internet
L’Irlande a infligé une amende de 5,5 millions d’euros à Meta pour avoir forcé les utilisateurs à consentir au traitement de leurs données personnelles « à des fins d’amélioration du service et de sécurité », en violation des règles de l’UE en matière de protection des données.
Le ministère américain de la Justice (DoJ) et huit États ont intenté une action en justice contre Google, l’accusant d’abuser de sa position dominante dans le secteur de la publicité sur Internet et de limiter la concurrence loyale.
La Cour suprême de l’Inde a confirmé une décision de la Commission de la concurrence de l’Inde (CCI) selon laquelle Google abuse de sa position dominante dans l’écosystème des appareils mobiles Android et abuse de son monopole par le biais de son Play Store. À la suite de la décision de la Cour, Google a procédé à des changements tels que permettre aux utilisateurs de choisir leur navigateur par défaut ou de désinstaller le navigateur Google.L’autorité allemande de la concurrence a ordonné à Google de réviser ses conditions et pratiques de traitement des données, car les utilisateurs ne disposent pas d’un choix suffisant quant au traitement de leurs données.
Nouvelles technologies
La Chine a engagé une procédure de différend commercial auprès de l’OMC contre les mesures américaines de contrôle des exportations de puces, arguant que ces mesures « menaçaient la stabilité des chaînes d’approvisionnement de l’industrie mondiale ».
Comité ad hoc sur la cybercriminalité : points à retenir de sa 4e session
Le Comité ad hoc sur la cybercriminalité a donné le coup d’envoi de 2023 avec sa quatrième session à Vienne et s’est concentré sur la modification de son document consolidé (DC). Les États ont négocié et apporté des modifications concernant les dispositions générales, les dispositions relatives à l’incrimination, les mesures procédurales et l’application de la loi.
La majorité des États ont souligné qu’il fallait veiller à ce que les dispositions soient conformes aux traités du droit international des droits de l’Homme tout en incluant les protocoles additionnels et les autres instruments internationaux des droits de l’Homme applicables.
Les États ont des vues divergentes sur les dispositions relatives à la criminalisation : un groupe d’États vise à restreindre le contenu de la convention aux seuls crimes cyberdépendants ; un autre groupe d’États reste ouvert à l’inclusion des crimes cyberdépendants et cybernétiques ; un troisième groupe d’États vise à élargir les infractions de criminalisation et à inclure des dispositions sur la criminalisation du terrorisme et de l’extrémisme, entre autres. La plupart des États se sont mis d’accord sur l’inclusion de la criminalisation de l’abus d’enfants en ligne.
Jusqu’à présent, toutes les dispositions du DC concernant les crimes cyberdépendants et cybernétiques, tels que l’accès illégal, la falsification informatique et l’utilisation illicite d’instruments de paiement électronique, entre autres, ont été modifiées. Toutefois, les dispositions relatives à « la violation des informations personnelles, la violation des droits d’auteur, l’incitation à des activités subversives ou armées, les infractions liées à l’extrémisme, les infractions liées au terrorisme, les infractions liées à la distribution de stupéfiants, le trafic d’armes et la distribution de médicaments contrefaits » font l’objet de consultations informelles.
La définition des infractions de cybercriminalité dans le cadre du DC soulève des inquiétudes quant aux violations potentielles des droits de l’Homme. Par exemple, l’inclusion de la criminalisation de la diffusion de fausses informations stipule que : « La définition des fausses informations et des troubles sociaux graves est définie conformément à la législation nationale de chaque État partie. »
En ce qui concerne les mesures procédurales et les dispositions relatives à l’application de la loi, les dispositifs relatifs à la juridiction font toujours l’objet de consultations informelles. La coopération entre les autorités nationales et les fournisseurs de services lors de la conservation des données relatives au trafic et au contenu a été ajoutée au DC. Là encore, il s’agit de laisser à la discrétion de chaque État les circonstances dans lesquelles l’État pourrait obtenir ces données auprès des fournisseurs de services, ainsi que la mesure dans laquelle les données personnelles sont protégées.
Certains États ont souligné la nécessité d’harmoniser le contenu des dispositions en question avec celles de la Convention de Budapest. Et si le comité ad hoc de janvier a progressé dans la rédaction de certaines parties de la convention, il reste encore de nombreuses questions litigieuses à régler. La protection des droits de l’Homme, la définition des infractions et la mise en œuvre de ces dispositions doivent être soigneusement examinées pour garantir une protection efficace lors de la lutte contre la cybercriminalité au niveau international. La cinquième session se tiendra du 11 au 21 avril 2023 à Vienne, session au cours de laquelle les États seront appelés à poursuivre les négociations sur le DC actuel et sur un nouveau document consolidé.
Actualités de la Francophonie
La Francophonie participe à la première réunion annuelle de la Coalition pour le numérique Partner2Connect
Accompagné par la Représentation auprès des Nations unies à Genève de l’OIF, le Conseiller numérique et innovation de la Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie a participé à la 1ère réunion annuelle de la Coalition pour le numérique Partner2Connect de l’UIT (Union Internationale des Télécommunications) qui s’est tenue à Genève du 8 au 9 décembre dernier. À cette occasion, le Conseiller est intervenu sur les avancées de la Francophonie en matière numérique, notamment l’impulsion donnée par les chefs d’État lors du Sommet de Djerba (19-20 novembre 2022, Tunisie) et les résultats satisfaisants du projet D-CLIC « Formez-vous au numérique » de l’OIF. En marge de cette réunion, le Conseiller a été reçu par la responsable de l’UIT en charge des relations institutionnelles pour évoquer les perspectives de partenariat entre les deux organisations. Il a également évoqué les priorités numériques francophones avec les ambassadeurs francophones de Tunisie, du Rwanda et de Bulgarie, co-présidents de la Coordination numérique du GAF (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones) de Genève.
L’OIF soutient et contribue à la 11ème édition des Assises de la Transformation Digitale en Afrique (ATDA)
L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie a soutenu et a pris part à la 11ème édition des Assises de la Transformation Digitale qui se sont tenues les 15 et 16 décembre 2022 à Genève sous le thème : « Confiance, souveraineté, inclusion : enjeux et perspectives pour l’Afrique ». Avec la présence de décideurs et acteurs du numérique, plusieurs échanges ont eu lieu autour des défis de la transformation digitale en Afrique. Le Directeur de la Francophonie économique et numérique (DFEN) de l’OIF a pris part à un panel sur le thème : « le capital humain, un levier incontournable de la transformation structurelle de l’économie ». Ce panel a notamment été l’occasion d’aborder les problématiques de formation et de renforcement des capacités des jeunes africains pour en faire des personnes aptes à répondre aux besoins du marché en compétences numériques. L’action de l’OIF en ce sens à travers le programme D-CLIC a été présentée (https ://www.francophonie.org/dclic/).
En savoir plus : www.lesatda.com
L’OIF contribue au cadre modèle de régulation pour les plateformes numériques de l’UNESCO dans le cadre de la Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO (21 au 23 février 2023, Paris)
La Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO « Pour un Internet de confiance – Réguler les plateformes numériques pour l’information comme bien public » aura lieu du 21 au 23 février 2023 à Paris. L’objectif principal de la conférence est d’échanger autour des Éléments d’orientation pour la régulation des plateformes numériques à travers une approche multipartite. Ce document vise à fournir des orientations et établir des normes pour aider les États et autres parties prenantes à la régulation des contenus en ligne et à l’élaboration de lois et politiques conformes aux normes internationales en matière des droits de l’Homme.
L’OIF a été sollicitée par l’UNESCO pour contribuer aux travaux sur le cadre modèle de régulation pour les plateformes numériques et sera présente lors de cet important événement sur la régulation du contenu de l’Internet en faveur de la protection des droits de l’Homme et de la liberté d’expression. L’OIF organisera également une table ronde francophone en marge de la conférence mondiale, le 21 février prochain. L’objectif est de mobiliser la diversité des acteurs francophones autour des enjeux et défis liés à la régulation des plateformes numériques, d’encourager la valorisation des approches, l’appropriation des enjeux et défis francophones sur ce domaine et coordonner la communauté francophone afin de définir des recommandations communes en faveur de la régulation des plateformes numériques dans l’espace francophone. L’événement devrait notamment réunir des experts, les représentants d’États membres et les présidents des réseaux francophones tels que le Réseau des compétences électorales francophones (RECEF), l’Association francophone des Autorités de protection des données personnelles (AFAPDP), le Réseau francophone des Régulateurs des médias (REFRAM), ou encore l’Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).
Une vingtaine d’agents publics francophones achèvent leur cursus de formation sur la gouvernance de l’Internet (2ème cohorte – octobre à décembre 2022)
Du 17 octobre au 16 décembre 2022, s’est déroulée la formation sur la gouvernance de l’internet à l’attention de 23 fonctionnaires et diplomates des États et gouvernements membres de l’OIF. Cette formation de 9 semaines a été dispensée par la DiploFoundation, dans le cadre du projet « D-CLIC, formez-vous au numérique avec l’OIF ». Il s’agit de la deuxième cohorte après celle qui avait été formée de janvier à avril 2022.
L’OIF, via cette formation longue, souhaite ainsi renforcer les compétences des fonctionnaires publics francophones afin de leur permettre de mieux appréhender les défis actuels et futurs de la gouvernance numérique.
La gouvernance de l’Internet (GI) est de plus en plus prépondérante dans le travail des diplomates et des fonctionnaires publics. La régulation de l’Internet, la cybersécurité, ou encore la protection des droits et l’économie numérique font partie des sujets les plus abordés et débattus lors des discussions internationales.
Ce cycle de formation en français qui mobilise un minimum de 6 à 8 heures d’étude par semaine en présente les enjeux stratégiques et opérationnels afin d’approfondir et comprendre « l’écosystème de l’Internet », de faciliter la compréhension des thématiques numériques ainsi que les enjeux politiques sous-jacents : l’histoire de l’Internet, l’infrastructure et la normalisation, l’approche multi-partenariale de la gouvernance, la cybersécurité, les questions juridiques, économiques, de développement et socioculturelles, les droits de l’Homme, les acteurs et les récentes évolutions de la gouvernance de l’Internet.
Cette deuxième formation a pu bénéficier à des représentants issus du Bénin, d’Haïti, du Niger, de la Côte d’Ivoire, du Sénégal, de la République Centrafricaine, du Burkina Faso, des Comores, du Maroc, du Cameroun, de la République Démocratique du Congo, de la Guinée Equatoriale, ou encore du Togo.
Afin de capitaliser sur le succès de ces formations, de nouveaux cycles seront proposés en 2023, notamment dans le cadre de la coopération de l’OIF avec l’Université Senghor, université internationale de langue française au service du développement africain.
L’OIF et la BOAD (Banque ouest-africaine de développement) signent un accord-cadre de coopération pour soutenir la transformation numérique en Afrique de l’Ouest (7 décembre 2022)
La Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie et le Président de la Banque ouest-africaine de Développement (BOAD), Serge Ekue, ont signé le 7 décembre 2022 un accord-cadre de coopération pour soutenir la transformation numérique dans les huit pays (Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinée-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Sénégal, Togo) de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine (UEMOA).
Cet accord-cadre permettra à la BOAD, après validation de son Conseil d’Administration, de concevoir un véhicule financier mobilisant plusieurs dizaines de millions d’euros que les pays concernés pourront activer au bénéfice de leur population, en particulier les jeunes et les femmes, pour leur permettre de suivre des formations au numérique délivrées dans le cadre du programme « D-CLIC, formez-vous au numérique avec l’OIF ».
Lancé en janvier 2022 suite à l’adoption de la Stratégie de la Francophonie numérique 2022- 2026, D-CLIC a déjà mis en place 57 parcours de formation professionnalisante aux métiers du numérique dans 10 pays africains francophones. Il offre également des solutions en matière de renforcement de capacités des agents publics dans le domaine de la gouvernance du numérique et proposera dès 2023 un ensemble d’outils visant à sensibiliser et initier au numérique les personnes les plus éloignées de cette réalité nouvelle.
Crédits photographiques : Alex Tharreau/OIF
À cette occasion, la Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie, Madame Louise Mushikiwabo, a déclaré : « Lors du XVIIIe Sommet de la Francophonie à Djerba, les Chefs d’État et de gouvernement ont longuement délibéré sur la transformation numérique. Ils ont conclu que l’appropriation du numérique par les jeunes francophones – et notamment les jeunes filles – constituait un enjeu vital pour l’avenir de la Francophonie et de l’Afrique. Avec plus de 70 % de leur population nationale qui est âgée de moins de trente ans, les pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest doivent mettre la formation au numérique tout en haut de leur agenda. Avec cet accord, l’OIF et la BOAD vont les y accompagner ».
Les équipes techniques des deux organisations se sont rencontrées les 10 et 11 janvier 2023, au siège de la BOAD, à Lomé (Togo), dans le cadre d’une mission de suivi de la mise en œuvre de l’accord-cadre. Une feuille de route pour une opérationnalisation de l’accord-cadre dès 2023, à travers le développement d’un projet de Fonds régional, a été arrêtée à cette occasion.
Événements à venir :
Table ronde de l’OIF sur la régulation du contenu de l’Internet en faveur de la protection des droits de l’Homme (21 février 2023, Paris) dans le cadre de la Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO « Pour un Internet de confiance – Réguler les plateformes numériques pour l’information comme bien public » (21 au 23 février 2023, Paris)
The devastation that last week’s deadly earthquake left in Turkey and Syria could be witnessed in real-time, as eyewitnesses captured the scenes and shared them on social media. Once more, social media played a significant role in rescue efforts and disaster relief.
In other news, the ChatGPT frenzy is picking up fast, while Big Tech companies get called out for various reasons. Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
AI-powered search engines: The race is on
Google’s accolades in the search engine business are plenty. It created a money-making algorithm, uses AI to power its search, shopping, translation and augmented reality, and is the dominant player in this field.
So when Microsoft announced last Tuesday that it was revamping its Bing search engine and Edge browser with software from OpenAI, the developers of ChatGPT, Google had to react fast the next day, announcing its conversational AI named Bard. Considering that Microsoft is teaming up with the developers of an already hugely popular ChatGPT, Google is coming in a tad late (and a bit shabby: Bard made a factual error in its first public demo).
Still, the race is now on, and will depend on at least three factors.
First, personal preferences: Users will be able to choose between a toggle page (Microsoft) or an integrated search result (Google). Microsoft’s Bing will allow users to toggle between the search results page and a ChatGPT-powered chat service in another browser tab. On the other hand, Google will integrate its generative AI features into its search results without the need to switch tabs.
Second, accuracy: For users to continue using these tools, they need to be able to trust the output. Companies will need to keep mistakes (and biases) at bay, or at least be fast enough to correct errors.
Third, monetising the engine: The advertising market linked to search engines is already lucrative. Since this is what powers Google’s business model, any inroads which Microsoft makes into Google’s share of the market can disrupt Google more than any other tech giant.
Digital policy round-up (6–13 February)
// AI //
China joins generative AI frenzy
Tech companies in China have joined the generative AI bandwagon. Chinese tech giants Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent are among the companies planning to integrate generative AI software into their existing products.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT software is capable of conversing in Chinese, making the software very attractive to the Chinese market. Although Chinese users cannot access ChatGPT directly, access tools such as virtual private networks are helping users bypass restrictions.
Council of Europe’s AI committee releases draft text
The Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence has published its revised draft convention on AI, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The text is being negotiated by the committee. The European Commission is a party to the negotiations on behalf of the EU.
// UKRAINE //
SpaceX to restrict Ukraine’s use of satellite internet for drones
Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to limit the Ukrainian military from using its satellite internet service to control drones. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said last week that the Starlink service was ‘never meant to be weaponised’. The company has been providing internet to Ukraine since last February through its Starlink satellite system.
Up until Thursday, Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that ‘So far, there are no problems with the operation of Starlink terminals in Ukraine.’
US development agency pledged up to USD60 million to ramp up Ukraine’s cyber capabilities
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to invest up to an additional USD60 million (EUR56 million) to help Ukraine protect its critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. The funds are also aimed at boosting Ukraine’s cyber capabilities, and supporting it with its ongoing digital transformation. The announcement was made by Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman during her visit to the Ukrainian capital.
// DISINFORMATION //
Twitter blocked in Turkey in aftermath of earthquake
Global internet monitor NetBlocks revealed that Twitter was blocked for up to 12 hours in Turkey, a day after deadly earthquakes shook the region. Restrictions were carried out by internet service providers.
NetBlocks explained: ‘The incident comes as authorities raise concerns over disinformation online, although no formal explanation has been provided. Service was restored the next morning after state media reported that Turkish authorities had held a meeting with Twitter’s head of policy on disinformation and the need for content takedowns.’
Twitter fails EU disinformation test
In separate news, Twitter was called out by EU Commissioner Věra Jourová for a poor report on how it is dealing with disinformation. The report was submitted as part of a voluntary anti-disinformation charter, the EU’s 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation, agreed upon in June 2022.
The information which companies were asked to provide included: How political adverts are labelled, and how coordinated foreign manipulation campaigns are detected and stopped.
// BIG TECH //
President Biden’s State of the Union: ‘Hold social media accountable’
Protecting children’s privacy and clamping down on targeted advertising to children were among the issues raised by US President Joe Biden in his annual State of the Union address.
‘It’s time to pass bipartisan legislation to stop Big Tech from collecting personal data on kids and teenagers online, ban targeted advertising to children, and impose stricter limits on the personal data that companies collect on all of us.’
His address also mentioned ongoing efforts to produce more semiconductors in the USA, the need for companies to pay their fair share of taxes, and the work being done to bring affordable, high-speed internet to every community across the country.
// JOBS //
Lay-offs: Zoom’s next
Zoom has announced it will lay off around 1,300 employees, equivalent to 15% of its workforce. The announcement was made by CEO Eric Yuan, who said that the company ‘didn’t take as much time as we should have to thoroughly analyse our teams or assess if we were growing sustainably, toward the highest priorities.’
Solidarity. The CEO said he plans to reduce his salary for the coming fiscal year by 98% and will also forego his 2023 corporate bonus.
// CYBER SAFETY //
Hundreds of online safety awareness campaigns mark Safer Internet Day 2023
Hundreds of activities and campaigns in countries around the world were organised last week to mark Safer Internet Day 2023. The annual event promotes the safe and positive use of digital technologies, especially among children and youth. Photo shows Masego Jeremiah, Deputy Director for Media and Content at the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, and David Moepend, Coordinator at CyberSmart Botswana, visiting a Botswana radio station to talk about safe and responsible online behaviour and practices. This was one of several visits they made to radio and television stations to kickstart a two-month public outreach campaign in the media and across schools. For more activities, go through #SaferInternetDay feeds on social media.
17 February: Online platforms and search engines need to publish their average monthly active recipients (AMARs) in the EU by today. This is one of the first onerous obligations set by the EU’s new Digital Services Act.
17–19 February: The 59th Munich Security Conference, taking place in Munich, Germany, will include discussions on cybersecurity. The Munich Security Report 2023 will set the scene.
#ReadingCorner
Latest edition of Digital Watch newsletter
The latest edition of our monthly newsletter is out. Highlights include Upcoming trends in digital governance and diplomacy this year; a round-up of the developments in January, and the key takeaways from the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime’s fourth session in Vienna. Read in PDF or HTML format.
It was a relatively quiet week in digital policy last week. The main highlights were: lawmakers kickstarting negotiations on platform workers; online companies gearing up for the EU’s new Digital Services Act; investigations around market dominance, and more tech lay-offs. Plus, a ransomware attack during the weekend, the extent of which is still unknown. Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
Digital policy round-up (30 January–6 February)
// CYBERCRIME //
Italy: Global cyber attack unlikely to have come from state entity
The attack is more likely to be the responsibility of cybercriminals whose main aim is to hold targets ransom for monetary gain.
Thousands of computer servers have been targeted by the ransomware hacking attack targeting VMware ESXi servers, the French and Italian cyber incident response teams announced.
// GIG WORK //
EU lawmakers will start negotiations on new law to protect platform workers
The European Parliament has agreed to start negotiations on new measures to improve conditions for workers on digital platforms. The decision was approved in plenary, with 376 votes in favour and 212 against. It is expected that the draft rules will be hotly debated.
The new draft rules are expected to regulate how to determine the employment status of platform workers. They will also specify how AI management can be used to monitor and evaluate workers.
// JOBS //
Layoffs continue: Dell, PayPal, and Tinder employees next
Dell Technologies will lay off 6,650 employees, or 5% of its workforce, the company has just announced. The company is reportedly ‘experiencing market conditions that continue to erode with an uncertain future’.
About 2,000 PayPal employees will also lose their jobs in the coming weeks, the company disclosed. That’s 7% of PayPal’s workforce. Online dating company Tinder is also laying off employees: 200 jobs with mother company Match Group will be lost, equivalent to 8% of its workforce.
// DSA //
EU tells Twitter: ‘The next few months will be crucial’
EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton said the next few months would be crucial for Twitter to get in line with the requirements of the new EU Digital Services Act (DSA), after a video call with Twitter’s CEO Elon Musk.
‘I take note of the path that Twitter is committed to take in Europe to comply with DSA rules,’ Breton tweeted after his ‘constructive exchange’ with Musk.
Implementing the DSA: The first deadline is looming: Online platforms (and search engines) have until 17 February 2023 to report their average number of active recipients (the so-called AMARs) under the new rules. This number will determine the companies’ obligations under the DSA.
// CONTENT POLICY //
Russian court fines Twitch over failure to remove fakes
A Russian court fined US video streaming service Twitch Interactive, an Amazon subsidiary, 4 million rubles (USD56,100; EUR52,300) for failing to remove fake content about Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
In addition, the magistrates’ court in Moscow’s Tagansky district also found Twitch guilty of failure to remove prohibited content, including an interview of former lawyer Mark Feigin (designated as a foreign agent in Russia) and former advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office Alexei Arestovich from the platform.
// TIKTOK //
TikTok CEO to testify before US Congress over security concerns
Scrutiny into the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok continues. The company’s chief, Shou Zi Chew, will appear before the US Energy and Commerce Committee in March, the committee announced.
In his first appearance before a US congressional committee, TikTok’s CEO will be quizzed on the company’s consumer privacy and data security practices, the platforms’ impact on kids, and their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party.
Meanwhile, Michael Bennet, a US Senator on the intelligence committee, said that TikTok should be removed from Apple and Google app stores since the social media app poses a risk to national security.
// DATA PROTECTION //
Facebook seeks to block $3.7 billion UK mass action over market dominance
Facebook is seeking to block a UK lawsuit over alleged market dominance that could set the company back by up to GBP 3 billion (USD 3.7 billion, EUR 3.58 billion). The class action lawsuit, filed in 2022, argues that the company abused its dominant position to monetise users’ personal data.
Behind the lawsuit is Liza Lovdahl Gormsen, a senior adviser to Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) watchdog. She says she’s bringing the case on behalf of people in Britain who had used Facebook between 2015 and 2019, and who were not properly compensated for the value of personal data that they had to provide to use the platform.
The week ahead (6–12 February)
7 February: The 19th edition of Safer Internet Day, an initiative organised by the Insafe and INHOPE networks, will take place once again in countries across the world. The event’s aim is to promote the safe and positive use of digital technologies, especially among children and youth.
9 February: The European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) will vote on several key legislative files, including the Data Act and the European Digital Identity framework.
10 February: The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology has invited stakeholders to a series of open consultations on shaping the Global Digital Compact, an initiative of the UN Secretary-General. This week, it’s the private sector and technical community’s turn to participate. These consultations form part of an intergovernmental process led by co-facilitators Rwanda and Sweden.
7 February: Will AI take over diplomatic reporting? Reports are the lifeblood of diplomacy. Every day, thousands of reports, also known as diplomatic cables, are produced by diplomats around the world. With the evolution of AI, and in particular the release of ChatGPT, we have to ask ourselves: Will AI take over diplomatic reporting? Join Diplo experts for an online webinar on 7 February, 14:00 UTC.
#ReadingCorner
Report: Spamming the regulator
A new report by the Corporate Europe Observatory looks into the lobbying practices of Big Tech in Brussels. The largest tech companies – Google, Amazon, Meta (formerly Facebook), Apple, and Microsoft – are the biggest lobby sector by spending. What’s worrying is that according to the report, the EU’s competition branch ‘enjoys a regular revolving door’ with lobbyists. Full report.
Welcome to the 13th edition of our annual predictions in digital governance and diplomacy, we predict the following trends in the year ahead:
1. Technologies
Each year usually starts with promises on how the latest tech will save the world. Not this year, though. This will create the opportunity for existing tech – such as the metaverse, blockchain, and AI – will have to show its real impact beyond mere hype.
2. Digital geopolitics
Geopolitical tensions have dominated much of last year. In the digital sphere, tensions show no sign of easing, either. In 2023, they will play out most intensely in at least three main digital policy areas: the protection of submarine cables and satellites, the production of semiconductors, and the free flow of data across borders.
3. IBSA digital moment(um)
The IBSA trio – India, Brazil, and South Africa – is likely to play a prominent role in reforming digital governance by linking development, democracy, and multilateral diplomacy. The first tangible results from IBSA’s digital momentum could be expected during India’s G20 presidency, which, among others, will promote ‘a new gold standard for data’.
4. Digital cooperation
Digital cooperation processes will accelerate the build-up for 2025 when the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) implementation will be revisited, including the future of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The Osaka Track on Data Governance, initiated during Japan’s G20 presidency in 2019, will likely be given new life as Japan is set to host the next IGF (Kyoto, October 2023). September 2023 will see a ministerial meeting dedicated to preparing the 2024 Summit of the Future, where the Global Digital Compact (GDC) will be agreed on.
5. Human rights online
We can expect deeper implementation of the first generation of human rights online, such as freedom of expression and privacy protection. A holistic approach to digitalisation and human rights will put the second (economic, social and cultural rights) and third generations (environmental and intergenerational) of human rights in the spotlight. The fourth generation of human rights will also become more relevant, triggered by risks due to developments in AI, bio, and nanotechnologies.
6. Content governance
Countries and companies will intensify their search for better ways to govern content. They will look for a balance between social media platforms’ legal status (private businesses with little legal liability for the content they publish) and their social role (public information utilities that affect how people perceive society and politics). The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) approach to content governance will probably serve as an example for many other nations. The outcome of Elon Musk’s Twitter experiment will significantly impact the future of content governance in the business sector.
7. Cybersecurity
Many organisations and governments have improved their cyber resilience against the geopolitical backdrop of the Ukraine war. The cybersecurity agenda is gaining more traction in developing nations, which are taking part in more global processes like the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on cybersecurity and the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime. These global processes could put pressure on the top cyber powers to behave more responsibly.
8. Digital economy
Digital economy governance will focus on digital trade, the implementation of the new global tax deal, and the regulation of cryptocurrencies. The World Trade Organization (WTO) will double down on digital trade negotiations, trying to bridge positions on data flows, data localisation, and privacy. The implementation of the new global tax deal from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will continue to be negotiated, with multilateral conventions to implement the deal, expected to be finalised by mid-2023. States will continue to adopt digital asset regulations, in particular, related to consumer protection and the clear involvement of the financial institutions in control of the industry.
9. Digital standardisation
The relevance of digital standards as a soft governance approach will increase. We can expect intensified cooperation on digital standardisation between like-minded countries, acceleration of standardisation of new tech, and more discussions on the human rights implications of the standards under development.
10. Data governance
Data governance will mature with the realisation that we need as many governance approaches as there are types of data. Stakeholders will have to adopt a holistic approach that takes into account the standardisation, security, human rights, and legal perspectives.
11. AI governance
As AI becomes increasingly applied in real-world settings, arguments about ethics in general (such as how to ensure that AI solutions are created and deployed following ethical standards) will give way to more practical concerns (such as the links between AI and education).
12. The future of work
The hybrid format of office work and diplomatic negotiations, combining elements of online and in situ interactions, will be the new normal. In addition to Zoom and online meetings, new virtual reality tools will be developed to facilitate seamless online interaction.
What to watch for: Global digital policy events in 2023
We look ahead at the digital policy calendar to highlight some of the main digital policy discussions in 2023 across the globe. As is customary, the DW team will deliver just-in-time coverage of major events throughout the year while also focusing on mainstream events addressing digital issues.
UNESCO will host a global multistakeholder conference on regulating digital platforms from 21 to 23 February in Paris, France. The event will facilitate discussion on challenges and modes to ensure that regulatory approaches targeting digital platforms support freedom of expression and the availability of accurate and reliable information in the public sphere. The conference will feature debates and consultations on the draft Guidance on regulating digital platforms: a multistakeholder approach, issued by UNESCO for public consultation in December 2022. Read more.
UNESCO will host a global multistakeholder conference on regulating digital platforms from 21 to 23 February in Paris, France. The event will facilitate discussion on challenges and modes to ensure that regulatory approaches targeting digital platforms support freedom of expression and the availability of accurate and reliable information in the public sphere. The conference will feature debates and consultations on the draft Guidance on regulating digital platforms: a multistakeholder approach, issued by UNESCO for public consultation in December 2022. Read more.
The first of three annual sessions of the Human Rights Council will be held from 27 February to 4 April and will consider and discuss the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General. Reports on the human rights situation in Eritrea, Sudan, Cyprus, South Sudan, and Afghanistan, among others, will be shared with the Human Rights Council and taken into consideration.Of particular importance to digital-related issues will be high-level discussions and considerations of reports on: ‘Privacy and personal data protection in Ibero-America: A step towards globalization?’; ‘Rights of the child and the digital environment’; ‘Negative impact of disinformation on the enjoyment and realization of human rights’; and ‘Promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. Read more.
The first of three annual sessions of the Human Rights Council will be held from 27 February to 4 April and will consider and discuss the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General. Reports on the human rights situation in Eritrea, Sudan, Cyprus, South Sudan, and Afghanistan, among others, will be shared with the Human Rights Council and taken into consideration.Of particular importance to digital-related issues will be high-level discussions and considerations of reports on: ‘Privacy and personal data protection in Ibero-America: A step towards globalization?’; ‘Rights of the child and the digital environment’; ‘Negative impact of disinformation on the enjoyment and realization of human rights’; and ‘Promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. Read more.
Organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), under the theme ‘Use Of ICTs By States: Rights And Responsibilities Under The UN Charter’, the conference focus will be on how international law applies to the use of ICTs by states. The conference will explore the rights and obligations of the UN Charter applicable to cyberspace with an aim to facilitate future-focused deliberations and contribute to the advancement of multilateral negotiations. Read more.
Organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), under the theme ‘Use Of ICTs By States: Rights And Responsibilities Under The UN Charter’, the conference focus will be on how international law applies to the use of ICTs by states. The conference will explore the rights and obligations of the UN Charter applicable to cyberspace with an aim to facilitate future-focused deliberations and contribute to the advancement of multilateral negotiations. Read more.
The first ITU Forum on Embracing the metaverse, co-organised by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), will begin ITU’s endeavour to promote metaverse pre-standardisation initiatives. The forum’s objective is to facilitate global dialogue on the metaverse, provide inputs, and discuss relevant topics that can aid the work of the newly established ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. The forum will explore the challenges and opportunities for an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive metaverse, how to develop interoperability standards, and how metaverse can be used to achieve the SDGs and accelerate digital transformation. The forum will be held on 7 March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it will be followed by the first meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. Read more.
The first ITU Forum on Embracing the metaverse, co-organised by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), will begin ITU’s endeavour to promote metaverse pre-standardisation initiatives. The forum’s objective is to facilitate global dialogue on the metaverse, provide inputs, and discuss relevant topics that can aid the work of the newly established ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. The forum will explore the challenges and opportunities for an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive metaverse, how to develop interoperability standards, and how metaverse can be used to achieve the SDGs and accelerate digital transformation. The forum will be held on 7 March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it will be followed by the first meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. Read more.
Thetheme of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 is ‘WSIS Action Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs’. The WSIS Forum is a global multistakeholder platform for advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. The forum facilitates information and knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships with UN organisations and WSIS Action Line co-facilitators.Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), with the support of Permanent Missions of Djibouti, Kenya, and Namibia, are co-organising a session during the WSIS Forum to discuss Africa’s digital diplomacy. The session explores how Africa can enhance its participation in global digital governance, considering its growing digital economies, start-up ecosystems, and dynamic digital transformation. It aims to identify digital policy priorities, improve Africa’s participation in global digital governance processes, and offer practical insights to strengthen Africa’s digital diplomacy in international processes related to cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and access and infrastructure. Ultimately, the session will propose practical steps for developing African digital diplomacy. Read more.
Thetheme of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 is ‘WSIS Action Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs’. The WSIS Forum is a global multistakeholder platform for advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. The forum facilitates information and knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships with UN organisations and WSIS Action Line co-facilitators.Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), with the support of Permanent Missions of Djibouti, Kenya, and Namibia, are co-organising a session during the WSIS Forum to discuss Africa’s digital diplomacy. The session explores how Africa can enhance its participation in global digital governance, considering its growing digital economies, start-up ecosystems, and dynamic digital transformation. It aims to identify digital policy priorities, improve Africa’s participation in global digital governance processes, and offer practical insights to strengthen Africa’s digital diplomacy in international processes related to cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and access and infrastructure. Ultimately, the session will propose practical steps for developing African digital diplomacy. Read more.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 26th session under the main themes: Technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production; Ensuring safe water and sanitation for all: a solution by science, technology and innovation. The commission will focus on analysing how science, technology, and innovation can serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda, especially in crucial areas like economic, environmental, and social development. The CSTD will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow up on the outcomes of the WSIS Forum on regional and international levels; and hear presentations on ongoing science, technology, and innovation policy reviews. Read more.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 26th session under the main themes: Technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production; Ensuring safe water and sanitation for all: a solution by science, technology and innovation. The commission will focus on analysing how science, technology, and innovation can serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda, especially in crucial areas like economic, environmental, and social development. The CSTD will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow up on the outcomes of the WSIS Forum on regional and international levels; and hear presentations on ongoing science, technology, and innovation policy reviews. Read more.
The fifth session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime will touch upon the new negotiating consolidated document on the preamble, provisions on international cooperation, preventive measures, technical assistance, the mechanism of implementation, and the final provisions of the convention. The secretariat has also prepared a separate document on the mechanisms of implementation to facilitate the deliberations of member states on the implementation of mechanisms for the convention. Lastly, it is expected that states will further negotiate on the first negotiating consolidated document from the fourth session. Read more.
The fifth session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime will touch upon the new negotiating consolidated document on the preamble, provisions on international cooperation, preventive measures, technical assistance, the mechanism of implementation, and the final provisions of the convention. The secretariat has also prepared a separate document on the mechanisms of implementation to facilitate the deliberations of member states on the implementation of mechanisms for the convention. Lastly, it is expected that states will further negotiate on the first negotiating consolidated document from the fourth session. Read more.
The 8th STI Forum will be held under the theme ‘Science, technology and innovation for accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’. As in previous years, the theme of the STI Forum will be closely aligned with that of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The forum will be held from 3 to 5 May in New York, the USA. Read more.
The 8th STI Forum will be held under the theme ‘Science, technology and innovation for accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’. As in previous years, the theme of the STI Forum will be closely aligned with that of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The forum will be held from 3 to 5 May in New York, the USA. Read more.
The AI for Good Global Summit will take place on 6-7 July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit is the main event of the AI for Good platform organised by ITU in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with Switzerland. The event will feature keynote speakers, cutting-edge AI solutions, pitching sessions, and performances by AI-inspired artists. It will also feature interactive displays, debates, and demonstrations of 30+ cutting-edge robots and their human designers. Read more.
The AI for Good Global Summit will take place on 6-7 July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit is the main event of the AI for Good platform organised by ITU in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with Switzerland. The event will feature keynote speakers, cutting-edge AI solutions, pitching sessions, and performances by AI-inspired artists. It will also feature interactive displays, debates, and demonstrations of 30+ cutting-edge robots and their human designers. Read more.
The HLPF will be held under the theme ‘Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’ from 10 to 19 July in New York, the USA. The HLPF meets annually to discuss the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. Read more.
The HLPF will be held under the theme ‘Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’ from 10 to 19 July in New York, the USA. The HLPF meets annually to discuss the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. Read more.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 in New York, the USA. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Monday, 25 September 2023. Read more.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 in New York, the USA. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Monday, 25 September 2023. Read more.
The Government of Japan will host the 18th annual gathering of the IGF in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October. The call for thematic issues that the meeting will tackle was open until 31 January 2023. The next step in the process is the first meeting of the multistakeholder advisory group (MAG) 8–10 March 2023, which will start planning the inter-sessional work and the programme of IGF 2023. Read more.
The Government of Japan will host the 18th annual gathering of the IGF in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October. The call for thematic issues that the meeting will tackle was open until 31 January 2023. The next step in the process is the first meeting of the multistakeholder advisory group (MAG) 8–10 March 2023, which will start planning the inter-sessional work and the programme of IGF 2023. Read more.
The 2023 edition of UNCTAD’s eCommerce Week will be held from 4 to 8 December in Geneva, Switzerland, and online, under the theme ‘Shaping the future of the digital economy’. It will focus on the widening of the digital gap and the danger that data-driven digitalisation could exacerbate inequalities. During UNCTAD eWeek, high-level stakeholders will focus on concrete and tangible solutions in key policy areas that must be addressed to achieve an inclusive and sustainable digitalisation, as well as answer three main questions: What does the future we want for the digital economy look like, what is required to make that future come true and how can digital partnerships and enhanced cooperation contribute to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes? Read more.
The 2023 edition of UNCTAD’s eCommerce Week will be held from 4 to 8 December in Geneva, Switzerland, and online, under the theme ‘Shaping the future of the digital economy’. It will focus on the widening of the digital gap and the danger that data-driven digitalisation could exacerbate inequalities. During UNCTAD eWeek, high-level stakeholders will focus on concrete and tangible solutions in key policy areas that must be addressed to achieve an inclusive and sustainable digitalisation, as well as answer three main questions: What does the future we want for the digital economy look like, what is required to make that future come true and how can digital partnerships and enhanced cooperation contribute to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes? Read more.
The Digital Watch observatory maintains a live calendar of upcoming and past events.
Digital policy developments that made global headlines
The digital policy landscape changes daily, so here are all the main developments from December and January. We’ve decoded them into bite-sized authoritative points. There’s more detail in each update on the Digital Watch Observatory.
Global digital architecture
Rwanda and Sweden, co-facilitators leading the intergovernmental process on the GDC, announced the roadmap for the GDC process, including informal consultations with stakeholders and member states, thematic discussions, an issue paper based on the discussions, the presentation of said paper, and negotiations on the GDC.
China issued guidelines for building basic data systems: a data property rights system, a circulation and trading system, an income distribution system, and a security governance system, all with the aim of strengthening its digital economy.
Ireland has fined Meta €5.5 million for forcing users to consent to process their personal data ‘for service improvement and security’, in breach of the EU’s data protection rules.
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) and eight states filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of abusing its dominant position in the internet advertising business and of limiting fair competition.
India’s Supreme Court upheld a decision by the country’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) that Google is abusing its dominant position in the Android mobile device ecosystem and abusing its monopoly through its Play Store, prompting the company to make changes such as allowing users to choose their default browser, uninstall the Google browser, and allowing device makers in India to license its individual apps for pre-installation.
Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee: Takeaways from its 4th Session
The Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime kicked off 2023 with its fourth session in Vienna and focused on amending its consolidated document (CD). States negotiated and made amendments regarding the general provisions, provisions on criminalisation, procedural measures, and law enforcement.
Ensuring that the provisions are in line with international human rights law treaties while including additional protocols and other applicable international human rights instruments was emphasised by the majority of states.
States have divergent views on criminalisation provisions. One group of states aims to narrow the content of the convention strictly to cyber-dependent crimes. Another group of states would remain open to including both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes, while a third group aims to expand criminalisation offences and include provisions on the criminalisation of terrorism and extremism, among others. Most states agreed on the inclusion of the criminalisation of online child abuse.
So far, all provisions in the CD regarding cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes, such as illegal access, computer-related forgery, and illicit use of electronic payment instruments, among many others, have been amended. However, provisions on ‘violation of personal information, infringement of copyright, incitement to subversive or armed activities, extremism-related offences, terrorism-related offences, offences related to the distribution of narcotic drugs, arms trafficking, and distribution of counterfeit medicine,’ are under informal consultations.
Defining cybercrime offences under the CD raises concerns over potential human rights violations. For example, the inclusion of the criminalisation of the dissemination of false information states that: ‘The definition of false information and serious social disorder shall be defined in accordance with domestic laws of each State Party.’
Regarding procedural measures and law enforcement provisions, provisions on jurisdiction are still under informal consultations. Cooperation between national authorities and service providers when retaining traffic and content data was added to the CD. Again, the issue is that the circumstances under which the state could obtain such data from the service providers, and the extent to which personal data are being protected, are left to the discretion of each state.
Some states emphasised the need to harmonise the content of the provisions in question with the ones in the Budapest Convention. And while the Ad Hoc Committee in January has made progress in drafting some parts of the convention, there are still many contentious issues that need to be addressed. Human rights protection, the definition of offences, and the implementation of such provisions need to be carefully addressed to ensure effective protection when combating cybercrime on an international level.
The fifth session will be held from 11–21 April 2023 in Vienna, when states will be called to further negotiate on the current CD and on a new consolidated document.
Last week was marked by a spike in criminal investigations, a major anticompetition lawsuit and Trump’s return to Facebook and Instagram after his two-year ban was lifted. Plus, it’s a busy time for legislators who are negotiating new rules, especially on AI and data.
Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
Digital policy round-up (23–29 January)
// CYBERCRIME //
UK raises concern over Russian and Iranian hacking groups
A hacking group called Cold River, based in Russia, and another group called Yellow Garuda, based in Iran, are attacking the UK government with phishing campaigns that both target and impersonate government officials, journalists, and academics.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of the British government’s GCHQ spy agency (short for Government Communications Headquarters), warned that the groups are conducting their phishing campaign using false email accounts and social media profiles. The two groups are separate and are not collaborating.
US authorities shut down Hive ransomware networks
The US Department of Justice announced that it seized the networks of a major international ransomware variant named Hive. The Hive ransomware was responsible for extorting and attempting to extort millions of dollars from victims in the USA and around the world, Attorney General Merrick Garland said. More than 1,500 victims worldwide were targeted, including hospitals, schools, financial firms, and critical infrastructure, with an estimated loss of more than $150 million.
Lazarus group responsible for virtual currency theft
The FBI confirmed that the DPRK cybercriminal group, Lazarus, is responsible for stealing $100 million of virtual currency from Harmony’s Horizon Bridge. The FBI found that the portion of the stolen Ethereum laundered during the June 2022 heist was sent to virtual asset providers and converted to bitcoins.
// CYBER DIPLOMACY //
USA, EU deepen collaboration on cyber resilience
The USA and EU have launched a series of workstreams and deliverables as part of the ongoing US-EU cyber dialogue. The deliverables involve (a) information sharing, situational awareness, and crisis response; (b) cybersecurity of critical infrastructure; and (c) cybersecurity of hardware and software.
One of the deliverables includes deepening structured exchanges of information on threats, threat actors, vulnerabilities, and incidents, to support a collective response to defend against global threats involving crisis management and support of diplomatic responses.
// SOCIAL MEDIA //
Trump’s return to Facebook and Instagram
Meta has decided to lift its Facebook and Instagram ban on former US President Donald Trump. The ban was placed two years ago after Trump publicly praised people engaged in violence at the Capitol, Washington DC, on 6 January 2021.
In usual circumstances, ‘the public should be able to hear what politicians are saying so they can make informed choices,’ the company announced. In Trump’s case, Meta said it had to take unprecedented action due to Trump’s social media messages posing a serious risk to public safety, in breach of the platform’s community rules. The first decision was upheld by the Oversight Board, an independent body set up by Meta to review the company’s decisions on moderated content.
Trump won’t be returning to Facebook or Instagram with a clean state. There are increased penalties in case of repeat offences and the risk of a new suspension.
In a statement, the Oversight Board said: ‘Today’s decision to reinstate Mr Trump on Meta’s platforms sat with Meta alone – the Board did not have a role in the decision’.
// ANTITRUST //
Google faces antitrust lawsuit for abusing its dominance in ad business
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) and eight states filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of illegally abusing its dominant position in the internet advertising business, and of limiting fair competition. Google allegedly used anti-competitive methods to eliminate or drastically reduce competition.
There’s a long list of aggravations. The DoJ said: ‘Google now controls the digital tool that nearly every major website publisher uses to sell ads on their websites; it controls the dominant advertiser tool that helps millions of large and small advertisers buy ad inventory; and it controls the largest advertising exchange, a technology that runs real-time auctions to match buyers and sellers of online advertising.’
Its relevance. This lawsuit will be the second complaint filed by the DoJ against Google. The first case was filed in 2020.
// DATA GOVERNANCE //
Swedish presidency proposes new compromise text for Data Act
The Swedish presidency of the EU Council has circulated a new compromise text on the Data Act, a draft EU law that will regulate how data is accessed and shared. The text was obtained by news portal EurActiv.
Two main issues relate to the scope of the new rules and the interplay with the EU’s existing data protection regulation. The new text resolves the first issue by proposing that the rules focus on the function of data, rather than the product the data is used for. As for any overlaps with the GDPR, the next text does not create any new legal basis for processing data – that’s a purely GDPR aspect.
By the way. We’re opening a bracket here: The EU’s General Court ruled that EU Council working groups should grant people access to documents drawn up as part of the legislative negotiation process, if so requested. People ‘need to follow in detail the decision-making process within the institutions taking part in the legislative procedures and to have access to all relevant information.’
The week ahead (30 January–5 February)
31 January: Will IGF 2023 focus on a theme you feel strongly about? The IGF Secretariat’s call for thematic inputs for IGF 2023 is open until tomorrow, Tuesday, 31 January 2023. The themes we suggest will be discussed during the first open consultations and MAG meeting in March and could become one of IGF 2023’s main themes. Send your suggestions.
1–3 February: The Council of Europe’s Committee on AI (CAI) is meeting in plenary for the fourth time to negotiate a revised zero draft, which lays the groundwork for the world’s first binding international framework convention on AI and human rights democracy and the rule of law.
3 February: The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology has invited stakeholders to a series of open consultations on shaping the Global Digital Compact, an initiative of the UN Secretary-General. The consultations with civil society, youth, and academia will take place online on 3 February. These consultations form part of an intergovernmental process led by co-facilitators Rwanda and Sweden.
3 February: Deadline for tax pros to comment on the OECD’s Pillar Two consultations related to compliance and tax certainty aspects of the global minimum tax: GloBE Information Return and Tax Certainty for the GloBE Rules. Pillar Two sets a global minimum tax of 15% for multinationals earning more than €750 million a year and forms part of the new two-pillar global tax deal, which over 130 countries have signed.
#READINGCORNER
Freedom of expression: An index of indexes
Threats to freedom of expression show no signs of slowing down. This interactive map, an initiative of the nonprofit Index on Censorship, reconfirms which countries safeguard individual freedoms and which countries obstruct the right.
Welcome to this week’s digest. We bring updates from last week’s World Economic Forum in Davos and the fourth Ad Hoc Committee meeting in Vienna, which ran 9–20 January. In other updates, Ukraine called for a Cyber United Nations; Microsoft and Google employees were in for shocking layout announcements; and an AI training software landed in a UK court.
Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
Digital policy round-up (16–22 January)
// WEF IN DAVOS //
Talk of the town: Cybersecurity, ChatGPT, and the state of our world
The Swiss Alps were host to one of the major mostly-rich-countries’ meetings last week. Several key people made an appearance, including the UN Secretary-General and the European Commission chief, amid the launch of new WEF reports. The main highlights:
A Category 5 hurricane: In his remarks in Davos, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was unsurprisingly harsh about the ‘sorry state of our world’. One of the major global rifts – the East-West divide, that is, USA-China – risks creating ‘two different sets of trade rules, two dominant currencies, two internets and two conflicting strategies on artificial intelligence’. It’s essential that the USA and China resolve their differences on climate issues, trade, and technology.
Boosting clean tech: European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who focused mainly on the EU’s climate plans, applauded technology’s growing role: ‘The next decades will see the greatest industrial transformation of our times – maybe of any time. And those who develop and manufacture the technology that will be the foundation of tomorrow’s economy will have the greatest competitive edge.’
Economic progress: China’s vice-premier Liu He touted his country’s economic progress, which is down to five reasons. These include pursuing innovation-driven development, allowing the market and government to work together, and opening China’s door to the outside – which He says ‘will only open wider’.
Cybersecurity trends: WEF’s newly launched Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023, which assesses the private sector’s attitudes towards cybersecurity and risk,speaks of three trends: (1) Company chiefs believe that the aim of cyberattackers has turned towards disrupting business and inflicting reputational damage. (2) The companies’ security levels are as good as the level of security of other companies in their supply chain. (3) Since companies think the likelihood of a cyberattack is higher than ever, they’re directing resources to day-to-day defences rather than longer-term plans.
More bad news: Speaking of cybercrime, the WEF’s Global Risks Report 2023 identified ‘widespread cybercrime and cyber insecurity’ as a new entrant on the list of the ten most severe risks in the next decade.
A new ville in the metaverse: The Global Collaboration Village – a WEF initiative, in partnership with Microsoft, Accenture, and 80 other organisations – hosted its first meeting during Davos week.
More digital from Davos: There were several digital-related sessions during Davos week, including a conversation between WEF’s Klaus Schwaab and Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella on AI’s golden age and ChatGPT’s potential (one of many sessions on ChatGPT), and a session with – among others – ITU’s new Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and Microsoft President Brad Smith on the rising threats in cyberspace. Read the WEF’s digests from Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4.
The USA, UK, and the EU, among others, want a stronger provision for protecting human rights in accordance with international human rights law (Article 5); China, Russia, India, and others are opposed to the entire article.
The so-called ‘clusters’ of offences are still an issue of contention, with one camp in favour of limiting the convention to cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes (clusters 1 and 2), while the other wants to expand the convention’s competence to other offences (clusters 3 to 11).
One exception is the criminalisation of child sexual abuse (cluster 5), which attracted the most changes to the text. Negotiations indicate that the issue is not whether to extend the convention to include these crimes, but how to word the provisions. For instance, CARICOM is in favour of the original text; the EU, UK, and others want the convention to allow countries to change the definition of a child to include persons younger than 16 (currently, it’s below 18).
The procedural measures and law enforcement sections saw proposed changes to Article 43, which requires countries to enact laws that mandate the retention of traffic data and metadata for criminal investigation purposes, and a new Article 55, a loosely-worded provision for encouraging cooperation between national authorities and service providers.
Mark your calendars: Next up is an intersessional stakeholder consultation 6-7 March, and the next (that is, the fifth) session of the committee 11–21 April, in Vienna.
// UKRAINE //
Ukraine calls for a ‘Cyber United Nations’
Ukraine has called for a Cyber United Nations – a global entity which would help share threat information and prepare for future attacks. The call was made by Yurii Shchyhol, the head of Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection, in a media interview.
‘We need the Cyber United Nations, nations united in cyberspace in order to protect ourselves, effectively protect our world for the future, the cyber world, and our real, conventional world,’ he said, with reference to Russia’s continuous cyber-menacing. ‘What we really need in this situation is a hub or a venue where we can exchange information, support each other and interact.’
// JOBS //
Microsoft announces job cuts for 10,000 workers
Microsoft announced that it would lay off 10,000 workers – nearly 5% of its global workforce – this year. The announcement was made by Satya Nadella, the company’s CEO. The backdrop? Cautious spending by customers and organisations due to the post-pandemic recession, and new advances in AI.
As for those whose jobs are safe, pressure is mounting: ‘Every one of us and every team across the company must raise the bar and perform better than the competition to deliver meaningful innovation that customers, communities, and countries can truly benefit from.’
The singer Sting during The Big Challenge Science Festival in Trondheim Solsiden, 19 June 2019. Photo: Zoe Strimbeck Bazilchuk/NTNU, The Big Challenge Science Festival
It Sting-s!
Microsoft’s invitation-only event during last week’s WEF in Davos, featuring singer Sting, has been heavily criticised by the company’s staff. The mini-concert, attended by around 50 guests, including Microsoft’s top executive, took place the night before Microsoft’s headquarters announced the layoff of 10,000 employees.
It’s bad press and bad timing for the company, which has otherwise sailed through major controversial issues on antitrust (GAFA facing the brunt), and labour (Amazon’s woes) and earned the ‘Microsoft diplomacy’ title for its contribution to discussions at the UN. The company needs a lesson or two from Jacinda.
The reasons Google’s CEO Sindar Pichai gives in his announcement are similar to Microsoft’s: ‘Over the past two years we’ve seen periods of dramatic growth. To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today.’
There’s less pressure on the rest, though: ‘If you are just starting your work day, please feel free to work from home today,’ Sandella concludes.
// AI & IPR //
Getty Images sues Stable Diffusion AI image generator for copyright infringement
Getty Images has sued Stability AI, the company that produced AI art software Stable Diffusion, in the UK. The complaint is that the AI image generator scraped millions of images, infringing intellectual property rights in the process. The issue is not the software itself, but that Stability AI failed to obtain a licence from Getty Images to train its AI system.
The Irish data protection authority has fined Meta €5.5 million for breaches of the EU’s data protection regulation by its instant messaging platform WhatsApp. In addition, WhatsApp Ireland must make its operations compliant within the next six months.
The main issue: The authority said that WhatsApp Ireland was forcing users to consent to processing their personal data ‘for service improvement and security’, in breach of the rules.
The other issue: In reaching this decision, the Irish data protection authority was following a binding decision by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), required to be consulted by Ireland when it failed to bring its European peer regulators to agree with its decision. But the two are now at loggerheads: The EDPB has directed the Irish body to conduct fresh investigations on its WhatsApp cases; the Irish body says EDPB doesn’t have the authority to order it to do so. The case continues.
The ITU is hosting the second edition of the DC3 Conference, which will include a thematic track on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and another on stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, plus high-level discussions.
26 Jan: Can we beat the chimps with data and statistics? Hans Rosling, the Swedish physicist behind Project Rosling, the organiser of this Geneva event, has often said that experts know statistically significantly less about the world than chimpanzees.
A Happy New Year to you all! After a gap of a few months, we’ve restarted our weekly newsletter to bring you the latest in digital policy from around the world, plus a new week-ahead section. We’re glad to be back – every Monday, this time around.
Our digital policy round-up from last week includes the growing debate (mostly in Europe) on whether Big Tech should contribute to telecoms infrastructure costs and the start of the fourth round of cybersecurity convention discussions at the Ad Hoc Cybercrime Committee. US President Biden doesn’t mince words on the need to hold Big Tech accountable, while Germany has found fault in Google’s data processing practices.
The week ahead will see world leaders convene in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. And on the same forward-looking note, we’ve included a summary of our digital policy predictions for the year.
Stay safe,
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
Digital policy round-up (9–15 January)
// INFRASTRUCTURE //
EU plans to ask Big Tech and telecoms: What are your investment plans?
There’s a major debate in the making: The European Commission plans to require Big Tech to pay their share of costs related to the digital infrastructure. The main argument: If Big Tech is reaping tons of profit from the infrastructure, they should help maintain it.
The commission’s plan is to launch a 12-week questionnaire as early as this week, before proposing draft rules. Policymakers are also thinking ahead about the metaverse’s expected increase in data flows and linking this to the demand for Big Tech to contribute to the infrastructure cost.
// CYBERCRIME //
Ad Hoc Cybercrime Committee continues its work
The fourth session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime started last week in Vienna (ongoing till 20 January), with a second reading of some of the provisions in the consolidated negotiating document. One of them is the provision on the criminalisation of offences.
One group of states supports the proposal that the convention be limited to criminalising cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes, while a second group wants to expand the convention’s competence to other offences, including cyberterrorism. We’ll have more on this next week.
// BIG TECH //
US president, German authority tough on Big Tech
US President Joe Biden is urging Congress to ‘pass strong bipartisan legislation to hold Big Tech accountable’. In an op-ed, the President expressed concern ‘about how some in the industry collect, share and exploit our most personal data, deepen extremism and polarization in our country, tilt our economy’s playing field, violate the civil rights of women and minorities, and even put our children at risk.’
Biden is now pushing three priority areas: federal privacy protections, reform to Section 230 of the US’ Communications Decency Act, and competition.
Meanwhile, Germany’s competition authority has ordered Google to revise its data processing terms and practices. ‘Users are not given sufficient choice as to whether and to what extent they agree to this far-reaching processing of their data across services,’ the Bundeskartellamt ruled. ‘The choices offered so far, if any, are, in particular, not sufficiently transparent and too general.’
// CHINA //
China kickstarts implementation of deepfake rules
The Cyberspace Administration of China has started implementing China’s new rules that prohibit the use of AI-generated content for spreading fake news or information deemed disruptive to the economy or national security – a notion which leaves wide room for interpretation.
The rules regulating deep synthesis (deepfake) technology were published in December, after being announced last August. They have now put China at the forefront of regulating deepfake content generated by AI.
// SEMICONDUCTORS //
Dell to stop using chips made in China by 2024
US computer-maker Dell is the latest company to announce it will stop using Chinese-made semiconductor chips. Although the company cited diversification plans without going into detail, it all seems to point to the US’ ongoing crackdown on China’s semiconductor sector.
All eyes are on one main event this week: The 53rd World Economic Forum’s meeting, taking place in Davos, Switzerland, themed Cooperation in a Fragmented World, and bringing together 50+ heads of state and government and around 600 business leaders and hundreds of other stakeholders.
Why it’s relevant. With the bulk of discussions from Tuesday to Thursday, expect digital policy discussions to take a place alongside conversations on the global economic recession and the spiralling climate crisis.
What to expect.You can expect some well-known policy issues to be discussed, such as, how to leverage 5G, AI, and IoT to drive sustainable transformation and economic growth; how to scale examples of data collaboration for public good internationally; how to mobilise a collective response to safeguard critical assets; and how to better collaborate to tackle disinformation and online harms and build safer digital spaces.
Expect a heavier focus on emerging technologies, with sessions on the anticipated impact of AI’s ability to create new content (think ChatGPT); on lessons learned from implementing central bank digital currencies (expect a heavy presence of central bank heads); and the launch of two publications on the metaverse – one on interoperability, and the other on the consumer-driven metaverse. We’ve grown accustomed to a blue-sky narrative at Davos, but when it comes to quantum technologies, one of the sessions will be asking how close we really are to a true quantum revolution.
Expect some familiar faces from Big Tech – the CEOs of Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Qualcomm, Paypal, and SWIFT will be there – with others notably missing (Facebook, Google, Apple…).
Expect the now-customary warnings from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, plus a strong EU institutional presence, with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen attending with a handful of other commissioners, together with European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola, who will no doubt remind us of the EU single market’s 30th anniversary this year.
The year ahead (2023 – what a year!)
Crystal ball or no crystal ball, we’ve been predicting the year ahead for the past 13 years. Here’s our 14th.
1. Technologies: If previous years started with big promises from emerging tech, this year’s more sombre start will finally give existing tech the space to show its real impact beyond mere hype.
2. Digital geopolitics: Amid the relentless geopolitical tensions, there are at least three main digital policy areas where the tensions will play out more intensely: submarine cables and satellites, the production of semiconductors, and the free flow of data. In Europe, expect considerable debate on who should pay for infrastructure costs.
4. Digital cooperation: We’ll see a build-up for 2025 when the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) implementation will be revisited (including the future of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)) and UN cybersecurity discussions will evolve from the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) towards the Programme of Action (PoA).
5. Human rights online: The main challenge is to strengthen the application of existing human rights rules online while charting well-balanced regulations for new areas (such as regulations that encourage ethical neuroscience developments while protecting human dignity and integrity).
6. Content: In 2023, stakeholders will intensify their search for better ways to govern content. Expect countries to apply more pressure on companies through legislative reform (updating Section 230, for instance – see last week’s updates).
7. Cybersecurity: Countries worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia, are increasing their cybersecurity protection. It’s also promising to see UN negotiations on cybersecurity continuing.
8. Digital economy: With an economic recession on the way, there will be less money for the next big tech – whatever it may be. Eyes will be on digital trade, data flows, implementing the new global tax deal, and the regulation of cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency predictions painted a gloomy outlook for bitcoin this year. But the start of the year brought a rise in value. Will bitcoin defy all predictions for 2023?
9. Digital standardisation: Standards will show us that as a soft governance approach, they provide effective alternatives to the lack of multilateral policy agreements.
10. Data governance: We’re finally moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach to conversations on regulating the different types of data, including personal, corporate, public, and health data. India, Japan, and of course, the EU, will be this year’s champions at custom-fit policy.
11. AI governance: ChatGPT raised everyone’s curiosity, but we’ll need to look closer at its impact. The regulatory wave of AI assistance is rising swiftly, too.
12. The future of work: With hybrid becoming the new normal, we’ll be focusing on establishing new routines, procedures, and regulations, from office work to diplomatic negotiations.
Reading corner
Stronger digital voices from Africa: Building African digital foreign policy and diplomacy
As Africa’s digital dynamism grows, its participation in global digital policy must increase. During this transition, African countries have to navigate the geopolitical realities of our times.While most African countries are in the early phase of their digital diplomacy journey, there are many practices and initiatives that could power a faster take-off of digital diplomacy in Africa. We capture these practices and initiatives in Diplo’s latest study from Africa.
