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DW Weekly #154 – 5 April 2024

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Dear readers,

Welcome to another issue of the Digital Watch weekly! In our roundup covering 29 March – 5 April, we bring you a bit of everything: AI, infrastructure, content policy, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and digital identities.

The reading section contains our monthly review of digital developments, as well as an analysis of the future of the cryptocurrency industry.

We also invite you to join the discussion on human rights to be imperfect and the space it allows for genuine, albeit imperfect, choices. 

For more digital policy news, visit dig.watch. Stay in the loop with quick, engaging updates that cut through the complexity of the digital landscape with DW shorts and Byte-sized insights.

Let’s get started,

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 29 March-5 April 2024
Global governance
Global Digital Compact home
Zero Draft for the Global Digital Compact made available
The Zero Draft of the Global Digital Compact outlines a series of commitments and actions towards an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital future for all. Among them are proposals for several new mechanisms and processes. Read more.
Global Digital Compact home
Zero Draft for the Global Digital Compact made available
The Zero Draft of the Global Digital Compact outlines a series of commitments and actions towards an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital future for all. Among them are proposals for several new mechanisms and processes. Read more.
Artificial intelligence
China Africa AI
China commits to enhancing collaboration with Africa in AI governance
The pledge was made during the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum. Read more.
China Africa AI
China commits to enhancing collaboration with Africa in AI governance
The pledge was made during the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum. Read more.
flages
EU-US alliance deepens collaboration on AI within TTC framework
EU & US ramp up collaboration on AI within the TTC framework, focusing on generative AI risks & mitigation. While EU enforces binding regulations, US opts for federal guidelines, with states enacting their own laws. Read more.
flages
EU-US alliance deepens collaboration on AI within TTC framework
EU & US ramp up collaboration on AI within the TTC framework, focusing on generative AI risks & mitigation. While EU enforces binding regulations, US opts for federal guidelines, with states enacting their own laws. Read more.
flags usa uk divided diagonally 1
USA and UK AI Safety Institutes partner for advanced model testing
The USA and the UK launched a new alliance on the science of AI safety amid mounting concerns about the next generation of systems. Read more.
flags usa uk divided diagonally 1
USA and UK AI Safety Institutes partner for advanced model testing
The USA and the UK launched a new alliance on the science of AI safety amid mounting concerns about the next generation of systems. Read more.
Infrastructure
glitched united states of america flag in silhouette of usa map on abstract digital code background 3d illustration concept for national cyber security awareness safe internet and fraud attacks stockpack istock scaled
US FCC moves to restore net neutrality
The proposal aims to ensure equal access to all content and applications without favouring or blocking specific sources. Read more.
glitched united states of america flag in silhouette of usa map on abstract digital code background 3d illustration concept for national cyber security awareness safe internet and fraud attacks stockpack istock scaled
US FCC moves to restore net neutrality
The proposal aims to ensure equal access to all content and applications without favouring or blocking specific sources. Read more.
Content policy
tiktok icon coming out screen mobile phone 3d illustration
Biden seeks TikTok divestment in conversation with Xi
US President Joe Biden has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to change the ownership of TikTok, expressing concerns about national security and data security. Read more.
tiktok icon coming out screen mobile phone 3d illustration
Biden seeks TikTok divestment in conversation with Xi
US President Joe Biden has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to change the ownership of TikTok, expressing concerns about national security and data security. Read more.
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Italian Senator proposes national agency to combat disinformation
The proposed agency will partner with intelligence and communication bodies to confront recent revelations regarding Russia’s dissemination of disinformation tactics across Europe. Read more.
italy flag italian flag on a pole waving on blue sky background
Italian Senator proposes national agency to combat disinformation
The proposed agency will partner with intelligence and communication bodies to confront recent revelations regarding Russia’s dissemination of disinformation tactics across Europe. Read more.
Technologies
Chinese minister calls for continued advanced chipmaking equipment trade with Netherlands
According to Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, China considers the Netherlands should help companies meet their contractual obligations and guarantee usual trade in the lithography machines between the two countries. Read more.
Chinese minister calls for continued advanced chipmaking equipment trade with Netherlands
According to Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, China considers the Netherlands should help companies meet their contractual obligations and guarantee usual trade in the lithography machines between the two countries. Read more.
Cybersecurity
eu european union flags in front of european comission building in background brussles belgium
Belgian EU Council presidency unveils framework for online child protection law
The document focuses on the roles of the Coordinating Authority and suggests possible criteria and scoring methodologies for assessing the risk associated with online services. Read more.
eu european union flags in front of european comission building in background brussles belgium
Belgian EU Council presidency unveils framework for online child protection law
The document focuses on the roles of the Coordinating Authority and suggests possible criteria and scoring methodologies for assessing the risk associated with online services. Read more.
Development
close up businessman touching fingerprint virtual screen fingerprint scanning concept
Digital IDs are leading the ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025’ strategy
Introduced by PM Abiy Ahmed in 2020, the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy aims to drive the country’s digital transformation to facilitate four key sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, IT services and tourism. Read more.
close up businessman touching fingerprint virtual screen fingerprint scanning concept
Digital IDs are leading the ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025’ strategy
Introduced by PM Abiy Ahmed in 2020, the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy aims to drive the country’s digital transformation to facilitate four key sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, IT services and tourism. Read more.
View all updates
Reading corner
jail time for cryptocurrency industry
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(Jail) time ahead for the cryptocurrency industry 
The cryptocurrency and digital asset industry has once again been the focus of the worldwide media. This time, it is not about the promises of an inclusive future of finance but is related to a couple of court cases initiated or found to have come to a close in the past months. What lies in the industry’s future? Read more.
3 Apr 2024
jail time for cryptocurrency industry
wp.dig.watch
(Jail) time ahead for the cryptocurrency industry 
The cryptocurrency and digital asset industry has once again been the focus of the worldwide media. This time, it is not about the promises of an inclusive future of finance but is related to a couple of court cases initiated or found to have come to a close in the past months. What lies in the industry’s future? Read more.
3 Apr 2024
April 2024 monthly newsletter featured image 900x736 1
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Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 88 – April 2024
In our April issue of the Digital Watch Monthly, we look at the latest discussions at the UN OEWG on ICT security, where states remain divided on norms, international law and the future mechanism for discussions; the GDC’s Zero Draft, the renewal of the WTO e-commerce Moratorium, and ‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test. Read more.
4 Apr 2024
April 2024 monthly newsletter featured image 900x736 1
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Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 88 – April 2024
In our April issue of the Digital Watch Monthly, we look at the latest discussions at the UN OEWG on ICT security, where states remain divided on norms, international law and the future mechanism for discussions; the GDC’s Zero Draft, the renewal of the WTO e-commerce Moratorium, and ‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test. Read more.
4 Apr 2024
#ICYMI

In this video, we delve into the fascinating realm where machines, powered by AI, confront human autonomy. Join us as we explore the timeless trinity of decision-making: logos, ethos, and pathos, and how it’s being reshaped by algorithms. From optimising choices to predicting preferences, computers seem to understand us better than we do ourselves. But amidst this efficiency, do we risk losing something vital? Join the debate on the preservation of human imperfection and the space it allows for genuine, albeit imperfect choices.

Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 88 – April 2024

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Snapshot: The developments that made waves

AI governance

The EU Parliament approved the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, setting a new governance standard. G7 ministers committed to boosting local AI ecosystems.

Across the Atlantic, The White House mandated federal agencies to adopt AI safeguards when using AI in a way that could impact Americans’ rights or safety, while the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) pushed for AI accountability reforms. 

In a major boost to the AI industry, Saudi Arabia has announced a colossal $40 billion AI fund in collaboration with a Silicon Valley partner, while the EU has committed €8 billion to boost its AI Industry. India is not far behind, with the government revising guidelines for AI developers and allocating $1.24 billion to enhance its AI infrastructure. Italy, too, is investing €1 billion in a national AI project fund. 

OpenAI pledged responsible AI development, but its video service, Sora, faces probes from the Italian data watchdog. Nvidia’s CEO claimed that AI hallucinations can be solved and predicted that artificial general intelligence (AGI) would be achieved within five years.

Technologies

The US government finalised export restrictions on Chinese chipmaking facilities, aiming to curb China’s semiconductor technology progress. China condemned the move, arguing it heightens trade barriers and uncertainty in the global semiconductor industry. 

Canada has also taken steps to protect its national security and technological sovereignty by tightening regulations on foreign investments in critical sectors, including AI, quantum computing, space technology, and minerals. 

Vietnam invited big players to invest in the semiconductor industry in the country The UK has committed £35 million to participate in the EU’s semiconductor research programme. 

The European Commission has unveiled a strategic framework to enhance the EU’s competitiveness in quantum computing.

Infrastructure

MainOne, a West African data centre and connectivity provider, confirmed that March’s internet outage in West and Central Africa was due to a rupture in their undersea cable system. In response, Nigeria and ITU joined forces to improve submarine cable infrastructure and expand broadband access across the West African belt. 

China launched the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, which aims to bridge communication between Earth and the uncharted far side of the Moon.

Cybersecurity

The digital landscape continues to be marred by sophisticated cyberattacks, with Microsoft exposing Russian hacker activity, while France faced unprecedented government service attacks. The geopolitical cyber narrative thickens with Russia accusing the USA of election meddling—a claim promptly denied by the USA. Chinese hackers allegedly targeted over 70 global organisations, predominantly government entities. 

The EU fortified its digital defences in response to escalating cyber threats with the Cyber Solidarity Act. The US FCC introduced the US Cyber Trust Mark to enhance user trust in IoT devices. 
Facebook’s ‘Project Ghostbusters,’ a secret project to intercept and decrypt Snapchat communications, was exposed in court documents, stirring controversy for Meta.

Human rights

The Council of Europe’s 2024 Press Freedom Report has sounded the alarm on mounting threats to press freedom, including spyware, abusive lawsuits, and obstacles for exiled journalists. The European Parliament adopted the Media Freedom Act.

The USA and the EU released joint online platform guidance to protect human rights defenders, detailing ten global measures to counter cyber threats and uphold human rights. UN Women advocated closing the gender digital divide through the Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Legal

The New York Times has rejected OpenAI’s claims of ‘hacking’ in a copyright dispute and submitted a legal response opposing OpenAI’s attempt to dismiss parts of the lawsuit. 

France’s competition watchdog has issued a €250 million fine to Google for training its  AI-powered chatbot Bard on media publishers’ content without notifying them. The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging illegal monopolisation of the smartphone market. 

China relaxed rules for international data transfer aiming to simplify adherence for foreign enterprises operating within China.

Internet economy

The Australian watchdog has announced plans to investigate internet search engines and the use of generative AI in searches. In Europe, Big Tech is racing to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), with Apple, Alphabet, and Meta currently under regulatory scrutiny for their digital market practices. The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) ordered Amazon to disclose advertising data publicly under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The London Stock Exchange introduced criteria for crypto ETNs, setting a new course for cryptocurrency trading. Hong Kong tightened regulations on stablecoin issuers through a new sandbox arrangement.

Development

Ethiopia introduced digital ID cards for refugees, improving service access. The UK has unveiled a digital development strategy to narrow the global technological divide. 

A joint report by ITU and the World Bank stressed the necessity of policies to address the environmental impact of the ICT sector. UN agencies cautioned about rising global electronic waste and declining recycling rates.

Sociocultural

ByteDance is cornered by legislative demands to sell off TikTok or face a ban in the USA. Researchers have flagged a growing threat of AI-enabled scams spreading fake news. Google tightened the reins on its AI chatbot Gemini, limiting election response capabilities and announced the suspension of all political ads in South Korea leading up to the country’s general elections in April. OpenAI secured news content deals with Le Monde and Prisa. Japan is considering legally binding regulations for large-scale AI systems to tackle disinformation. 
Irish officials are probing Temu for DSA compliance. The EU is to investigate AliExpress for potential DSA breaches. The EU rolled out guidelines to combat election disinformation.

THE TALK OF THE TOWN – GENEVA

The Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) met from 4 to 8 March. Country representatives provided their views on the characteristics and definitions of ‘emerging technologies’, the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) in relation to human control, judgement, and/or involvement, and various risk mitigation and confidence-building instruments. The second part of the meeting will be held from 26 to 30 August. 

On 5 March, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) launched the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) with the support of the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The OQI is a three-year programme that aims to accelerate quantum computing applications in a few SDG-related use cases, such as health, energy, climate action, clean water, and food security. 

The 9th WIPO Conversation on Intellectual Property (IP) and Frontier Technologies took place under the theme ‘Training the Machines – Bytes, Rights and the Copyright Conundrum’. The 2-day event explored the relationship between training data and IP, focusing on fair use in generative AI models and creator compensation.

UN OEWG on ICT security: accelerated efforts amid divisions 

The UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025 held its seventh substantive session on 4-8 March 2024, discussing the themes under its mandate: threats, norms, international law, confidence-building measures, capacity building, and regular institutional dialogue. 

With 18 months until the end of the group’s mandate in 2025, a sense of urgency can be felt in the discussions, particularly on the mechanism that will follow the OEWG.

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AI is increasingly prevalent in the discussion on threats, with ransomware and election interference rounding up the top three threats. The use of cyber operations to interfere with democratic processes, IP theft, data breaches, violation of privacy, cryptocurrency theft, and the burgeoning cyber intrusion market were also discussed.

There is still no agreement on whether new norms are needed. Several delegations mentioned the accountability and due diligence issues in implementing the agreed norms, while some addressed the chair’s questions on implementing critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and supply chain security-related norms.  Multiple delegations welcomed the chair’s draft of the norms implementation checklist.

Agreement on whether and how international law and international humanitarian law (IHL) apply to cyberspace is also elusive. The member states have held their previous positions on the applicability of international law, with most states confirming the applicability of international law to cyberspace, including the UN Charter, international human rights law and IHL. However, Belarus, Burkina Faso, China, Pakistan,  and Russia favour developing a new legally binding treaty. China, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have called for additional efforts to develop an understanding of the applicability of IHL to cyberspace and its gaps.

The official launch of the Points of Contact (POC) directory is scheduled for 9 May, which led to the discussion revolving around the operationalisation of the PoC directory. States expressed support for additional confidence-building measures (CBMs) to protect critical infrastructure and coordinated vulnerability disclosure. 

Bolstering capacity building efforts and the need for additional resources to sustainably support such efforts were highlighted. Multiple delegations highlighted the importance of self-assessment tools for improving states’ participation in capacity building programmes.

States agree that the mechanism in which regular institutional dialogue on ICT security will be held after the OEWG 2021-2025 ends must be single-track and consensus-based. But whether it will take the shape of another OEWG or the Programme of Action (PoA) is still up in the air. Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, and Iran are also in favour of another OEWG. On the other hand, multiple delegations expressed support for the PoA, including the EU, the USA, the UK,  Canada, Latvia, Switzerland, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Belgium, Slovakia, Czechia, Israel, and Japan. Several countries didn’t express support for either the PoA or the OEWG but noted some of the elements the future mechanism should have.

What’s next? 

A jam-packed year! In mid-April, the chair will revise the discussion papers circulated before the 7th session. On 9 May, the POC Directory will be launched, followed by a global roundtable meeting on ICT security capacity-building on 10 May. A dedicated intersessional meeting will be held between 13-17 May. Looking ahead to the second half of 2024, the 8th and 9th substantive sessions are planned for 8-12 July and 2-6 December. A simulation exercise for the PoC directory is also on the schedule, along with the release of capacity building materials by the OEWG Secretariat, including e-learning modules.

A longer version of this blog is available on the Digital Watch Observatory.

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OEWG’s seventh substantive session: the highlights
28 Mar 2024

Global Digital Compact’s Zero Draft is here!

As the journey toward establishing a Global Digital Compact (GDC) progresses under the UN auspices, co-facilitators of the process – the Permanent Missions of Sweden and Zambia – have unveiled a Zero Draft. This preliminary document sets the stage for forthcoming intergovernmental negotiations ahead of the Summit of the Future, where the GDC will be endorsed.

Global Digital Compact home

Spanning 13 pages, the draft delineates five primary objectives and ten guiding principles aimed at steering us toward an inclusive, secure, and equitable digital future.

The objectives include: (1) closing the digital divide and accelerating progress across the SDGs; (2) expanding opportunities for inclusion in the digital economy; (3) fostering an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space; (4) advancing equitable international data governance; (5) governing emerging technologies, including AI, for humanity. 

The principles – which are meant to guide digital cooperation efforts – are: inclusive, development-focused, human rights-based, gender equal, environmentally sustainable, accessible and interoperable, responsible and accountable, innovation-friendly, multistakeholder, and forward-looking.

The Zero Draft then outlines a set of actions and commitments to support the achievement of the objectives. Some of them refer to creating new mechanisms and processes, such as a UN Digital Human Rights Advisory Service, an International Scientific Panel on AI for comprehensive risk assessments, and an annual global dialogue on AI governance.

Regarding the follow-up and review mechanisms for the GDC, the Zero Draft references existing UN bodies and processes. This includes leveraging the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) to bolster GDC implementation, acknowledging the role of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), and integrating GDC commitments into forthcoming WSIS reviews.

It also recognises the significance of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Human Rights Council in safeguarding human rights in the digital sphere. Additionally, it highlights the roles of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in monitoring GDC progress, alongside a call for all UN entities to support GDC implementation.

The Zero Draft reaffirms the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as a crucial platform for fostering an inclusive digital environment. It recommends the establishment of a dedicated office within the UN Secretariat to coordinate digital affairs and proposes the creation of a GDC portal for reporting voluntary implementation efforts.

The Secretary-General is also requested to provide a Compact implementation map and establish a GDC portal for member states and stakeholders to report voluntarily on GDC implementation (both within 12 months).

Finally, the draft calls for a biennial High-Level Review of the GDC, ensuring comprehensive engagement from all stakeholders, commencing with the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA).

The UNGA is to convene a High-Level Review of the GDC with the participation of all stakeholders every two years, starting with its 80th meeting.

Deliberations on the GDC will continue as follows:  The Zero draft of the GDC will be presented to member states and observers on 5 April 2024.  Readings of the Zero Draft are planned for 12 April, 2 May, and 3 May 2024. Periodic meetings to update interested stakeholders will also be held, the first to be held on 24 April 2024.

Visit our dedicated page to read the complete Zero Draft.

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Global Digital Compact | Zero Draft
2 Apr 2024
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Global Digital Compact | Zero Draft
2 Apr 2024

WTO e-commerce Moratorium: The last renewal?

The recent extension of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions until 31 March 2026, agreed upon during the 13. Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi, marks a pivotal moment in global trade negotiations. This extension, while offering a temporary respite, also suggests the potential end of the moratorium.

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Originally introduced in 1998, the Moratorium has been routinely prolonged. Its significance has heightened with the surge in digital consumption, particularly the shift from physical to online distribution of products like music and video. However, the classification of streamed content as either services or dematerialised goods has sparked debate over its susceptibility to tariffs.

During the recent negotiations, divergent stances emerged among WTO members regarding the Moratorium’s fate. While some, including OECD countries and China, advocated for its permanence, others, notably India, Indonesia, and South Africa, pushed for its termination.

Traditionally, the moratorium served as a bargaining tool in intricate WTO negotiations. However, the failure to reach consensus on crucial issues such as agricultural and fisheries subsidies during the Abu Dhabi conference propelled the moratorium into the spotlight.

The language used in extension agreements reveals the shifting dynamics of the negotiations. Previous renewals included explicit references to the necessity of decisions to extend, aimed at preventing the moratorium from becoming permanent. However, the absence of such references in the Abu Dhabi agreement indicates a compromise between proponents and opponents, hinting at an expectation of non-renewal beyond 2026.

While the possibility of renewal remains in the future of Ministerial Conferences, the political landscape surrounding discussions at the 13th Ministerial Conference suggests slim prospects. 

Nevertheless, even if the moratorium is not renewed post 2026, many countries have already committed to a moratorium on customs duties as part of free trade agreements (FTAs) that they celebrated. According to the OECD, 95% of digital trade chapters include such provisions. Moreover, if a moratorium is agreed in the Joint Initiative on e-commerce (JI), where a customs duties moratorium is being discussed, at least 90 countries would abide by it at the WTO. 

It bears to mention that some countries argue that JIs go against consensus-based decision-making and weaken multilateralism at the WTO. India, South Africa, and Namibia, in particular, introduced a communication questioning the legality of JIs and their outcomes.

However, FTAs could be seen as the way to ‘get things done’ if the opposition to JIs manages to deter the incorporation of outcomes from JIs into the WTO legal architecture. 

The end of the e-commerce moratorium would certainly create policy space for countries which have not committed to the non-introduction of customs duties, but it isn’t clear whether and how they would make use of such space.

This text has been adapted from the following blogs: 13th WTO Ministerial Conference: What is at stake for digital trade? and WTO e-commerce Moratorium: The last renewal?.

13th WTO Conference blog
diplomacy.edu
13th WTO Ministerial Conference: What is at stake for digital trade? 
What will be the impact of the 13th WTO Ministerial conference on digital trade? Diplo’s Marilia Maciel discussed the Work Programme on e-commerce, the odds for the Moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and the status of the Joint Initiative on e-commerce.
13th WTO Conference blog
diplomacy.edu
13th WTO Ministerial Conference: What is at stake for digital trade? 
What will be the impact of the 13th WTO Ministerial conference on digital trade? Diplo’s Marilia Maciel discussed the Work Programme on e-commerce, the odds for the Moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and the status of the Joint Initiative on e-commerce.
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diplomacy.edu
WTO e-commerce Moratorium: The last renewal? – Diplo
WTO Members gathered in Abu Dhabi for the 13th Ministerial Conference agreed to extend the current Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions until the next ministerial meeting, or until 31 March 2026, whichever is earlier. In spite of that, this could be the beginning of the end of the Moratorium: this is likely to be the last renewal.
WTO buliding
diplomacy.edu
WTO e-commerce Moratorium: The last renewal? – Diplo
WTO Members gathered in Abu Dhabi for the 13th Ministerial Conference agreed to extend the current Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions until the next ministerial meeting, or until 31 March 2026, whichever is earlier. In spite of that, this could be the beginning of the end of the Moratorium: this is likely to be the last renewal.

First-ever UN resolution on AI adopted unanimously

The UN General Assembly has adopted its first-ever resolution on AI, marking a historic moment in the global dialogue on technology. 

Spearheaded by the USA and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including US geopolitical rivals such as Russia and China, the resolution results from months of collaborative efforts. It was adopted unanimously without a vote, with a broad consensus among all 193 UN member nations regarding the principles governing the use of AI technology. 

US Vice President Kamala Harris hailed the resolution as a historic step towards guiding the safe deployment and advancement of AI, emphasising its imperative alignment with the public interest and protecting individuals from potential harm. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the consensus achieved, stating that it reflected a unified commitment by UN member states to advancing technological progress.

The resolution underscores a global commitment to harnessing AI for collective benefit while ensuring adherence to human rights and that it is ‘safe, secure and trustworthy’. 

At the core of the resolution lies a commitment to bridge the digital gap between affluent nations and developing economies. The resolution strives for equitable participation in AI discussions and empowering developing nations with the necessary technological infrastructure and capabilities to leverage AI’s benefits. These benefits encompass diverse realms, from disease detection and disaster prediction to agricultural support and workforce development.

Acknowledging the rapid evolution of AI, the resolution underscores the urgent need for global consensus in fostering the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems. It acknowledges the evolving nature of AI governance and calls for continued deliberations on viable governance approaches, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between innovation and regulation.

Aligned with the UN’s sustainable development goals for 2030, the resolution envisions AI as a catalyst for progress in critical areas such as eradicating hunger and poverty, enhancing global health, ensuring universal education, and promoting gender equality. It encourages UN member states to collaborate in facilitating access to digital transformation and secure AI systems, underscoring the paramount importance of upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms in AI development and deployment.

machine, Wheel

The resolution is non-binding. But it serves as a pivotal guidepost for responsible AI practices. It encourages stakeholders across diverse sectors, including governments, tech communities, civil society, academia, and media, to develop and uphold regulatory frameworks conducive to the safe deployment of AI. Moreover, it cautions against inappropriate or malicious design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems without adequate safeguards or in a manner inconsistent with international law. The resolution also stresses the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms through the life cycle of AI systems.

‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test for advanced AI 

In the rapidly changing landscape of AI, distinguishing between AI and human capabilities becomes increasingly tricky. Once considered the gold standard for assessing machine intelligence, the Turing Test needs an update to account for the sophisticated nuances of human conversation and thought processes.

British sitcom ‘Yes Minister’ enters the picture as an unconventional but insightful candidate for a new type of Turing Test. 

The sitcom chronicles the exploits of Minister Jim Hacker, his secretary Bernard, and the chief bureaucrat Sir Humphrey Appleby. 

Sir Humphrey avoids giving straight answers, uses ambiguous bureaucratic language, and bureaucratic stalling tactics, plays the blame game and uses an entire taxonomy of bureaucratic silence. With his mastery of language and deep bureaucratic savvy, Sir Humphrey’s conversations, laden with evasion, ambiguity, and wit, highlight the sophisticated layers of human communication and institutional memory that AI systems like ChatGPT cannot easily emulate.
AI cannot yet compete with human intelligence and creativity in the depth of contextual understanding, emotional intelligence, the subtlety of social interactions, and the ability to navigate complex institutional memories. The nuances of humour, irony, and the unspoken word remain uniquely human territories,  underscoring the importance of continuously advancing AI capabilities while acknowledging the irreplaceable value of human insight and creativity.

A longer version of this blog first appeared on Diplo’s blog roll. Read the full version of the blog.

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‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test for advanced AI – Diplo
In the rapidly changing landscape of AI, distinguishing between AI and human capabilities becomes increasingly tricky. Once considered the gold standard for assessing machine intelligence, the Turing Test needs an update to account for the sophisticated nuances of human conversation and thought processes.The British sitcom “Yes Minister” enters the picture as an unconventional but insightful candidate for a new type of Turing Test, Diplo’s Jovan Kurbalija writes.
71kadJCyUL. AC UF8941000 QL80
diplomacy.edu
‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test for advanced AI – Diplo
In the rapidly changing landscape of AI, distinguishing between AI and human capabilities becomes increasingly tricky. Once considered the gold standard for assessing machine intelligence, the Turing Test needs an update to account for the sophisticated nuances of human conversation and thought processes.The British sitcom “Yes Minister” enters the picture as an unconventional but insightful candidate for a new type of Turing Test, Diplo’s Jovan Kurbalija writes.
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Visit our ‘Yes Minister’ chatbot and chat with Sir Humphrey!

DW Weekly #153 – 29 March 2024

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Dear readers,

Welcome to another issue of the The Digital Watch weekly. In our roundup covering 22-29 March, we bring you the latest updates in AI, legal affairs, and digital economy.

The seventh session of the OEWG took place recently, and in our reading corner, we delve into the key discussion points.

Also, don’t forget to watch out for our upcoming monthly newsletter, scheduled for release next week.

For more digital policy news, visit dig.watch. Stay in the loop with quick, engaging updates that cut through the complexity of the digital landscape with DW shorts and Byte-sized insights.

Let’s get started,

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 22-29 March 2024
Artificial intelligence
X.ai unveils Grok-1.5, enhancing AI chatbot on social network X
The new model demonstrates improved reasoning, particularly in coding and math-related tasks, surpassing its predecessor, Grok-1. Grok-1.5 will soon be available to early testers on X, and new features will accompany it. Read more.
X.ai unveils Grok-1.5, enhancing AI chatbot on social network X
The new model demonstrates improved reasoning, particularly in coding and math-related tasks, surpassing its predecessor, Grok-1. Grok-1.5 will soon be available to early testers on X, and new features will accompany it. Read more.
Screenshot 2023 08 09 at 12.57.10
Tech giants collaborate to challenge Nvidia’s AI dominance
Major tech companies have united to develop an open-source software suite, promising to offer developers greater flexibility and choice, an initiative poised to reshape the landscape of AI technology. Read more.
Screenshot 2023 08 09 at 12.57.10
Tech giants collaborate to challenge Nvidia’s AI dominance
Major tech companies have united to develop an open-source software suite, promising to offer developers greater flexibility and choice, an initiative poised to reshape the landscape of AI technology. Read more.
Legal
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CEO of the FTX Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud
Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy. The sentence includes an $11 billion fine and the forfeiture of assets. Read more.
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CEO of the FTX Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud
Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy. The sentence includes an $11 billion fine and the forfeiture of assets. Read more.
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Californian court documents unveil Facebook’s surveillance ‘Project Ghostbusters’
In 2016, Facebook launched a secret project called ‘Project Ghostbusters’ to intercept and decrypt network traffic between Snapchat users and servers. The goal was to gain insights into users’ behaviour and compete with Snapchat. Read more.
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Californian court documents unveil Facebook’s surveillance ‘Project Ghostbusters’
In 2016, Facebook launched a secret project called ‘Project Ghostbusters’ to intercept and decrypt network traffic between Snapchat users and servers. The goal was to gain insights into users’ behaviour and compete with Snapchat. Read more.
Economic
gavel and european union flag on black background
The EU investigates Apple, Alphabet, and Meta under the DMA
Apple and Alphabet are being examined for potentially favouring their app stores, while Meta is being investigated for using personal data for advertising without obtaining user consent. Non-compliance with the DMA could result in substantial fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover. Read more.
gavel and european union flag on black background
The EU investigates Apple, Alphabet, and Meta under the DMA
Apple and Alphabet are being examined for potentially favouring their app stores, while Meta is being investigated for using personal data for advertising without obtaining user consent. Non-compliance with the DMA could result in substantial fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover. Read more.
7dou5nlnice
Apple counters US Department of Justice antitrust claims
Apple responds to DOJ’s claim in the recent antitrust lawsuit, asserting its commitment to user privacy and security. Challenges to market share characterisation and defence of commission policies are among Apple’s responses. Read more.
7dou5nlnice
Apple counters US Department of Justice antitrust claims
Apple responds to DOJ’s claim in the recent antitrust lawsuit, asserting its commitment to user privacy and security. Challenges to market share characterisation and defence of commission policies are among Apple’s responses. Read more.
Content policy
eu european union flags in front of european comission building in background brussles belgium
EU releases guidelines for online platforms on electoral integrity
As the EU rolls out guidelines aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity online, Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines face stringent measures to combat systemic risks and uphold democratic principles. Read more.
eu european union flags in front of european comission building in background brussles belgium
EU releases guidelines for online platforms on electoral integrity
As the EU rolls out guidelines aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity online, Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines face stringent measures to combat systemic risks and uphold democratic principles. Read more.
Technologies
flag of usa and china on cracked concrete wall background
China to phase out US tech in Government Systems
In response to growing concerns over cybersecurity and national autonomy, China has rolled out new guidelines aimed at phasing out US microprocessors and foreign software from its governmental systems. Read more.
flag of usa and china on cracked concrete wall background
China to phase out US tech in Government Systems
In response to growing concerns over cybersecurity and national autonomy, China has rolled out new guidelines aimed at phasing out US microprocessors and foreign software from its governmental systems. Read more.
Cybersecurity
Cyber spy
US and UK impose sanctions over alleged Chinese cyberespionage
The accusations shed light on the complexities of digital security, raising questions about international cooperation and the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Read more.
Cyber spy
US and UK impose sanctions over alleged Chinese cyberespionage
The accusations shed light on the complexities of digital security, raising questions about international cooperation and the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Read more.
Development
environmental conservation technology approaching global sustainable esg
ITU and the World Bank report assesses the ICT sector emissions and policy implications
The report advocates for the promotion of green technology and the adoption of eco-friendly practices within the ICT sector to bolster global initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. Read more.
environmental conservation technology approaching global sustainable esg
ITU and the World Bank report assesses the ICT sector emissions and policy implications
The report advocates for the promotion of green technology and the adoption of eco-friendly practices within the ICT sector to bolster global initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. Read more.
View all updates
Reading corner
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wp.dig.watch
OEWG’s seventh substantive session: the highlights
The UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025 held its seventh substantive session in March 2024. The group discussed threats, norms, international law, confidence building measures, capacity building, and regular institutional dialogue.
01qJDHNg Diplo blog June2022 1200x628px Digital diplomacy META 1
wp.dig.watch
OEWG’s seventh substantive session: the highlights
The UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025 held its seventh substantive session in March 2024. The group discussed threats, norms, international law, confidence building measures, capacity building, and regular institutional dialogue.
#ICYMI

How does the diffusion of innovation theory impact tech adoption among different groups? Where are you on the digital divide spectrum?

EU fines Apple €1.8B for antitrust violation against Spotify! Apple accused of limiting competition in App Store payments.

DW Weekly #152 – 22 March 2024

Page, Text

Dear readers,

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted its first resolution dedicated to AI, which marks a key stride towards fostering a global framework on AI. Simultaneously, the draft framework for a Council of Europe Convention on AI was leaked, offering insight into ongoing efforts to establish international guidelines for AI development. China’s emphasis on AI for safeguarding children’s rights echoed growing concerns over digital safety, while the G7 ministers, under Italy’s presidency, committed to using AI for sustainable development. India revised its guidelines for AI developers, allowing the release of generative AI models without prior government approval.

In Europe, efforts intensified to combat election disinformation with comprehensive guidelines, alongside probes into tech giants’ AI and advertising practices. France’s fine of €250 million on Google for copyright infringement underscored the importance of protecting intellectual property in the digital age.

Meanwhile, Apple faces scrutiny in a US Department of Justice (DoJ) antitrust probe. Amid geopolitical tensions, the US advanced legislation to strengthen data privacy against foreign adversaries.

For more digital policy news, visit dig.watch. Stay in the loop with quick, engaging updates that cut through the complexity of the digital landscape with DW shorts and Byte-sized insights.

Let’s get started,

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 15-22 March 2024
Artificial intelligence
flags at united nations headquarters new york usa
UN General Assembly adopts first-ever resolution on AI
The adoption of the first UN resolution on AI could mark a key stride towards fostering a global framework that promotes the responsible and inclusive utilisation of this transformative technology, underscoring the imperative of aligning AI advancements with the collective welfare of humanity. Read more.
flags at united nations headquarters new york usa
UN General Assembly adopts first-ever resolution on AI
The adoption of the first UN resolution on AI could mark a key stride towards fostering a global framework that promotes the responsible and inclusive utilisation of this transformative technology, underscoring the imperative of aligning AI advancements with the collective welfare of humanity. Read more.
3d render artificial intelligence logo deep learning blockchain neural network concept generative ai
Council of Europe Convention on AI draft framework leaked
The Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was finalised by the Council of Europe Committee on AI. However, the official version has not been released to the public. Read more.
3d render artificial intelligence logo deep learning blockchain neural network concept generative ai
Council of Europe Convention on AI draft framework leaked
The Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was finalised by the Council of Europe Committee on AI. However, the official version has not been released to the public. Read more.
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China’s call for developing AI to protect children’s rights
China urges ethical AI development at the UN, emphasizing children’s pivotal role, advocating mental health support, bridging digital gaps, and fostering international governance respecting cultural diversity. Read more.
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China’s call for developing AI to protect children’s rights
China urges ethical AI development at the UN, emphasizing children’s pivotal role, advocating mental health support, bridging digital gaps, and fostering international governance respecting cultural diversity. Read more.
G7 2024
Under Italy’s presidency, G7 ministers commit to AI for sustainable development
The agreement aims to boost local AI digital ecosystems by collaborating with developing countries and promoting new multistakeholder partnerships. Read more.
G7 2024
Under Italy’s presidency, G7 ministers commit to AI for sustainable development
The agreement aims to boost local AI digital ecosystems by collaborating with developing countries and promoting new multistakeholder partnerships. Read more.
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The Indian government has revised guidelines for AI developers
The Indian government eased regulations for AI developers, allowing the release of generative AI models without prior approval. This promotes self-regulation and mandates labeling of AI outputs for transparency. Read more.
global connections business internet country india india map stockpack istock scaled
The Indian government has revised guidelines for AI developers
The Indian government eased regulations for AI developers, allowing the release of generative AI models without prior approval. This promotes self-regulation and mandates labeling of AI outputs for transparency. Read more.
Content policy
eu european union flags in front of european comission building in background brussles belgium
EU probes tech giants’ AI and ad practices
The DSA, which took effect in February, requires specific content moderation measures for platforms with over 10% of the EU population as monthly users. Read more.
eu european union flags in front of european comission building in background brussles belgium
EU probes tech giants’ AI and ad practices
The DSA, which took effect in February, requires specific content moderation measures for platforms with over 10% of the EU population as monthly users. Read more.
eu flags in front of european commission
The EU rolls out guidelines to combat election disinformation
Social media platforms and search engines will be required to set up dedicated teams to tackle online disinformation during election periods. Read more.
eu flags in front of european commission
The EU rolls out guidelines to combat election disinformation
Social media platforms and search engines will be required to set up dedicated teams to tackle online disinformation during election periods. Read more.
Legal
V 1 Google
France fines Google €250 million for copyright infringement
The fine is linked to a copyright dispute triggered by complaints from major news organisations. Read more.
V 1 Google
France fines Google €250 million for copyright infringement
The fine is linked to a copyright dispute triggered by complaints from major news organisations. Read more.
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Apple targeted in US DOJ antitrust probe
Cracking down on Big Tech has been one of the rare bipartisan agreements between Democrats and Republicans. Read more.
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Apple targeted in US DOJ antitrust probe
Cracking down on Big Tech has been one of the rare bipartisan agreements between Democrats and Republicans. Read more.
Human rights
virtual creative lock illustration with microcircuit usa flag blurry skyscrapers background cyber security concept
US advances data privacy bill against foreign adversaries
The US House of Representatives passed a data privacy bill, the ‘Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024,’ prohibiting data brokers from selling US citizens’ data to foreign adversary countries. The bill awaits Senate review before becoming law. Read more.
virtual creative lock illustration with microcircuit usa flag blurry skyscrapers background cyber security concept
US advances data privacy bill against foreign adversaries
The US House of Representatives passed a data privacy bill, the ‘Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024,’ prohibiting data brokers from selling US citizens’ data to foreign adversary countries. The bill awaits Senate review before becoming law. Read more.
View all updates
#ICYMI

Ever wondered about the hype cycle? From peak to plateau, it’s a rollercoaster! How do you stay realistically utopian?

DW Weekly #151 – 15 March 2024

Page, Text

Dear readers,

In a historic move, EU lawmakers approved the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation. At the same time, the Council of Europe (CoE) finalised the Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. At the UN, a US-led AI resolution seeks equitable global AI development. Italy’s data protection regulator is probing OpenAI’s Sora service, while Elon Musk planned to open-source the xAI chatbot Grok.

In the USA, the House passed a bill pressuring ByteDance to divest TikTok US assets or face a ban.

France’s government services faced unprecedented cyberattacks, while Microsoft warned that a Russian hacker group is again attempting to breach its systems. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) set criteria for admitting crypto ETNs. Finally, the European Parliament adopted the Media Freedom Act, protecting journalistic integrity in the digital age.

For more digital policy news, visit dig.watch. Stay in the loop with quick, engaging updates that cut through the complexity of the digital landscape with DW shorts and Byte-sized insights.

Let’s get started,

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 8-15 March 2024
Artificial intelligence
european parliament interior
EU lawmakers approve world-first comprehensive AI regulation
Members of the European Parliament approved the AI Act on 13 March with a very strong majority. Read more.
european parliament interior
EU lawmakers approve world-first comprehensive AI regulation
Members of the European Parliament approved the AI Act on 13 March with a very strong majority. Read more.
4635e174 4a54 4e3d be9d e61ee34da81a scaled
Landmark agreement reached on Council of Europe’s AI treaty
The Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was finalised by the Council of Europe Committee on AI. The draft text will be referred to the Committee of Ministers for adoption and opened for signature at a later stage. Read more.
4635e174 4a54 4e3d be9d e61ee34da81a scaled
Landmark agreement reached on Council of Europe’s AI treaty
The Framework Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was finalised by the Council of Europe Committee on AI. The draft text will be referred to the Committee of Ministers for adoption and opened for signature at a later stage. Read more.
flag united nations
US-led UN General Assembly Resolution endeavours to achieve equitable and safe global AI development for the world
Key objectives include closing the digital divide between developed and developing countries as well as establishing responsible AI governance Read more.
flag united nations
US-led UN General Assembly Resolution endeavours to achieve equitable and safe global AI development for the world
Key objectives include closing the digital divide between developed and developing countries as well as establishing responsible AI governance Read more.
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Italian data protection regulator probes OpenAI’s Sora video generation service
The data protection agency has asked Open AI to clarify its data usage and compliance with the EU regulations. Read more.
italy flag italian flag on a pole waving on blue sky background
Italian data protection regulator probes OpenAI’s Sora video generation service
The data protection agency has asked Open AI to clarify its data usage and compliance with the EU regulations. Read more.
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Elon Musk plans to open-source the xAI chatbot Grok
Elon Musk’s decision to open-source Grok reflects his vision for a more transparent and collaborative approach to AI development. Read more.
b27c64ea 20bc 4ceb b68d 05b19b266ce0
Elon Musk plans to open-source the xAI chatbot Grok
Elon Musk’s decision to open-source Grok reflects his vision for a more transparent and collaborative approach to AI development. Read more.
Content policy
TikTok
US House passes bill requiring ByteDance to divest assets or face TikTok’s ban
The bill’s future in the Senate is uncertain as some Democrats have concerns about freedom of speech. Read more.
TikTok
US House passes bill requiring ByteDance to divest assets or face TikTok’s ban
The bill’s future in the Senate is uncertain as some Democrats have concerns about freedom of speech. Read more.
Cybersecurity
microsoft logo 600x300
Microsoft alerts of ongoing hacking attempt by Russian group
Midnight Blizzard hacked into Microsoft’s corporate email systems in January, stealing emails and documents. Read more.
microsoft logo 600x300
Microsoft alerts of ongoing hacking attempt by Russian group
Midnight Blizzard hacked into Microsoft’s corporate email systems in January, stealing emails and documents. Read more.
cybersecurity cybercrime internet scam anonymous hacker crypto currency investment digital network vpn technology computer virus attack risk protection
France faces unprecedented cyberattacks on government services
Several French state bodies have been targeted by cyberattacks of ‘unprecedented intensity,’ according to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s office. Read more.
cybersecurity cybercrime internet scam anonymous hacker crypto currency investment digital network vpn technology computer virus attack risk protection
France faces unprecedented cyberattacks on government services
Several French state bodies have been targeted by cyberattacks of ‘unprecedented intensity,’ according to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s office. Read more.
Economic
stock market charts
London Stock Exchange sets criteria for admission of crypto ETNs
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has outlined the process for admitting Crypto Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). The ETNs are debt securities that track the performance of cryptocurrencies. Read more.
stock market charts
London Stock Exchange sets criteria for admission of crypto ETNs
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has outlined the process for admitting Crypto Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). The ETNs are debt securities that track the performance of cryptocurrencies. Read more.
Human rights
european parliament building in brussels 1
European Parliament adopts Media Freedom Act
MEPs approved the EMFA to protect EU journalists from political or economic interference. It prohibits coercive measures to reveal sources, mandates judicial authorisation for surveillance, ensures transparent media ownership, and addresses online platform influence. Read more.
european parliament building in brussels 1
European Parliament adopts Media Freedom Act
MEPs approved the EMFA to protect EU journalists from political or economic interference. It prohibits coercive measures to reveal sources, mandates judicial authorisation for surveillance, ensures transparent media ownership, and addresses online platform influence. Read more.
View all updates
#ICYMI

Explore the dichotomy of techno-optimism and techno-pessimism in our digital age. Dive into narratives that celebrate the potential of AI to cure diseases while also addressing the growing concerns about AI’s impact on society and freedom.

flag united nations
wp.dig.watch
UN OEWG 2021-2025 7th substantive session
The Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) held its seventh substantive session on 4-8 March 2024 in New York, the USA. We used our DiploAI system to generate reports and transcripts from the session. Read more.
flag united nations
wp.dig.watch
UN OEWG 2021-2025 7th substantive session
The Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) held its seventh substantive session on 4-8 March 2024 in New York, the USA. We used our DiploAI system to generate reports and transcripts from the session. Read more.
Reading corner

71kadJCyUL. AC UF8941000 QL80
diplomacy.edu
‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test for advanced AI – Diplo
In the rapidly changing landscape of AI, distinguishing between AI and human capabilities becomes increasingly tricky. Once considered the gold standard for assessing machine intelligence, the Turing Test needs an update to account for the sophisticated nuances of human conversation and thought processes.The British sitcom “Yes Minister” enters the picture as an unconventional but insightful candidate for a new type of Turing Test, Diplo’s Jovan Kurbalija writes. Read more.
71kadJCyUL. AC UF8941000 QL80
diplomacy.edu
‘Yes Minister’ as the novel Turing Test for advanced AI – Diplo
In the rapidly changing landscape of AI, distinguishing between AI and human capabilities becomes increasingly tricky. Once considered the gold standard for assessing machine intelligence, the Turing Test needs an update to account for the sophisticated nuances of human conversation and thought processes.The British sitcom “Yes Minister” enters the picture as an unconventional but insightful candidate for a new type of Turing Test, Diplo’s Jovan Kurbalija writes. Read more.
Chat with Sir Humphrey
from ‘Yes Minister’

More on AI @ Diplo

If you want to learn more on Diplo’s research on AI you can write to ai@diplomacy.edu.

Upcoming
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If you are interested in mastering the use of AI tools in training and education, join us in Geneva on Thursday, 21st March, 12:30–14:00 CET, for the launch of Diplo’s AI Campus and a follow-up discussion that will focus on preparing ourselves, our diplomatic services, and our organisations for the AI transition. 

Numéro 87 de la lettre d’information Digital Watch – mars 2024

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Observatoire

Coup d’œil : les développements qui font des vagues

Gouvernance mondiale

Les co-facilitateurs ont défini les éléments possibles du Pacte mondial pour le numérique (PMN).

Gouvernance de l’IA

La Chine et la Russie ont décidé de collaborer à la mise en place de l’IA dans le domaine militaire. Le ministère américain de la Justice a nommé son premier responsable de l’IA, tandis que le Japon a lancé une vaste campagne législative en faveur de l’IA en 2024. La Commission européenne a mis en service un groupe de travail composé de fonctionnaires des États membres afin de répondre aux demandes de renseignements concernant la loi sur l’IA. Le ministre britannique de l’IA a proposé de travailler avec l’UE sur la politique de l’IA et les questions de droit d’auteur.

Les députés français ont exprimé leurs inquiétudes quant au partenariat entre Mistral AI et Microsoft, citant des préoccupations concernant la concurrence et la souveraineté des données dans le secteur de l’informatique dématérialisée.

OpenAI a présenté Sora, un outil d’IA capable de générer des vidéos à partir de commandes textuelles. L’entreprise a également introduit une nouvelle fonction de mémoire personnalisée pour ChatGPT, qui vise à améliorer la capacité de l’assistant virtuel (chatbot) à se souvenir des préférences de l’utilisateur, de ses conversations et de toute autre information pertinente. Microsoft a annoncé des principes visant à encourager l’innovation et la concurrence dans le domaine de l’IA. Google prévoit de relancer l’outil de génération d’images Gemini AI après une suspension temporaire pour corriger les inexactitudes dans les représentations historiques générées par l’application.

Technologies

Dans le cadre de sa stratégie « Nouvelle croissance 4.0 », le gouvernement sud-coréen prévoit d’introduire des services en nuage basés sur l’informatique quantique. Le Conseil mondial des semi-conducteurs (WSC) a exhorté l’Inde à reconsidérer ses propositions de droits de douane sur le commerce électronique et les transferts de données, en soulignant que de telles mesures pourraient entraver la croissance du secteur indien de la conception de puces.

Infrastructure

La Chine a lancé un satellite pour tester la technologie 6G. Les États-Unis et leurs alliés ont adopté des principes communs pour le développement de la technologie 6G. La loi sur l’infrastructure Gigabit de l’UE mettra fin aux frais d’appel intra-UE d’ici à 2029, confirmant ainsi le principe de l’approbation tacite volontaire. La menace des Houthis sur les câbles sous-marins indispensables en mer Rouge a suscité des inquiétudes. La Commission européenne a dévoilé un ensemble de mesures visant à stimuler l’innovation, la sécurité et la résilience des infrastructures numériques en Europe.

Cybersécurité

Une analyse réalisée par Microsoft et OpenAI a mis en évidence la manière dont les acteurs de la criminalité utilisent actuellement de grands modèles de langage (LLM). Le National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a publié le Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, qui vise à aider toutes les organisations à gérer et à réduire les risques.

Les organismes internationaux chargés de l’application de la loi ont réussi à perturber les opérations du groupe du rançongiciel LockBit. Toutefois, ce bref répit a été éclipsé par le retour de ce groupe peu de temps après. Un avertissement collectif émis par le FBI, la CISA et le HHS a mis en garde contre le rançongiciel ALPHV/BlackCat ciblant spécifiquement le secteur des soins de santé aux États-Unis. Cet avertissement fait suite à une cyberattaque de BlackCat contre UnitedHealth Group, qui a entraîné une panne affectant Change Healthcare, une plateforme d’échange de paiements essentielle dans le système de santé américain.

Le processus de Pall Mall, une initiative multipartite visant à lutter contre les logiciels espions, a été lancé lors d’une conférence organisée par le Royaume-Uni et la France, à laquelle ont participé des représentants de 35 pays, ainsi que de grandes entreprises technologiques telles que Google, Microsoft et Meta.

Droits de l’Homme

Le président Biden a publié un décret autorisant le procureur général à empêcher le transfert à grande échelle de données personnelles de citoyens américains vers des « pays préoccupants » tels que la Chine, la Russie, la Corée du Nord, l’Iran, Cuba et le Venezuela. Le Portugal a demandé aux entreprises de télécommunications de garantir l’égalité d’accès aux personnes handicapées, en exigeant des équipements, des logiciels et des tarifs adaptés à partir du 28 juin 2025.

Juridique

Elon Musk a intenté un procès à OpenAI, arguant que la société s’est écartée des principes fondateurs de l’organisation, à savoir donner la priorité à la technologie pour l’humanité plutôt qu’aux profits, ce que les dirigeants d’OpenAI ont réfuté. OpenAI a demandé à un juge fédéral de débouter le New York Times de certaines parties de l’action en justice intentée contre elle au titre du droit d’auteur, au motif que le journal a utilisé des messages trompeurs, ce qui a conduit ChatGPT à produire des éléments de preuve erronés. L’Office américain des brevets et des marques (USPTO) a publié des directives concernant les inventions assistées par l’IA, mettant l’accent sur les contributions humaines pour l’admissibilité au brevet.

Économie de l’internet

Un projet de protocole sur le commerce numérique de la zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) a été diffusé. Lors de la 13e conférence ministérielle de l’OMC (MC13), les pays ont décidé de prolonger le moratoire sur l’imposition de droits de douane sur les produits numériques. La Commission européenne a infligé une amende de 1,8 milliard d’euros à Apple pour avoir empêché les services de diffusion de musique en continu de proposer d’autres options de paiement en dehors de l’App Store. Le prix du bitcoin a augmenté en raison de l’approbation des fonds négociés en Bourse (ETF) aux États-Unis et d’une réduction prévue des récompenses des mineurs.

Développement

Le Nigeria a lancé une initiative nationale visant à étendre l’accès à l’internet. Le Soudan a subi une coupure généralisée de l’internet qui a touché plus de 14 millions de personnes, tandis que la suspension des services de téléphonie mobile le jour des élections au Pakistan soulève des préoccupations en matière de droits numériques.

Les Émirats arabes unis ont débloqué un fond technologique de 200 millions de dollars pour les pays en développement. Un engagement de 9 milliards d’USD en faveur de la connectivité universelle de l’UIT devrait profiter à des millions de personnes.

Socioculturel

L’UE a adopté la loi sur les services numériques (DSA), qui renforce la sécurité et la gouvernance en ligne. Une enquête sur TikTok a été lancée dans le cadre de la loi sur les services numériques. Le Parlement européen a adopté des règles visant à renforcer la confiance et la transparence dans les campagnes électorales. Au Canada, la loi sur les préjudices en ligne vise les contenus préjudiciables et les géants de l’internet.

LES CONVERSATIONS DE LA VILLE – GENÈVE

Le 20 février, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) a lancé Initiative mondiale sur la santé numérique (GIDH), un réseau géré par l’OMS qui augmente les ressources dans la transformation de la santé numérique menée par les pays en favorisant le partage des connaissances et les partenariats. L’initiative vise à évaluer et à hiérarchiser les besoins des pays, à renforcer les capacités pour encourager les développements locaux et à accélérer la réalisation des objectifs stratégiques énumérés dans la Stratégie mondiale de l’OMS pour la santé numérique 2020-2025.
L’Organisation internationale du travail (OIT) a accueilli le séminaire de recherche Behind the AI Curtain : les travailleurs invisibles qui alimentent le développement de l’IA. Ce séminaire a mis en lumière l’importance du travail humain, souvent issu des pays en développement, qui est à l’origine des progrès des technologies de l’IA, ainsi que les conditions de travail précaires auxquelles ces travailleurs sont confrontés. Le séminaire a présenté les résultats de recherches sur les considérations éthiques indispensables concernant le travail humain invisible, et a appelé les décideurs politiques et les défenseurs du travail à protéger les droits de ces travailleurs invisibles de l’IA.

En bref

L’accord concernant la convention des Nations unies sur la cybercriminalité se fait attendre

Le Comité ad hoc des Nations unies sur la cybercriminalité s’est réuni à New York du 29 janvier au 9 février 2024 pour sa session de clôture, après deux ans de négociations. Cependant, les avancées significatives ont été insuffisantes, notamment en ce qui concerne le champ d’application de la convention. Des réunions supplémentaires ont été jugées nécessaires, bien que certains États aient exprimé des inquiétudes quant à la limitation des ressources.

Les négociations ont été réparties entre des sessions formelles et des réunions informelles à huis clos, qui se sont concentrées sur des questions sensibles, mais qui ont réduit la transparence et exclu la contribution de la communauté des parties prenantes.

Au cours des derniers jours des sessions de clôture, la société civile et l’industrie, ainsi que les chercheurs en cybersécurité, ont exercé une pression accrue.

Les questions relatives au projet de convention restant à résoudre sont les suivantes.

Champ d’application de la convention et pénalisation

L’une des principales questions non résolues est de savoir si la convention sur la cybercriminalité doit couvrir tous les crimes commis par le biais des TIC ou non. Le Canada a proposé, avec le soutien de 66 États, d’insérer une formulation élargie des actions susceptibles d’entrer dans le champ d’application de la convention.

Dans le même temps, la Russie a demandé des mesures plus approfondies contre le terrorisme et a critiqué le projet, soulignant que « de nombreux articles sont simplement copiés à partir de traités vieux de 20 ans ». Dans le même ordre d’idées, l’Iran, l’Égypte et le Koweït considèrent que le mandat principal de la CAH est d’élaborer une convention internationale globale sur l’utilisation des TIC à des fins criminelles, et considèrent que le fait d’inclure des règles en matière de droits de l’Homme et une collaboration internationale détaillée fait doublon avec des traités internationaux déjà existants. 

La société civile, les entités privées et le monde universitaire ont insisté sur la nécessité de limiter le champ d’application de la convention à la protection des droits et à la cybersécurité.

Droits de l’Homme et moyens de protections

Les délégations ont également eu des difficultés avec les dispositions relatives aux droits de l’Homme et aux protections. L’Iran a proposé un modèle similaire à la Convention des Nations unies contre la corruption, en omettant les références explicites aux droits de l’Homme, mais n’a pas reçu le soutien de nombreuses autres délégations. L’Égypte et plusieurs autres délégations ont critiqué les dispositions répétitives relatives aux droits de l’Homme dans le texte et ont remis en question l’exclusion du principe de proportionnalité à l’article 24. 

Des débats ont eu lieu sur l’inclusion de la « légalité » à côté de la proportionnalité, la proposition du Brésil ayant reçu le soutien de l’Équateur. 

En conséquence, les deux articles restent sans contenu dans le projet de texte révisé de la convention.

Transmission de technologies et assistance technique

La question du changement de technologie a été soulevée dans les articles 1 et 54 de la convention. Alors que les pays africains ont insisté pour qu’il soit inclus dans les deux, les États-Unis ont plaidé pour qu’il ne figure qu’à l’article 54. 

Des désaccords ont persisté sur la formulation de l’article 54, paragraphe 1, les États-Unis et plusieurs autres délégations ayant proposé des termes supplémentaires auxquels se sont opposés plusieurs pays africains et certains autres. En effet, les pays africains et d’autres États se sont opposés à l’insertion du terme « volontaire » avant « si possible » et « selon des conditions convenues d’un commun accord » dans le contexte de la manière dont le renforcement des capacités doit être assuré entre les États. Ils ont fait valoir que cela nuirait à l’objectif de la disposition, qui est de garantir une assistance efficace aux pays en développement. Finalement, les États-Unis ont retiré leur suggestion, laissant la place à de nouvelles négociations sur le projet de texte de la convention.

Champ d’application de la coopération internationale

Les délégations ont des avis divergents sur la coopération en matière de preuves électroniques, en particulier aux articles 35, paragraphe 1, point c) ; 35, paragraphe 3 ; et 35, paragraphe 4. Le projet de convention permet aux pays de collecter des données au-delà des frontières sans autorisation légale préalable. Toutefois, plusieurs nations, dont la Nouvelle-Zélande, le Canada et l’UE, se sont inquiétées de l’application étendue de l’article 35, craignant qu’elle ne conduise à la poursuite d’activités non criminelles. Par ailleurs, des États comme l’Égypte, l’Arabie saoudite et l’Iran ont demandé la suppression pure et simple de l’article 35, paragraphe 3.

La Nouvelle-Zélande a également proposé une clause de non-discrimination à l’article 37, paragraphe 15, relative à l’extradition, afin d’éviter les motifs abusifs de refus de coopération. Toutefois, les États membres ne sont pas parvenus à se mettre d’accord sur la formulation et ont laissé cette question en suspens.

Les délégations ont débattu des articles 45 et 46, et de la possibilité de remplacer « doit » par « peut », ce qui pourrait donner aux États la possibilité de coopérer plutôt que l’obligation de le faire. Si certains ont soutenu ce changement, d’autres, dont l’Égypte et la Russie, ont préféré conserver le terme « doit », pour une coopération renforcée.

Le projet de texte révisé de la convention mentionne les deux options entre parenthèses, reflétant ainsi les discussions en cours.

Mesures préventives

Plusieurs délégations ne saisissent pas bien le terme « parties prenantes » à l’article 53 concernant les mesures préventives. L’Égypte a proposé de le supprimer, à moins qu’il ne soit clairement défini, mais les États-Unis n’étaient pas d’accord. Le projet révisé a remplacé « parties prenantes » par « personnes et entités concernées », mais le consensus sur le paragraphe n’est pas encore établi. 

En outre, un désaccord a persisté à l’article 53, paragraphe 3, point h) sur la formulation de l’expression « violence à caractère sexiste », certains plaidant pour sa suppression. Finalement, le terme a été maintenu. À l’article 41, concernant le réseau 24/7, l’Inde a proposé d’incorporer des exigences en matière de prévention par les entités chargées de l’application de la loi, avec le soutien de la Russie, du Kazakhstan et du Bélarus, mais a fait face a l’opposition des États-Unis, du Royaume-Uni et d’autres pays.

Et ensuite ?

Les délégations ont décidé de reporter la décision finale, le projet de texte révisé de la convention étant disponible sur le site Internet de l’AHC. Les dates des prochaines réunions seront annoncées prochainement. 

Malgré les progrès réalisés sur plusieurs questions à huis clos, il n’est pas certain qu’un consensus autour de la convention sur la cybercriminalité soit atteint avant l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies. Les négociations non publiques en cours entre les délégations pourraient accélérer le processus. Nous continuerons à suivre les négociations et, en attendant, vous pouvez en découvrir davantage grâce à nos rapports détaillés de chaque session générés par DiploAI.

Une version plus détaillée de ce blog est disponible sur Digital Watch Observatory.

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Source de l’image : UN Web TV

La puce cérébrale de Musk : avancée scientifique ou sensationnalisme ?

Neuralink, la start-up d’Elon Musk spécialisée dans les puces cérébrales, aurait réussi à en implanter une sur un être humain, qui s’est depuis complètement rétabli. Elon Musk a révélé que le patient pouvait désormais contrôler une souris d’ordinateur par la seule force de sa pensée.

Comprendre la technologie de Neuralink

La technologie qui se cache derrière Neuralink, connue sous le nom de « The Link », consiste en une puce cérébrale de la taille d’une pièce de monnaie placée chirurgicalement sous le crâne. Cet implant, relié à des fils neuronaux répartis dans diverses zones du cerveau contrôlant les capacités motrices, reçoit et décode les signaux neuronaux. En d’autres termes, il mesure l’activité cérébrale et l’interprète en action.

Neuralink envisage un avenir où les individus pourront manipuler des claviers et des souris par la seule force de leur pensée. La capacité de cette technologie à décoder l’activité cérébrale en actions est prometteuse pour les personnes à mobilité réduite ou souffrant de troubles de la parole.

Neuralink en perspective : un regard sur les BCI (interfaces cerveau-ordinateur)

La puce de Neuralink n’est pas le premier dispositif implanté dans un cerveau humain. Actuellement, plus de 40 essais portant sur l’interface cerveau-ordinateur (BCI) sont en cours rien qu’aux États-Unis. Plus de 200 000 personnes dans le monde utilisent déjà une BCI, principalement pour des raisons médicales. Les dispositifs les plus connus de ce type sont les appareils auditifs, qui aident les personnes souffrant de déficiences auditives à mieux entendre.

Pourtant, l’annonce d’Elon Musk a suscité un vif émoi au sein de la communauté scientifique et du public. Musk a l’habitude de faire des promesses audacieuses, mais il n’a pas toujours réussi à les tenir.

Malgré l’assurance de Musk d’une guérison complète du patient sans aucun effet secondaire, la communauté médicale reste prudente en raison du manque de preuves substantielles à faire valoir pour étayer ses affirmations.

Essais chez l’homme et problèmes de sécurité

Bien qu’approuvé par la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) des États-Unis, le début des essais sur l’homme a suscité des inquiétudes quant à la sécurité des volontaires en raison du manque de détails sur l’essai, de la transparence et du partage de l’information.

D’un point de vue juridique, Neuralink n’a rien à craindre, car la FDA n’exige pas de rapports sur les premières études de faisabilité. Toutefois, certains experts médicaux soulignent que la complexité de l’opération chirurgicale nécessaire à l’ouverture du cerveau soulève des questions d’ordre éthique. L’insertion d’un dispositif dans un être humain vivant, en particulier dans une personne ayant des problèmes médicaux, exige des rapports plus complets et une plus grande transparence. Les sujets de recherche (humains) actuels, tous les futurs sujets de recherche potentiels, la communauté médicale et le grand public méritent d’en savoir plus.

Le parcours de Neuralink dans le domaine des BCI n’a pas été sans controverse. Les premières expériences ont porté sur des singes et des porcs, et une vidéo virale de 2021 montrait un chimpanzé jouant au jeu vidéo classique Pong en utilisant le contrôle de l’esprit.

Cependant, en coulisse, l’entreprise a été critiquée pour un nombre important d’euthanasies de primates ayant fait l’objet d’essais médicaux. Les dossiers vétérinaires de ces animaux ont révélé des complications liées à l’implantation chirurgicale d’électrodes, ce qui a suscité des inquiétudes quant au bien-être des sujets concernés.

Les puces cérébrales soulèvent également des polémiques concernant la protection de la vie privée et la surveillance. Le principal défi consiste à s’assurer que les entreprises qui développent cette technologie n’ont pas accès à nos pensées.

Si les développements de Neuralink sont prometteurs pour des utilisations humaines potentielles, une question subsiste : quelles sont les conséquences pour les individus ? L’impact à long terme de la technologie sur les sujets humains reste incertain. La soi-disant percée de Neuralink doit être abordée avec prudence, et nous devrions attendre des résultats tangibles démontrant qu’il ne s’agit pas d’une nouvelle opération de promotion.

Élections de 2024 : la bataille contre la désinformation et le rôle des plateformes de médias sociaux

L’IA à l’honneur lors des élections de 2024

En 2024, le paysage mondial sera le théâtre de pléthore d’élections, avec au moins 83 scrutins prévus dans le monde entier. Le développement rapide de la technologie, en particulier de l’IA, a placé les plateformes de médias sociaux sous les feux de la rampe, car elles joueront un rôle crucial dans les campagnes politiques et, par conséquent, dans le résultat des élections. Ce mois-ci, on a assisté à une augmentation notable des mesures proactives sur les plateformes de médias sociaux, qui ont lancé des campagnes pour lutter contre la diffusion de fausses informations et préserver les processus électoraux démocratiques.

Législation nationale

Pour commencer, le nouveau projet de loi d’Hawaï (États-Unis) H.B. 5141 (S-1) sur l’IA et les campagnes politiques exigerait que les publicités politiques générées en totalité ou en grande partie au moyen de l’IA par un candidat ou un comité incluent une déclaration indiquant que cette dernière est générée par l’IA. Dans leur rapport, les fonctionnaires déclarent que ces mesures sont cruciales, car « les campagnes politiques ont déjà utilisé l’IA et certains pensent que la prolifération des images générées par l’IA et d’autres médias pourrait être utilisée pour désinformer les électeurs et interférer avec les élections ».

Le rôle des intermédiaires

Une coalition de 20 grandes entreprises technologiques, dont OpenAI, Microsoft, Adobe, TikTok et X, a lancé une initiative commune pour lutter contre les contenus trompeurs de l’IA susceptibles de menacer les élections mondiales de cette année. Dévoilée lors de la conférence de Munich sur la sécurité, cette initiative répond aux inquiétudes liées à la prolifération rapide de l’IA générative, qui est capable de produire rapidement du texte, des images et des vidéos en réponse à des messages. L’accord souligne les engagements pris en matière de collaboration, notamment en ce qui concerne le développement d’outils d’identification des contenus, les campagnes de sensibilisation du public et les mesures de lutte contre les contenus inappropriés sur leurs plateformes. Parmi les technologies potentielles explorées figurent le filigrane ou l’intégration de métadonnées pour certifier l’origine du contenu généré par l’IA.

Élections européennes

TikTok va lancer un centre électoral au sein de son application, adapté aux diverses langues des États membres de l’UE, afin de lutter contre la désinformation à l’approche des prochaines élections. TikTok cherche à détecter et à supprimer la désinformation et les campagnes d’influence secrètes en collaborant avec les commissions électorales locales, les groupes de la société civile et neuf organisations de vérification des faits. En outre, l’entreprise entend reconnaître et identifier les contenus trompeurs générés par l’IA (AIGC) en demandant aux créateurs de contenu d’étiqueter tout AIGC réaliste.

En outre, Meta a déclaré qu’elle mettra en place une équipe pour lutter contre la propagation de la désinformation et l’utilisation abusive de l’IA générative à l’approche des élections du Parlement européen prévues en juin 2024. À cette occasion, le responsable des affaires européennes de Meta, Marco Pancini, a annoncé son intention de créer un centre d’opérations électorales chargé d’identifier et de traiter les menaces potentielles en temps réel, comme indiqué dans un article de blog.
Enfin, Google a annoncé que son unité Jigsaw, chargée de lutter contre les menaces sociétales, s’apprête à lancer une campagne sur TikTok et YouTube dans cinq pays de l’UE, à savoir la Belgique, la France, l’Allemagne, l’Italie et la Pologne, à l’approche des élections européennes. S’appuyant sur des campagnes antérieures menées en Allemagne et en Europe centrale, Jigsaw lance un nouveau projet dans le cadre duquel les publicités utilisent des techniques de vérification préalable (prebunking) mises au point avec des chercheurs des universités de Cambridge et de Bristol, afin d’aider les téléspectateurs à reconnaître les contenus manipulateurs avant qu’ils ne soient exposés.

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La nouvelle stratégie numérique de l’Allemagne en matière de politique étrangère : entre continuité et changement

L’Allemagne s’est jointe au Danemark, à la Suisse, à l’Australie et à quelques autres pays pour définir sa politique étrangère numérique dans un document stratégique. Cette stratégie s’articule autour de trois piliers : la sauvegarde des droits de l’Homme dans le domaine numérique, la promotion de la croissance dans l’économie numérique mondialisée, et la garantie de la durabilité et de la résilience de la société numérique.

L’accent mis sur les données apparaît comme un thème central, l’Allemagne plaidant en faveur d’un accord international sur la libre circulation des données. La stratégie insiste sur les aspects sécuritaires de la gouvernance des données, marquant un changement par rapport à l’accent mis précédemment sur l’interaction entre le commerce et la vie privée. En outre, elle met davantage l’accent sur l’implication des autorités nationales chargées de la protection des données dans la mise en œuvre des politiques. Toutefois, l’IA n’occupe qu’une place relativement modeste dans la stratégie, puisqu’elle n’est mentionnée que dans deux paragraphes, sans que les raisons potentielles de cette visibilité réduite soient encore élucidées.

Un paradoxe concernant l’inclusion est mis en évidence, la pression exercée pour créer de nouveaux organes de gouvernance numérique pouvant entraver la participation significative des petits acteurs et des groupes défavorisés. La stratégie préconise une approche prudente, s’alignant sur le principe du Bauhaus selon lequel « la forme suit la fonction », suggérant que de nouveaux mécanismes ne devraient être mis en place que si les mécanismes actuels s’avèrent inefficaces.

Il est surprenant de constater que la stratégie ne fait pas directement référence aux négociations de l’OMC sur le commerce électronique, ce qui soulève des questions quant à un éventuel abandon de ces négociations. L’Allemagne entend renforcer sa présence dans les organismes internationaux de normalisation, en mettant l’accent sur le passage de normes purement techniques à la prise en compte des droits fondamentaux dans les processus de normalisation. 

La stratégie reconnaît la tension entre la numérisation industrielle et sociétale, et appelle à des approches innovantes de l’inclusion dans la normalisation qui reflètent les priorités et les capacités des petits pays et des pays en développement.

La stratégie souligne l’importance de la géo-redondance et la nécessité d’éviter les dépendances critiques à l’égard des infrastructures numériques, en particulier les câbles sous-marins et terrestres. Bien que la Chine ne soit pas explicitement mentionnée, la stratégie aborde indirectement des questions numériques pertinentes pour les relations entre l’Allemagne et la Chine, telles que les fuites de technologies et les problèmes de double usage.

La neutralité du réseau, absente des préoccupations politiques depuis un certain temps, fait son retour dans la stratégie allemande. Reste à savoir comment elle sera mise en œuvre dans la pratique.

Le document conclut en soulignant les défis liés à la concrétisation de la stratégie, notamment la conciliation de la tension entre les valeurs et les intérêts, la prise en compte des questions absentes de la stratégie, et l’exploration des complexités de la numérisation de l’industrie et des citoyens.

Une version plus détaillée de ce document est disponible sur le blog de Diplo.

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Actualités de la Francophonie

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L’OIF installe à Genève son cockpit pour la gouvernance du numérique et de l’IA

Le 18ème Sommet des Chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement de la Francophonie (Djerba, novembre 2022) avait insisté sur la nécessité de renforcer la position des francophones dans les négociations internationales sur le numérique.  Dans cette perspective, la Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, avait mis en place un groupe de travail exécutif chargé de lui soumettre des propositions concrètes en six mois. Piloté par le diplomate suisse Martin Dahinden, ancien Ambassadeur à Washington, professeur à l’EPFZ et président d’ICT4Peace, et composé de 9 experts de haut niveau issus d’autant de pays représentatifs de toutes les régions francophones, le GTEN n’a pas failli à sa mission.  Le 15 septembre dernier, il formulait 4 recommandations pratiques : l’établissement d’un centre de ressources agile capable de produire une cartographie dynamique de la gouvernance du numérique et de l’intelligence artificielle ; le développement d’une véritable diplomatie numérique francophone ; la montée en puissance d’une politique de renforcement des capacités numériques des agents publics, des diplomates et des négociateurs ; la mise en évidence des enjeux liés à la découvrabilité et à la diversité numérique des contenus francophones.

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Validées par la Secrétaire générale et reprises par la 44ème Conférence ministérielle de la Francophonie (Yaoundé, novembre 2023), ces propositions se traduiront dans la programmation quadriennale de l’OIF par la création du programme D-CLIC | Gouverner le numérique et l’IA, projet dédié à la gouvernance du numérique. Logé au sein de la Représentation permanente de l’OIF auprès des Nations Unies à Genève et à Vienne (RPGV), il aura pour Chef de file Henri Eli Monceau, actuel Représentant permanent et ancien Directeur de la Francophonie économique et numérique (DFEN) et, pour Coordonnateur, Antoine Barbry, Conseiller numérique au sein de la RPGV.  

En réseau avec plus d’une dizaine d’entités francophones, ce nouveau centre de ressources pour la gouvernance a débuté ses opérations par l’accompagnement des négociateurs francophones du Pacte numérique mondial.  D’ici l’été, il lancera le réseau d’experts en charge de la cartographie dynamique de la gouvernance et planifie à terme la mise à disposition de nouveaux modes de renforcement des capacités des négociateurs francophones.

Premiers gains sur la découvrabilité et la diversité numérique dans les négociations du PNM

Lors de la première session de consultation formelle organisée les 11 et 12 février derniers par les co-facilitateurs du Pacte numérique mondial (PNM), le Président du Groupe des Ambassadeurs francophones de New York et la Représentante permanente de l’OIF auprès des Nations Unies à New York, Ifigeneia Kontoleontos, avaient été les seuls à revendiquer l’inclusion d’une référence forte à la diversité culturelle et linguistique dans le futur Pacte. Les déclarations prononcées par l’OIF et le GAF pendant ces deux jours de consultations ont manifestement reçu un large écho parmi les Etats membres de l’ONU puisque, alors qu’aucune des précédentes déclarations ne faisait référence aux enjeux de diversité culturelle et linguistique dans l’espace numérique, lors de la seconde session, organisée les 29 février et 1er mars derniers, pas moins d’une quarantaine d’Etats reprenaient cette priorité à leur compte.

Dix déclarations à titre national (Canada, Andorre, Mexique, Portugal, Etats-Unis, Bangladesh, Colombie), au nom de groupes régionaux (UE- AILE) et linguistiques (CPLP) ont repris de diverses manières les messages clés de la Francophonie lors de ce nouveau cycle de consultations qui a clôturé les cycles des consultations multipartites. 

L’UE a par exemple souligné la « nécessité de sauvegarder le multilinguisme et de protéger le rôle des langues moins répandues dans un monde numérique » Le Canada a défendu l’idée de la protection en ligne de la diversité, qui est un grand atout. La Colombie a appelé à intégrer le multilinguisme dans le préambule afin de souligner sa transversalité avec toutes les sections tandis le Bangladesh a plaidé pour un modèle de gouvernance de l’Internet axé sur les valeurs culturelles, appelant à faire du multilinguisme un principe clé du PNM. Abondant dans le même sens, Andorre a invité à préserver le multilinguisme en ligne et remercié les co-facilitateurs pour leurs efforts ayant permis de sécuriser des interprètes pour la session du 29 février. Les Etats-Unis ont appelé à des engagements pour « le renforcement des capacités des individus à utiliser Internet en toute sécurité et dans leur propre langue ». Par ailleurs, prenant la parole pour la première fois depuis le démarrage des consultations sur le PNM, la Communauté des pays de langue portugaise s’est exprimée par la voix du Brésil. Au nom de l’Angola, du Brésil, du Cabo Verde et du Timor-leste, le groupe lusophone a prononcé une déclaration exclusivement axée sur les enjeux de promotion et de protection de la diversité culturelle et linguistique tant dans l’univers numérique que dans les domaines d’action de la coopération digitale, soulignant ainsi la convergence de nos préoccupations et de nos plaidoyers. 

A moins de trois semaines du démarrage officiel des négociations intergouvernementales, il s’agit d’un résultat intermédiaire encourageant qui valide l’approche développée autour de la contribution de la Francophonie déposée au printemps dernier. Il faut maintenant traduire les intentions en actes.  C’est pourquoi l’OIF étudie deux propositions-choc qui ont été soumises le 6 mars à sa Commission économique.  La première consiste à réclamer l’intégration dans le PNM de la Convention de l’UNESCO de 2005 sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles.  A l’époque, l’extension du champ d’action de la Convention aux technologies de l’information et de la communication s’était heurtée au veto américain, motivé par la protection de l’industrie des Etats-Unis.  Près de vingt ans plus tard, le contexte a considérablement changé mais nul doute que le débat demeurera animé. La seconde proposition vise à instaurer, dans le Pacte, un principe de transparence applicable, d’une part, à la diversité linguistique et culturelle des données-sources utilisées pour la conception et le développement des outils numériques et, d’autre part, à l’impact sur cette diversité numérique des algorithmes de recommandation.  De beaux échanges en perspectives !

L’OIF rencontre à Genève les membres de l’Organe consultatif de haut niveau sur l’intelligence artificielle 

Les risques que présente l’intelligence artificielle sur les droits humains, l’aggravation du fossé numérique, les effets du développement de l’IA dans un contexte de crise énergétique ou la préservation de la diversité culturelle et linguistique, tels ont été les priorités avancées dans les locaux de la Représentation de l’OIF à Genève par plus de 35 Ambassadeurs et experts francophones en poste à Genève et une trentaine de participants en ligne basés à New York, Adis Abeba ou Paris lors de la rencontre tenue le 12 mars avec plusieurs membres de l’Organe consultatif de l’ONU sur l’intelligence artificielle accompagnés de l’Envoyé spécial du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies pour les technologies.

Cette réunion, l’unique tenue en français pendant la mission à Genève des membres de cet Organe consultatif, a connu un très grand succès, témoignant de l’intérêt de toutes les missions diplomatiques pour les problématiques liées à l’intelligence artificielle, alors que les négociations intergouvernementales sur le projet de rapport, qui contribuera au Sommet de l’avenir en septembre prochain à New York, vont débuter dans les jours qui viennent.

Ce rapport intérimaire de l’Organe consultatif s’est longuement penché sur la question des risques ou de l’inclusivité de l’IA, mais la communauté diplomatique francophone a marqué sa disponibilité pour aider l’Organe à opérationnaliser certains principes et aborder de manière plus précise la question centrale de la diversité culturelle et linguistique, au fondement de l’universalité et de l’inclusivité.

Au terme de riches débats, L’OIF, par la voix de son représentant permanent à Genève M. Henri Monceau a conclu la réunion en confirmant la poursuite de l’engagement de l’OIF auprès des délégations francophones tout au long du processus. Plusieurs sessions de sensibilisation et de renforcement des capacités sont ainsi prévues à New York ou ailleurs d’ici le mois de septembre.

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Événements à venir :

  • Atelier de haut niveau en ligne le 28 mars sur les défis de l’acceptance universelle pour les pays francophones, dans le cadre de la célébration par ICANN de la Journée de l’Acceptance universelle

DW Weekly #150 – 8 March 2024

Page, Text

Dear readers,

India’s IT ministry issued an advisory requiring tech firms to seek approval before releasing AI tools. OpenAI highlighted its commitment to responsible AI development amid legal disputes. Meanwhile, the NSO Group is compelled to hand over the Pegasus code in a WhatsApp legal battle. In other legal news, the EU fined Apple for antitrust violations, sparking an appeal from the tech giant. The EU agreed on the Cyber Solidarity Act in response to mounting cyber threats. The WTO E-commerce Moratorium on custom duties has been renewed, and Bitcoin neared record highs. UN Women emphasised the need for inclusive digital governance to bridge the gender digital gap.

For more digital policy news, visit dig.watch. Stay in the loop with quick, engaging updates that cut through the complexity of the digital landscape with DW shorts and Byte-sized insights.

Let’s get started, 

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 1-8 March 2024
Artificial intelligence
global connections business internet country india india map stockpack istock scaled
India’s IT ministry issues advisory on approval and labelling of AI tools
India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT has issued an advisory requiring tech firms to obtain government permission before launching new AI models. Read more.
global connections business internet country india india map stockpack istock scaled
India’s IT ministry issues advisory on approval and labelling of AI tools
India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT has issued an advisory requiring tech firms to obtain government permission before launching new AI models. Read more.
artificial intelligence ai infographic illustration fantastic computer center
OpenAI pledges to responsible AI development amidst legal battle with Elon Musk
This move comes a few days after Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the firm of prioritising profit over humanity’s welfare. Musk’s case alleges that OpenAI, which he co-founded with Sam Altman and others in 2015, has veered from its founding mission. Read more.
artificial intelligence ai infographic illustration fantastic computer center
OpenAI pledges to responsible AI development amidst legal battle with Elon Musk
This move comes a few days after Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the firm of prioritising profit over humanity’s welfare. Musk’s case alleges that OpenAI, which he co-founded with Sam Altman and others in 2015, has veered from its founding mission. Read more.
Legal
a person sees a white inscription on a black smartphone display that holds in his hand spyware
NSO Group forced to turn over Pegasus code in WhatsApp legal battle
A California federal judge ordered the Israeli company to disclose its secret code in response to allegations of spyware exploitation, potentially impacting NSO’s operations amid widespread concerns over privacy breaches. Read more.
a person sees a white inscription on a black smartphone display that holds in his hand spyware
NSO Group forced to turn over Pegasus code in WhatsApp legal battle
A California federal judge ordered the Israeli company to disclose its secret code in response to allegations of spyware exploitation, potentially impacting NSO’s operations amid widespread concerns over privacy breaches. Read more.
waygsck20h8
EU fines Apple €1.8B for Spotify antitrust case, Apple to appeal
Apple expressed its intent to contest the EU’s decision in court, stating the ruling disregards the lack of credible proof of consumer harm and overlooks a flourishing and competitive market. Read more.
waygsck20h8
EU fines Apple €1.8B for Spotify antitrust case, Apple to appeal
Apple expressed its intent to contest the EU’s decision in court, stating the ruling disregards the lack of credible proof of consumer harm and overlooks a flourishing and competitive market. Read more.
Cybersecurity
padlock and laptop keyboard cyber security concept
EU Cyber Solidarity Act agreed upon in response to escalating cyberattacks
The act seeks to bolster the EU’s cyber resilience by implementing a European Cybersecurity Alert System, a Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism, and a European Cybersecurity Incident Review Mechanism, alongside amendments enabling European certification schemes for managed security services to enhance trust and transparency in procurement processes. Read more.
padlock and laptop keyboard cyber security concept
EU Cyber Solidarity Act agreed upon in response to escalating cyberattacks
The act seeks to bolster the EU’s cyber resilience by implementing a European Cybersecurity Alert System, a Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism, and a European Cybersecurity Incident Review Mechanism, alongside amendments enabling European certification schemes for managed security services to enhance trust and transparency in procurement processes. Read more.
Economic
wto building e1666865932105
Renewal or beginning of the end of WTO’s e-commerce moratorium?
The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded with the renewal of the e-commerce moratorium and the Work Programme on e-commerce. However, the change of wording signals the beginning of the end of the e-commerce moratorium. Read more.
wto building e1666865932105
Renewal or beginning of the end of WTO’s e-commerce moratorium?
The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded with the renewal of the e-commerce moratorium and the Work Programme on e-commerce. However, the change of wording signals the beginning of the end of the e-commerce moratorium. Read more.
bitcoin price
Bitcoin soars close to an all-time high price
The approval of the bitcoin ETFs, which created an institutional demand, and the ‘halving’ event helped bitcoin to reach record heights again Read more.
bitcoin price
Bitcoin soars close to an all-time high price
The approval of the bitcoin ETFs, which created an institutional demand, and the ‘halving’ event helped bitcoin to reach record heights again Read more.
Development
Womens Day
Bridging the gender digital gap: UN Women’s call for inclusive digital governance in 2024
Addressing the gender digital gap is crucial for women’s empowerment. UN Women’s paper advocates for a transformative Global Digital Compact in 2024, urging inclusive policies and dismantling gender barriers. Read more.
Womens Day
Bridging the gender digital gap: UN Women’s call for inclusive digital governance in 2024
Addressing the gender digital gap is crucial for women’s empowerment. UN Women’s paper advocates for a transformative Global Digital Compact in 2024, urging inclusive policies and dismantling gender barriers. Read more.
View all updates
#ICYMI

Are cognitive tools shaping our digital future, or are they just creating buzz?
Join the discussion!

Reading corner
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Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 87 – March 2024
In our March issue of the Digital Watch Monthly, we look at the latest negotiations at the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime, where agreement on UN cybercrime convention remained elusive, Musk’s brain chip, 2024 elections and misinformation, and Germany’s first digital policy strategy. Read more.
Newsletter banner MARCH 2024 DW Banner 900x736px header
wp.dig.watch
Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 87 – March 2024
In our March issue of the Digital Watch Monthly, we look at the latest negotiations at the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime, where agreement on UN cybercrime convention remained elusive, Musk’s brain chip, 2024 elections and misinformation, and Germany’s first digital policy strategy. Read more.
2024%2F03%2Fwaving flags world flag united nations waved highly detailed close up 3d render
wp.dig.watch
Decision postponed on the Cybercrime Convention: What you should know about the latest session of the UN negotiations
The concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime ended, but consensus on a draft cybercrime convention has not been reached. Therefore, it was decided that an additional session would be held. In the meantime, where have states not agreed and why? Read more.
2024%2F03%2Fwaving flags world flag united nations waved highly detailed close up 3d render
wp.dig.watch
Decision postponed on the Cybercrime Convention: What you should know about the latest session of the UN negotiations
The concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime ended, but consensus on a draft cybercrime convention has not been reached. Therefore, it was decided that an additional session would be held. In the meantime, where have states not agreed and why? Read more.
WTO buliding
diplomacy.edu
WTO e-commerce Moratorium: The last renewal? – Diplo
WTO Members gathered in Abu Dhabi for the 13th Ministerial Conference agreed to extend the current Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions until the next ministerial meeting, or until 31 March 2026, whichever is earlier. In spite of that, this could be the beginning of the end of the Moratorium: this is likely to be the last renewal. Read more.
WTO buliding
diplomacy.edu
WTO e-commerce Moratorium: The last renewal? – Diplo
WTO Members gathered in Abu Dhabi for the 13th Ministerial Conference agreed to extend the current Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions until the next ministerial meeting, or until 31 March 2026, whichever is earlier. In spite of that, this could be the beginning of the end of the Moratorium: this is likely to be the last renewal. Read more.
Digital Accessibility
diplomacy.edu
Pave the way to digital accessibility: 15 do’s and don’ts 
Digital accessibility is essential when creating online content to ensure inclusivity. This listicle provides some best practices, including do’s and don’ts, that can make an immediate difference. Read more.
Digital Accessibility
diplomacy.edu
Pave the way to digital accessibility: 15 do’s and don’ts 
Digital accessibility is essential when creating online content to ensure inclusivity. This listicle provides some best practices, including do’s and don’ts, that can make an immediate difference. Read more.

Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 87 – March 2024

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Snapshot: The developments that made waves

Global governance

Co-facilitators have delineated the possible elements of the Global Digital Compact (GDC). 

AI governance

China and Russia have decided to work together on the military implementation of AI. The US Department of Justice appointed its first Chief AI Officer, while Japan initiated a comprehensive legislative push in 2024 to join the race for global AI regulation. The EU Commission has established a working group comprising officials from member states to tackle inquiries about the AI Act. The UK’s AI minister has offered to work with the EU on AI policy and copyright issues.

OpenAI’s CEO has advocated for the UAE policy environment as a potential global AI regulatory sandbox. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s CEO emphasised the imperative for countries to establish their independent AI infrastructure. 

GSMA, INNIT, Lenovo Group, LG AI Research, Mastercard, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Telefonica have pledged to apply the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.

French MPs expressed concerns over the Mistral AI and Microsoft partnership, citing worries about competition and data sovereignty in the cloud sector.

OpenAI introduced Sora, an AI tool capable of generating videos from text commands. The company also introduced a new personal memory feature for ChatGPT, which aims to improve the chatbot’s ability to remember user preferences, conversations, and other relevant information. Microsoft has announced principles to foster innovation and competition within the field of AI.Google plans to relaunch the Gemini AI image generation tool after a temporary pause to fix inaccuracies in historical depictions generated by the app.

Technologies

As part of its New Growth 4.0 strategy, the South Korean government plans to introduce cloud services powered by quantum computing. The World Semiconductor Council (WSC) has urged India to reconsider its proposed tariffs on digital e-commerce and data transfers, cautioning that such measures may impede the growth of India’s chip design sector. 

Infrastructure

China has launched a satellite for testing 6G technology. The USA and its allies have endorsed shared principles for developing 6G technology. The EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act will end intra-EU call charges by 2029, upholding the voluntary tacit approval principle. The Houthi threat to critical submarine cables in the Red Sea raised concerns. The European Commission has unveiled a package to boost the innovation, security, and resilience of digital infrastructures in Europe.

Cybersecurity

An analysis by Microsoft and OpenAI highlighted how threat actors are currently using large language models (LLMs). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. which aims to help all organisations manage and reduce risks.

International law enforcement agencies achieved notable success by disrupting the operations of the LockBit ransomware gang. However, this brief respite was overshadowed by the gang’s comeback shortly after. A collective warning issued by the FBI, CISA, and HHS, cautioned against the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware specifically targeting the US healthcare sector. The advisory comes after a BlackCat cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group, leading to an outage affecting Change Healthcare, a pivotal payment exchange platform in the US healthcare system.

The Pall Mall Process, a multistakeholder initiative to tackle spyware, was launched at a conference convened by the UK and France with representatives from 35 nations, alongside major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta.

Human rights

President Biden issued an executive order authorising the attorney general to prevent the large-scale transfer of US citizens’ personal data to ‘countries of concern’ such as China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela. Portugal mandated telecom companies to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, requiring tailored equipment, software, and tariffs effective from 28 June 2025.

Legal

Elon Musk is suing OpenAI, claiming a departure from the organisation’s founding principles of prioritising technology for humanity over profits, which OpenAI leadership refuted. OpenAI has requested a federal judge to dismiss parts of the New York Times’ copyright lawsuit against it, claiming that the newspaper used misleading prompts, causing ChatGPT to generate misleading evidence. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued guidance for inventions assisted by AI, emphasising human contributions for patent eligibility

Internet economy

A draft of the digital trade protocol to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been circulated. Countries agreed to extend a moratorium on placing tariffs on digital goods at the WTO 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). The European Commission imposed a EUR 1.8 billion fine on Apple for restricting music streaming services from offering alternative payment options outside its App Store. Bitcoin experienced a rally in price due to the approval of exchange traded funds (ETF) in the USA and a planned reduction of miner rewards.

Development

Nigeria initiated a nationwide effort to expand internet access. Sudan has experienced a widespread internet shutdown affecting over 14 million people, while Pakistan’s election day mobile service suspension raises digital rights concerns.

The UAE unveiled a USD 200 million technology fund for developing nations. A USD 9 billion commitment to ITU’s universal connectivity drive is set to benefit millions.

Sociocultural

The EU has enacted the Digital Services Act (DSA), fortifying online safety and governance. An investigation into TikTok has been launched under the DSA. The EU Parliament has adopted rules to enhance trust and transparency in election campaigns. Canada’s Online Harms Act has set its sights on harmful content and internet giants. 

THE TALK OF THE TOWN – GENEVA

On 20 February, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), a WHO-managed network that augments resources in country-led digital health transformation by fostering knowledge sharing and collaborations. The initiative aims to assess and prioritise country needs, build capacity to encourage local developments and accelerate the achievement of strategic goals listed in WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) hosted the research seminar Behind the AI Curtain: The Invisible Workers Powering AI Development. The seminar shed light on the significant amount of human labour, often from developing countries, behind the advancement of AI technologies and the precarious working conditions such labourers face. The seminar presented research insights on the much-needed ethical considerations for hidden human labour and called on policymakers and labour advocates to protect the rights of these invisible AI workers. 

Agreement on UN cybercrime convention elusive

The UN’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC) met in New York from 29 January to 9 February 2024 for its concluding session after 2 years of negotiations. However, significant progress was lacking, particularly regarding the convention’s scope. Additional meetings were deemed necessary, though some states expressed concerns about resource strain. 

Negotiations were split between formal sessions and closed-door informal meetings that focused on sensitive issues but reduced transparency and excluded input from the multistakeholder community. 

In the last days of the concluding sessions, there was increased pressure from civil society and industry, as well as cybersecurity researchers.

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Issues with the draft convention that still require resolution include:

Scope of the convention and criminalisation 

One main unresolved issue is whether the cybercrime convention should cover all crimes committed via ICT or not. Canada made a proposal, supported by 66 states, to insert a broad wording of the actions that may fall within the scope of the convention. 

At the same time, Russia insisted on more extensive measures against terrorism and criticised the draft, highlighting that ‘many articles are simply copied from treaties that are 20 years old.’ In the same vein, Iran, Egypt, and Kuwait see the primary mandate of the AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on the use of ICT for criminal purposes and see the inclusion of human rights regulations and detailed international collaboration as duplication of already existing international treaties.  

Civil society, private entities, and academia stressed limiting the convention’s scope to protect rights and cybersecurity. 

Human rights and safeguards 

Delegations also struggled with human rights and safeguards provisions. Iran proposed a model similar to the UN Convention against Corruption, omitting explicit human rights references, but didn’t receive support from many other delegations. Egypt and others criticised repetitive human rights provisions in the text and questioned the singling out of the principle of proportionality in Article 24. 

There were debates over including ‘legality’ alongside proportionality, with Brazil’s proposal finding support from Ecuador. 

As a result, both articles remain without text in the further revised draft text of the convention. 

Transfer of technology and technical assistance

The topic of technology transfer arose in Articles 1 and 54 of the convention. While African countries pushed for its inclusion in both, the USA advocated for it to be solely in Article 54. 

Disagreements persisted over the language in Article 54(1), with the USA and several other delegations proposing additional terms opposed by several African countries and others. In particular, African countries and others opposed inserting ‘voluntary’ before ‘where possible’ and ‘on mutually agreed terms’ in the context of how capacity building shall be provided between states. They argued that it would undermine the purpose of the provision in ensuring effective assistance to developing countries. Eventually, the USA withdrew its suggestion, leaving room for further negotiation on the draft text of the convention.

Scope of international cooperation

Delegations held differing views on cooperation regarding electronic evidence, particularly in Articles 35(1)(c), 35(3), and 35(4). The draft convention allowed countries to collect data across borders without prior legal authorisation. However, several countries, including New Zealand, Canada, and the EU, raised concerns about the broad application of Article 35, fearing it might lead to the pursuit of non-criminal activities. On the other hand, states like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran called for the removal of Article 35(3) altogether. 

New Zealand also proposed a non-discrimination clause in Article 37(15) on extradition to prevent unfair grounds for refusing cooperation. However, member states couldn’t agree on the language and left this open. 

Delegations held debates about Articles 45 and 46 around changing ‘shall’ to ‘may’, potentially providing states with the option rather than the obligation to cooperate. While some supported this change, others, including Egypt and Russia, preferred to retain ‘shall’ for robust cooperation. 

The revised draft text of the convention includes both options in brackets, reflecting the ongoing discussions.

Preventive measures 

Several delegations were confused about the term ‘stakeholders’ in Article 53 regarding preventive measures. Egypt proposed its removal unless clearly defined, but the USA disagreed. The revised draft replaced ‘stakeholders’ with ‘relevant individuals and entities’, but consensus on the paragraph is pending. 

Additionally, disagreement persisted in Article 53(3)(h) on mentioning ‘gender-based violence’, with some advocating for its deletion. Ultimately, the term remained. In Article 41, concerning the 24/7 network, India proposed incorporating requirements for prevention by law enforcement entities, supported by Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, but opposed by the USA, UK, and others.

What’s next?

Delegations agreed to postpone the final decision, with the chair’s further revised draft text of the convention available on the AHC’s website. Future meeting dates will be announced soon. 

Despite progress on several issues behind closed doors, reaching a consensus on the cybercrime convention before the UN General Assembly remains uncertain. Ongoing non-public negotiations between delegations could potentially expedite the process. We will continue to monitor the negotiations and, in the meantime, you can discover more through our detailed reports from each session generated by DiploAI.

A longer version of this blog is available on the Digital Watch Observatory.

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Decision postponed on the Cybercrime Convention: What you should know about the latest session of the UN negotiations
7 Mar 2024

Musk’s brain chip: scientific breakthrough or sensationalism?

Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, has allegedly successfully implanted a brain chip in a human patient who has since fully recovered. Musk disclosed that the patient can now control a computer mouse using their thoughts alone. 

Understanding Neuralink’s technology

The technology behind Neuralink, known as ‘the Link’, involves a coin-sized brain chip surgically placed under the human skull. This implant, connected to neural threads distributed throughout various areas of the brain controlling motor skills, receives and decodes neural signals. In simple terms, it measures brain activity and interprets it as actions.

Neuralink envisions a future where individuals can manipulate keyboards and mice using only their thoughts. The technology’s ability to decode brain activity as actions holds promising potential for individuals with limited mobility or speech impairments.

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Neuralink in perspective: a look at BCIs

Neuralink’s chip is not the first device implanted in a human brain. Currently, more than 40 brain-computer interface (BCI) trials are underway in the USA alone. More than 200,000 people worldwide already use a BCI, primarily for medical reasons. The most well-known common devices of this type are hearing aids that help people with hearing impairments to hear better.

Still, Elon Musk’s announcement made quite a stir among the scientific community and the public. Musk has a history of making bold promises, but his track record in fulfilling them is inconsistent.

Despite Musk’s assurance of a complete patient recovery without any side effects, the medical community remains cautious due to the lack of substantial evidence supporting his claims. 

Human trials and safety concerns

Though approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the beginning of human trials has triggered concerns about volunteer safety due to the scarcity of details about the trial, transparency, and information sharing.

From a legal standpoint, Neuralink is in the clear, as the FDA does not require reporting of early feasibility studies. However, some medical experts caution that the complexity of the surgery involved in opening up the brain raises ethical considerations. Inserting a device into a living human being, especially someone with medical problems, demands more comprehensive reporting and transparency. Current (human) research subjects, all potential future research subjects, the medical community, and the public at large deserve to know more.

Neuralink’s journey into BCIs has not been without controversy. Initial experiments involved subjects such as monkeys and pigs, with a 2021 viral video showcasing a chimpanzee playing the classic video game Pong using mind control.

However, behind the scenes, the company has come under fire for a significant number of euthanisations of primates that underwent medical trials. Veterinary records of these animals demonstrated complications arising from surgically implanted electrodes, raising concerns about the well-being of the subjects involved.

Brain chips also raise controversies regarding privacy and surveillance. The primary challenge is ensuring that companies developing this technology do not have access to our thoughts.

While Neuralink’s developments hold promise for potential human applications, the lingering question remains: What are the consequences for people? The technology’s long-term impact on human subjects remains uncertain. Neuralink’s so-called breakthrough must be approached with caution, and we should await tangible results that demonstrate that it’s not just another marketing trick.

2024 Elections: The misinformation battle and the role of social media platforms

All eyes on AI during the 2024 elections

In 2024, the global stage is set for a plethora of elections, with at least 83 slated worldwide. The rapid development of technology, especially AI, has put social media platforms in the spotlight, as they will play a crucial role in political campaigns and, thus, the result of the elections. This month has witnessed a notable surge in proactive measures on social media platforms, launching campaigns to combat the spread of misinformation and safeguard democratic election processes.

National legislation

To begin with, Hawaii’s (USA) new H.B. 5141 (S-1) bill on AI and political campaigns would require political advertisements generated in whole or substantially with the use of AI by a candidate or committee to include a statement that the advertisement is AI-generated. In their brief, officials stated that such measures are crucial because ‘political campaigns have already used AI, and some believe that the proliferation of AI-generated images and other media could be used to misinform voters and interfere with elections.’ 

The role of intermediaries

A coalition of 20 major tech companies, including OpenAI, Microsoft, Adobe, TikTok, and X, has declared a joint initiative to combat deceptive AI content potentially threatening global elections this year. Unveiled during the Munich Security Conference, the effort addresses concerns over the rapid proliferation of generative AI, which is proficient in swiftly generating text, images, and video in response to prompts. The accord outlines commitments to collaborative endeavours, including developing tools for content identification, public awareness campaigns, and measures against inappropriate content on their platforms. Potential technologies explored include watermarking or embedding metadata to certify the origin of AI-generated content.

EU elections 

TikTok will launch an Election Centre within its app, tailored to EU member states’ languages, to combat misinformation ahead of the upcoming election year. TikTok aims to detect and remove misinformation and covert influence campaigns by collaborating with local electoral commissions, civil society groups, and nine fact-checking organisations. Additionally, the company aims to recognise and identify misleading AI-generated content (AIGC) by requiring content creators to label any realistic AIGC. 

In addition, Meta stated that it will establish a team to tackle the spread of disinformation and the misuse of generative AI in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 2024. Namely, Meta’s Head of EU Affairs, Marco Pancini, announced plans to establish an Elections Operations Centre tasked with identifying and addressing potential threats in real-time, as stated in a blog post.

Lastly, Google announced that its Jigsaw Unit, dedicated to addressing societal threats, is set to launch a campaign across TikTok and YouTube in five  EU countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, ahead of EU elections. Expanding on past campaigns in Germany and central Europe, Jigsaw is launching a new project where ads employ prebunking techniques developed with researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol, helping viewers recognise manipulative content before exposure.

Elections and vote tick. Campaigning for voting.

Germany’s new digital foreign policy strategy: Between continuity and change

Germany has joined Denmark, Switzerland, Australia, and a few other countries in outlining its digital foreign policy in a strategic document. The strategy revolves around three pillars: safeguarding human rights in the digital realm, fostering prosperity in the globalised digital economy, and ensuring sustainability and resilience in the digital society. 

The focus on data emerges as a central theme, with Germany advocating for an international agreement on the free flow of data. The strategy emphasises security aspects of data governance, marking a shift from its previous emphasis on the interplay between trade and privacy. Additionally, there is a stronger emphasis on involving national data protection authorities in policy implementation. However, AI receives relatively low prominence in the strategy, mentioned briefly in two paragraphs, with potential reasons for this reduced visibility yet to be clarified.

A paradox about inclusion is highlighted, where the pressure to create new bodies for digital governance may hinder the meaningful participation of smaller actors and disadvantaged groups. The strategy urges a cautious approach, aligning with the Bauhaus principle of ‘form follows function’, suggesting that new mechanisms should only be established if current ones prove ineffective.

Surprisingly, the strategy lacks direct references to WTO e-commerce negotiations, raising questions about a potential shift away from such negotiations. Germany aims to increase its presence in international standardisation bodies, emphasising a shift from purely technical standards to considering fundamental rights in standardisation processes. The strategy acknowledges the tension between industrial and societal digitalisation and calls for innovative approaches to inclusion in standardisation that reflect the priorities and capacities of smaller and developing countries.

The strategy emphasises the importance of geo-redundancy and avoiding critical dependencies on digital infrastructure, particularly submarine and terrestrial cables. While China is not explicitly mentioned, the strategy indirectly touches upon digital issues relevant to Germany-China relations, such as technology leakage and dual-use concerns.

Net neutrality, absent from policy focus for some time, makes a return in the German strategy. How it will be implemented practically remains to be seen.

The document concludes by outlining the challenges in implementing the strategy, including reconciling the tension between values and interests, addressing issues missing from the strategy, and navigating the complexities of industrial and citizen digitalisation.

A longer version of this text is available on Diplo’s blog roll.

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diplomacy.edu
New Germany’s digital foreign policy strategy: Between continuity and change
Diplo’s Executive Director, Jovan Kurbalija, takes a look at Germany’s first digital policy strategy, a document that is set to serve as a framework that promotes more proactive policymaking on digital issues while being attentive to the protection of human rights and access to free internet.
shutterstock 2308365389 1
diplomacy.edu
New Germany’s digital foreign policy strategy: Between continuity and change
Diplo’s Executive Director, Jovan Kurbalija, takes a look at Germany’s first digital policy strategy, a document that is set to serve as a framework that promotes more proactive policymaking on digital issues while being attentive to the protection of human rights and access to free internet.

DW Weekly #149 – 1 March 2024

Page, Text

Dear readers,

In the unfolding saga of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), co-facilitators unveiled its possible elements, inviting UN member states, observers and stakeholders to comment. 

Microsoft and Google led the charge in AI, with Microsoft promoting innovation and competition, while Google revamped Gemini AI image generation.

Elon Musk sued OpenAI for prioritising profit over humanity, while OpenAI accused the New York Times of alleged deceptive tactics in a copyright lawsuit. 

China unveiled a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, NIST published Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, and warnings were issued against ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware targeting the US healthcare sector.

The USA and allies endorsed shared principles for 6G development. A monumental USD 9 billion commitment to ITU’s connectivity drive is poised to benefit millions.

Let’s get started, 

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 23 February-1 March 2024
Global governance
Global Digital Compact home
Possible elements of the Global Digital Compact outlined by co-facilitators
Member states, observers, and stakeholders are invited to provide their input and comments. Read more.
Global Digital Compact home
Possible elements of the Global Digital Compact outlined by co-facilitators
Member states, observers, and stakeholders are invited to provide their input and comments. Read more.
Artificial intelligence
1524167e 54ef 4a3f a7f3 00814510c175
Microsoft announces principles to promote innovation and competition in AI technology
The announcement aligns with recent initiatives in Europe, including $5.6 billion in AI data centre investments and skilling programs reaching over a million people. Read more.
1524167e 54ef 4a3f a7f3 00814510c175
Microsoft announces principles to promote innovation and competition in AI technology
The announcement aligns with recent initiatives in Europe, including $5.6 billion in AI data centre investments and skilling programs reaching over a million people. Read more.
businessman suit holds google logo
Google to relaunch Gemini AI image generation after addressing inaccuracies
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis stated that the tool was taken offline to fix the issues and will be back online soon. Read more.
businessman suit holds google logo
Google to relaunch Gemini AI image generation after addressing inaccuracies
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis stated that the tool was taken offline to fix the issues and will be back online soon. Read more.
Technologies
canada flag is depicted on the screen with the program code 1
Canada’s Online Harms Act targets harmful content and internet giants
Canada introduced the Online Harms Act to control and remove harmful content. The law holds companies responsible for reducing exposure to damaging material, including bullying, extremism, and violence. Read more.
canada flag is depicted on the screen with the program code 1
Canada’s Online Harms Act targets harmful content and internet giants
Canada introduced the Online Harms Act to control and remove harmful content. The law holds companies responsible for reducing exposure to damaging material, including bullying, extremism, and violence. Read more.
photo of european union flag waving eu flag
The EU Parliament adopts rules to enhance trust and transparency in election campaigns
The EU Parliament’s adoption of new rules aims to enhance citizens’ trust in election campaigns and combat disinformation and foreign interference. Read more.
photo of european union flag waving eu flag
The EU Parliament adopts rules to enhance trust and transparency in election campaigns
The EU Parliament’s adoption of new rules aims to enhance citizens’ trust in election campaigns and combat disinformation and foreign interference. Read more.
march 16 2022 brazil this photo illustration woman holds smartphone with facebook logo displayed screen with meta platforms logo displayed background
Meta takes action against disinformation and AI misuse ahead of EU elections
Facebook owner Meta plans to tackle disinformation and the abuse of generative AI leading up to the European Parliament elections in June. Read more.
march 16 2022 brazil this photo illustration woman holds smartphone with facebook logo displayed screen with meta platforms logo displayed background
Meta takes action against disinformation and AI misuse ahead of EU elections
Facebook owner Meta plans to tackle disinformation and the abuse of generative AI leading up to the European Parliament elections in June. Read more.
Legal
Elon Musk sues OpenAI for allegedly prioritising profit over the benefit of humanity
Elon Musk sues OpenAI, alleging a profit-driven shift, GPT-4 secrecy, and hindrance to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) research. Musk alleges breach of founding agreement prioritising technology for humanity over profits. Read more.
Elon Musk sues OpenAI for allegedly prioritising profit over the benefit of humanity
Elon Musk sues OpenAI, alleging a profit-driven shift, GPT-4 secrecy, and hindrance to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) research. Musk alleges breach of founding agreement prioritising technology for humanity over profits. Read more.
OpenAi and Microsoft
OpenAI accuses New York Times of alleged deceptive tactics in copyright lawsuit
OpenAI has requested a federal judge to dismiss parts of the New York Times’ copyright lawsuit against it, claiming that the newspaper caused the company’s chatbot, ChatGPT to generate misleading… Read more.
OpenAi and Microsoft
OpenAI accuses New York Times of alleged deceptive tactics in copyright lawsuit
OpenAI has requested a federal judge to dismiss parts of the New York Times’ copyright lawsuit against it, claiming that the newspaper caused the company’s chatbot, ChatGPT to generate misleading… Read more.
virtual creative lock illustration with microcircuit usa flag blurry skyscrapers background cyber security concept
President Biden issues executive order to enhance sensitive data protection
Biden’s executive order requests stronger safeguards of US citizens and government officials’ personal data from ‘countries of concern.’ Read more.
virtual creative lock illustration with microcircuit usa flag blurry skyscrapers background cyber security concept
President Biden issues executive order to enhance sensitive data protection
Biden’s executive order requests stronger safeguards of US citizens and government officials’ personal data from ‘countries of concern.’ Read more.
Cybersecurity
close up button with china flag black keyboard
China unveils comprehensive cybersecurity plan amid growing tensions with the US
The initiative includes measures such as emergency drills, data security training, and regulatory tightening in response to rising concerns over data breaches and unauthorised access to sensitive information. Read more.
close up button with china flag black keyboard
China unveils comprehensive cybersecurity plan amid growing tensions with the US
The initiative includes measures such as emergency drills, data security training, and regulatory tightening in response to rising concerns over data breaches and unauthorised access to sensitive information. Read more.
cyber security concept
NIST publishes long-awaited Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
The document provides organisations with updated guidance to navigate modern cybersecurity challenges and bolster their resilience against evolving threats. Read more.
cyber security concept
NIST publishes long-awaited Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
The document provides organisations with updated guidance to navigate modern cybersecurity challenges and bolster their resilience against evolving threats. Read more.
0fqneb1vjam
FBI, CISA, and HHS warn against ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware targeting US healthcare sector
The advisory comes amidst growing concerns over cyber threats to critical infrastructure, urging organisations to bolster their cybersecurity defences against evolving tactics employed by ransomware operators. Read more.
0fqneb1vjam
FBI, CISA, and HHS warn against ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware targeting US healthcare sector
The advisory comes amidst growing concerns over cyber threats to critical infrastructure, urging organisations to bolster their cybersecurity defences against evolving tactics employed by ransomware operators. Read more.
Infrastructure
6g network connecting technology concept
US and allies back shared principles for 6G development
The US and several international partners have endorsed shared principles for developing 6G wireless communication systems, in a bid to ensure open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, resilient, and secure connectivity. Read more.
6g network connecting technology concept
US and allies back shared principles for 6G development
The US and several international partners have endorsed shared principles for developing 6G wireless communication systems, in a bid to ensure open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, resilient, and secure connectivity. Read more.
Development
close up friends hands play with smartphone together
Millions to benefit from the USD 9 billion commitment to ITU’s universal, meaningful connectivity drive
The ITU welcomes a pledge of USD $9 billion and 1000 additional partners to its Parner2Connect Digital Coalition during the 2024 MWC. Read more.
close up friends hands play with smartphone together
Millions to benefit from the USD 9 billion commitment to ITU’s universal, meaningful connectivity drive
The ITU welcomes a pledge of USD $9 billion and 1000 additional partners to its Parner2Connect Digital Coalition during the 2024 MWC. Read more.
View all updates
#ICYMI

Ready to navigate the digital age? From AI to blockchain, the call for policies addressing tech challenges is louder than ever! Who’s up for the task?

Upcoming
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wp.dig.watch
UN OEWG Chair publishes guiding questions ahead of OEWG’s seventh session
The #OEWG is gearing up for its seventh session next week! What’s on the agenda? Dive into the heart of the discussion with the preliminary guiding questions shared by the OEWG Chair.
3d united nations flag waving wind with modern skyscraper city close up un banner blowing soft smooth silk cloth fabric texture ensign background
wp.dig.watch
UN OEWG Chair publishes guiding questions ahead of OEWG’s seventh session
The #OEWG is gearing up for its seventh session next week! What’s on the agenda? Dive into the heart of the discussion with the preliminary guiding questions shared by the OEWG Chair.

DW Weekly #148 – 23 February 2024

Page, Text

Dear readers,

The US Department of Justice made a notable move by appointing its first Chief AI Officer. Japan also entered the global AI regulatory scene with a comprehensive legislative push in 2024.

OpenAI introduced Sora, a new tool for AI text-to-video generation, offering a glimpse into the future of multimedia creation.

Neuralink’s debut human brain chip implant displayed promising results, and South Korea laid out plans to take the lead in quantum technology initiatives.

The EU enforced the Digital Services Act (DSA) to bolster online safety and initiated an investigation into TikTok. A collaborative effort among tech giants aims to combat misleading AI content during global elections.

The EU Commission proposed a substantial €500 million fine for Apple’s competition law breaches, and a draft of the Protocol to the AfCFTA on Digital Trade was circulated. 

International law enforcement successfully disrupted LockBit ransomware operations. Additionally, the European Commission revealed new initiatives for digital infrastructures.

Let’s get started, 

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 16-23 February 2024
AI
law and justice in united states of america
The US Department of Justice appoints first chief AI officer
The U.S. Justice Department has appointed Professor Jonathan Mayer from Princeton University as their first Chief Science and Technology Adviser and Chief AI Officer. Mayer will provide guidance on integrating… Read more.
law and justice in united states of america
The US Department of Justice appoints first chief AI officer
The U.S. Justice Department has appointed Professor Jonathan Mayer from Princeton University as their first Chief Science and Technology Adviser and Chief AI Officer. Mayer will provide guidance on integrating… Read more.
flag of japan
Japan joins global AI regulation race with comprehensive 2024 legislative push
The push for AI legislation is part of a broader effort by Japan to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. Read more.
flag of japan
Japan joins global AI regulation race with comprehensive 2024 legislative push
The push for AI legislation is part of a broader effort by Japan to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. Read more.
OpenAi and Microsoft
OpenAI introduces Sora for AI text-to-video generation
Sora represents a significant advancement in AI’s capacity to produce audiovisual material from text, with potential applications across multiple sectors, including entertainment, education, and simulation. Read more.
OpenAi and Microsoft
OpenAI introduces Sora for AI text-to-video generation
Sora represents a significant advancement in AI’s capacity to produce audiovisual material from text, with potential applications across multiple sectors, including entertainment, education, and simulation. Read more.
Techologies
dfb20d24 1c75 477d 9813 3f7d2e4db8c5
Neuralink’s first human implant shows promising results
Neuralink, a startup founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted a brain chip in a human patient who has fully recovered, Musk revealed. The patient can now control a computer mouse using their thoughts. Read more.
dfb20d24 1c75 477d 9813 3f7d2e4db8c5
Neuralink’s first human implant shows promising results
Neuralink, a startup founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted a brain chip in a human patient who has fully recovered, Musk revealed. The patient can now control a computer mouse using their thoughts. Read more.
quantum computer futuristic digital computer design 1
South Korea unveils its plans to establish tech supremacy in quantum technology
As part of its New Growth 4.0 strategy, the South Korean government, in an emergency ministerial meeting recently, announced its aim to generate cloud services powered by quantum technology in the country. Read more.
quantum computer futuristic digital computer design 1
South Korea unveils its plans to establish tech supremacy in quantum technology
As part of its New Growth 4.0 strategy, the South Korean government, in an emergency ministerial meeting recently, announced its aim to generate cloud services powered by quantum technology in the country. Read more.
Content policy
eu flags in front of european commission
EU enacts Digital Services Act strengthening online safety and governance
The Digital Services Act has come into effect in the EU, applying to all online intermediaries serving users since 17 February. The DSA aims to ensure online safety for users and covers various platforms such as social media, e-commerce, search engines, hosting providers, and app stores. Read more.
eu flags in front of european commission
EU enacts Digital Services Act strengthening online safety and governance
The Digital Services Act has come into effect in the EU, applying to all online intermediaries serving users since 17 February. The DSA aims to ensure online safety for users and covers various platforms such as social media, e-commerce, search engines, hosting providers, and app stores. Read more.
tiktok icon coming out screen mobile phone 3d illustration
EU launches investigation into TikTok under DSA
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, may face fines of up to 6% of its global revenue if TikTok is found to be in violation of DSA regulations. Read more.
tiktok icon coming out screen mobile phone 3d illustration
EU launches investigation into TikTok under DSA
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, may face fines of up to 6% of its global revenue if TikTok is found to be in violation of DSA regulations. Read more.
politician during election campaign
Tech giants unite to fight misleading AI content in global elections
A group of 20 tech companies agreed to cooperate to avoid misleading AI content interfering with elections worldwide as the growth of generative AI has raised concerns about its potential misuse in elections this year. Read more.
politician during election campaign
Tech giants unite to fight misleading AI content in global elections
A group of 20 tech companies agreed to cooperate to avoid misleading AI content interfering with elections worldwide as the growth of generative AI has raised concerns about its potential misuse in elections this year. Read more.
Economic
waygsck20h8
EU Commission plans to fine Apple €500 million for breaches of the competition law
The investigation findings are expected to accuse Apple of abusing its market power and imposing unfair trading conditions Read more.
waygsck20h8
EU Commission plans to fine Apple €500 million for breaches of the competition law
The investigation findings are expected to accuse Apple of abusing its market power and imposing unfair trading conditions Read more.
AfCFTA
Draft of digital trade protocol to AfCFTA circulated
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has unveiled the draft of the Protocol on Digital Trade. The Protocol aims to establish rules and standards for digital trade in Africa. Read more.
AfCFTA
Draft of digital trade protocol to AfCFTA circulated
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has unveiled the draft of the Protocol on Digital Trade. The Protocol aims to establish rules and standards for digital trade in Africa. Read more.
Cybersecurity
Operation Cronos Lockbit
International law enforcement disrupts LockBit ransomware operations
The authorities seized control of LockBit’s dark web infrastructure. Read more.
Operation Cronos Lockbit
International law enforcement disrupts LockBit ransomware operations
The authorities seized control of LockBit’s dark web infrastructure. Read more.
Infrastructure
eu flags in front of european commission 1
European Commission unveils new initiatives for digital infrastructures
The European Commission’s new digital connectivity package aims to enhance innovation, security, and resilience in Europe’s digital infrastructures. With a focus on advanced network infrastructures, the package sets sets the stage for economic competitiveness and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Read more.
eu flags in front of european commission 1
European Commission unveils new initiatives for digital infrastructures
The European Commission’s new digital connectivity package aims to enhance innovation, security, and resilience in Europe’s digital infrastructures. With a focus on advanced network infrastructures, the package sets sets the stage for economic competitiveness and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Read more.
View all updates
#ReadingCorner
13th WTO Conference blog
diplomacy.edu
13th WTO Ministerial Conference: What is at stake for digital trade? 
What will be the impact of the 13th WTO Ministerial conference on digital trade? Diplo’s Marilia Maciel discussed the Work Programme on e-commerce, the odds for the Moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and the status of the Joint Initiative on e-commerce.
13th WTO Conference blog
diplomacy.edu
13th WTO Ministerial Conference: What is at stake for digital trade? 
What will be the impact of the 13th WTO Ministerial conference on digital trade? Diplo’s Marilia Maciel discussed the Work Programme on e-commerce, the odds for the Moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and the status of the Joint Initiative on e-commerce.
Read the blog
Security of digital products blog
genevadialogue.ch
Rules for the security of digital products: Who should write them?
When discussing cybersecurity rules for digital products, do we refer to new laws, industry practices, or standards? Ensuring consistency across markets and jurisdictions poses challenges. Is expecting such uniformity realistic amid today’s geopolitical competition?Diplo’s Anastasiya Kazakova and Ensign InfoSecurity’s Xiang Zheng Teo discuss.
Security of digital products blog
genevadialogue.ch
Rules for the security of digital products: Who should write them?
When discussing cybersecurity rules for digital products, do we refer to new laws, industry practices, or standards? Ensuring consistency across markets and jurisdictions poses challenges. Is expecting such uniformity realistic amid today’s geopolitical competition?Diplo’s Anastasiya Kazakova and Ensign InfoSecurity’s Xiang Zheng Teo discuss.
Read the blog