Home | Newsletters & Shorts | DW Weekly #145 – 2 February 2024

DW Weekly #145 – 2 February 2024

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Dear readers,

OpenAI’s vs Italy’s Garante saga continues, as the data protection authority notifies OpenAI that ChatGPT is violating data protection rules. China approved 40 AI models in the last six months to rival the USA. The White House outlines key AI actions post-Biden’s order, and the UK plans tests for new AI laws. Elon Musk’s Neuralink implants a brain chip, pushing the boundaries of tech-human integration.

Germany and Namibia, serving as co-facilitators of the Summit of the Future, unveiled the zero draft of the Pact for the Future. Cybersecurity highlights of the week include the announcement of an OEWG roundtable on capacity building and the FBI thwarting Chinese hacks on critical infrastructure in the USA. 

Content concerns rise with Taylor Swift’s deepfakes. India joined the fight against deepfakes, emphasising the need for accountability from platforms hosting such content. Big Tech CEOs testified at a US Senate hearing over accusations of failing to take effective measures to protect children from harmful and CSAM content.

Amazon and Roomba iRobot cancelled a $1.4 billion deal due to EU antitrust concerns.

Let’s get started. 

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team


Highlights from the week of 26 January-2 February 2024

OpenAi and Microsoft
OpenAI’s ChatGPT faces scrutiny from Italian privacy watchdog
According to the authority, there are indications of violations of data privacy law. OpenAI has been granted a 30-day period to present its defence arguments in response to the allegations. Read more.
OpenAi and Microsoft
OpenAI’s ChatGPT faces scrutiny from Italian privacy watchdog
According to the authority, there are indications of violations of data privacy law. OpenAI has been granted a 30-day period to present its defence arguments in response to the allegations. Read more.
multi exposure abstract creative digital world map hologram chinese flag blue sky background research analytics concept
China approves over 40 AI models to narrow US development gap
Regulators granted approvals for 14 large language models (LLMs) last week after granting approvals in three precedent batches the previous year. Read more.
multi exposure abstract creative digital world map hologram chinese flag blue sky background research analytics concept
China approves over 40 AI models to narrow US development gap
Regulators granted approvals for 14 large language models (LLMs) last week after granting approvals in three precedent batches the previous year. Read more.
the united states capitol building in washington dc united states of america
White House releases fact sheet on key AI actions following Biden’s executive order
Three months after the release of President Biden’s highly anticipated executive order, the White House released a fact sheet with its key actions on AI. Read more.
the united states capitol building in washington dc united states of america
White House releases fact sheet on key AI actions following Biden’s executive order
Three months after the release of President Biden’s highly anticipated executive order, the White House released a fact sheet with its key actions on AI. Read more.
ai learning artificial intelligence concept 1
UK’s government to publish tests to determine new AI laws
The results of these tests could trigger legislative action to ensure the UK can keep pace with the risks of AI. Read more.
ai learning artificial intelligence concept 1
UK’s government to publish tests to determine new AI laws
The results of these tests could trigger legislative action to ensure the UK can keep pace with the risks of AI. Read more.
3d x ray human brain with computer chip circuit 1
Elon Musk’s Neuralink implants brain chip in human
Neuralink’s founder Elon Musk announced that the first human patient implanted with the brain-chip startup’s device on Sunday is recovering well, with promising initial results indicating neuron spike detection. Read more.
3d x ray human brain with computer chip circuit 1
Elon Musk’s Neuralink implants brain chip in human
Neuralink’s founder Elon Musk announced that the first human patient implanted with the brain-chip startup’s device on Sunday is recovering well, with promising initial results indicating neuron spike detection. Read more.

SoF
Germany and Namibia, co-facilitators of the Summit of the Future, publish zero draft of the Pact for the Future
The draft includes several provisions on science, technology and innovation, as well as new technologies and peace and security. Read more.
SoF
Germany and Namibia, co-facilitators of the Summit of the Future, publish zero draft of the Pact for the Future
The draft includes several provisions on science, technology and innovation, as well as new technologies and peace and security. Read more.
Screen Shot 2024 02 02 at 11.56.19
OECD releases the 2023 digital government index
The top 10 performers in the index include Korea, Denmark, the UK, Norway, Australia, Estonia, Colombia, Ireland, France, and Canada. Read more.
Screen Shot 2024 02 02 at 11.56.19
OECD releases the 2023 digital government index
The top 10 performers in the index include Korea, Denmark, the UK, Norway, Australia, Estonia, Colombia, Ireland, France, and Canada. Read more.

closeup shot of the waving flag of the united nations with interesting
UN OEWG Chair invites ICT ministers to Global roundtable on ICT security capacity building
This is the first time the UN is convening a dedicated global event on ICT security capacity building. Read more.
closeup shot of the waving flag of the united nations with interesting
UN OEWG Chair invites ICT ministers to Global roundtable on ICT security capacity building
This is the first time the UN is convening a dedicated global event on ICT security capacity building. Read more.
american and chinese flags diplomatic crisis concept
FBI and DoJ use court order to thwart Chinese hacking of critical infrastructure
This move is part of a broader government initiative to counter the persistent threat Chinese hackers pose. Read more.
american and chinese flags diplomatic crisis concept
FBI and DoJ use court order to thwart Chinese hacking of critical infrastructure
This move is part of a broader government initiative to counter the persistent threat Chinese hackers pose. Read more.
BIGTECH Hearing
Big Tech CEOs testify at US Senate hearing over online child sexual abuse 
CEOs of Meta (Mark Zuckerberg), X (Linda Yaccarino), TikTok (Shou Chew), Snap (Evan Spiegel) and Discord (Jason Citron), testified before Congress over accusations of failing to protect children from sexual exploitation online. Read more.
BIGTECH Hearing
Big Tech CEOs testify at US Senate hearing over online child sexual abuse 
CEOs of Meta (Mark Zuckerberg), X (Linda Yaccarino), TikTok (Shou Chew), Snap (Evan Spiegel) and Discord (Jason Citron), testified before Congress over accusations of failing to protect children from sexual exploitation online. Read more.

computer keyboard with red deepfake button key deepfake dangers online
Taylor Swift’s deepfakes spark calls for criminalisation of deepfake pornography
The rapid online spread of deepfake pornographic images of Taylor Swift has generated renewed calls to criminalise the practice. Read more.
computer keyboard with red deepfake button key deepfake dangers online
Taylor Swift’s deepfakes spark calls for criminalisation of deepfake pornography
The rapid online spread of deepfake pornographic images of Taylor Swift has generated renewed calls to criminalise the practice. Read more.
shutterstock 2289524003
India takes stand against deepfakes, platforms to be accountable
India is proactive in recognising and addressing the threat of deepfakes due to its large online population base, with approximately 870 million internet users. Read more.
shutterstock 2289524003
India takes stand against deepfakes, platforms to be accountable
India is proactive in recognising and addressing the threat of deepfakes due to its large online population base, with approximately 870 million internet users. Read more.
2022 concept business people show future big data technology metaverse through networking
Big Tech can earn enough in a week to cover 2023 fines, highlighting the need for stronger regulation
Proton, a Swiss-based privacy company, conducted a study indicating that if each company paid their fines sequentially, it would take a little over a week, with Meta requiring the longest—five days and 13 hours. Read more.
2022 concept business people show future big data technology metaverse through networking
Big Tech can earn enough in a week to cover 2023 fines, highlighting the need for stronger regulation
Proton, a Swiss-based privacy company, conducted a study indicating that if each company paid their fines sequentially, it would take a little over a week, with Meta requiring the longest—five days and 13 hours. Read more.

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Amazon and Roomba iRobot maker cancel $1.4 billion deal
Amazon and Roomba iRobot terminated their acquisition due to EU antitrust concerns. FTC also investigated Amazon for market dominance and antitrust violations. Read more.
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Amazon and Roomba iRobot maker cancel $1.4 billion deal
Amazon and Roomba iRobot terminated their acquisition due to EU antitrust concerns. FTC also investigated Amazon for market dominance and antitrust violations. Read more.


#ICYMI
 Blackboard, Light

As the curtains fall, it is time for reflections. The 9th Geneva Engage Awards on 1 February 2024 acknowledged and celebrated the efforts of International Geneva actors in digital outreach and creating meaningful engagement with the rest of the world. Through 3 pre-ceremony interactive workshops, communication experts from different stakeholder groups and Diplo’s researchers deliberated about good website information organisation practices, social media management, and the future of event and conference hosting. 

The evening then culminated in the award ceremony, with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Heart Federation, and the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva taking the crown in the main categories. The Effective and Innovative Events Award went to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development eWeek 2023 for its adoption of AI reporting system provided by DiploFoundation. The Accessibility Award went to the UK Mission to the WTO, UN and Other International Organisations (Geneva)

Congratulations to all the winners! To watch the recording or to learn about our methodology, please visit the dedicated website


#ReadingCorner
 Person, Security

Web accessibility is often misperceived as a cost rather than an investment, a challenge rather than an opportunity, and a legal hurdle rather than compliance with obligations that benefit all users. In her blog post, Diplo’s Senior Policy Editor Virginia (Ginger) Paque argues that we all need accessibility, to everything.

 Wristwatch, Advertisement, Body Part, Hand, Person, Arm, Baby, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie

We watched the new Netflix documentary ‘Bitconned’ on cryptocurrency industry fraud. Diplo’s resident expert on crypto Arvin Kamberi analyses what were the ingredients to create such a perfect storm for victims.


Follow the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime with GIP reports
 City, Architecture, Building, Office Building, Convention Center, Urban, Flag

Will the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime stick to its plan and have the first global treaty on cybercrime? Stay tuned for real-time updates and just-in-time reporting facilitated by The Digital Watch Observatory’s AI-driven App!