Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
Big Tech is under fire across the globe. From EU fines to antitrust heat in the US, legal crackdowns are reshaping the digital landscape. Meanwhile, AI ethics, data privacy, and crypto shakeups fuel a volatile tech week, topped off by a startup helping users ‘cheat on everything’.
After 15 years of inactivity, a Bitcoin whale unlocked a $4.67 million windfall, with a gain of over 93 million percent on their initial investment.
The new AI humanoid robots Mornine Gen-1 and A2 stand out at Auto Shanghai 2025, with Chery’s robot designed for auto sales and AgiBot’s A2 excelling as a sales consultant.
Donald Trump’s token soared following an announcement of an exclusive gala dinner for its top 220 holders.
Despite featuring AI-generated visuals, Microsoft’s Surface ad has garnered little attention for its use of AI, with most viewers unaware of the technology behind it.
While some customer data was exposed in the breach, MTN assured that critical infrastructure like billing and financial platforms were unaffected.
Local artist Mattia Pannoni’s monument to Satoshi Nakamoto will be revealed in Fornelli’s Piazza Umberto I on 1 May.
Using false identities and job listings, North Korean hackers tricked developers into installing malware that stole passwords and crypto wallet keys.
As AI becomes a bigger part of daily life, the way we speak to machines may reveal more about our values and fears than we realise.
Must read
Analysis
Beyond the imitation game: GPT-4.5, the Turing Test, and what comes next
What happens when machines not only speak like us but begin to mirror the subtleties of our personalities, emotions, and intentions — and we can no longer tell the difference?
Analysis
Microsoft at 50 – A journey through code, cloud, and AI
Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft grew from a small startup into the world’s largest software company. Through strategic acquisitions, the company expanded into diverse sectors, solidifying its global dominance.
Analysis
Ghibli trend as proof of global dependence on AI: A phenomenon that overloaded social networks and systems
How Ghibli-inspired AI art went viral, exploring mainstream AI trends, creativity impact, and ethical concerns raised by Hayao Miyazaki.
Analysis
X’s Türkiye tangle, between freedom of speech, control, and digital defiance
Freedom of speech has taken centre stage this week, with Türkiye’s streets erupting in mass protests and Elon Musk’s platform X again under fire. With account suspensions, government requests, and a tech giant caught between free expression and compliance, all eyes are on how X navigates this storm.
Analysis
America’s Bitcoin gamble: A power play for financial dominance
The US is leading a Bitcoin charge—will the world follow, or is this just another high-stakes power move?
Analysis
The future of digital regulation between the EU and the US
The EU's bold Digital Markets and Services Acts set the stage for a transatlantic clash with the US over the regulation of tech giants. As Brussels pursues digital sovereignty, Washington defends innovation. Could these tensions reshape the global digital landscape?
Analysis
OEWG’s tenth substantive session: Entering the eleventh hour
The OEWG’s tenth session in February 2025 saw states emphasise collective action against cyber threats, address divisions on norms implementation and binding regulations, highlight the Voluntary Fund and Capacity-Building Portal, and discuss the future permanent mechanism for ICT security.
DW monthly
Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 98
Issue 98: In our monthly newsletter March in Retrospect, the Trump administration’s cyber ceasefire with Russia, the UN and the way forward for discussions on AI governance and the future of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Google made its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Wiz, the Israeli cloud cybersecurity firm, Ghibli-style AI-generated images overwhelmed OpenAI’s servers, sparking debates on AI copyright and system resilience.
DW WEEKLY
DW Weekly #209 – Big Tech on global trial: lawsuits, data leaks, cryptocurrency and viral tendencies
DW Weekly #209 The EU Commission hits Apple and Meta with draconian fines | DOJ adds to Google’s antitrust trial the AI-driven search monopoly | AI startup Cluely offers controversial cheating tool
DW QUARTERLY
Digital Watch Quarterly Newsletter – Issue 1
2025 Jan - Mar | Q1 newsletter: The first quarterly newsletter 2025 reveals a revolutionary shift in the AI landscape: 'bigger isn't always better.' As the race for AI dominance accelerates, smaller, specialised models outperform massive systems, disrupting long-standing assumptions. Meanwhile, AI governance shifts its gaze from distant existential threats to today's tangible issues, such as job security, education, and privacy. Amid these rapid developments, companies and governments must choose between continuing investment in large-scale projects or embracing smarter, leaner AI solutions.
DW at a glance
TRENDING
The process towards a Global Digital Compact
How will the Global Digital Compact be developed and what will it focus on?
Explore the Observatory
Digital Technologies
From internet applications to quantum computing, we focus on advanced and emerging digital technologies which are increasingly reshaping our economies and societies.
Clusters of Policy topics
We unpack digital policy by exploring over 50 topics – from access and sustainable development to network security and the future of work – classified in 7 clusters.
Processes
Follow some of the most important digital policy processes, from the EU's work on the Digital Services Act/Digital Markets Act to the UN Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee.