Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
The draft sets four risk levels for AI use and strict oversight rules.
The rapid growth of AI is increasing energy and water demands, prompting calls for closed-loop systems and treated wastewater.
A 27B 'cell language' model generated a cancer hypothesis later confirmed, pointing to AI-guided routes for immunotherapy.
The NVIDIA-backed startup Starcloud plans to launch the first AI-driven satellite hosting an H100 GPU, redefining sustainability and performance in computing.
Experts warn that unequal AI access could deepen digital divides in academia.
The 2025 revision enhances risk, accountability and performance requirements.
AI tools are helping public services work faster and deliver better value for taxpayers.
The court criticised fabricated AI citations in a legal defence, warning of the risks to judicial proceedings.
Ten major US foundations are investing $500 million in Humanity AI to ensure that AI strengthens communities and creativity instead of concentrating power in a few corporations.
Must read
Analysis
The AI gold rush where the miners are broke
Billions chase AI's promise while profits hide in the server room, drowned by power bills, depreciation, and unrealistic goals.
Analysis
The global struggle to regulate children’s social media use
From Australia to Greece and China, policymakers are exploring how to balance safety, freedom and accountability in children’s use of social media.
Analysis
The quantum internet is closer than it seems
Quantum internet is emerging not only as a scientific milestone but as a transformative force that could redefine how governments, healthcare systems, and citizens interact in the digital age.
Analysis
Hidden psychological risks and AI psychosis in human-AI relationships
AI is no longer just a tool. Humans are forming deep emotional bonds with artificial intelligence, impacting behaviour, decision-making, and the very way we perceive connection.
Analysis
UN OEWG concludes, paving way for permanent cybersecurity mechanism
The OEWG on ICT security has adopted its Final Report after intense negotiations on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. We unpack key takeaways, highlight key changes across drafts, and explore how a narrow path to agreement finally emerged.
DW monthly
Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 103 – September 2025
Issue 103: In our September 2025 issue, we unpack how AI and digital issues took centre stage at UNGA80, and explore the strategic importance of open-source AI, the rise of AI-generated 'slop' on social media, and TikTok’s American makeover. We examined how the global chip race is reshaping notions of sovereignty, and how Nepal’s “Discord democracy” turned a banned platform into a ballot box. We also looked at growing calls to limit children’s online access and recapped key Geneva events shaping the future of international digital governance.
DW WEEKLY
Weekly #233 New rules for the digital playground
UNGA80 turns the spotlight on digital issues and AI governance, Chips and sovereignty: the shift from globalisation to guarded autonomy, From code to court: xAI sues OpenAI and Apple.
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.