Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
The UAE leads the world in per capita AI use, with Microsoft helping scale infrastructure and train a skilled workforce to meet growing demand.
A new Google–World Resources Institute roadmap sets out how AI can help monitor ecosystems, broaden access to biodiversity data, and scale open tools through community-centred, responsible development.
Over 50,000 brain scans were analysed with an AI tool to reveal how genetics influence the size and thickness of the corpus callosum.
In China, Unitree’s intelligent firefighting robots assist crews with real-time monitoring, water and foam cannons, and advanced hazard detection systems.
Social media users should treat videos critically, verifying content, as AI-generated clips are increasingly realistic and hard to spot.
Experts warn that the UN treaty may put online privacy and digital cybersecurity at risk.
Scientists show that models hide their true intentions, demonstrating AI can deceive human evaluators in complex experiments, according to OpenAI.
Learning through simulations and experience, adaptive robotics powered by Skild AI adjust to unexpected challenges, recover from failures, and acquire the skills needed for complex real-world tasks.
Over 150 entrepreneurs and professionals have participated in training sessions promoting ethical AI development across Mexico.
Must read
Analysis
The rise of large language models and the question of ownership
Balancing open access and corporate ownership of these models will determine whether AI becomes a shared global good or a private monopoly.
Analysis
Most transformative decade begins as Kurzweil’s AI vision unfolds
Ray Kurzweil predicted AI would change everything. The 2020s may prove him right.
Analysis
Is the world ready for AI to rule justice?
AI is reshaping the justice system with unprecedented efficiency, but true progress depends on whether humanity is ready to balance innovation with responsibility and ethical judgement.
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.
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 #236 Promise and peril: The world signs on to the UN’s new cybercrime treaty in Hanoi
Plus, regulators close in on Big Tech, Washington redraws tech alliances with Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing, Europe tightens grip as Nexperia cuts off Chinese plant, Microsoft Azure outage underlines global cloud vulnerability.
DW at a glance
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WSIS+20 Process
The year 2025 marks 20 years since the finalisation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), and a review process looking at 20 years of WSIS outcomes implementation will conclude with a high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), in December. This page keeps track of the process leading to the UNGA meeting in December 2025. It also provides background information about WSIS and related activities and processes since 1998.
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.