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OEWG acquis

Ad Hoc Committee

OEWG Events

AI in 2023: Main instruments

  • 11 April 2023 - China’s Regulation of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Draft for Comments)

    China has issued a draft regulation for generative artificial intelligence, aiming to promote its healthy development and standardized application by 2023. The regulation outlines guidelines for content generated by AI to adhere to socialist values, prevent discrimination, respect intellectual property, ensure accuracy, and protect personal information. Providers must submit security assessments, ensure data legitimacy, protect user information, and handle complaints. Violations can lead to service suspension, fines, or criminal prosecution. The regulation emphasizes transparency, user education, and responsible use of AI-generated content.

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    24 May 2023 - A Global Digital Compact – an Open, Free and Secure Digital Future for All (Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 5) 

    The text discusses the Global Digital Compact, emphasizing the urgent need for multistakeholder cooperation to address issues like the digital divide, sustainable development, online safety, and AI governance. It highlights the importance of international collaboration for a better future, building on recommendations from the Secretary-General's report "Our Common Agenda." The upcoming Summit of the Future in 2024 presents an opportunity to strengthen global governance. The policy brief outlines objectives and actions to safeguard and advance a secure digital future for all, rooted in international principles.

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  • 17 July 2023 - Convention on AI and human rights (draft July 2023)

    A draft of the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law was prepared in July 2023. It highlights the importance of AI in promoting human welfare and gender equality while emphasizing the need to prevent its misuse for repressive purposes. The draft aims to establish a global legal framework to ensure responsible innovation, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the design, development, use, and decommissioning of AI systems. The document also underlines the interconnectedness of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

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  • 22 July 2023 - Voluntary commitments from leading artificial intelligence companies to manage the risks posed by AI

    Leading artificial intelligence companies are committing to prioritize safety, security, and trust in AI development. These voluntary commitments emphasize the need for rigorous testing, cybersecurity measures, transparency, and efforts to prevent bias and discrimination. Companies are also encouraged to share information on risks, invest in cybersecurity, and promote responsible innovation. The Biden-Harris Administration aims to work on new regulations and international standards to ensure ethical AI use. These commitments are a crucial initial step towards ensuring AI's benefits are realized while managing associated risks effectively.

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  • 19 August 2023 - Outcome Document & Chair Summary of G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting 2023

    The G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting in 2023 took place in Bengaluru, where ministers discussed digital innovation, inclusion, skilling, and security. Key topics included promoting a secure, inclusive digital economy, bridging digital divides, ensuring quality digital connectivity, and emphasizing the importance of digital skilling for economic growth. The Outcome Document covers various initiatives such as Digital Public Infrastructure, enhancing safety and security, and promoting digital skilling. It also addresses geopolitical issues like the situation in Ukraine. The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing an inclusive, fair, and secure digital economy while respecting legal frameworks and human rights.

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  • Cover of the G77 Havana Declaration

    15 September 2023 - G77 Havana Declaration on current development challenges: The role of science, technology, and innovation

    Heads of State and Government from G77 and China gathered in Havana to address pressing development issues. Emphasis on strengthening unity, tackling economic disparities, enhancing global cooperation, and leveraging science and technology for sustainable progress. Calls for equitable access to technological advancements, rejecting coercive measures, and prioritizing human rights and health. Commitment to advancing sustainable development, digital inclusion, and international collaboration in science and innovation. Highlight the urgency to bridge North-South disparities, promote South-South cooperation, and support the development of developing countries through various means, including innovation policies and partnerships. Recognition of the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing global challenges.

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  • Architecture, Building, Housing, House, Disk, Logo

    30 October 2023 - U.S. President’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

    The President issued an Executive Order focusing on the responsible development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address its potential for both good and harm. The order emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort involving various sectors, including government, private industry, academia, and civil society, to mitigate risks and maximize benefits. The government aims to lead in governing AI to ensure national security, economic prosperity, and societal well-being. The order lays out guiding principles and priorities for AI development and use, stressing the importance of upholding these values in collaboration with diverse stakeholders for justice, security, and opportunity.

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  • 1 November 2023 - The Bletchley ceclaration on AI safety

    The Bletchley Declaration on AI Safety was introduced at the Safety Summit, establishing global cooperation to ensure safe, human-centric, and responsible AI development. Acknowledging the opportunities AI offers, the declaration emphasizes addressing safety risks, especially concerning frontier AI models. It calls for international collaboration, inclusive governance, and transparency in AI development to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. The focus includes identifying shared safety risks, building evidence-based policies, and supporting scientific research on AI safety. The declaration aims to promote responsible AI use for the benefit of all and aligns with broader national and international governance initiatives.

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  • 28 November 2023 - US-UK Guidelines for secure AI system development

    The message outlines guidelines for secure AI system development provided by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the UK National Cyber Security Centre. The guidelines emphasize the importance of secure design, development, deployment, and operation of AI systems to ensure functionality, availability, and protection of sensitive data. Stakeholders are encouraged to follow these guidelines to make informed decisions throughout the AI system lifecycle, focusing on security outcomes for customers, transparency, accountability, and prioritizing secure by design principles.

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  • 8 December 2023 - EU AI Act | Survey of amendments (structured view)

    An overview of negotiation points for the EU AI Act is provided during the trialogue. It outlines key areas for discussion between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission.

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  • 13 December 2023 - GPAI Ministerial Declaration 2023

    Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Ministerial Declaration 2023 reaffirms commitments to responsible, trustworthy stewardship of AI, rooted in democratic values and human rights. Acknowledges progress under Japan's leadership, aims to address challenges such as misinformation, unemployment, and data protection. Embraces equitable access to resources and sustainable agriculture innovation. Supports collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and inclusive engagement. Highlights the importance of global cooperation in AI governance and emphasizes the need for diverse membership to address global challenges.

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  • 20 December 2023 - UN Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body Interim Report: Governing AI for Humanity

    The message discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on society, highlighting its potential for good while also acknowledging risks such as biases and surveillance. It emphasizes the need for governance to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and to address challenges effectively. A case study illustrates how AI can be utilized to tackle climate change through data analysis and informed decision-making. This underscores the importance of harnessing AI's potential while working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

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Globa Digital Compact timeline

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Geneva historical timeline

Key internet developments

Ukraine -conflict

  • Digital illustration of the United Kingdom outlined in glowing blue circuit patterns and network nodes, with silhouettes of a satellite, military drone, soldier, tank and naval vessel, symbolising the UK’s Cyber and Electromagnetic Command integrating defensive and offensive cyber operations informed by lessons from Ukraine.

     - UK bolsters digital defences with new Cyber Command after Ukraine lessons

    The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) will establish a Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to unify defensive cyber operations and coordinate offensive capabilities alongside the National Cyber Force.

    However, this move follows recommendations in the upcoming strategic defence review, due on 2 June 2025, which will define the UK’s force structure and investment priorities.

    The rapid sharing of intelligence across ships, aircraft, tanks and personnel is a core aim of the new formation. Defence Secretary John Healey has stressed that future conflicts ‘will be won through forces that are better connected, better equipped and innovating faster than their adversaries.’

    However, a major concern is the lack of digital expertise, as Strategic Command chief Gen. Sir Jim Hockenhull warned: ‘the first battle of the next war is the battle for talent.’ To tackle this shortfall, the MoD has launched an accelerated recruitment pipeline, reducing basic training from ten weeks to just four, followed by three months of specialised cyber instruction.

    Insights from Russia’s campaign in Ukraine have underlined the importance of electromagnetic capabilities such as jamming drones, intercepting communications and degrading enemy command and control.

    Strategic Command chief Sir Jim Hockenhull warned that siloed cyber efforts must be fully integrated into operational planning to seize the advantage in modern warfare.

    Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

  • Russia, YouTube, Vladimir Putin, Google, Lawsuit, Fine, Ukraine conflict

     - Russia fines Google over YouTube content on surrendering soldiers

    A Russian court has fined Google 3.8 million roubles (£32,600) for hosting YouTube videos that allegedly instructed Russian soldiers on how to surrender. The ruling is part of Moscow’s ongoing crackdown on content it deems illegal, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. Google has not yet responded to the decision.

    Authorities in Russia have frequently ordered foreign tech companies to remove content they claim spreads misinformation. Critics argue that the government is deliberately slowing YouTube‘s download speeds to limit access to material critical of President Vladimir Putin. Moscow denies the accusation, blaming Google for failing to upgrade its infrastructure.

    President Putin has previously accused Google of being used by Washington to serve political interests. The latest fine is one of many imposed on the company as part of Russia’s broader control over digital platforms.

    For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

  • Lighting, Chair, Furniture, Electronics, Screen, Computer Hardware, Hardware, Monitor, Computer, Pc, Laptop, Light, Indoors, Table

     - Russia’s FSB said Pentagon, NATO states behind massive cyberattacks from Ukraine against Russia

    The Pentagon and NATO countries are behind massive cyberattacks from Ukrainian territory against the Russian critical infrastructure, the press office of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed.

    Over 5,000 hacker attacks on Russian critical infrastructure have been recorded since the beginning of 2022, the press office said in a statement. ‘The analysis of revealed computer threats has helped obtain data evidencing that the United States and NATO countries used Ukrainian territory for carrying out massive computer attacks on civilian infrastructure facilities in Russia,’ the security agency stated. The FSB further claimed that Washington wants to portray only Ukraine as the ‘author” of these cyberattacks. However, FSB stressed that the Pentagon is directly involved in developing these cyberattacks in consultation with international and national hacker groups such as Anonymous, Silence, Ghost Clan from the United States, RedHack from Turkey, GNG from Georgia, and Squad 303 from Poland.

  • Paper

     - CERT-UA reports an increase in cyberattacks by Russian hackers in Ukraine

    Russian hackers have increased their activities against Ukraine’s civil infrastructure websites, especially government agencies and local authorities sites, since the start of 2023, according to Ukraine’s computer emergency response team (CERT-UA). These sites are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of adequate cyber protections. CERT-UA has processed over 300 cyber incidents and attacks during January-February 2023, almost half as much as in the corresponding period last year. On average, Russian hackers target Ukraine with more than ten cyberattacks every day.

    Furthermore, CERT-UA stated it had observed an increase in espionage attacks, emphasising maintaining constant access to organizations. Malware distributed by Russian hackers focuses mainly on data collection and remote access to users’ devices. CERT-UA warns that these attacks are potentially aimed at obtaining information that can give an advantage in a conventional war against Ukraine, including data on mobilization and Western weapons logistics.

  • Sphere, Ball, Basketball, Basketball (Ball), Sport

     - One in five IT specialists leave Belarus in 2022 due to sanctions

    Belarus’ once booming tech industry is facing a dire situation as Western sanctions take their toll. The IT sector, which had been a significant contributor to the country’s economy and had attracted investments from international firms, is now struggling to survive. As a result of the sanctions imposed on Belarus for its support of Russia have severely impacted the industry. Leaving many businesses struggling to survive and causing a brain drain, with one in five IT specialists leaving the country in the 2022 migration wave. This is a significant increase from the previous migration wave after the 2020 presidential election when one in ten IT specialists left the country. In response to the migration wave, one survey found that 80% of Belarusian IT companies have launched full or partial relocation schemes.

    As the situation continues to unfold, many in the industry fear that Belarus’ IT sector may be on the brink of collapse.

  • Chart, Plot, Map, Atlas, Diagram, White Board

     - Ukraine and UK sign digital trade agreement to boost IT growth and eliminate trade barriers

    In a bid to strengthen their trade partnerships, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have signed a digital trade agreement. The signing of this agreement is a significant development for Ukraine, as they become only the second country in the world to enter into such a partnership with the UK, following Singapore.

    The digital trade deal supplements the Political, Free Trade, and Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by the two nations and will become effective after all interstate procedures are completed.

    As per reports by Ukrainian media, the latest agreement aims to prevent any possible trade barriers from arising in the future while guaranteeing Ukrainian IT companies continued and unrestricted access to markets, which is vital to their growth and expansion.

  •  - Lithuania ordered internet providers to block access to IP addresses used to watch Russian TV channels

    Lithuania’s Radio and Television Commission has ordered internet providers to block access to IP addresses used to watch Russian TV channels, which European Union sanctions have targeted. The decision was made on 8 March after discussions with internet provider representatives and following confirmation of their technical ability to comply. Lithuania banned the rebroadcasting and online dissemination of TV and radio channels owned or financed by Russia and Belarus following amendments to the law on public information in 2022.

  •  - Chainalysis issues the 2023 cryptocurrency crime report

    Private US company Chainalysis is a leading company in collecting and analyzing data used on cryptocurrency blockchains. In its annual report on cryptocurrency-related crime, they point out that illicit cryptocurrency volumes reach all-time highs amid a surge in sanctions and hacking. 

    ‘Overall, the share of all cryptocurrency activity associated with illicit activity has risen for the first time since 2019, from 0.12% in 2021 to 0.24% in 2022.’ The company assesses that an equivalent of $20.6B is used for illicit activities. 

    A big part of that sum comes from the offenses related to the economic sanctions on Russia. This shows that a strict regime of sanctions is efficiently imposed on cryptocurrency exchanges, by the US department of the treasury, and international financial institutions. The report describes methods that are used for money laundering and fund transfers. As a key takeaway, Chainalisys points out that the impact of crypto sanctions depends on the jurisdiction and technical constraints.

    Ransomware crypto payments

    The report shows a decline in ransomware from 2021. Chainalisys claims that ransomware victims increasingly refuse to pay the ransom money hence pushing the criminals out of this scheme. The report is stating that “meaningful disruptions against ransomware actor groups are driving lower than expected successful extortion attempts”  In 2021, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued an advisory document about the risk of ‘sanction crimes’ that can rise from ransomware payments. OFAC advises all US companies to report ransomware to the FBI prior to any action. This is also considered to be one of the factors for the drop in ransomware payments. In addition, ransomware lifespan is significantly shorter. From 470 days in 2019, it is down to 70 days in 2022.

    Money laundering

    The report is stating a rise in money laundering activities from $14.2B in 2021 to $23.8B in 2022. The report is stating ‘underground money laundering services’ are a growing concern. Such groups use private channels on messaging apps to set and organise private transactions that are hard to track.

    Cryptocurrency scams

    Cryptocurrency scams and the use of cryptocurrency on darknet markets are on the decline compared to previous years.

  •  - A year of information warfare in Ukraine: online attacks against media and journalists

    Since the beginning of the Russian invasion on 24 February, the Institute of Mass Information (IMI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have documented the violent crimes and mistreatment of journalists and media organizations in Ukraine. Cyberattacks, hacks, social media threats, and attacks against media pages on social media have all been used in the information war. Throughout the past year, at least 42 cyber crimes have been reported. Hackers associated with the GRU, the Russian military intelligence organization, were blamed for the most recent cyberattack, which targeted the website of the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.

  •  - Killnet targets healthcare sector across Europe, USA

    Pro-Russia hacking group Killnet has been targeting hospitals in Europe and the USA in retaliation for western support for Ukraine. The Netherlands National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) reported that the attacks impacted several hospitals in the country, but their impact was minimal. The Dutch cyber watchdog also said all the threats had been successfully mitigated. 

    The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also reported that Killnet had targeted US hospitals and is actively threatening the health and public health sector. The HHS noted that these attacks do not cause significant harm but can create service disruptions that may last several hours or days.

    Hospitals in other European countries, including the UK, Germany, and Poland, have also been targeted.

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Tesitranje

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  • Microsoft and Atom Computing announce quantum breakthrough

    The advancement has the potential to revolutionise proof-of-work blockchain mining by enabling quantum systems to surpass traditional methods.
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  • ESET: IsaacWiper and HermeticWizard: New (data) wiper and worm targeting Ukraine

    ESET researchers have uncovered a new wiper that attacked Ukrainian organisations. On 22 February a HermeticWiper targeted at least 5 Ukrainian organisations; HermeticWiper makes a system inoperable by corrupting its data. On 24 February, ESET detected another wiper in a Ukrainian governmental network called ‘IsaacWiper’. Researchers are currently assessing links (if any) to HermeticWiper. According (See more)
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  • Ukrainian troops targeted in phishing attacks by suspected Belarusian hacking group

    Ukraine’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) claimed that the Ukrainian military personnel is being targeted by the UNC1151 hacking group. According to Ukraine’s CERT, the UNC1151 hackers are officers in the Belarusian military. The hackers used password-stealing emails to get access to Ukrainian military personnel messages and syphon their address books, thus spreading the malicious (See more)
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  • Ukraine organisations hit by new (data) wiper malware

    The malware attack was first noted by ESET, which called the malware ‘HermeticWiper’, and later confirmed by Symantec. According to ESET, the mechanism of attack was built at least six weeks ago. According to Symantec, targets have included finance and government contractors in Ukraine, Lithuania, and Latvia. Neither ESET or Symantec made an attribution of (See more)
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  • Cyberattack on Ukrainian government websites and banks

    A significant distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack was launched against several Ukrainian governmental and banking websites. PrivatBank, Ukraine’s largest commercial bank, and Oschadbank, Ukraine’s State Savings Bank, reportedly experienced outages. Some of the impacted information systems are unavailable or only operate intermittently. This is due to traffic being redirected to a different provider in (See more)
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