Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
Plus, Nvidia and Nexperia face issues, Xi calls for a global AI body, Denmark drops Chat Control proposal, states press for extension of digital‑trade tariff moratorium at WTO, and UNESCO adopts the first global ethical framework for neurotechnology.
The United Nations has raised serious concerns over neuro-technologies that tap the brain, citing threats to mental integrity, identity and equality.
Huang says the US must lead in AI while engaging China's vast developer base, warning against a fractured global ecosystem.
NTT Docomo in Japan has developed innovative technology that lets people understand and even experience another person’s pain, with applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, and immersive experiences.
The term ‘vibe coding’—describing AI-assisted code generation from natural language, was crowned Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2025, highlighting how software creation is being transformed.
Global AI companies are offering free access to premium tools in India as part of a strategic push to build users and habits in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital markets.
The deal will integrate advanced agentic analytics and AI-driven data modelling tools.
The Incas built a communication network so advanced that it still challenges how we think about technology, diplomacy, and the human drive to stay connected.
Authorities have yet to determine how hackers infiltrated Miljödata’s systems.
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 #237 A rare-earth pause in a long geopolitical game
Plus, Nvidia and Nexperia face issues, Xi calls for a global AI body, Denmark drops Chat Control proposal, states press for extension of digital‑trade tariff moratorium at WTO, and UNESCO adopts the first global ethical framework for neurotechnology.
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.