Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
Karsten Wildberger supports examining social media age limits in Germany after Australia became the first country to force platforms to delete profiles of users under 16.
Mental health protections are expanded in GPT-5.2, according to OpenAI, following scrutiny over chatbot behaviour.
Policymakers and health leaders in Europe weigh the benefits of AI-powered healthcare against safety concerns, including extremist misuse and the limits of chatbots in handling mental health support.
The data shows Bitcoin adoption is strong in wealthier, tech-driven US states, while participation remains limited in regions with lower incomes and smaller digital economies.
High digital literacy and familiarity with technology drive AI adoption, while limited awareness and practical skills restrict use in some European nations.
Proposed safeguards seek to limit how AI chatbots interact emotionally with users amid growing concerns over mental health risks.
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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.
