Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
Unlocking the full power of small businesses through digital innovation could be the key to solving some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.
The EU is examining whether Italy’s Piracy Shield complies with the Digital Services Act and Open Internet rules.
The Anti-Defamation League labelled Grok’s output ‘dangerous’ and called on AI companies to prevent extremist content.
Rather than feeding answers, ChatGPT's ‘Study Together’ pushes users to think, echoing a tutoring approach.
While Meta continues to lure top AI talent, Altman remained unfazed, pointing instead to the strength of his company’s mission and research culture.
Critics debate whether AI music can match emotional depth.
With only 11 % of IT resources devoted to security, businesses face escalating threats like AI‑powered malware and phishing.
Early triage of wound photos could help doctors prioritise urgent cases, especially in rural settings.
Stolen employee details let attackers impersonate staff and infiltrate internal systems, yet organisations often delay responding due to budget or bureaucratic hurdles.
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Analysis
The rise and risks of synthetic media
Balancing synthetic media’s benefits with its risks will shape the future of digital communication and societies.
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The cognitive cost of AI: Balancing assistance and awareness
What if the very tool designed to boost your productivity is quietly dulling your mind each time you use it?
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Yoga in the age of AI: Digital spirituality or algorithmic escapism?
As yoga enters the digital frontier, we must confront the paradox: can a practice rooted in presence survive an era defined by simulation?
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Meme coins: Fast gains or crypto gambling?
A high-stakes game of digital chance, meme coins blur the line between viral entertainment and financial risk in the wildest corner of crypto.
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Cognitive offloading and the future of the mind in the AI age
The rise of AI is transforming work and education, but raises questions about its impact on critical thinking and cognitive independence.
Analysis
The rise of AI in Hollywood, gaming, and music
AI is reshaping how stories are told in film, games, and music, raising questions about authorship, ethics, and artistic identity.
Analysis
The rise of tech giants in healthcare: How AI is reshaping life sciences
AI-powered tools from Google, IBM, and startups improve diagnostics, clinical documentation, and patient care, reducing clinician workloads and enhancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Analysis
Breaking down the OEWG’s legacy: Hits, misses, and unfinished business
The OEWG on cybersecurity (2019–2025) shaped global debates on digital security—but did it deliver? External experts weigh in on its lasting impact, while our team, who tracked the process from day one, dissect the milestones and missed opportunities.
DW monthly
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Issue 101: In our #101 June 2025 issue, we unpack the IGF 2025 and dive into WSIS+20, HRC and ITU, sorting out the latest digital trends in cybersecurity, AI governance, digital divide, geopolitics and others for the month of June
DW WEEKLY
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DW QUARTERLY
Digital Watch Quarterly Newsletter – Issue 1
2025 Jan - Mar | Q1 newsletter: The first quarterly newsletter 2025 reveals a revolutionary shift in the AI landscape: 'bigger isn't always better.' As the race for AI dominance accelerates, smaller, specialised models outperform massive systems, disrupting long-standing assumptions. Meanwhile, AI governance shifts its gaze from distant existential threats to today's tangible issues, such as job security, education, and privacy. Amid these rapid developments, companies and governments must choose between continuing investment in large-scale projects or embracing smarter, leaner AI solutions.
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.