Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
Plus, France fines Shein-linked companies for consumer protection and transparency breaches, China updates trade secret rules to include digital assets, algorithms and software code, Germany expands cyber defence powers for federal agencies, and the NSA is reportedly using Anthropic's Claude for offensive cyber capabilities.
Researchers in the UN warn that AI could significantly increase global energy, water and land consumption by 2030.
The new AI for All strategy in Canada supports workforce development and innovation.
The AI Policy Toolkit uses semantic search to surface policy examples and guidance for governments.
The policy introduces risk monitoring mechanisms and a permanent forum to assess AI deployment and ensure compliance with fundamental rights protections.
The regulator is working with bodies such as the National Cyber Security Centre to address risks including deepfakes, cyber threats, and chatbot safety concerns.
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Analysis
Europe’s digital crossroads: Key takeaways from CPDP 2026
At CPDP 2026, privacy and data protection remained at the heart of Europe’s digital policy debates, but AI governance, digital sovereignty, and online child protection emerged as increasingly prominent themes.
Analysis
CBDC: The antithesis of cryptocurrency
Do CBDCs represent the opposite of cryptocurrency, and are we witnessing a deeper philosophical divide over the nature of digital money and control?
Analysis
Why digital literacy is becoming a strategic necessity in the AI era
Governments increasingly connect digital literacy with democratic resilience and cybersecurity.
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.