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Session Transcript

concluded that while Geneva faces challenges, it retains significant advantages as a center for digital governance. However, maintaining this position will require strategic investment, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and adaptation to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.


Session at a Glance

Brief Summary Test Test

concluded that while Geneva faces challenges, it retains significant advantages as a center for digital governance. However, maintaining this position will require strategic investment, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and adaptation to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.


Major Keypoints

Major discussion points:


1. The changing landscape of digital governance and increased competition from other cities/regions to be hubs in this space.


2. The need for more collaboration and an panelists offering ideas for improvement and collaboration. There was an undercurrent of urgency throughout, emphasizing the need for swift action to address challenges.


Speakers

There were 6 main speakers in the discussion:


1. Moderator: Kasmira Jefford – Editor-in-chief of Geneva Solutions


2. Grégoire Barbey – Journalist for Le Temps


3. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija – Executive Journalism and media


– NGOs and civil society organizations in the digital space


Full session report

Brief Summary Test

concluded that while Geneva faces challenges, it retains significant advantages as a center for digital governance. However, maintaining this position will require strategic investment, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and adaptation to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.


Major Keypoints 23

Major discussion points:


1. The changing landscape of digital governance and increased competition from other cities/regions to be hubs in this space.


2. The need for more collaboration and an panelists offering ideas for improvement and collaboration. There was an undercurrent of urgency throughout, emphasizing the need for swift action to address challenges.


Speakerfdsfds

There were 6 main speakers in the discussion:


1. Moderator: Kasmira Jefford – Editor-in-chief of Geneva Solutions


2. Grégoire Barbey – Journalist for Le Temps


3. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija – Executive Journalism and media


– NGOs and civil society organizations in the digital space


G

Grégoire Barbey

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Grégoire Barbey speed

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Grégoire Barbey speech length

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Grégoire Barbey speech duration

Ecosystem challenges – Lack of coordinated approach among various initiatives and actors

Explanation

Barbey noted that there are concerns among actors in Geneva about the capacity to remain an important place for digital governance discussions. There is a lack of generalized means within NGOs and fears about Switzerland’s ability to maintain its high-level state policy due to budgetary difficulties.


Evidence

Internet Society recently closed its Geneva office due to financial constraints, preferring to allocate funds to their mission rather than maintaining a physical presence.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva


Agreed with

– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
– Jovan Kurbalija

Agreed on

Need for better collaboration and coordination


Disagreed with

– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider

Disagreed on

Role of Geneva in digital governance


Resource constraints – Limited public funding and support for NGOs and initiatives

Explanation

Barbey highlighted that NGOs in Geneva are facing financial difficulties due to the geopolitical context. Donors are becoming rarer and more demanding, which impacts the ability of organizations to carry out their missions effectively.


Evidence

Potential election of Donald Trump could accelerate the process of reduced funding for NGOs.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva


Agreed with

– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco

Agreed on

Resource constraints and funding challenges


J

Jovan Kurbalija

Speech speed

Jovan Kurbalija speed

Speech length

Jovan Kurbalija speech length

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Jovan Kurbalija speech duration

AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes

Explanation

Kurbalija argued that AI is already having a significant impact on core activities in Geneva, such as reporting and diplomacy. He suggests that many traditional activities may become obsolete due to AI advancements.


Evidence

Diplo Foundation’s use of AI for just-in-time reporting from meetings.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 2: The impact of emerging technologies on digital governance


Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated

Explanation

Kurbalija emphasized that the entire system of international organizations and diplomacy needs to undergo significant rebooting to address the changes brought by AI. He argues that current approaches are becoming rapidly outdated.


Evidence

Comparison to New York City’s focus on horse-drawn carriage issues just before the advent of automobiles.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 2: The impact of emerging technologies on digital governance


Disagreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider

Disagreed on

Role of Geneva in digital governance


Inclusion issues – Need for more involvement from Global South actors

Explanation

Kurbalija stressed the importance of involving NGOs, universities, and other actors from the Global South in Geneva’s digital governance ecosystem. He argued that this is crucial for Geneva to remain relevant as a global hub for digital and internet governance.


Evidence

Lack of day-to-day involvement from Indonesian, Indian, South African, and Brazilian NGOs in Geneva’s decision-shaping processes.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva


Agreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco

Agreed on

Need for better collaboration and coordination


T

Thomas Schneider

Speech speed

Thomas Schneider speed

Speech length

Thomas Schneider speech length

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Thomas Schneider speech duration

Global competition – Other cities/regions vying to become digital governance hubs

Explanation

Schneider pointed out that the digital governance landscape has become much more complex and diversified over the last 20 years. He noted that other cities and regions are now competing to become global leaders in digital policy, often with more resources than Switzerland.


Evidence

Mentions of cities in Europe, New York, and Gulf states as emerging competitors in the digital governance space.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva


Agreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Francesca Bosco

Agreed on

Resource constraints and funding challenges


Disagreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Jovan Kurbalija

Disagreed on

Role of Geneva in digital governance


Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities

Explanation

Schneider agreed with the need for better cooperation and cross-referencing among Geneva-based institutions. He emphasized the importance of working together and using synergies, especially given limited resources.


Evidence

Example of the ITU-led AI for Good Summit, which partners closely with over 40 UN institutions.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance


Agreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Francesca Bosco
– Jovan Kurbalija

Agreed on

Need for better collaboration and coordination


Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes

Explanation

Schneider acknowledged that digital issues are increasingly being discussed in New York due to their growing importance in geopolitical and security matters. However, he argued that this doesn’t necessarily mean New York will replace Geneva in terms of actually implementing digital governance initiatives.


Evidence

Mention of the UN Secretary General’s ambitions and the upcoming Pact for the Future with its digital focus.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 4: The evolving landscape of global digital governance


F

Francesca Bosco

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Francesca Bosco speed

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Francesca Bosco speech length

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Francesca Bosco speech duration

Public-private partnerships – Leveraging private sector resources and expertise

Explanation

Bosco highlighted the importance of finding creative ways to engage with the private sector to support digital governance initiatives. She emphasized the need for responsible investment and collaboration between public and private entities.


Evidence

Example of the Cyber Peace Builders program, which leverages private sector cybersecurity expertise to support non-profit organizations.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance


Agreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider

Agreed on

Resource constraints and funding challenges


Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value

Explanation

Bosco suggested that Geneva needs to focus on areas where it can provide unique value in the digital governance space. She emphasized the importance of co-designing solutions with civil society organizations rather than just consulting them.


Evidence

Mention of Geneva’s tradition in human rights and international peace as a potential foundation for its role in digital governance.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance


Agreed with

– Grégoire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Jovan Kurbalija

Agreed on

Need for better collaboration and coordination


U

Unknown speaker

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Communication efforts – Better explaining the value of International Geneva to Swiss public and policymakers

Explanation

The importance of better communicating the value of International Geneva to Swiss politicians, media, and the public was emphasized. This was seen as crucial for securing necessary resources and support for Geneva’s role in digital governance.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance


Geopolitical factors – Digital governance becoming more intertwined with security and power dynamics

Explanation

The discussion highlighted that digital governance is increasingly tied to geopolitical and security issues. This shift is influencing where and how digital governance discussions take place on the global stage.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 4: The evolving landscape of global digital governance


Multi-stakeholder approach – Balancing roles of governments, private sector, civil society in governance

Explanation

The importance of maintaining a multi-stakeholder approach in digital governance was discussed. This involves balancing the roles and inputs of governments, the private sector, and civil society in shaping digital governance frameworks.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 4: The evolving landscape of global digital governance


Ethical concerns – Questions about impartiality and control of AI systems used by international organizations

Explanation

Concerns were raised about the ethical implications of international organizations relying on AI systems developed by private companies or specific countries. This could potentially compromise the impartiality and independence of these organizations.


Major Discussion Point

Major Discussion Point 2: The impact of emerging technologies on digital governance


Agreements

Agreement Points

Resource constraints and funding challenges

speakers

– Grégoire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco

arguments

Resource constraints – Limited public funding and support for NGOs and initiatives


Global competition – Other cities/regions vying to become digital governance hubs


Public-private partnerships – Leveraging private sector resources and expertise


summary

The speakers agreed that there are significant resource constraints and funding challenges for digital governance initiatives in Geneva, with a need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships.


Need for better collaboration and coordination

speakers

– Grégoire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
– Jovan Kurbalija

arguments

Ecosystem challenges – Lack of coordinated approach among various initiatives and actors


Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities


Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value


Inclusion issues – Need for more involvement from Global South actors


summary

The speakers concurred on the importance of improving collaboration and coordination among various actors in Geneva’s digital governance ecosystem, including better involvement of Global South participants.


Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the significant changes brought about by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and the need for existing systems and approaches to adapt to these changes. They also acknowledged the increasing importance of digital issues in global governance discussions, including in New York.

speakers

– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider

arguments

AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes


Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated


Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes


Unexpected Consensus

Importance of local dimension in digital era

speakers

– Francesca Bosco
– Thomas Schneider

arguments

Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value


Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities


explanation

Despite the global nature of digital governance, both speakers unexpectedly emphasized the continued importance of the local dimension, particularly Geneva’s unique ecosystem and potential for fostering collaboration. This consensus highlights the ongoing relevance of physical hubs in digital governance discussions.


Overall Assessment

summary

The main areas of agreement included the need for better resource allocation, improved collaboration among actors, adaptation to technological changes, and leveraging Geneva’s unique position in the digital governance landscape.


consensus_level

Moderate consensus with some diverging views on specific approaches. This implies a general agreement on the challenges facing Geneva’s role in digital governance, but varying perspectives on how to address these challenges effectively.


Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Role of Geneva in digital governance

speakers

– Grégoire Barbey
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider

arguments

Ecosystem challenges – Lack of coordinated approach among various initiatives and actors


Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated


Global competition – Other cities/regions vying to become digital governance hubs


summary

While all speakers acknowledged challenges facing Geneva’s role in digital governance, they differed in their emphasis. Barbey focused on ecosystem challenges and lack of coordination, Kurbalija stressed the need for fundamental adaptation due to AI, and Schneider highlighted global competition from other cities and regions.


Unexpected Disagreements

Impact of AI on UN systems

speakers

– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider

arguments

AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes


Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes


explanation

While both speakers discussed changes in the UN system, Kurbalija unexpectedly emphasized the profound impact of AI on core UN activities, while Schneider focused more on the geographical shift of discussions to New York. This difference in focus on technological vs. geographical changes was an unexpected point of divergence.


Overall Assessment

summary

The main areas of disagreement centered around the nature and extent of challenges facing Geneva’s role in digital governance, the best approaches to strengthen this role, and the impact of emerging technologies on existing governance structures.


disagreement_level

The level of disagreement among speakers was moderate. While there was general consensus on the importance of maintaining Geneva’s relevance in digital governance, speakers differed significantly in their assessment of key challenges and proposed solutions. These disagreements reflect the complexity of the issue and suggest that a unified approach to strengthening Geneva’s position may be difficult to achieve without further dialogue and compromise among stakeholders.


Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

All speakers agreed on the need to strengthen Geneva’s role in digital governance, but proposed different approaches. Kurbalija emphasized involving Global South actors, Schneider focused on fostering collaboration among existing entities, and Bosco suggested identifying strategic areas where Geneva can add unique value.

speakers

– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco

arguments

Inclusion issues – Need for more involvement from Global South actors


Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities


Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value


Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the significant changes brought about by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and the need for existing systems and approaches to adapt to these changes. They also acknowledged the increasing importance of digital issues in global governance discussions, including in New York.

speakers

– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider

arguments

AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes


Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated


Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes


Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Geneva faces challenges in maintaining its status as a leader in digital governance due to resource constraints, increased global competition, and a rapidly evolving technological landscape.


There is a need for a more coordinated ecosystem approach among Geneva-based organizations working on digital governance issues.


Emerging technologies like AI are profoundly disrupting traditional processes and systems in international organizations and governance.


Inclusion of actors from the Global South is crucial for Geneva to remain relevant as a global hub for digital governance.


Switzerland and Geneva need to better communicate the value of International Geneva to Swiss public and policymakers to secure support and resources.


Resolutions and Action Items

Develop more public-private partnerships to leverage private sector resources and expertise in digital governance initiatives


Increase cross-referencing and collaboration among Geneva-based organizations working on digital issues


Focus on strategic areas where Geneva can add unique value in the digital governance landscape


Organize the Global Cyber Capacity Building Conference in Geneva in 2025, led by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs


Unresolved Issues

How to secure adequate funding and support for NGOs and civil society organizations working on digital governance in Geneva


How to effectively include more actors from the Global South in Geneva-based digital governance processes


The potential shift of some digital governance discussions from Geneva to New York and its implications


How to develop and implement an open-source, transparent AI system for use by the UN and other international organizations


Suggested Compromises

Balance the focus between maintaining Geneva’s physical ecosystem and expanding its digital presence and reach


Combine efforts to strengthen both Switzerland’s role in digital governance and International Geneva’s position as a hub


Explore innovative funding models that blend public and private resources to support digital governance initiatives


Thought Provoking Comments

Changes, it’s not only in future, future is today. By the way, Diplo will report from this meeting with just-in-time reporting by using AI. And if you think about this city, what this city is doing, diplomats, journalists, NGOs, they’re reporting, reporting back to capitals, to their superiors, reporting to UN bodies, reporting from events. That activity is basically, to the large extent, gone.

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


reason

This comment highlights the immediate and transformative impact of AI on traditional diplomatic and journalistic practices, challenging the notion that these changes are still in the future.


impact

It shifted the discussion from theoretical future scenarios to the urgent need for adaptation in the present, prompting others to consider the immediate implications of AI in their fields.


What I think it’s missing is not necessarily the resources, it’s a sort of like meaningful use of the resources and a long-term view for investing those resources.

speaker

Francesca Bosco


reason

This insight reframes the issue from a lack of resources to the need for better coordination and strategic planning in the use of existing resources.


impact

It redirected the conversation from simply calling for more funding to discussing how to optimize the use of current resources and create sustainable, long-term strategies.


We scrolled all websites in International Geneva and found 120 million links. Any link on the website, Diplo website, Cyber Peace Institute, UNOG, WHO, WIPO. 122 million links. Then we did analysis and say how many of these links point to other Geneva institutions. Therefore, how many of our links, we are relatively good, point to Cyber Peace Institute, to WHO, to WIPO, in our reports, in our blog posts, in our event reports. And we got a shocking result. We call it X-ray of the International Geneva. The level of links, and we will share it, you can access through the website, is 0, 0, not 1%, 0.48%.

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


reason

This comment provides concrete data to illustrate the lack of collaboration between Geneva-based institutions, challenging the rhetoric of cooperation with hard evidence.


impact

It prompted a more critical examination of the actual level of collaboration in International Geneva and highlighted the need for tangible actions to improve cross-referencing and cooperation.


Let’s develop open source, transparent AI at the UN, by using analogy to what countries are doing now, contributing sculptures, paintings, buildings, conference rooms. Now, they can start contributing large language models, RAC systems, I won’t go into terminology, knowledge graph for humanitarian issues, all of these issues, all of these issues technically in this proposal are feasible, and we can show how they can work.

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


reason

This proposal offers a novel and concrete solution to maintain the UN’s impartiality in the age of AI, addressing a critical issue that had not been previously discussed.


impact

It introduced a new dimension to the discussion about the future of international organizations and their use of technology, highlighting the potential risks of relying on corporate AI systems and the need for independent, open-source solutions.


Overall Assessment

These key comments significantly shaped the discussion by shifting the focus from general concerns about resources and competition to specific, actionable ideas for improving digital governance in Geneva. They highlighted the immediate impact of AI on traditional practices, the need for better resource utilization, the lack of real collaboration despite rhetoric, and the importance of developing independent AI solutions for international organizations. These insights deepened the conversation, moving it from theoretical discussions to practical considerations and potential solutions, while also challenging participants to think more critically about the current state of affairs in International Geneva.


Follow-up Questions

How can Geneva better involve NGOs and voices from the Global South in digital governance discussions?

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


explanation

This is crucial for Geneva to remain relevant as a global hub for digital and internet governance, addressing a significant gap in representation.


How can Switzerland and Geneva create a more sustainable ecosystem approach to digital governance?

speaker

Francesca Bosco


explanation

A coordinated, long-term approach is needed to make better use of resources and scale initiatives effectively.


How can digital governance topics be made more interesting and relevant to the general public?

speaker

Francesca Bosco


explanation

Increasing public engagement is necessary to generate support and understanding for digital governance issues.


How can Geneva and Switzerland better leverage cross-referencing and cooperation between institutions?

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


explanation

Improving collaboration and referencing between Geneva-based institutions could significantly enhance the ecosystem’s effectiveness.


What impact will AI have on traditional roles and processes in diplomacy, journalism, and international organizations?

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


explanation

Understanding these impacts is crucial for adapting and remaining relevant in the rapidly changing digital landscape.


How can Switzerland and Geneva attract more innovative funding models, including from the private sector?

speaker

Thomas Schneider


explanation

Exploring new funding sources is necessary to address resource limitations in the public sector.


How will the increasing importance of digital issues in New York-based UN discussions affect Geneva’s role?

speaker

Audience member (Fabrizio)


explanation

Understanding this shift is important for maintaining Geneva’s relevance in digital governance discussions.


Could the UN develop its own digital platform for negotiations and consultations?

speaker

Audience member (Jérôme Bellion-Jordan)


explanation

This could enhance the UN’s digital capabilities and reduce reliance on private providers.


How can the UN develop its own open-source, transparent AI system?

speaker

Jovan Kurbalija


explanation

This is crucial for maintaining the UN’s impartiality and inclusivity in the age of AI.


Disclaimer: This is not an official session record. DiploAI generates these resources from audiovisual recordings, and they are presented as-is, including potential errors. Due to logistical challenges, such as discrepancies in audio/video or transcripts, names may be misspelled. We strive for accuracy to the best of our ability.

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Elon Musk revealed Grok 4, claiming it surpasses PhD-level knowledge, despite recent backlash over o…

Asia emerges as global hub for telco‑powered AI infrastructure

Operators retrofit existing fibre and data‑centre assets to avoid vendor lock‑in and ensure region‑s…

Google partners with UK government on AI training

Collaboration with Google DeepMind will support departments in deploying AI solutions across the pub…

Quantum leap in Finland pushes qubit to millisecond range

Aalto and VTT researchers report over 1 millisecond coherence, a breakthrough for superconducting qu…

AI interviews leave job candidates in the dark

Critics warn AI interviews are breaking an already broken hiring system.

AI industry warned of looming financial collapse

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AI and big data to streamline South Korea’s drug evaluation processes

A new AI system under development will initially target synthetic drug evaluations, with broader app…

AI scam targets donors with fake orphan images

Officials warn the public to verify fundraisers before donating to avoid AI-powered fraud.

AI fluency is the new office software skill

Tools like ChatGPT work best when users provide clear tasks, context, and tone. Learn how to master …

Privacy concerns rise over Gemini’s on‑device data access

Google Gemini can access WhatsApp, SMS and calls by default, sparking user fears over its operating …

UN reports surge in intangible investment driven by AI and data

WIPO finds that countries prioritizing intangible investment are likely to gain competitive advantag…

LG’s Exaone Path 2.0 uses AI to transform genetic testing

LG is partnering with Vanderbilt University to bring AI models like Exaone Path 2.0 into real-world …

Countries build state-level Bitcoin reserves worldwide

Over 460,000 BTC is now held by governments worldwide, signalling Bitcoin's new role as a strategic …

Activision pulls game after PC hacking reports

Outdated game build blamed for remote code attacks targeting Game Pass users.

Turkey sets sights on DeFi platforms after PancakeSwap ban

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M&S urges UK firms to report cyberattacks

British companies should be required to report material cyber incidents, says M&S chairman.

Kurbalija: Digital tools are reshaping diplomacy

Geneva’s timeless role in global affairs is now expanding into the digital realm, where the future o…

Global cooperation and bold ideas at WSIS+20 drive digital trust and cybersecurity resilience

At WSIS+20, Malaysia declared: ‘Big Tech is not bigger than our laws’.

WSIS+20 spotlights urgent need for global digital skills

At WSIS+20, speakers called for stronger gender-focused digital training policies.

Over 2.3 million users hit by Chrome and Edge extension malware

Researchers say 18 popular browser extensions silently tracked users, hijacked sessions, and sent da…

Grok AI chatbot suspended in Turkey following court order

Following a court order in Ankara, the Grok AI chatbot is now restricted in Turkey amid evolving con…

AI-powered imposter poses as US Secretary of State Rubio

The US issued a global alert after AI-generated content was used to impersonate Secretary Rubio and …

Tether defends gold reserves as markets and scrutiny rise

Gold makes up nearly 5% of Tether’s $112 billion reserves, sparking regulatory concerns.

Fraudsters exploit dormant Bitcoin addresses to steal data

Scammers use fake legal claims and false transactions to target dormant Bitcoin wallets, urging owne…

New Zealand bans crypto ATMs and limits cash transfers

Criminals use crypto ATMs to move funds offshore, prompting New Zealand to tighten regulations and e…

The rise and risks of synthetic media

Balancing synthetic media’s benefits with its risks will shape the future of digital communication a…

Italy’s Piracy Shield sparks EU scrutiny over digital rights

The EU is examining whether Italy’s Piracy Shield complies with the Digital Services Act and Open In…

Musk’s chatbot Grok removes offensive content

The Anti-Defamation League labelled Grok’s output ‘dangerous’ and called on AI companies to prevent …

ChatGPT quietly tests new ‘Study Together’ feature for education

Rather than feeding answers, ChatGPT's ‘Study Together’ pushes users to think, echoing a tutoring ap…

Sam Altman shrugs off Meta poaching, backs Trump, jabs at Musk

While Meta continues to lure top AI talent, Altman remained unfazed, pointing instead to the strengt…

Germany Plans to Ban Huawei and ZTE from 5G Network | Digital Watch

Moscow, Russia 30 August 2019 Huawei telecom company logo on office building  against clear blue sky

Germany is planning to ban Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network due to national security concerns. However, this move could interfere with the rollout of 5G services in China.

The Chinese embassy expressed strong dissatisfaction towards Germany’s reported plans to ban Huawei and ZTE from the country’s 5G network.

The German government is accused of generalizing the concept of national security and abusing state power, in violation of economic laws and fair competition principles.

Western security officials claimed that Huawei and ZTE represent potential threats to national security due to their close ties with Beijing.

Germany passed legislation in 2021 to increase security standards for its 5G networks without implementing an outright ban on Chinese firms.

Huawei currently supplies nearly 60% of base stations and 5G services infrastructure in Germany.

China claims that the ban would interfere with the rollout of 5G services in the country, urging Germany to listen to rational voices within its own borders.

Church makes online content accessible on their platform

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its online content and has made it accessible to those who have disabilities. The content has also been posted on the Gospel Library app in the Life Help section, including materials for individuals, parents, and caregivers of those with disabilities.
All the Church materials including the scriptures are available in the following accessible formats: American Sign Language, Audio, Closed Captions, DAISY format, Materials on talking book cartridges, Victor Reader Stream Files, and Web Braille.

To say there is no freedom of expression in India is propaganda

While launching the News18 TV channel on the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir said ‘There are 392 news channels in the country, which is more than even the United States of America which has close to 100 channels. This speaks volume of the freedom of the media and true nature of democracy in India, but we must all also remember that when the Constitution of India was being prepared, all Indians were given the right of freedom of expression under 19 (1), but 19 (2) also put in some restrictions which I believe are not just restrictions, but duties’. He further noted that ‘There is a need to mind the fine line between freedom of expression, and the expression that hurts the nation. The Constitution clearly mentions the Rights of every individual, but it also mentions our duties. The problem arises when people only talk about their rights and forget their duties’, said Manoj.

 The impact of spyware on the right to freedom of expression

Founder and director of The Citizen Lab, Ronald Deibert talked to Article 19’s Jo Glanville about the technologies that turn your mobile into a spy in your pocket. The lab research unit, based at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, focuses on internet security and threats to human rights.
In the podcast, recorded on 21 June, Deibert talks about the growth of the spyware industry and the fast-moving innovations that mean the people targeted are completely unaware of violations against their privacy. He points out that ‘democracies are among the clients for these technologies, and explains what role international human rights bodies can play in stemming violations and calling governments to account.’ 

UN Human Rights Office reports on negative effects of internet shutdowns

The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report on the dramatic real-life effects of internet shutdowns on people’s lives and how this has been vastly underestimated.

‘Too often, major communication channels or entire communication networks are slowed down or blocked,’ the report says, adding that this has deprived ‘thousands or even millions of people of their only means of reaching loved ones, continuing their work or participating in political debates or decisions.’

The report also discusses the phenomenon of internet shutdowns, looking at when and why they are imposed and examining how they undermine a range of human rights, primarily the right to freedom of expression. The report notes that between 2016 and 2021, there have been 931 shutdowns in 74 countries, as documented by the #KeepItOn coalition.

Mobily, Telecom Egypt sign Saudi to Egypt subsea cable MoU

Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Telecom Egypt for the construction of the first subsea cable directly connecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The MoU was signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by Salman Al-Badran, CEO of Mobily, and Adel Hamed, managing director and CEO of Telecom Egypt. The MoU is part of Mobliy’s efforts to enhance its global infrastructure, boost the digital economy and provide digital solutions that align with the goals of the government’s Saudi Vision 2030. 

Telecom Egypt has been a key partner for subsea cable projects globally, and has recently entered into an agreement to become a landing partner for Aqua Comms’ EMIC-1 cable project. Through this agreement, both companies will explore new ways to connect international capacity in Europe through Telecom Egypt’s network, to the GCC through Mobily’s network. Both companies’ networks will be expanded and interconnected with neighbouring countries. 

EllaLink International cable launched in Cape Verde

Following a 2018 agreement between Cape Verde Telecom and EllaLink in 2018, where the two agreed to deliver connectivity from Europe and Latin America to Cape Verde, the EllaLink International cable has been launched. The partnership has been supported by the European Bank of Investments and the local Government of Cape Verde and now Praia is connected directly and neutrally to Brazil and Europe.

This new cable offers the lowest latency available on the market, as well as a capacity of 30 Tbps, providing Cape Verde with the benefit of secure and optimised connectivity. The EllaLink connection between Latin America and Europe has reduced the latency between the two continents by close to 50%, from +100 milliseconds to circa 60 milliseconds compared to traditional routes.

The EllaLink subsea cable will additionally help strengthen the Cape Verde digital economy having connected Praia to three continents with neutrality and independence. DE-CIX in March confirmed plans to provide EllaLink with access to its interconnection ecosystem in Southern Europe, through their internet exchanges in Lisbon, Madrid and Marseille. The new system also creates opportunities for the country to increase the quality of the internet service offered to the country, and can be extended to all West Africa.

XL Axiata and PPTEL launch BaSIC subsea cable

The Batam Sarawak International Cable System (BaSIC) subsea cable has been launched and will strengthen internet connections between Batam, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi in Indonesia. The 700m system connects Sarawak, Malaysia and Batam, Indonesia, which is then connected via land cable to Pontianak in West Kalimantan. 

The project started in 2020 and became operational on 1 June 2022. This cable system is an additional alternative international gateway for Indonesia to Kuching, Sarawak and Hong Kong and supports XL Axiata’s efforts to add new upstream international capacity to Indonesia.

BaSIC will deliver 6 fibre pairs offering an initial capacity 2Tbs, which will be gradually increased until it arrives at a maximum capacity of 48Tbs. The project is part of XL Axiata’s mission to provide infrastructure for better global internet access as well as to support the Indonesian government’s goal to encourage the use of digital technology.