Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes

Fact-checkers across Europe struggle as AI-generated hoaxes overwhelm platforms, prompting experts to call for stronger enforcement under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

AI agents are changing how products are chosen, forcing brands to adapt with machine-readable data and transparent performance signals.

Crypto jobs are going mainstream as market value climbs past $3.8 trillion and top economies offer stronger policy support.

Malaysia now requires permits for exporting high-performance US AI chips, aiming to close loopholes and comply with global trade laws.

Andrew Bailey has warned that private stablecoins could undermine financial stability and called for tokenised deposits instead.

Mexican voice actors protested AI voice cloning, demanding legal protection to prevent unauthorised use and preserve human-led dubbing jobs.

Experts warn that children are using AI chatbots instead of seeking real friendships, raising concerns about emotional dependency and blurred lines between human and machine.

Elderly Australians are falling victim to crypto ATM scams, with police reporting over $2.5 million in losses in just one region.

Google warns that prompt injections hidden in emails can trick AI into displaying fake security alerts and endanger Gmail users.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.