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Greece adds digital passport to Gov.gr Wallet

The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence has added the national passport to the Gov.gr Wallet, allowing citizens with active ordinary passports to store a secure digital version on their mobile devices.

The digital passport can be used for identification and as a travel document within Greece. Diplomatic and service passports are not currently supported.

The passport becomes the thirteenth document available through the Gov.gr Wallet, joining digital identity cards, driving licences, disability cards, unemployment cards, academic IDs, insurance information, vehicle records, driver penalty points, pet records, the Athens Ring Road permit and the Real Estate File.

According to the Ministry, more than 2.5 million digital identity cards and almost 2 million digital driving licences have already been added to the application.

The Gov.gr Wallet is available on both Android and iOS devices through wallet.gov.gr. The service was developed by the General Secretariat for Information Systems and Digital Governance and GRNET, in cooperation with the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Hellenic Police.

Citizen data is retrieved through the government’s Interoperability Centre.

Why does it matter?

The addition of the passport further expands Greece’s digital identity ecosystem and reflects the country’s continued investment in digital public services. By enabling citizens to carry more official documents securely on their mobile devices, the government is reducing reliance on physical credentials while improving access to public services.

The initiative also aligns with wider European efforts to strengthen digital identity infrastructure. As more governments develop interoperable digital wallets and electronic identity systems, mobile credentials are expected to play an increasingly important role in public administration and cross-border digital services.

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European Commission prepares new EU child safety online legislation

The European Commission has received the report of its Special Panel on Child Safety Online, with President Ursula von der Leyen confirming that legislative proposals to strengthen children’s online protection will be presented after the summer.

Von der Leyen described the report as an important evidence base for future policymaking and said its recommendations would inform the Commission’s forthcoming legislative proposals.

The Commission highlighted growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellbeing, pointing to excessive screen time, addictive platform design, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content as key risks facing young users.

According to the Commission, online platforms should be responsible for ensuring their services are safe by design, just as manufacturers are responsible for the safety of physical products.

The Commission also stressed the need for stronger age-appropriate protections, highlighting the forthcoming EU age verification application as a privacy-preserving tool that could give parents greater control over children’s access to online services.

Von der Leyen also said Europe should consider introducing a minimum age for access to social media and other digital services with addictive or age-inappropriate features, describing any future approach as gradual and guided by scientific evidence.

The Commission will now examine the panel’s recommendations alongside input from parents, educators, researchers, young people, member states and international partners before preparing legislative proposals aimed at strengthening children’s rights and safety online.

Why does it matter?

The Commission’s announcement signals that child online safety is moving higher up the EU’s digital policy agenda. Beyond enforcing existing rules under the Digital Services Act and AI Act, Brussels is now considering additional legislation that could introduce stronger platform obligations, age verification measures and possible minimum-age requirements for certain online services.

If adopted, these proposals could significantly reshape how platforms design and deliver services for younger users, reinforcing a broader regulatory shift towards safety by design and greater platform accountability across the European Union.

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UNESCO promotes inclusive digital transformation at WSIS Forum 2026

UNESCO used the WSIS Forum 2026 to promote a vision of digital transformation centred on inclusion, multilingualism, human rights and the public interest, arguing that emerging technologies should remain accessible, ethical and beneficial for everyone.

A central theme of UNESCO’s participation was multilingual digital inclusion. The organisation argued that people should be able to access digital services, create knowledge, preserve cultural heritage and participate online using their own languages and writing systems.

Together with ICANN, UNESCO launched a joint policy brief on Universal Acceptance, calling on governments, industry and the technical community to ensure that all domain names and email addresses work seamlessly across different languages and writing systems.

UNESCO also reaffirmed the importance of human rights-centred governance for AI and emerging technologies. Discussions focused on embedding ethics into digital transformation, strengthening international cooperation on AI governance and preparing for the transition to quantum-safe technologies through transparent, inclusive and rights-based policy approaches.

The organisation also highlighted the role of libraries and other trusted public institutions in narrowing the digital divide by expanding access to digital services, digital skills and reliable information.

Why does it matter?

UNESCO’s participation at WSIS Forum 2026 highlights a vision of digital transformation that extends beyond technological innovation to include cultural diversity, inclusion and human rights. Rather than treating AI, internet governance and emerging technologies as purely technical issues, the organisation argues they should be shaped by public-interest principles that ensure everyone can participate in the digital economy.

By linking multilingual internet access, ethical AI, quantum governance and trusted public institutions, UNESCO is promoting a comprehensive approach to digital governance that could influence future international cooperation as governments implement the outcomes of WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact.

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Philippines uses AI and satellites to strengthen food security

The Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Statistics Authority are partnering to use AI and satellite technology to improve agricultural data collection, strengthen national food security and support more informed policymaking. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that enhanced data sharing between the two agencies would enable policymakers to make more informed decisions on food production, logistics and supply.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has begun piloting AI and satellite imagery to estimate crop production, building on approaches already used in several countries. National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the technology would become more accurate as the Department of Agriculture expands field verification to validate satellite-generated data. The agencies also agreed to broaden the use of digital technologies in agricultural statistics and strengthen the capacity of local government units.

Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel also renewed calls to rebuild the department’s network of agricultural extension workers, describing them as its missing ‘boots on the ground’. Expanding the field workforce would support near real-time data collection, improve production forecasts and enable faster responses to challenges affecting farmers and fisherfolk. He also welcomed this year’s national census, saying updated population data would improve food demand forecasting.

The partnership aims to shift the Department of Agriculture from reactive to proactive food security management. Updated agricultural and population data will help the government better estimate future food demand, refine production targets and improve budget planning. According to Tiu Laurel, data should help policymakers anticipate future challenges rather than simply document past events in the Philippines.

Why does it matter?

The initiative illustrates how AI and Earth observation technologies are becoming practical tools for agricultural governance. More timely and accurate data can help governments improve production planning, respond more quickly to climate-related disruptions and strengthen long-term food security.

The partnership also highlights that digital transformation depends on both technology and institutional capacity. By combining AI, satellite imagery and field verification through agricultural extension workers, the Philippines is seeking to build a more reliable and responsive agricultural information system that could serve as a model for other countries facing similar food security challenges.

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AI for Good Global Summit 2026 concludes with a focus on implementation

The AI for Good Global Summit concluded after four days of discussions highlighting the practical deployment of AI across healthcare, agriculture, mobility, education, creative industries and public policy.

The programme also explored the technologies and infrastructure supporting AI deployment, including quantum technologies, robotics, international standards and digital infrastructure.

The closing programme featured the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Grand Finale 2026, an ITU-led UN robotics competition for young people aged 10 to 18. Teams from more than 50 countries competed over four days to develop robotic solutions addressing this year’s theme of food security.

Venezuela won both competition categories, with participants using open-source software and hardware to design, build and programme robots focused on food security.

The final day also featured discussions on AI governance, standards and inclusion. A morning panel examined the underrepresentation of women in AI development and decision-making, bringing together representatives from standards bodies, industry, civil society, telecommunications and ITU networks.

Speakers argued that gender equity should be treated as a core element of AI standardisation rather than a secondary consideration, linking women’s leadership to education, research, technical standards and institutional decision-making.

Youth engagement remained another key theme. In the Youth Zone, participants took part in an AI safety challenge in which they role-played as developers designing safeguards for new AI applications, exploring security principles, ethical risks and responsible AI governance.

The AI for Good Global Summit also explored longer-term questions about AI, culture and education. Futurist Ray Kurzweil discussed the future trajectory of AI, while Arizona State University President Michael Crow and musician will.i.am, ITU Goodwill Ambassador for the AI Skills Coalition, examined AI’s growing role in education and future workforce skills.

The Centre Stage programme concluded with a presentation by Galaxy Corporation CEO Yong-ho Choi on the convergence of AI, robotics and entertainment, including a performance featuring both humans and robots.

The 2026 AI for Good Global Summit concluded with a clear message that the future of AI depends not only on technological progress but also on standards, skills, inclusion and international cooperation to support responsible deployment.

Why does it matter?

The 2026 AI for Good Global Summit reflected a broader shift in AI governance from discussing high-level principles to addressing implementation. Across healthcare, education, robotics, standards and digital infrastructure, the focus was increasingly on how AI can be deployed responsibly in practice rather than whether it should be adopted.

The summit also highlighted the growing importance of international standards, youth engagement and inclusive participation in shaping AI’s future. By bringing together governments, industry, researchers and civil society, the event reinforced the view that responsible AI will depend as much on cooperation and capacity-building as on technological innovation.

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UNESCO study highlights AI gender gap in South Asia

UNESCO has published the Outlook Study on Artificial Intelligence and Gender in South Asia, the first regional assessment of women’s participation in AI across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Developed by the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI (W4EAI) South Asia Chapter, the report examines women’s representation across the AI ecosystem, from education and research to employment and entrepreneurship, highlighting the structural barriers that limit leadership opportunities.

The study finds that greater access to higher education has not translated into equal participation in AI-related fields. Women account for only around one-third of STEM students across the region and remain significantly underrepresented in computing, engineering and AI disciplines.

Although women contribute to AI research, they hold only 26% of corresponding or lead authorship positions, reflecting limited representation in research leadership. In the labour market, women remain concentrated in lower-value AI roles, while technical positions involving AI model development continue to be dominated by men.

Female entrepreneurs also face persistent barriers, including limited access to investment, technical expertise and institutional support.

Drawing on education and labour statistics, bibliometric analysis, LinkedIn Economic Graph data and interviews with women working in AI, UNESCO concludes that AI could either reinforce existing inequalities or become a catalyst for greater gender equality, depending on policy choices.

The report calls for greater investment in inclusive AI education, skills development, leadership opportunities and ethical AI governance to ensure women can participate fully in shaping the region’s AI future.

Why does it matter?

The report shows that gender inequality in AI extends well beyond education, affecting research leadership, employment, entrepreneurship and access to decision-making roles across South Asia. As countries invest in AI-driven economic growth, broader participation will be important not only for fairness but also for innovation and the development of AI systems that reflect diverse perspectives.

The findings also reinforce the growing link between AI governance and inclusion. Building ethical and trustworthy AI depends not only on technical safeguards but also on ensuring that women have equal opportunities to shape how AI technologies are designed, developed and deployed.

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Swiss Army moves from Microsoft 365 to OpenDesk

The Swiss Armed Forces’ Cyber Command is replacing Microsoft 365 with OpenDesk, an open-source office and collaboration suite developed by Germany’s Centre for Digital Sovereignty in Public Administration (ZenDiS).

According to the Swiss magazine Republik, all employees of the Cyber Command and its Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities unit are expected to migrate to OpenDesk by October 2026.

The move reflects concerns that Microsoft’s increasing reliance on cloud-based services no longer meets the military’s operational requirements. Cyber Command chief Simon Müller said products subject to legislation such as the US CLOUD Act are unsuitable for certain military contexts, while the migration is intended to give the Swiss military greater control over its data and software environment.

The transition also aligns with Switzerland’s broader efforts to strengthen digital sovereignty by increasing the use of open-source software. OpenDesk is being developed by ZenDiS to provide public administrations with an alternative to proprietary office and collaboration platforms while reducing dependence on individual technology providers.

Why does it matter?

The migration highlights how digital sovereignty is increasingly influencing public-sector technology choices, particularly in defence and cybersecurity. By reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers and adopting open-source alternatives, governments seek greater control over sensitive data, software infrastructure and procurement. Switzerland’s move also reflects a broader European trend towards diversifying digital infrastructure and reducing strategic dependence on major US technology companies.

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European Commission preliminarily finds Meta’s addictive platform design breaches the DSA

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that Meta’s design of Instagram and Facebook breaches the Digital Services Act (DSA), arguing that features designed to maximise engagement may encourage compulsive use and fail to adequately protect children and other vulnerable users.

The investigation focuses on platform features including infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and highly personalised recommender systems.

According to the Commission’s preliminary assessment, Meta failed to properly evaluate the risks these features pose to users’ physical and mental well-being. Investigators found that personalised recommendations, continuous content feeds and engagement-driven formats such as Reels and Stories can encourage excessive use, particularly among younger users.

The Commission also said Meta failed to adequately consider evidence showing that children spend significant time on Instagram and Facebook during nighttime hours.

The Commission also concluded that Meta’s existing mitigation measures are insufficient. Screen time tools, including those enabled by default for teenagers, can easily be dismissed and do not meaningfully reduce usage.

Parental controls were also found to require considerable technical knowledge and active supervision, while educational resources available through Meta’s Safety Centre were considered inadequate to mitigate the risks associated with addictive platform design.

According to the Commission, Meta should redesign several core platform features, including disabling autoplay and infinite scroll by default, introducing more effective screen-time reminders and reducing the engagement-driven nature of its recommender systems.

The findings are preliminary, and Meta now has the opportunity to examine the Commission’s evidence and submit a formal response before a final decision is adopted. If the infringement is ultimately confirmed, the company could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual turnover under the Digital Services Act.

Why does it matter?

The case represents one of the EU’s most significant attempts to regulate platform design rather than online content. If confirmed, it would establish an important precedent for how very large online platforms design recommender systems, engagement mechanisms and user interfaces under the Digital Services Act, particularly where children and vulnerable users are concerned.

More broadly, the case signals that European regulators are increasingly willing to scrutinise the business models underpinning social media platforms, not just the content they host. That could influence how digital platforms design engagement features well beyond the EU.

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Greece launches €10 million call to accelerate municipal digital transformation

The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence has launched a €10 million funding programme to accelerate digital transformation across 35 municipalities, supporting the modernisation of local public services and digital infrastructure.

Municipalities in Greece will be able to develop and upgrade digital public services, citizen request management platforms and mobile applications. The programme also supports projects in civil protection, crisis management, telemedicine, remote care for vulnerable groups and digital tourism, including interactive maps, virtual and augmented reality applications, and the digitisation of historical and cultural archives.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, the long-term sustainability of digital services and the resilience of municipal information systems.

According to the ministry, the initiative forms part of Greece’s broader strategy to build more resilient, modern and citizen-centred municipalities by investing in digital infrastructure tailored to local needs.

Why does it matter?

The programme reflects Greece’s continued effort to extend digital transformation beyond central government and strengthen the digital capabilities of local authorities. By investing in public services, cybersecurity, telemedicine and smart city applications, the initiative aims to improve service delivery while supporting more resilient and connected communities.

It also highlights the growing role of municipalities in national digital strategies. As local governments increasingly deliver services through digital platforms, investment in secure infrastructure and modern public administration is becoming an important part of broader digital transformation efforts across Europe.

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WSIS Forum 2026 closes with call to turn digital commitments into action

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 concluded with a strong call for the next decade to focus on implementation, as leaders from governments, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society stressed that digital transformation must be measured by its impact on people’s lives rather than by technological progress alone.

Closing the week-long forum in Geneva, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin described the gathering as a historic milestone for the global digital community, while Forum Chair Raafat Hendy of Egypt urged stakeholders to ensure that commitments made under the renewed WSIS mandate translate into tangible outcomes by 2035.

Honouring the past while looking ahead

Before reviewing the forum’s achievements, Bogdan-Martin paid tribute to three long-time contributors to the WSIS process who had recently passed away, Rita Goulous of Tunisia, Yuri Grin of the Russian Federation, and Gary Fowley of Canada. She recognised their lasting contributions to building the multistakeholder framework that has guided WSIS for more than two decades.

Turning to the forum itself, Bogdan-Martin highlighted its unprecedented scale, with more than 12,000 participants from over 170 countries attending Geneva Digital Week, including the AI for Good Global Summit, the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, and the WSIS Forum.

She also celebrated major milestones achieved during the week, including the Partner2Connect initiative surpassing its original target by securing more than USD 120 billion in connectivity commitments worldwide. Another key outcome was the publication of the final report of the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience after two years of global collaboration.

Looking ahead, Bogdan-Martin outlined the next phase of the WSIS process, noting that Action Line facilitators will submit implementation roadmaps to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) in 2027, directly linking WSIS commitments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Digital Compact.

A decade of implementation

Forum Chair Raafat Hendy reflected on the week’s discussions, identifying digital inclusion, AI for development, digital finance, youth participation, and closing the gender digital divide as the central priorities that emerged throughout the forum.

He argued that connectivity alone is no longer sufficient, stressing that people also need affordable access, digital skills, relevant content, trusted services, and meaningful opportunities to participate in the digital economy.

‘Success should be measured not by technology deployed, but by lives improved,’ Hendy said, urging governments and stakeholders to focus on practical outcomes rather than technological achievements.

The WSIS Prizes were highlighted as examples of that approach, with 18 winners and 72 champions selected from 1,595 submissions representing 122 countries. According to Hendy, the projects demonstrated that digital technologies are already improving education, healthcare, inclusion, and community development worldwide.

Global cooperation remains essential

Representatives from Malaysia, South Africa, and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to the WSIS vision of a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society.

Malaysia pledged continued cooperation to advance universal connectivity, trusted digital governance, and resilient digital infrastructure, while South Africa emphasised the importance of maintaining Africa’s active role in shaping the global digital agenda. The Republic of Korea highlighted the need to move beyond basic connectivity towards meaningful digital use supported by affordability, digital skills, accessibility, and trust.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers consistently stressed that digital transformation cannot be achieved by governments alone. Instead, they pointed to the multistakeholder model that has defined WSIS since its inception, bringing together governments, UN agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community.

Closing the forum, Bogdan-Martin described the renewed WSIS mandate as an opportunity to move from discussion to delivery. With implementation roadmaps due in 2027 and the mandate extended to 2035, she said the coming years should focus on translating political commitments into measurable improvements for people everywhere.

‘The countdown starts now,’ she concluded.

Track all key moments from the WSIS Forum 2026 on our dedicated WSIS page.

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