The Dutch government announced plans to expand its investment screening law to include emerging technologies like biotech, AI, and nanotechnology. The move aims to protect national security amid growing global tensions, with threats such as cyberattacks and espionage becoming more prevalent. Economy Minister Dirk Beljaarts emphasised the importance of safeguarding Dutch businesses, innovations, and the economy.
In addition to biotech and AI, the updated law will cover sensor and navigation technology, advanced materials, and nuclear technologies used in medicine. The government expects these changes to take effect by the second half of 2025.
Introduced in 2023, the investment screening law allows the Dutch government to block foreign takeovers of critical infrastructure or technology that could threaten national security. This comes after the Netherlands imposed restrictions on semiconductor exports to China under US pressure.
On 21 January from 16:00 to 18:00 pm CET the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace will host the session at the Geneva Day at the House of Switzerland in Davos. The session will be organised in an interactive format, including a scenario-based discussion, and will explore the roles and responsibilities of non-state actors, such as the private sector, technical community, and civil society in implementing agreed cyber norms related to critical infrastructure protection.
The Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace is an international process initiated by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and implemented by DiploFoundation with support of the Republic and State of Geneva, Center for Digital Trust (C4DT) – EPFL, Swisscom and UBS. The initiative maps roles and responsibilities of relevant actors for implementing the agreed cyber norms, contributing to cyber-stability and security. The outcomes of the Geneva Dialogue are published in the Geneva Manual – a comprehensive guidance on non-state actors’ implementation of existing norms. The first chapter, announced in 2023, focuses on the implementation of the norms related to supply chain security and responsible reporting of ICT vulnerabilities. The session will contribute to finalisation of the next chapter of the Manual with the focus on critical infrastructure protection related norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs).
Speakers at IGF 2024 highlighted digital innovation within the United Nations system, demonstrating how emerging technologies are enhancing services and operational efficiency. Representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, the UN Pension Fund, and UNICC shared their organisations’ progress and collaborative efforts.
Michael Walton, Head of Digital Services at UNHCR, detailed initiatives supporting refugees through digital tools. These include mobile apps for services and efforts to counter misinformation. Walton stressed the importance of digital inclusion and innovation to bridge gaps in education and access for vulnerable groups.
Fui Meng Liew, Chief of Digital Center of Excellence at UNICEF, emphasised safeguarding children’s data rights through a comprehensive digital resilience framework. UNICEF’s work also involves developing digital public goods, with a focus on accessibility for children with disabilities and securing data privacy.
Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio from the UN Pension Fund presented a blockchain-powered proof-of-life system that uses biometrics and AI in support of e-Government for the aging population. This system ensures beneficiaries’ security and privacy while streamlining verification processes. Similarly, Sameer Chauhan of UNICC showcased digital solutions like AI chatbots and cybersecurity initiatives supporting UN agencies.
The session’s collaborative tone extended into discussions of the UN Digital ID project, which links multiple UN agencies. Audience members raised questions on accessibility, with Nancy Marango and Sary Qasim suggesting broader use of these solutions to support underrepresented communities globally.
Efforts across UN organisations reflect a shared commitment to ethical technology use and digital inclusion. The panellists urged collaboration and transparency as key to addressing challenges such as data protection and equitable access while maintaining focus on innovation.
A panel discussion at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) raised serious concerns over the UN Cybercrime Treaty and its potential to undermine human rights. Experts from organisations such as Human Rights Watch and the Electronic Frontier Foundation criticised the treaty’s broad scope and lack of clear safeguards for individual freedoms. They warned that the treaty’s vague language, particularly around what constitutes a ‘serious crime,’ could empower authoritarian regimes to exploit its provisions for surveillance and repress dissent.
Speakers such as Joey Shea from Human Rights Watch and Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi human rights defender, pointed out the risks posed by the treaty’s expansive investigative powers, which extend beyond cybercrimes to any crimes defined by domestic law. Flexibility like this one could force countries to assist in prosecuting acts that are not crimes within their own borders. They also highlighted the treaty’s weak privacy protections, which could jeopardise encryption standards and further harm cybersecurity researchers.
Deborah Brown from Human Rights Watch and Veridiana Alimonti of the Electronic Frontier Foundation shared examples from Saudi Arabia and Latin America, where existing cybercrime and anti-terrorism laws have already been used to target journalists and activists. The panelists expressed concern that the treaty could exacerbate these abuses globally, especially for cybersecurity professionals and civil society.
Fionnuala Ni Aolain, a former UN Special Rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, emphasised that the treaty’s provisions could lead to criminalising the vital work of cybersecurity researchers. She joined other experts in urging policymakers and industry leaders to resist ratification in its current form. They called for upcoming protocol negotiations to address these human rights gaps and for greater involvement of civil society voices to prevent the treaty from becoming a tool for transnational repression.
Discussions at the IGF 2024 in Riyadh shed light on growing challenges to freedom of expression in Africa and the Middle East. Experts from diverse organisations highlighted how restrictive cybercrime legislation and content regulation have been used to silence dissent, marginalise communities, and undermine democracy. Examples from Tunisia and Nigeria revealed how critics and activists often face criminalisation under these laws, fostering fear and self-censorship.
Panellists included Annelies Riezebos from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jacqueline Rowe of the University of Edinburgh, Adeboye Adegoke from Paradigm Initiative, and Aymen Zaghdoudi of AccessNow. They discussed the negative effects of vague cybercrime regulations and overly broad restrictions on online speech, which frequently suppress political discourse. Maria Paz Canales from Global Partners Digital added that content governance frameworks need urgent reform to balance addressing online harms with protecting fundamental rights.
The speakers emphasised that authoritarian values are being enforced through legislation that criminalises disinformation and imposes ambiguous rules on online platforms. These measures, they argued, contribute to a deteriorating climate for free expression across the region. They also pointed out the need for online platforms to adopt responsible content moderation practices while resisting pressures to conform to repressive local laws.
Panellists proposed several strategies to counter these trends, including engaging with parliamentarians, building capacity among legal professionals, and ensuring civil society’s involvement during the early stages of policy development. The importance of international collaboration was underlined, with the UN Cybercrime Treaty cited as a key opportunity for collective advocacy against repressive measures.
Participants also stressed the urgency of increased representation of Global South organisations in global policy discussions. Flexible funding for civil society initiatives was described as essential for supporting grassroots efforts to defend digital rights. Such funding would enable local groups to challenge restrictive laws effectively and amplify their voices in international debates.
The event concluded with a call for multi-stakeholder approaches to internet governance. Collaborative efforts involving governments, civil society, and online platforms were deemed critical to safeguarding freedom of expression. The discussions underscored the pressing need to balance addressing legitimate online harms with protecting democratic values and the voices of vulnerable communities.
Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink satellite internet is inactive in India, following recent seizures of Starlink devices by Indian authorities. Musk stated on X that Starlink beams were “never on” in the country, addressing concerns raised after a device was confiscated during an armed conflict operation in Manipur and another during a major drug bust at sea.
In Manipur, where ethnic conflict has continued since last year, the Indian Army seized a Starlink dish believed to be used by militants. Officials suspect it was smuggled from Myanmar, where rebel groups reportedly use Starlink despite the company’s lack of operations there.
Earlier this month, Indian police intercepted a Starlink device linked to smugglers transporting $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine. Authorities believe the internet device was used for navigation, prompting a legal request to Starlink for purchase details.
Starlink is currently seeking approval to operate in India and is working to resolve security concerns as part of the licensing process.
US authorities are weighing a potential ban on TP-Link Technology Co., a Chinese router manufacturer, over national security concerns, following reports linking its home internet routers to cyberattacks. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US government is investigating whether TP-Link routers could be used in cyber operations targeting the US, citing concerns raised by lawmakers and intelligence agencies.
In August, two US lawmakers urged the Biden administration to examine TP-Link and its affiliates for possible links to cyberattacks, highlighting fears that the company’s routers could be exploited in future cyber operations. The Commerce, Defence, and Justice departments have launched separate investigations into the company, with reports indicating that a ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the US could come as early as next year. As part of the investigations, the Commerce Department has reportedly subpoenaed the company.
TP-Link has been under scrutiny since the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) flagged vulnerabilities in the company’s routers, that could potentially allow remote code execution. This comes amid heightened concerns that Chinese-made routers could be used by Beijing to infiltrate and spy on American networks. The US government, along with its allies and Microsoft, has also uncovered a Chinese government-linked hacking campaign, Volt Typhoon, which targeted critical US infrastructure by taking control of private routers.
The Commerce, Defence, and Justice departments, as well as TP-Link, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two individuals and a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly aiding North Korea’s use of digital assets in illegal activities.
The sanctions target Lu Huaying and Zhang Jian, along with Green Alpine Trading, LLC, a front company linked to a broader scheme of money laundering. These actions aim to disrupt a network that, according to US authorities, funnels millions of dollars to North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.
North Korea has a history of using digital assets and cybercrimes to fund its military efforts, employing IT workers and hackers to generate funds that are often obscured through complex laundering operations. The sanctions focus on Sim Hyon Sop, a representative of North Korea’s state-run Korea Kwangson Banking Corporation, who has been previously sanctioned. Sim is accused of using a mix of cryptocurrency cash-outs and money mules to move funds back to the regime for its military projects.
Under the new sanctions, any property owned by the designated individuals or entities in the US is blocked, and US citizens and companies are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Non-compliance could lead to further enforcement actions, even against those outside the US. The move reflects a coordinated effort with the UAE to combat North Korea’s destabilizing activities. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling illicit financial networks that exploit new technologies, including cryptocurrencies.
Meta has been fined €251 million by the European Union’s privacy regulator over a 2018 security breach that affected 29 million users worldwide. The breach involved the ‘View As’ feature, which cyber attackers exploited to access sensitive personal data such as names, contact details, and even information about users’ children.
The Irish Data Protection Commission, Meta’s lead EU regulator, highlighted the severity of the violation, which exposed users to potential misuse of their private information. Meta resolved the issue shortly after its discovery and notified affected users and authorities. Of the 29 million accounts compromised, approximately 3 million belonged to users in the EU and European Economic Area.
This latest fine brings Meta’s total penalties under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation to nearly €3 billion. A Meta spokesperson stated that the company plans to appeal the decision and emphasised the measures it has implemented to strengthen user data protection. This case underscores the ongoing regulatory scrutiny faced by major technology firms in Europe.
Elon Musk and his company SpaceX are facing multiple federal investigations into their compliance with security protocols designed to protect national secrets. According to reports, the reviews were initiated by the US Air Force, the Department of Defense Inspector General, and the undersecretary for intelligence and security. Concerns include Musk’s alleged failure to disclose meetings with foreign leaders and his reported contacts with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.
The investigations follow longstanding concerns about Musk’s security practices. A previous review by the Pentagon was prompted in 2018 when Musk appeared on a live podcast and smoked marijuana, raising questions about his security clearance. Recently, the Air Force denied Musk high-level security access, citing potential risks.
SpaceX and Musk have declined to comment on the investigations. However, Pentagon officials emphasised the confidentiality of such probes, stating that the inquiries aim to protect the integrity of the process and those involved. National security concerns surrounding Musk have also been echoed by US allies and lawmakers.
