Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul are urging President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to sell the app’s US assets or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on January 10 regarding ByteDance’s legal challenge, which claims the law mandating the sale violates First Amendment free speech rights. In their letter to Biden, the senators highlighted the potential consequences for free expression and the uncertain future of the law.
The controversial legislation, signed by Biden in April, was passed due to national security concerns. The Justice Department asserts that TikTok’s vast data on 170 million American users poses significant risks, including potential manipulation of content. TikTok, however, denies posing any threat to US security.
The debate has split lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supports enforcing the deadline, while President-elect Donald Trump has softened his stance, expressing support for TikTok and suggesting he would review the situation. The deadline falls just a day before Trump is set to take office on January 20, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate.
During a freelancer meetup at Café Oz in Paris on 3 December, Scott Horlacher, a software engineer, found himself caught in a crypto scam. While discussing with two individuals who claimed to represent a new crypto exchange called Lainchain, Horlacher grew suspicious. The platform’s design and its request for users to input wallet seed phrases instead of standard security measures made Horlacher realise he was dealing with a scam.
After confronting the duo, they swiftly left the event. Horlacher, along with others, began to warn fellow attendees. A subsequent investigation by AMLBot, a blockchain forensics firm, revealed that Lainchain was a sophisticated phishing scam designed to steal personal and wallet information from users. The scam relied on fake identities and social engineering tactics to deceive victims.
Lainchain’s website appeared professional but was full of red flags, including the manipulation of wallet access and demands for seed phrases. The platform’s hosts were found to be connected to other fraudulent websites, and investigations showed their use of stolen identities to create false legitimacy. The scammers also exploited Telegram and other social media platforms to lure victims.
This case serves as a reminder of the growing threat of phishing scams in the crypto space. Users are urged to be cautious of any platform requesting private keys or seed phrases and to verify the legitimacy of any crypto-related website or service before engaging with it.
AI poses both opportunities and risks for businesses, creating a demand for specialised AI security solutions. Mindgard, a British university spinoff, is addressing these challenges with innovative approaches to safeguard companies against vulnerabilities like prompt injection and adversarial attacks.
Founded by Professor Peter Garraghan, Mindgard employs Dynamic Application Security Testing for AI (DAST-AI), a system designed to detect vulnerabilities during runtime. Its automated red-teaming simulations leverage an extensive threat library to test the resilience of AI systems, including image classifiers. However, this cutting-edge technology stems from Garraghan’s academic expertise in AI security, reinforced by ongoing collaborations with Lancaster University.
Recent developments have bolstered Mindgard’s growth. A new $8 million funding round, led by Boston-based .406 Ventures, will support team expansion, product development, and entry into the US market. Despite its global aspirations, the company plans to retain its R&D and engineering operations in London.
With a lean team of 15 aiming to grow modestly, Mindgard’s focus remains on creating a safer AI landscape. The platform serves a diverse clientele, from enterprises and penetration testers to AI startups keen on showcasing their risk prevention capabilities. Garraghan envisions a future where AI adoption is both secure and trusted.
Ukraine‘s Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna announced that Russia launched a large-scale cyberattack on Thursday, temporarily crippling the country’s state registries. These registries contain essential citizen data, including information on births, deaths, marriages, and property ownership. The attack forced a suspension of services managed by the Ministry of Justice.
Stefanishyna described the incident as a deliberate attempt by Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. While restoration efforts are expected to take about two weeks, some services will resume on Friday. Other state functions appear to be unaffected.
This is the latest in a series of cyberattacks during the ongoing war, including a December 2023 assault on Ukrainian telecom provider Kyivstar and previous attacks on Russian ministries. Ukrainian authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation to bolster defences against future cyber threats.
A former vice president of finance at Delphi Digital has been sentenced to four years in jail after admitting to embezzling nearly $4.5 million from the cryptocurrency research company. Dylan Meissner will also serve two years of supervised release and must repay more than $4.6 million, including funds he stole and an unpaid loan.
The Connecticut District Court found that Meissner, who managed Delphi’s finances between October 2021 and November 2022, accessed the company’s crypto wallets and bank accounts to steal millions. He also fabricated financial records to cover up the theft. In one instance, he took a 50 Ether loan worth $170,000 but failed to repay it, marking the start of his fraudulent activities.
Prosecutors argued that Meissner’s actions were part of a calculated scheme, not a reckless act of desperation. Though his defence cited substance abuse and efforts to atone for his actions, the court noted the sustained nature of his crimes. Meissner pleaded guilty to wire fraud as part of a deal and will report to jail in February 2025.
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.
