Development

Meta enhances Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI video and translation

Meta Platforms has introduced significant upgrades to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, adding AI video capabilities and real-time language translation. The updates, announced during Meta’s Connect conference in September, are now available through the v11 software rollout for Early Access Program members.

The new AI video feature lets the smart glasses process visuals and answer user queries in real-time. Additionally, the glasses can now translate speech between English and Spanish, French, or Italian, providing translations via open-ear speakers or as text on a connected phone.

Meta also integrated the Shazam music identification app into the glasses, enhancing their functionality for users in the US and Canada. Earlier AI upgrades, such as setting reminders and scanning QR codes via voice commands, continue to expand the glasses’ utility.

Amazon’s Kuiper may help Taiwan strengthen internet resilience

Taiwan is in discussions with Amazon to potentially collaborate on the company’s Kuiper satellite broadband system, according to Technology Minister Wu Cheng-wen. The Kuiper project, designed to deploy a constellation of over 3,000 satellites, is seen as a crucial step for Taiwan to ensure robust communication infrastructure amid escalating tensions with China. The island has been exploring satellite internet solutions to maintain connectivity in the event of a conflict, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s use of Starlink during wartime.

Minister Wu noted that Taiwan’s existing satellite bandwidth is limited and described Amazon’s Kuiper as the most advanced option currently under development. While Taiwan is considering partnerships with other Western providers, Amazon’s readiness makes it a leading candidate. Amazon has not yet commented on the discussions.

Taiwan has also been launching its own satellites using foreign rockets but aims to establish a domestic launch pad by 2029. A location in the southeast of the island is being evaluated, with a decision expected by March. This initiative underscores Taiwan’s commitment to building self-reliant space capabilities while safeguarding its communication networks in an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate.

Monad aims to expand the ecosystem with a new Foundation

The Monad blockchain project, compatible with Ethereum’s virtual machine, has introduced the Monad Foundation to advance the network’s growth and decentralisation. The Foundation will focus on validator-led governance, community improvement proposals, and ecosystem expansion, providing essential resources to developers while promoting adoption.

Amid speculation of a potential token launch, the Monad Foundation aims to ensure transparency in governance processes. Leadership includes Keone Hon and Eunice Giarta, alongside team members from Monad Labs, now renamed Category Labs, which will concentrate on software development and research under new CEO James Hunsaker.

This restructuring mirrors trends in blockchain projects, dividing governance and ecosystem efforts from technical development. With EVM compatibility, Monad is positioned to attract developers familiar with Ethereum tools, accelerating innovation and adoption.

EU begins work on major satellite network

The European Union has officially launched the development of its IRIS² satellite constellation, a €10.6 billion initiative designed to enhance secure governmental communications and secure Europe’s digital independence. The project, involving over 280 satellites, is set to provide encrypted services for EU governments while also supporting new commercial opportunities.

Amid rising concerns about digital sovereignty and the rapid expansion of competing networks like Elon Musk’s Starlink, IRIS² marks the EU’s third major space programme after Galileo and Copernicus. Despite initial setbacks, including disputes over costs and industrial work shares, the European Space Agency expects the first launch by mid-2029 and full deployment by the end of 2030.

The project’s development has not been without challenges. Europe’s leading satellite manufacturers, Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, withdrew from the main consortium due to financial concerns but remain involved as suppliers. IRIS² aims to position Europe as a competitive force in a market currently dominated by Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper network.

Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin debuts globally

Ripple has confirmed that its RLUSD stablecoin, backed by the US dollar, will begin trading globally on 17 December. The launch follows approval from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) on 10 December. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is 100% supported by US dollar deposits, short-term government Treasurys, and other cash equivalents. Initially, it will be available on major crypto platforms such as Uphold, MoonPay, and Archax, with plans for further listings in the coming weeks.

Ripple aims to target global adoption of RLUSD, with its partner network facilitating its use across regions including the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the UK, and the Middle East. The company plans to integrate RLUSD into its Ripple Payments protocol by early 2025 to support cross-border settlement and treasury remittance. Ripple also envisions RLUSD playing a role in decentralized finance protocols and trading tokenized real-world assets on-chain.

As part of the RLUSD launch, Ripple has appointed former banking officials, including Raghuram Rajan, former governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Kenneth Montgomery, former vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, to its advisory board. These appointments are aimed at strengthening the stablecoin’s regulatory and operational strategy. Ripple’s focus on compliance and reliability aims to position RLUSD as a leading player in the future of global payments.

Balancing digital sovereignty and growth in Africa discussed at IGF 2024

At the IGF 2024 preparatory session, stakeholders discussed the critical challenges surrounding digital sovereignty in developing countries, particularly in Africa. The dialogue, led by AFICTA and global experts, explored balancing data localisation with economic growth, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory policies.

Jimson Olufuye and Ulandi Exner highlighted the financial and technical hurdles of establishing local data centres, including unreliable electricity supplies and limited expertise. Nigeria‘s Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stressed the importance of data classification, advocating for clear regulations that differentiate sensitive government data from less critical commercial information.

The conversation extended to renewable energy’s role in powering local infrastructure. Jimson Olufuye pointed to successful solar-powered centres in Nigeria, while Kossi Amessinou noted the need for governments to utilise data effectively for economic development. Participants, including Martin Koyabe and Mary Uduma, underscored the importance of harmonised regional policies to streamline cross-border data flows without compromising security.

Speakers like Melissa Sassi and Dr Toshikazu Sakano argued for public-private partnerships to foster skills development and job creation. The call for capacity building remained a recurring theme, with Rachael Shitanda and Melissa Sassi urging governments to prioritise technical training while retaining talent in their countries.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, acknowledging that solutions, such as renewable energy integration and smart regulations, can help achieve digital sovereignty. Speakers emphasised the need for continued collaboration to overcome economic, technical, and policy challenges while fostering innovation and growth.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Experts discuss internet growth and the multistakeholder model at the IGF in Riyadh

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh, experts convened to assess two decades of internet governance since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Discussions focused on key achievements, persistent challenges, and principles shaping the future digital landscape. The success of the multistakeholder model, credited with increasing global internet usage from 16% to 67% since WSIS, was a central theme.

Milestones such as the introduction of internationalised domain names, the expansion of internet exchange points, and the IANA stewardship transition were highlighted. Challenges including cybersecurity threats, misinformation, internet fragmentation, and the digital divide were also discussed. Experts agreed on the need for collaborative approaches to maintain a unified, resilient internet.

Speakers included Brendan Dowling, Australia’s ambassador, Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO, and Raquel Gatto, VP of ISOC Brazil and Head of Legal at NIC.br. Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board, called for strengthened collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector. Ian Sheldon, Vice Chair of ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee, also shared insights, emphasising the importance of engaging smaller countries in governance discussions.

The technical community’s contributions were recognised as vital to mitigating risks and building trust. Innovations like DNSSEC and RPKI were highlighted as frameworks for enhancing security and ensuring stability. Discussions explored the potential of technical solutions to address future challenges, such as artificial intelligence governance.

Riyadh’s role as host of IGF 2024 provided an opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for WSIS+20. Experts stressed that preserving the multi-stakeholder model is crucial for maintaining trust and fostering innovation in the digital age. Continued collaboration among all stakeholders will be essential to creating a secure, inclusive, and open internet for future generations.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Revitalising trust with AI: Boosting governance and public services

AI is reshaping public governance, offering innovative ways to enhance services and restore trust in institutions. The discussion at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, moderated by Brandon Soloski of Meridian International, focused on using AI to streamline services like passport processing and tax systems, while also addressing privacy and data sovereignty concerns. Open-source AI was highlighted as a critical tool for democratising access and fostering innovation, particularly in developing nations.

Global regulatory frameworks were a central theme, with panellists underscoring the need for harmonisation to avoid fragmentation and ensure seamless interoperability across borders. Economist and policy analyst at the OECD, Lucia Russo, discussed regulatory approaches such as the EU AI Act, which aims to create a comprehensive legal framework. Brandon Soloski and Sarim Aziz from Meta pointed to the benefits of principle-based frameworks in other regions, which provide flexibility while maintaining oversight. Pellerin Matis, Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Oracle, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, which allow governments to leverage private sector expertise and startup innovation for effective AI implementation.

The panellists explored how AI can enhance public services, highlighting its role in healthcare, agriculture, and public safety. Examples included AI-driven tools that improve patient care and streamline food production. However, challenges like data protection, trust in AI systems, and the balance between innovation and regulation were also discussed. Anil Pura, an audience member from Nepal, contributed valuable perspectives on the need for education and transparency to foster public trust.

Transparency and education were recognised as fundamental for building trust in AI adoption. Panellists agreed that ensuring citizens understand how AI technologies work and how their data is protected is essential for encouraging adoption. They called for governments to work closely with civil society and academia to create awareness and promote responsible AI use.

The discussion concluded with a call to strengthen collaborations between governments, private companies, and startups. Brandon Soloski highlighted how partnerships could drive responsible AI innovation, while Pellerin Matis stressed the importance of ethical and regulatory considerations to guide development. The session ended on an optimistic note, with panellists agreeing on AI’s immense potential to improve government efficiency and enhance public trust.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Dynamic Coalitions: Bridging digital divides and shaping equitable online governance

The session ‘Dynamic Coalitions and the Global Digital Compact’ at IGF 2024 in Riyadh highlighted the significant role of Dynamic Coalitions (DCs) in advancing the Global Digital Compact’s (GDC) objectives. Moderated by Jutta Croll, the discussion served as a platform to illustrate the alignment of DC efforts with the GDC’s goals, emphasising the need for broader collaboration and inclusion.

One of the pressing topics addressed was bridging digital divides, as emphasised by June Paris, an experienced nurse engaged in research on nutrition in pregnant women and a business development expert. She underscored the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting their increased vulnerability to digital marginalisation. Paris called on DCs to prioritise policies that combat polarisation and promote equitable internet access for underrepresented regions.

The conversation also delved into expanding the benefits of the digital economy. Muhammad Shabbir, a member of the Internet Society’s Accessibility Special Interest Group, a member of the Pakistan ISOC chapter, and a member of the Digital Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), detailed the contributions of coalitions like the DC on Financial Inclusion, which advocates for accessible financial services, and the DC on Open Education, which focuses on enhancing learning opportunities. Shabbir also highlighted the DC on Accessibility’s work towards digital inclusivity for persons with disabilities and the DC on Environment’s initiatives to address the environmental impacts of digitalisation.

Founder and investor of the WAF lifestyle app and chair of Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values, Olivier Crepin-Leblond, provided insights on fostering safe and inclusive digital spaces, stressing the pivotal work of DCs like the DC on Internet Rights and Principles, which champions human rights online, and the DC on Child Online Safety, which ensures the protection of children in the digital realm. He highlighted the significant proportion of under-18 internet users, linking their rights to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Data governance and AI regulation also featured prominently. Tatevik Grigoryan, co-chair of Dynamic Coalition on Interoperability, Equitable and Interoperable Data Governance and Internet Universality Indicators, discussed frameworks for responsible data management. At the same time, Yao Amevi Amnessinou Sossou, a research fellow for innovation and entrepreneurship, spotlighted AI-related initiatives. These included tackling gender biases through the DC on Gender and Internet Governance and exploring AI’s potential in healthcare and connected devices through other coalitions. Their contributions underscored the need for ethical and inclusive governance of emerging technologies.

The session’s open dialogue further enriched its value. The lead of three dynamic coalitions – Digital Economy, Digital Health and Environment, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, highlighted the urgency of job creation and digital inclusion, while audience members raised critical points on data integrity and the transformative potential of gamification. Mark Carvell’s (co-moderator of the session) mention of the WSIS+20 Review added a forward-looking perspective, inviting DCs to contribute their expertise to this landmark evaluation.

By showcasing the diverse initiatives of Dynamic Coalitions, the session reinforced their essential role in shaping global internet governance. The call for greater inclusion, tangible outcomes, and multistakeholder collaboration resonated throughout, marking a clear path forward for advancing the GDC’s objectives.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

IGF 2024 panellists highlight infrastructure, literacy, and fair digital access

The Internet Governance Forum 2024 (IGF) brought together global stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), aiming to address digital inequalities and foster cross-sector partnerships. The session spotlighted key challenges such as funding gaps, cultural adaptation of digital initiatives, and sustainability concerns in infrastructure development.

Isabel De Sola from the Office of the Tech Envoy emphasised stakeholder collaboration and revealed plans for an upcoming GDC implementation roadmap. Roy Eriksson, Finland‘s Ambassador for Global Gateway, shared successes from AI strategy projects in African nations, illustrating how capacity-building partnerships can close technology gaps. Kevin Hernandez of the Universal Postal Union presented the Connect.Post programme, which aims to connect global post offices to digital networks by 2030.

Discussions also underscored energy efficiency and sustainability in digital infrastructure. Nandipha Ntshalbu highlighted the need to balance technological growth with environmental considerations. Data governance and cybersecurity frameworks were identified as critical, with Shamsher Mavin Chowdhury stressing the importance of inclusive frameworks to protect the interests of developing countries.

Innovative projects demonstrated local impact, such as Damilare Oydele’s Library Tracker for African libraries and Patricia Ainembabazi’s efforts promoting regional knowledge-sharing platforms. However, Alisa Heaver of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs raised concerns about aligning GDC objectives with existing frameworks to avoid redundancy.

The IGF session concluded with a unified call for continued collaboration. Despite challenges, there was optimism that effective partnerships and targeted initiatives can ensure secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital progress worldwide.