Sustainable development

Netflix fined for failing to inform customers about data usage

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has imposed a €4.75 million ($4.98 million) fine on Netflix for not adequately informing its customers about how their personal data was being used between 2018 and 2020. The fine follows a detailed investigation that began in 2019, which revealed that Netflix’s privacy statement was insufficiently clear regarding the company’s data practices. Specifically, the DPA found that the streaming giant did not provide customers with enough information on how their data was being processed or used.

The investigation also uncovered that when customers sought to understand which personal data Netflix was collecting, they did not receive clear answers. This lack of transparency was deemed a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets strict requirements on companies to protect user privacy and ensure clear communication about data usage.

In response to the findings, Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved how it informs customers about its data collection practices. Despite these changes, the company has objected to the fine, though it did not provide a comment when approached by the press.

This fine highlights the increasing scrutiny on companies to comply with GDPR and underscores the importance of clear, transparent data handling practices, especially for tech giants like Netflix that handle vast amounts of personal information.

Basis lands $34 million to revolutionise accounting

Basis, an AI startup, has secured $34 million in a Series A funding round to develop its AI-powered accounting automation product. The round, led by Khosla Ventures, attracted a diverse group of investors, including NFDG (the AI-focused fund managed by former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and ex-Apple executive Daniel Gross), OpenAI board members Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo, and Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean.

The New York-based company is part of a growing group of AI startups creating autonomous agents—systems capable of performing tasks independently. Basis’ product, designed specifically for accounting firms, can handle various workflows such as entering transactions, verifying data accuracy, and integrating with popular ledger systems like QuickBooks and Xero. The product has already shown promising results, with large firms like Wiss reporting a 30% reduction in time spent on manual accounting tasks. Basis functions similarly to a junior accountant, allowing staff to focus on reviewing the AI’s work rather than completing tasks themselves.

Basis also aims to address the critical shortage of accountants in the US, exacerbated by retiring baby boomers and a decline in younger generations entering the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting sector employs over 3 million people, but the number of candidates sitting for the CPA exam has fallen by 33% between 2016 and 2021. The shortage has led many firms to outsource work to countries like India. Moreover, with AI’s potential to automate tasks traditionally performed by accountants, the sector is expected to experience significant disruption. A 2023 OpenAI paper suggested that automation powered by large language models could eventually impact all accountant and auditor roles.

New carbon removal tech targets paper mills and sewage

Major firms including Google, Stripe, and Shopify have pledged $80 million to support innovative carbon capture technologies, targeting emissions from paper mills and sewage plants in the US. This investment is part of the Frontier coalition’s strategy to develop cost-effective solutions for reducing atmospheric carbon.

Two start-ups, CO280 and CREW, will benefit from the funding. CO280 plans to deploy carbon capture technology adapted from the oil industry to trap emissions from paper mills. Meanwhile, CREW will enhance wastewater treatment processes with limestone to absorb carbon dioxide, leveraging rocks’ natural CO2-attracting properties.

The coalition’s aim is to drive down the cost of carbon removal to $100 per metric ton in the US, a significant reduction from current prices. Frontier’s head of deployment, Hannah Bebbington, highlighted the potential to integrate these technologies into older industries, paving the way for large-scale, affordable carbon removal in the near future.

Parliamentarians gather at IGF 2024 to shape a prosperous digital future

Parliamentarians from across the globe convened at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh to explore their pivotal role in shaping inclusive and secure digital governance frameworks. The ‘Parliamentary Track Roundtable: A Powerful Collective Force for Change’ session underscored the necessity of international collaboration and the harmonisation of digital legislation to address shared challenges and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, presented his country’s ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative, aimed at fostering connectivity across regions by reopening blocked roads and railways. He highlighted Armenia’s strides in digitalisation and stressed the importance of seamless cross-border legislation to unlock the full potential of digital public services and unified governance platforms.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Sigbjørn Gjelsvik championed the principles of inclusivity and accessibility, announcing Norway’s upcoming hosting of the IGF in June 2025 and reiterating the commitment to an open internet. The digital divide, particularly in rural regions, took centre stage as Namibia’s Maria Ilago detailed her nation’s efforts to enhance digital literacy and connectivity.

She emphasised the significance of localised digital content to ensure inclusivity. Issa Al-Otaibi, a member of the Shura Council from Saudi Arabia, mirrored these sentiments, sharing Saudi Arabia’s bold investments in AI, smart cities, and capacity development for legislators to balance governance with technological innovation.

Human-centred governance and safeguarding rights in the digital sphere were key themes for Argentina’s member of parliament, Pamela Calletti. She addressed concerns over disinformation and manipulation, advocating for robust regulations to protect individuals online. Pakistani senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan underscored the role of youth in driving digital transformation, calling for regional cooperation to bolster cybersecurity and infrastructure.

Across these varied perspectives, common themes emerged: the pressing need for international collaboration, bridging digital divides, and the importance of fostering cybersecurity and data privacy. Speakers also emphasised engaging youth in policy-making and equipping legislators with technical expertise to navigate complex digital landscapes.

The roundtable illustrated the power of collective action in shaping a global digital future. As countries grapple with rapid technological advances, the insights and commitments from IGF 2024 call for parliaments worldwide to lead with vision and unity in the digital age.

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

Empowering civil society: Overcoming barriers in digital governance

In the rapidly evolving realm of digital governance, civil society organisations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in championing inclusion, accountability, and grassroots perspectives. A recent panel discussion, moderated by Kenneth Harry Msiska and featuring voices from KICTANet, DiploFoundation, and Sarvodaya Fusion, delved into the unique challenges CSOs face and explored strategies to amplify their influence in shaping digital policies.

The challenges of representation

Despite their critical contributions, CSOs often face systemic barriers in global governance forums like ICANN, IETF, and ITU. As Stephanie Borg Psaila, DiploFoundation’s Director of Digital Policy highlighted, financial constraints are a recurring theme, particularly for Global South organisations.

Stephanie at IGF 2024.

Additionally, technical jargon and language barriers alienate many CSOs, a concern underscored by Msiska. Visa challenges and structural imbalances further limit participation, with African representatives facing disproportionate hurdles, as Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu from KICTANet noted.

Moreover, power imbalances within governance bodies, such as ICANN, reveal an outsized influence of the private sector, leaving CSOs underrepresented and sidelined.

CSOs as catalysts for change

Amid these obstacles, CSOs remain indispensable to internet governance. They amplify marginalised voices, balance stakeholder interests, and infuse grassroots perspectives into global discussions.

‘CSOs bring local knowledge and community insights to the table,’ emphasised one audience member, while Koech-Kimwatu described them as innovators and keen observers, offering forward-thinking practices. Despite financial struggles, CSOs often act as pipelines for tech policy talent, underscoring their enduring value.

Empowering civil society

To strengthen their role, panellists proposed targeted strategies. As Msiska suggested, regional collaborations could enhance collective influence and voting power. Engaging in research and becoming trusted policy advisors were also highlighted as priorities.

Koech-Kimwatu championed hybrid meeting formats and digital tools to improve accessibility, noting their post-pandemic success in fostering participation. Expanding youth-focused initiatives, such as those seen in the East Africa IGF, was deemed essential for ensuring a dynamic and diverse future workforce.

Funding emerged as a central theme, with Wachako advocating unrestricted support to boost CSO capacity and effectiveness. Institutional backing, including travel and digital participation aid, was also critical for levelling the playing field.

A call for structural reforms

The panel underscored the need for governance structures to evolve. As Paolo from Malawi suggested, clearly recognising CSOs as distinct constituencies within frameworks like ICANN is a step toward equitable representation. Leveraging local knowledge and creating mechanisms to address power disparities were also stressed as essential reforms.

Looking ahead

While initiatives like the CARDI project and KICTANet’s case study on African CSO participation are promising, unresolved issues persist. Power imbalances, talent retention, and harmonising diverse CSO interests remain pressing concerns.

As Msiska concluded, empowering CSOs requires capacity-building, sustainable funding, and structural changes. By addressing these challenges, the digital governance landscape can become more inclusive, ensuring that civil society perspectives shape policies for a more equitable digital future.

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

Inclusive AI governance: Perspectives from the Global South

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, the Data and AI Governance coalition convened a panel to explore the challenges and opportunities of AI governance from the perspective of the Global South. The discussion delved into AI’s impacts on human rights, democracy, and economic development, emphasising the need for inclusive and region-specific frameworks.

Towards inclusive frameworks

Ahmad Bhinder, representing the Digital Cooperation Organization, stressed the importance of regional AI strategies. He highlighted the development of a self-assessment tool for AI readiness, designed to guide member states in governance and capacity development.

Similarly, Melody Musoni, Policy Officer at ECDPM, pointed to the African Union’s continental strategy as a promising example of unified AI governance. Elise Racine’s (Doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford) proposal for reparative algorithmic impact assessments underscored the need to address historical inequities, providing a blueprint for more equitable AI systems.

Ethics, rights, and regional challenges

The ethical dimensions of AI took centre stage, with Bianca Kremer, a member of the board of CGI.br and a professor at FGV Law School Rio, highlighting algorithmic bias in Brazil, where ‘90.5% of those arrested through facial recognition technologies are black and brown.’ This stark statistic underscored the urgent need to mitigate AI-driven discrimination.

Guangyu Qiao Franco from Radboud University emphasised the underrepresentation of Global South nations in AI arms control discussions, advocating for an inclusive approach to global AI governance.

Labour, economy, and sustainability

The panel explored AI’s economic and environmental ramifications. Avantika Tewari, PhD candidate at the Center for Comparative Politics and Political Theory at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, discussed the exploitation of digital labour in AI development, urging fair compensation for workers in the Global South.

Rachel Leach raised concerns about the environmental costs of AI technologies, including embodied carbon, and criticised the lack of sustainability measures in current AI development paradigms.

Regional and global collaboration

Speakers highlighted the necessity of cross-border cooperation. Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze and Rocco Saverino, PhD candidate at the Free University of Brussels, examined region-specific approaches in Africa and Latin America, stressing the importance of tailored frameworks.

Luca Belli’s (Professor at Vilo School, Director of the Center for Technology and Society) observations on Brazil revealed gaps between AI regulation and implementation, emphasising the need for pragmatic, context-sensitive policies.

Actionable pathways forward

The discussion concluded with several actionable recommendations: fostering inclusive AI governance frameworks, implementing reparative assessments, addressing environmental and labour impacts, and prioritising digital literacy and regional collaboration.

‘Inclusive governance is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity,’ Bhinder remarked, encapsulating the panel’s call to action. The session underscored the critical need for global cooperation to ensure AI serves humanity equitably.

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

International experts converge at IGF 2024 to promote digital solidarity in global governance

A panel of international experts at the IGF 2024 gathered to discuss the growing importance of digital solidarity in global digital governance. Jennifer Bachus of the US State Department introduced the concept as a framework for fostering international cooperation centred on human rights and multi-stakeholder engagement. Nashilongo Gervasius, a public interest technology expert from Namibia, highlighted the need to close digital divides and promote inclusivity in global digital policymaking.

The discussion focused on balancing digital sovereignty with the need for international collaboration. Jason Pielemeier, Executive Director of the Global Network Initiative, stressed the critical role of data privacy and cybersecurity in advancing global digital rights. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Development Programme, emphasised the importance of capacity building and enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in developing nations.

Key global mechanisms like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) processes featured prominently in the dialogue. Panellists, including Susan Mwape from Zambia, underscored the need to strengthen these platforms while ensuring they remain inclusive and respectful of human rights. The upcoming WSIS+20 review was recognised as an opportunity to revitalise international cooperation in the digital realm.

Challenges such as internet shutdowns, mass surveillance, and the misuse of cybercrime legislation were debated. Mwape voiced concerns about the potential for international forums to lose credibility if hosted by countries with poor human rights records. Audience member Barbara from Nepal called for greater accountability in digital governance practices, while Hala Rasheed from the Alnahda Society echoed the urgency of addressing inequalities in digital policy implementation.

Russian civil society representative Alexander Savnin brought attention to the impact of sanctions on international technical cooperation in cybersecurity. He argued for a more balanced approach that would allow global stakeholders to address shared security challenges effectively. Panellists agreed that fostering trust among diverse actors remains a critical hurdle to achieving digital solidarity.

The session concluded with a commitment to fostering continuous dialogue and collaboration. Panellists expressed hope that inclusive and rights-based approaches could transform digital solidarity into tangible solutions, helping to address the pressing challenges of the digital age.

DR Congo sues Apple subsidiaries over alleged use of conflict minerals, challenges ethical sourcing claims

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of indirectly benefiting from conflict minerals sourced from the region. The DRC, a major supplier of tin, tantalum, and tungsten — essential components in electronic devices — alleges that minerals smuggled through its conflict zones fuel violence and atrocities, including mass rapes and killings, often perpetrated by armed groups.

While Apple claims to audit suppliers and maintain a transparent supply chain, international lawyers representing the Congolese government argue the company relies on minerals pillaged from Congo. The legal filings accuse Apple of covering up war crimes, handling stolen goods, and misleading consumers about the integrity of its supply chain. The complaints also criticise the industry-funded ITSCI certification scheme, claiming it falsely legitimises minerals sourced from conflict zones.

Belgium’s historical role in the exploitation of Congo’s resources was highlighted by Congolese lawyers, who called on Belgium to support their legal efforts. Both France and Belgium are seen as jurisdictions that emphasise corporate accountability. Judicial authorities in these countries will decide whether to pursue criminal investigations against Apple and its subsidiaries.

This legal action reflects Congo’s broader struggle to end the illicit trade of its resources, which has contributed to decades of violence. Millions have died or been displaced due to conflicts linked to mineral exploitation, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement of ethical supply chain practices.

US grants $406 million to boost GlobalWafers production

The US Commerce Department has finalised $406 million in grants to Taiwan’s GlobalWafers to boost silicon wafer production in Texas and Missouri. These funds will support the first large-scale US production of 300-mm wafers, critical components in advanced semiconductors. This initiative is part of the Biden administration’s effort to strengthen the domestic supply chain for chips.

The grant will aid GlobalWafers’ nearly $4 billion investment in building new manufacturing facilities, creating 1,700 construction jobs and 880 permanent manufacturing positions. The company plans to produce wafers for cutting-edge, mature-node, and memory chips in Sherman, Texas, and wafers for defence and aerospace chips in St. Peters, Missouri.

GlobalWafers’ CEO Doris Hsu expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with US-based customers for years to come. Currently, over 80% of the global 300-mm silicon wafer market is controlled by just five companies, with most production concentrated in East Asia.

This funding is part of the $52.7 billion CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at expanding domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Recent grants include $6.165 billion for Micron Technology and significant subsidies for Intel, TSMC, and GlobalFoundries.

TikTok appeals to Supreme Court to block looming US ban

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have asked the Supreme Court to halt a US law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok by 19 January or face a nationwide ban. The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment, as it targets one of the most widely used social media platforms in the United States, which currently has 170 million American users. A group of TikTok users also submitted a similar request to prevent the shutdown.

The law, passed by Congress in April, reflects concerns over national security. The Justice Department claims TikTok poses a threat due to its access to vast user data and potential for content manipulation by a Chinese-owned company. A lower court in December upheld the law, rejecting TikTok’s argument that it infringes on free speech rights. TikTok maintains that users should be free to decide for themselves whether to use the app and that shutting it down for even a month could cause massive losses in users and advertisers.

With the ban set to take effect the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, TikTok has urged the Supreme Court to decide by 6 January. Trump, who once supported banning TikTok, has since reversed his position and expressed willingness to reconsider. The case highlights rising trade tensions between the US and China and could set a precedent for other foreign-owned apps operating in America.