Sustainable development

NeurIPS conference showcases AI’s rapid growth

The NeurIPS conference, AI’s premier annual gathering, drew over 16,000 computer scientists to British Columbia last week, highlighting the field’s rapid growth and transformation. Once an intimate meeting of academic outliers, the event has evolved into a showcase for technological breakthroughs and corporate ambitions, featuring major players like Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft.

Industry luminaries like Ilya Sutskever and Fei-Fei Li discussed AI’s evolving challenges. Sutskever emphasised AI’s unpredictability as it learns to reason, while Li called for expanding beyond 2D internet data to develop “spatial intelligence.” The conference, delayed a day to avoid clashing with a Taylor Swift concert, underscored AI’s growing mainstream prominence.

Venture capitalists, sponsors, and tech giants flooded the event, reflecting AI’s lucrative appeal. The number of research papers accepted has surged tenfold in a decade, and discussions focused on tackling the costs and limitations of scaling AI models. Notable attendees included Meta’s Yann LeCun and Google DeepMind’s Jeff Dean, who advocated for ‘modular’ and ‘tangly’ AI architectures.

In a symbolic moment of AI’s widening reach, 10-year-old Harini Shravan became the youngest ever to have a paper accepted, illustrating how the field now embraces new generations and diverse ideas.

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.

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.

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.

Inclusive digital innovation: global experts call for action and collaboration

The ‘Fostering Inclusive Digital Innovation and Transformation‘ session at Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 brought together representatives from the UNDP, Italy’s Digital Agency, and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) to share insights and solutions for a more connected, equitable world. Global leaders and experts explored strategies to foster inclusive digital innovation, underscoring the urgency to close digital divides and empower underserved communities.

Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of the UNDP, set the stage by emphasising capacity development as a critical foundation for digital transformation. ‘We need digital roads and bridges; public infrastructures that serve as enablers for innovation,’ he explained, highlighting the UNDP’s initiatives in 125 countries, including training civil servants in AI and digital skills in Kenya. Opp also advocated for a unified global framework, pointing to the Global Digital Compact as a guidepost for ensuring human rights and ethical governance in the digital age.

Italy’s progress in building robust digital public infrastructure provided a case study. Mario Nobile, Director of Italy’s Digital Agency, outlined achievements such as 36 million digital identity users and 2 billion e-invoices annually. Nobile stressed the importance of digital literacy by summarising that ‘Technology evolves faster than we can legislate. Empowering citizens with knowledge is key to ensuring inclusion, not exclusion.’

The role of engineering capacity in digital innovation emerged as a focal point. Gong Ke, President of the WFEO, highlighted a decade-long initiative to train 100,000 African engineers in AI. ‘Inclusive digital transformation requires tailored solutions that reflect local needs—whether cultural, linguistic, or economic,’ he said, adding that human oversight remains vital in managing AI’s ethical and factual risks.

Audience members raised pressing concerns, including the need for a UN declaration on AI ethics and strategies for unifying global digital literacy and inclusion efforts. Addressing these, Opp noted the UN’s commitment to ethical AI governance while calling on nations to back their commitments with resources.

At the end of the session, the panellists made clear that bridging the digital divide requires global cooperation, inclusive policies, and educational investment. As Gong summarised, ‘We must combine innovation with responsibility. Only then can digital transformation truly benefit all.’

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions and insightful session reports can be found on dig.watch.

Experts at the IGF explore strategies for closing digital divides and enhancing meaningful connectivity

Experts from various sectors gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategies for achieving meaningful connectivity worldwide, focusing on closing digital divides and ensuring internet access leads to tangible benefits. Vint Cerf, a member of the IGF Leadership Panel, emphasised the evolving definition of meaningful access, highlighting the need for safe, productive, and affordable online experiences.

Martin Schaaper from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shared data showing 67% global internet usage but noted that high broadband costs in some regions still exclude many, particularly underserved populations.

The digital divide remains a significant challenge, with gaps across gender, geography, and socioeconomic lines. Director of the Pakistan Telecom Authority, Syeda Shafaq Karim, highlighted Pakistan’s Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, addressing the disparity in mobile broadband usage among women.

Meanwhile, Lina Viltrakiene, Ambassador-at-Large for Economic and Digital Diplomacy from Lithuania, showcased the ‘No One Left Behind’ initiative, providing free digital literacy courses to over 500,000 elderly citizens. These efforts illustrate the importance of targeted interventions alongside broader infrastructure development and skills training.

Panelists also explored innovative solutions to expand access. Mohamed Slim Alouini, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and chair of Education on Connected at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, discussed using non-terrestrial networks to improve rural connectivity, while Talant Sultanov, Chair and Co-Founder of the Internet Society ISOC Assistance Chapter, shared how IoT technologies are advancing climate monitoring in Central Asia.

Public-private partnerships and government investments were repeatedly cited as essential, with Alhagie Mbow, co-moderator of the session and a member of the African Union Parliament, stressing their effectiveness in bridging gaps. At the same time, Bobby Bedi from Content Follow Studios, LLC argued that entertainment and cultural engagement play a crucial role in driving internet adoption, expanding the conversation beyond purely functional uses.

The session concluded with calls for continued collaboration, data collection, and policy development to ensure inclusive and adaptive connectivity efforts. Vint Cerf stressed the need for accessibility features and ongoing initiatives like the IGF, while online moderator Judith Hellerstein highlighted concerns about data protection for vulnerable groups. Achieving meaningful connectivity, the panel agreed, requires a multifaceted approach that balances technological innovation with social and cultural considerations.

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

Challenges and opportunities in Africa’s digital transformation: Data governance and sharing under scrutiny

The ongoing digital transformation across Africa has put data governance and sharing at the forefront of economic growth and innovation. In an Internet Governance Forum session titled ‘Data Without Borders? Navigating Policy Impacts in Africa’, experts emphasised the importance of harmonised data policies to support the African Union’s (AU) Data Policy Framework.

Souhila Amazouz from the African Union Commission highlighted the framework’s principles of transparency and cooperation, while Thelma Quaye of Smart Africa stressed the urgency of aligning national policies to ensure seamless cross-border data flows. Lillian Nalwoga noted the need for robust national data strategies, noting that two-thirds of African countries have data protection laws, though challenges remain in unifying national and continental interests.

The conversation revealed critical hurdles to effective data governance, including gaps in legal frameworks, limited institutional capacities, inadequate infrastructure, and cybersecurity risks. Souhila Amazouz discussed efforts to address these gaps through regional data centres and capacity-building initiatives.

Meanwhile, the concept of data localisation sparked debate. Vincent Olatunji from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission argued for practical data categorisation over full localisation, which Paul Baker (International Economics Consulting Limited) warned could burden businesses with high costs.

The balance between localisation and cross-border data sharing remains a contentious issue, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aiming to boost trade and integration across the continent.

The panellists also highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration between governments and businesses. Transparent data practices and inclusive policy development were essential to fostering confidence in data-sharing initiatives. Paul Baker noted the vital role of cross-border data flows for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), though an audience member pointed out that many countries still rely on manual systems, hampering digital progress.

Ultimately, the discussion underscored the need for a unified approach to data governance, with capacity development, infrastructure investment, and multistakeholder collaboration as key priorities. While challenges like the digital divide and data fragmentation persist, the dialogue demonstrated a collective commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation through effective data governance strategies.  

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

Global South’s role in AI governance explored at IGF 2024

The inclusion of the Global South, particularly the MENA region, in AI governance emerged as a key focus in a recent panel discussion as part of the Internet Governance Forum 2024. Experts examined persistent challenges such as the technology gap, regulatory uncertainty, and limited local infrastructure, which hinder the region’s participation in the global AI ecosystem.

Nibal Idlebi from UN ESCWA emphasised that the lack of computational resources and access to local data significantly impedes AI development. Jill Nelson of the IEEE Standards Association stressed the need to improve AI literacy and foster talent pipelines, particularly in decision-making roles. Ethical considerations also featured prominently, with Jasmin Alduri highlighting concerns about the exploitation of click workers involved in AI data labelling.

Roeske Martin from Google MENA called for clearer regulations to boost private sector involvement, arguing that regulatory uncertainty holds back investment and innovation. He proposed accelerator programmes to support local AI startups, including those led by women. Panellists also urged better Arabic language integration in AI tools to increase accessibility and adoption across the MENA region.

Amid the challenges, opportunities for growth were identified, including leveraging synthetic data generation and creating public data-sharing initiatives. Collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society was deemed crucial to developing AI frameworks that address local needs while adhering to global standards.

The panel concluded with cautious optimism, underscoring the MENA region’s potential to become an AI innovation hub. With targeted investments in capacity building and infrastructure, the Global South can play a greater role in shaping the future of AI governance.

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