Interdisciplinary approaches Archives | Page 169 of 190

Reimagining WSIS: a digital future for all

As the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) nears its 20-year milestone, global leaders gathered at IGF 2024 in Riyadh to reflect on achievements and lay the ground for a unified, inclusive digital future. Amid optimism over growing connectivity—from 1 billion internet users in 2005 to 5.5 billion today—discussions underlined the pressing need to address unresolved challenges, from digital divides to the ethical governance of emerging technologies like AI.

A key takeaway was WSIS’s enduring success in fostering multistakeholder collaboration. Stefan Schnorr, Germany’s State Secretary, lauded the summit for championing inclusivity by saying that ‘WSIS pioneered a framework where governments, private sectors, and civil society shaped digital cooperation together.’ The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a cornerstone WSIS achievement, was celebrated for evolving into a platform addressing critical issues, including AI, misinformation, and connectivity gaps.

However, speakers stressed that progress remains uneven. Nthati Moorosi, Lesotho’s Minister of Information, told a sobering story of disparity: ‘We still have students sitting under trees to learn. Connecting schools is still a long journey for us.’ In other words, connectivity issues are exacerbated by affordability, skills deficits, and energy infrastructure gaps, particularly in the Global South. Thus, addressing such divides is central to aligning WSIS priorities with the recently adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Environmental sustainability emerged as another important discussion, with concerns about the digital sector’s carbon footprint and e-waste. Robert Opp from UNDP emphasised that balancing digital innovation with ecological responsibility must guide the next phase: ‘Data centres alone emit as much carbon as entire nations.’

The discussions also spotlighted inclusivity, particularly in AI and data governance. Many speakers, including Angel González Sanz (UNCTAD), warned of a widening imbalance: ‘118 countries are excluded from AI governance discussions, risking further global inequality.’ A call for greater representation of the Global South resonated again across panellists, marking the necessity for equitable participation in shaping global digital frameworks.

Looking ahead, WSIS+20 will focus on adapting governance frameworks to address emerging technologies while keeping human rights, trust, and digital inclusion at the forefront. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, offered a rallying appeal by saying: ‘The digital future isn’t written yet, but we can write it together with inclusivity, security, and sustainability at its core.’

As the WSIS process evolves, stakeholders emphasise learning from the past while crafting forward-looking strategies, and IGF remains the crossroads platform for dialogue and a catalyst for solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the ongoing digital era.

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

Digital futures at a crossroads: aligning WSIS and the Global Digital Compact

The path toward a cohesive digital future was the central theme at the ‘From WSIS to GDC: Harmonising Strategies Towards Coordination‘ session held at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh. Experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives converged to address how the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) framework and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) can work in unison. At the heart of the debate lay two critical imperatives: coordination and avoiding fragmentation.

Panelists, including Jorge Cancio of the Swiss Government and David Fairchild of Canada, underscored the IGF’s central role as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue. However, concerns about its diminishing mandate and inadequate funding surfaced repeatedly. Fairchild warned of ‘a centralisation of digital governance processes,’ hinting at geopolitical forces that could undermine inclusive, global cooperation. Cancio urged an updated ‘Swiss Army knife’ approach to WSIS, where existing mechanisms, like the IGF, are strengthened rather than duplicated.

The session also highlighted emerging challenges since WSIS’s 2005 inception. Amrita Choudhury from MAG and Anita Gurumurthy of IT for Change emphasised that AI, data governance, and widening digital divides demand urgent attention. Gurumurthy lamented that ‘neo-illiberalism,’ characterised by corporate greed and authoritarian politics, threatens the vision of a people-centred information society. Meanwhile, Gitanjali Sah of ITU reaffirmed WSIS’s achievements, pointing to successes like digital inclusion through telecentres and distance learning.

Amid these reflections, the IGF emerged as an essential event for harmonising WSIS and GDC goals. Panellists, including Nigel Cassimire from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, proposed that the IGF develop performance targets to implement GDC commitments effectively. Yet, as Jason Pielemeier of the Global Network Initiative cautioned, the IGF faces threats of co-optation in settings hostile to open dialogue, which ‘weakens its strength.’

Despite these tensions, hope remained for creative solutions and renewed international solidarity. The session concluded with a call to refocus on WSIS’s original principles—ensuring no one is left behind in the digital future. As Anita Gurumurthy aptly summarised: ‘We reject bad politics and poor economics. What we need is a solidarity vision of interdependence and mutual reciprocity.’

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

Global dialogue on AI governance highlights the need for an inclusive, coordinated international approach

Global AI governance was the focus of a high-level forum at the IGF 2024 in Riyadh that brought together leaders from government, industry, civil society, and youth organisations. Discussions explored the current state of AI development, highlighting challenges such as bias, security risks, and the environmental impact of AI technologies. The need for global frameworks to govern AI responsibly was a central theme, with participants emphasising collaboration across regions and sectors.

Speakers stressed the importance of balancing innovation with regulation to ensure ethical and inclusive AI development. The discussion highlighted inequalities between developed and developing regions, with particular attention to Africa’s challenges in infrastructure and skills. Thelma Quaye, representing Smart Africa, noted the continent’s lack of data centres and trained professionals, which hinders its participation in the global AI landscape.

Data privacy, ownership, and localisation emerged as critical governance issues. Open-source AI was presented as a potential solution to foster innovation and flexibility, particularly for emerging economies. Audrey Plonk of the OECD stressed the need for inclusive frameworks that address regional disparities while promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in AI technologies.

Youth perspectives featured prominently, with contributions from Leydon Shantseko of Zambia Youth IGN and Levi, a youth representative. They highlighted the role of young people in shaping AI’s future and called for governance structures that include younger voices. Panellists agreed on the necessity of involving diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes to ensure equitable AI policies.

Speakers also examined the role of tax incentives and enforcement mechanisms in supporting compliance with AI regulations. Melinda, a policy expert from Meta, underscored the importance of transparency and voluntary reporting frameworks to guide effective policy decisions. Andy Beaudoin of France echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for partnerships between public and private sectors.

The forum concluded with a call for harmonised efforts to create a unified, inclusive approach to AI governance. Yoichi Iida, who moderated the session, emphasised the urgency of addressing governance gaps while remaining optimistic about AI’s potential to drive global progress. Participants agreed that collaboration is key to ensuring AI benefits all regions equitably and responsibly.

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

Innovation and inclusion drive IGF talks on Global Digital Compact

The discussion at the Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh on implementing the Global Digital Compact (GDC) delved into the challenges and opportunities surrounding digital transformation, emphasising the need for inclusive and locally grounded strategies. Speakers from UN agencies, governments, and civil society stressed the importance of addressing the worldwide multifaceted digital divides.

An audience member underscored this point, urging attention not only to infrastructural gaps but also to divides in policy, gender, age, and rural-urban access: ‘We’re not just talking about digital divides; we must look at the digital policy divides, digital gender divides, digital rural and urban divides, and digital age divides.’

The discussion also highlighted the need for local action to make global initiatives effective. Olaf Kolkman of the Internet Society captured this sentiment, stating, ‘Think global with the GDC, but really, the action has to be local.’ That approach was echoed by other panellists, who called for integrating GDC implementation with established frameworks such as the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Cynthia Lesufi from South Africa’s Mission to the UN emphasised aligning the GDC with WSIS+20 to streamline efforts, while Henriette from the Alliance for Progressive Communications advocated for leveraging the review process to assess progress and set future directions.

Capacity development and governance of emerging technologies also emerged as central themes. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of UNDP, stressed the importance of skills development and creating frameworks for technologies like AI and data governance.

Isabel De Sola from the Office of the Tech Envoy added that promoting content diversity in digital spaces is crucial. As noted by Cynthia Lesufi, public-private partnerships are essential to achieving these goals, particularly in bridging the digital divides in the Global South.

Why does it matter?

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain, such as reaching marginalised communities, balancing global initiatives with local needs, and measuring the success of digital transformation. However, the discussion concluded on a hopeful note, emphasising the need to combine global coherence with grassroots efforts. As Kolkman put it, the path forward is ensuring that ‘global frameworks translate into meaningful local action.’

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

Responsible AI development highlighted at IGF 2024

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experts from across the globe gathered to tackle the complexities of transparency and explainability in AI. Moderated by Latifa Al Abdulkarim, the panel delved into these crucial concepts, highlighting their role in fostering trust and accountability in AI systems.

Doreen Bogdan Martin of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) distinguished transparency as the process of designing and deploying AI systems, while explainability pertains to justifying AI decisions. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, executive president of the International Center of Artificial Intelligence of Morroco, added, ‘Transparency is about how a system meets expectations, while explainability is more technical—it justifies decisions made by the system.’

National and international initiatives showcased diverse approaches to ethical AI governance. President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), Abdulah Bin Sharaf Alghamdi, outlined the nation’s progress in creating AI ethics frameworks and global partnerships. Gong Ke, from China’s Institute for Next-Generation AI, emphasised strategies to ensure responsible AI growth, while El Fallah Seghrouchni detailed Morocco’s efforts to address linguistic diversity challenges.

On the global stage, Doreen Bogdan Martin emphasised ITU’s collaboration on AI standards and sustainable initiatives. At the same time, UN representative Li Junhua spotlighted AI’s transformative potential for real-time policymaking, disaster response, and addressing inequality.

The discussion also tackled challenges in achieving transparency and explainability. Complexity in AI models, data privacy issues, and gaps in regulation were recurring themes. ‘Regulations need to adapt to the rapid evolution of AI,’ El Fallah Seghrouchni stressed.

Additionally, linguistic diversity and talent shortages in developing regions were identified as critical hurdles. Yet, participants remained optimistic about AI’s potential to accelerate sustainable development goals (SDGs), with Bogdan Martin noting, ‘AI could boost progress on SDGs by 70%,’ citing examples like AI glasses empowering a young girl in India and innovations in West Africa doubling agricultural yields.

Concluding the session, panellists called for global collaboration, capacity-building, and the development of frugal, inclusive, and trustworthy AI systems. Bogdan Martin emphasised the need for standardised frameworks to ensure ethical practices, while El Fallah Seghrouchni challenged the reliance on large datasets, advocating for quality over quantity.

Why does it matter?

The forum underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and international cooperation in shaping a human-centric AI future that balances innovation with ethical accountability.

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

AI technology aims to cut hospital visits for COPD patients

A pioneering NHS trust in Hull and East Yorkshire is harnessing AI to enhance its chronic respiratory illness care. The Lenus COPD support system, introduced in March 2023, has already reduced hospital visits by 40% and aims for even greater improvements with the integration of AI.

The app enables patients to monitor their symptoms through regular self-assessments and offers direct messaging to NHS clinics. AI will soon analyse the collected data to identify patterns and potential triggers, enabling earlier interventions to prevent hospitalisation.

Professor Mike Crooks, who leads the service, emphasised the proactive nature of the system. The AI-driven insights allow clinics to deliver timely care, helping patients stabilise their health before conditions worsen.

Patients like Ruth, diagnosed with COPD at just 14, report transformative results. Frequent hospital visits have become a rarity, and the app has provided her with a reliable lifeline for clinical support.

IGF 2024 panel tackles global digital identity challenges

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought together a distinguished panel to address global challenges and opportunities in developing trusted digital identity systems. Moderated by Shivani Thapa, the session featured insights from Bandar Al-Mashari, Emma Theofelus, Siim Sikkut, Sangbo Kim, Kurt Lindqvist, and other notable speakers.

The discussion focused on building frameworks for trusted digital identities, emphasising their role as critical infrastructure for digital transformation. Bandar Al-Mashari, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs, highlighted the Kingdom’s innovative efforts, while Namibia’s Minister of Information, Emma Theofelus, stressed the importance of inclusivity and addressing regional needs.

The panellists examined the balance between enhanced security and privacy protection. Siim Sikkut, Managing Partner of Digital Nations, underscored the value of independent oversight and core principles to maintain trust. Emerging technologies like blockchain, biometrics, and artificial intelligence were recognised for their potential impact, though caution was urged against uncritical adoption.

Barriers to international cooperation, including the digital divide, infrastructure gaps, and the complexity of global systems, were addressed. Sangbo Kim of the World Bank shared insights on fostering collaboration across regions, while Kurt Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, highlighted the need for a shared vision in navigating differing national priorities.

Speakers advocated for a phased approach to implementation, allowing countries to progress at their own pace while drawing lessons from successful initiatives, such as those in international travel and telecommunications. The call for collaboration was echoed by Prince Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari, who emphasised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global solutions.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note. Fatma, briefly mentioned as a participant, contributed to a shared vision of digital identity as a tool for accelerating inclusion and fostering global trust. The panellists agreed that a unified approach, guided by innovation and respect for privacy, is vital to building secure and effective digital identity systems worldwide.

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

Ethical AI governance highlighted at the IGF: Developing tools for human rights-focused solutions

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and Access Partnership discussed advancing ethical AI governance. Chris Martin, Head of Policy Innovation at Access Partnership, emphasised the societal stakes of AI, stating, ‘Every decision that AI systems make…will shape our lives, how we work, and how we interact.’

Ahmad Bhinder of the DCO underscored the importance of aligning AI governance with human rights, explaining, ‘We identified which human rights are most impacted by AI and examined global approaches to regulation.’ The DCO introduced its six ethical principles for AI governance: accountability, transparency, fairness, privacy protection, sustainability, and human-centeredness.

Matthew Sharp of Access Partnership detailed a new AI ethics evaluation tool designed to help developers and deployers assess and mitigate human rights risks. The tool features risk assessments, interactive radar graphs, and actionable recommendations, making it a practical resource for ethical AI development. ‘The tool aims to be comprehensive and interactive, addressing diverse industries and applications,’ Sharp said.

An interactive exercise led by Thiago tested the tool’s application in real-world scenarios, such as using AI to diagnose diseases or perform job screenings. Alaa Abdulaal, DCO’s Chief of Digital Economy Foresight, highlighted the importance of collaboration in AI governance, stating that a multistakeholder approach is essential to ensure global and practical solutions. Martin also noted the uneven adoption of AI worldwide, with opportunities for growth in the Middle East and North Africa.

Why does it matter?

The session underscored DCO’s commitment to creating actionable tools for responsible AI deployment while protecting human rights. Feedback gathered from participants aims to refine these efforts further, demonstrating a collective push towards ethical AI in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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

Media giant Warner Bros realigns operations

Warner Bros Discovery has announced a significant restructuring of its operations, separating its traditional cable TV businesses like CNN and TNT from its growing streaming platforms such as Max and Discovery+. This move is aimed at adapting to the ongoing decline in cable subscriptions while positioning itself for potential sales or industry mergers.

The company’s shares rose over 15% following the announcement, with analysts noting that the split could make its linear TV networks more attractive to buyers. The restructuring mirrors similar efforts by media giants like Comcast, which recently launched a spin-off for its cable assets. Despite this, Warner Bros Discovery’s $40 billion debt remains a challenge in attracting buyers for its cable unit.

Streaming and studio operations, now placed in a separate division, continue to show promise, with growing returns on investment. CEO David Zaslav, known for orchestrating major deals, hinted at further industry consolidation in the near future. Warner Bros Discovery’s new structure is widely seen as a proactive measure to navigate a shifting media landscape.

AI agents set to transform businesses in 2025

Autonomous agents and profitability are predicted to define the AI landscape in 2025, according to industry experts. These agents, designed to perform tasks like scheduling or making purchases without direct user input, are gaining momentum due to advancements in reasoning techniques. OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar anticipates rapid progress in this area, emphasising their potential to simplify everyday activities.

The emergence of step-by-step reasoning methods, exemplified by OpenAI’s recent models, has paved the way for this evolution. Friar, who joined the Microsoft-backed company earlier this year, also highlighted the approaching milestone of AGI, predicting its arrival in the near term. Such developments promise to reshape the capabilities of AI, enabling it to surpass human efficiency in economically valuable tasks.

Industry leaders are already witnessing the transformative impact of AI. George Mathew from Insight Partners cited significant productivity gains, such as digital sales teams that operate at a fraction of traditional labour costs. Similarly, Molly Alter of Northzone forecasted 2025 as a turning point for AI profitability, shifting the focus from growth to improved profit margins through streamlined processes.

Beyond startups, established firms are integrating AI into their workflows. For example, BNY Mellon has equipped thousands of employees with tools to create AI-powered agents. CEO Robin Vince highlighted these tools’ ability to deliver insights and solutions that were previously unattainable, underscoring AI’s growing role in enhancing business efficiency and client services.