The Digital Watch weekly
Published every Monday, the Digital Watch weekly newsletter brings you the latest in digital policy from around the world, plus a new week-ahead section.
DW Weekly #151 – 15 March 2024
EU lawmakers approved the world's first comprehensive AI regulation. An US-led UN resolution aims for equitable global AI development. Italy investigates OpenAI's Sora service, while Elon Musk announces plans to open-source Grok. In the US, the TikTok ban bill was passed. France battled cyberattacks, and Microsoft warned of Russian hackers attempting to breach the company's systems. The LSE set criteria for crypto ETNs. Lastly, the European Parliament passed the Media Freedom Act to protect journalism in the digital era. (See more)
DW Weekly #150 – 8 March 2024
India's IT ministry regulates AI tools; OpenAI commits to responsible development amidst legal battles. NSO Group yields Pegasus code in WhatsApp legal dispute, while EU fines Apple for antitrust violations, prompting an appeal. The EU adopts the Cyber Solidarity Act against rising cyber threats. WTO E-commerce Moratorium was renewed, and Bitcoin approached all-time highs. UN Women calls for inclusive digital governance to bridge the gender digital gap. (See more)
DW Weekly #149 – 1 March 2024
GDC co-fascilitators unveiled its possible elements. Microsoft announces principles to promote innovation and competition in AI technology, while Google will relaunch Gemini AI image generation after addressing inaccuracies. Canada enacted the Online Harms Act targeting harmful content. China unveiled a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, NIST published Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, and warnings were issued against ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware targeting the US healthcare sector. US and allies back shared principles for 6G development. ITU announced a 9 billion commitment to ITU’s universal, meaningful connectivity drive. (See more)
DW Weekly #148 – 23 February 2024
DoJ appoints its first Chief AI Officer. Japan joined the global AI regulatory efforts. OpenAI introduced Sora for text-to-video. Neuralink's human implant showed promise. The EU strengthened online safety with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and investigated TikTok. Tech giants united against misleading AI content during elections. The EU Commission proposed a €500 million fine for Apple. International collaboration disrupted LockBit ransomware, and the European Commission announced new digital infrastructure initiatives. (See more)
DW Weekly #147 – 16 February 2024
The UN Cybercrime Treaty faces a consensus hurdle. Microsoft and OpenAI highlight AI tools misuse by threat actors. NYC sues social media companies over youth mental health. EU finds influencers skirt rules by not disclosing advertising content. UAE launches tech fund for developing nations. (See more)
DW Weekly #146 – 9 February 2024
EU Ambassadors approve groundbreaking AI Act, marking a significant stride in EU's AI governance. China and Russia's unexpected military AI alliance raises global geopolitical discussions. Germany's inaugural Strategy for International Digital Policy sets the tone for its global digital approach. The Pall Mall Process was launched to combat spyware. China tests 6G with a satellite launch, and the EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act ends intra-EU call charges by 2029. (See more)
DW Weekly #145 – 2 February 2024
OpenAI faces data breach scrutiny from Italy's Garante. China greenlights 40 AI models to compete with the USA. White House outlines AI actions, and the UK plans AI law tests. Elon Musk's Neuralink implants a brain chip, pushing tech-human boundaries. Germany and Namibia unveil the zero draft of the Pact for the Future. An OEWG roundtable on ICT security capacity building scheduled and FBI thwarted Chinese hacks on US critical infrastructure. Content concerns rise with Taylor Swift's deepfakes; India emphasises platform accountability. Big Tech CEOs testify on child protection at a US Senate hearing. Amazon and Roomba iRobot cancel a $1.4 billion deal due to EU antitrust concerns. (See more)
DW Weekly #144 – 26 January 2024
Leaked details on the EU AI Act's consolidated text create anticipation. The European Commission proposes establishing the European AI Office. Simultaneously, the US Federal Trade Commission's inquiry into tech giants' AI investments reflects growing concerns, while the launch of the National AI Research Resource demonstrates the nation's commitment to advancing AI. Cybersecurity concerns mount with a massive database leak and the UK NCSC warning of AI-driven cyberattacks. E-waste faces scrutiny with a new EU methodology, and internet access proves pivotal for poverty reduction in Nigeria and Tanzania. (See more)
DW Weekly #143 – 19 January 2024
WEF held its Annual Meeting, with AI featuring heavily in discussions. Australia aims to establish an AI oversight body; India enters the LLM race. IMF urges retraining for AI job impacts. OpenAI adjusts policy, Baidu denies military links. China bypasses US restrictions on Nvidia chips, South Korea incentivises semiconductor industry. ASEAN plans digital economy pact, UK introduces new digital markets regime. Meta documents reveal child harassment. French watchdog fines Yahoo! 10 million euros for cookie policy. (See more)
DW Weekly #142 – 15 January 2024
Microsoft briefly surpassed Apple in market valuation, attributed to significant announcements the company made in the field of AI. The EU will resist US pressure to exclude the private sector from the Council of Europe's AI treaty. In Turkey, the constitutional court ruled internet content blocking unconstitutional. At Davos, the WEF flagged AI-driven misinformation as an immediate threat to democracy and the environment. (See more)
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