Weekly #229 Von der Leyen declares Europe’s ‘Independence Moment’

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5 – 12 September 2025


Dear readers,

‘Europe is in a fight,’ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared as she opened her 2025 State of the Union speech. Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen noted that ‘Europe must fight. For its place in a world in which many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile to Europe.’ In response, she argued for Europe’s ‘Independence Moment’ – a call for strategic autonomy.

One of the central pillars of her plan? A major push to invest in digital and clean technologies. Let’s explore the details we’ve heard in the speech.

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The EU plans measures to support businesses and innovation, including a digital Euro and an upcoming omnibus on digital. Many European startups in key technologies like quantum, AI, and biotech seek foreign investment, which jeopardises the EU’s tech sovereignty, the speech notes. In response, the Commission will launch a multi-billion-euro Scaleup Europe Fund with private partners. 

The Single Market remains incomplete, von der Leyen noted, mostly in three domains: finance, energy, and telecommunications. A Single Market Roadmap to 2028 will be presented, which will provide clear political deadlines.

Standing out in the speech was von der Leyen’s defence of Europe’s right to set its own standards and regulations. The assertion came right after her defence of the US-EU trade deal, making it a direct response to the mounting pressure and tariff threats from the US administration.

The EU needs ‘a European AI’, von der Leyen noted. Key initiatives include the Cloud and AI Development Act, the Quantum Sandbox, and the creation of European AI Gigafactories to help startups develop, train, and deploy next-generation AI models. 

Additionally, CEOs of Europe’s leading tech companies presented their European AI & Tech Declaration, pledging to invest in and strengthen Europe’s tech sovereignty.

Europe should consider implementing guidelines or limits for children’s social media use, von der Leyen noted. She pointed to Australia’s pioneering social media restrictions as a model under observation, indicating that Europe could adopt a similar approach. To ensure a well-informed and balanced policy, she announced plans to commission a panel of experts by the end of the year to advise on the best strategies for Europe.

Von der Leyen’s bet is that a potent mix of massive investment, streamlined regulation, and a unified public-private front can finally stop Europe from playing catch-up in the global economic race.

History is on her side in one key regard: when the EU and corporate champions unite, they win big on setting global standards, and GSM is just one example. But past glory is no guarantee of future success. The rhetoric is sharp, and the stakes are existential. Now, the pressure is on to deliver more than just a powerful speech.


IN OTHER NEWS THIS WEEK

The world’s eyes turned to Nepal this week, where authorities banned 26 social media platforms for 24 hours after nationwide protests, led largely by youth, against corruption. According to officials, the ban was introduced in an effort to curb misinformation, online fraud, and hate speech. The ban has been lifted after the protests intensified and left 22 people dead. The events are likely to offer lessons for other governments grappling with the role of censorship during times of unrest.

Another country fighting corruption is Albania, using unusual means – the government made a pioneering move by introducing the world’s first AI-powered public official, named Diella. Appointed to oversee public procurement, the virtual minister represents an attempt to use technology itself to create a more transparent and efficient government, with the goal of ensuring procedures are ‘100% incorruptible.’ A laudable goal, but AI is only as unbiased as the data and algorithms it’s relying on. Still, it’s a daring first step. 

Speaking of AI (and it seems we speak of little else these days), another nation is trying its best to adapt to the global transformation driven by rapid digitalisation and AI. Kazakhstan has announced an ambitious goal: to become a fully digital country within three years.

The central policy is the establishment of a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, which will ensure the total implementation of AI to modernise all sectors of the economy. This effort will be guided by a national strategy called ‘Digital Qazaqstan’ to combine all digital initiatives.

A second major announcement was the development of Alatau City, envisioned as the country’s innovation hub. Planned as the region’s first fully digital city, it will integrate Smart City technologies, allow cryptocurrency payments, and is being developed with the expertise of a leading Chinese company that helped build Shenzhen.

Has Kazakhstan bitten off more than it can chew in 3 years’ time? Even developing a national strategy can take years; implementing AI across every sector of the economy is exponentially more complex. Kazakhstan has dared to dream big; now it must work hard to achieve it.

AI’s ‘magic’ comes with a price. Authors sued Apple last Friday for allegedly training its AI on their copyrighted books. In a related development, AI company Anthropic agreed to a massive $1.5 billion settlement for a similar case – what plaintiffs’ lawyers are calling the largest copyright recovery in history, even though the company admitted no fault. Will this settlement mark a dramatic shift in how AI companies operate? Without a formal court ruling, it creates no legal precedent. For now, the slow grind of the copyright fight continues.


THIS WEEK IN GENEVA

The digital governance scene has been busy in Geneva this week. Here’s what we have tried to follow. 

At the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Council Working Group (CWG) on WSIS and SDGs met on Tuesday and Wednesday to look at the work undertaken by ITU with regard to the implementation of WSIS outcomes and the Agenda 2030 and to discuss issues related to the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.

As we write this newsletter, the Expert Group on ITRs is working on the final report it needs to submit to the ITU Council in response to the task it was given to review the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs), considering evolving global trends, tech developments, and current regulatory practices.

A draft version of the report notes that members have divergent views on whether the ITRs need revision and even on their overall relevance; there also doesn’t seem to be a consensus on whether and how the work on revising the ITRs should continue. On another topic, the CWG on international internet-related public policy issues is holding an open consultation on ensuring meaningful connectivity for landlocked developing countries. 

Earlier in the week, the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) hosted the Outer Space Security Conference, bringing together diplomats, policy makers, private actors, experts from the military sectors and others to look at ways in which to shape a secure, inclusive and sustainable future for outer space.

Some of the issues discussed revolved around the implications of using emerging technologies such as AI and autonomous systems in the context of space technology and the cybersecurity challenges associated with such uses. 


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
UN Cyber Dialogue 2025 web
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The session brought together discussants to offer diverse perspectives on how the OEWG experience can inform future global cyber negotiations.

African priorities for GDC
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African priorities for the Global Digital Compact In 2022 the idea of a Global Digital Compact was floated by the UN with the intention of developing shared


LOOKING AHEAD
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The next meeting of the UN’s ‘Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance’ is scheduled for 15-16 September in Geneva and is open to observers (both onsite and online).

In a recent event, experts from Diplo, the Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN), and the Geneva Internet Platform analysed the Group’s progress and looked ahead to the September meeting. Catch up on the discussion and watch the full recording.

The 2025 WTO Public Forum will be held on 17–18 September in Geneva, and carries the theme ‘Enhance, Create, and Preserve.’ The forum aims to explore how digital advancements are reshaping global trade norms.

The agenda includes sessions that dig into the opportunities posed by e-commerce (such as improving connectivity, opening pathways for small businesses, and increasing market inclusivity), but also shows awareness of the risks – fragmentation of the digital space, uneven infrastructure, and regulatory misalignment, especially amid geopolitical tensions. 

The Human Rights Council started its 60th session, which will continue until 8 October. A report on privacy in the digital age by OHCHR will be discussed next Thursday, 18 September. It looks at challenges and risks with regard to discrimination and the unequal enjoyment of the right to privacy associated with the collection and processing of data, and offers some recommendations on how to prevent digitalisation from perpetuating or deepening discrimination and exclusion.

Among these are a recommendation for states to protect individuals from human rights abuses linked to corporate data processing and to ensure that digital public infrastructures are designed and used in ways that uphold the rights to privacy, non-discrimination and equality.



READING CORNER
Crtez Monthly 102 ver II

This summer saw power plays over US chips and China’s minerals, alongside the global AI race with its competing visions. Lessons of disillusionment and clarity reframed AI’s trajectory, while digital intrusions continued to reshape geopolitics. And in New York, the UN took a decisive step toward a permanent cybersecurity mechanism. 

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eIDAS 2 and the European Digital Identity Wallet aim to secure online interactions, reduce bureaucracy, and empower citizens across the EU with a reliable and user-friendly digital identity.

Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 102 – July and August 2025

July-August 2025 in retrospect

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The digital and geopolitical landscape is shifting faster than ever—and understanding it is more important than ever. This month, our newsletter takes you behind the headlines and into the forces shaping technology, AI, and cybersecurity.

The levers of power: US chips vs China’s critical minerals – who really holds the keys to the future?

The global AI race: Rival powers, competing visions, and what it means for the future of AI.

Lessons from summer: From disillusionment to clarity: Ten insights for AI today.

Cyber frontlines: Digital intrusions are not just technical—they’re reshaping geopolitics.

UN OEWG wrap-up: A landmark step toward a permanent cybersecurity mechanism.

This summer in Geneva: Key events and takeaways shaping international digital governance.

DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

The co-facilitators for the WSIS+20 process issued the Zero Draft of the outcome document for the twenty-year review of the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). 

At its 1 September summit in Tianjin, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) highlighted tech, AI, and digital governance, with a declaration stressing cyber sovereignty, inclusive AI, cybersecurity norms, and stronger digital cooperation.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The European Commission has released its finalised Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models, laying the groundwork for implementing the landmark AI Act. The new Code sets out transparency, copyright, and safety rules that developers must follow before deadlines. A new phase of the EU AI Act took effect on 2 August, requiring member states to appoint oversight authorities and enforce penalties.

Read more about this summer’s AI developments below.

TECHNOLOGIES

France and Germany announced a joint Economic Agenda, committing to joint efforts in AI, quantum, chips, cloud, and cybersecurity, while making digital sovereignty a central political and investment priority.

The USA, Japan, and South Korea held Trilateral Quantum Cooperation meetings to strengthen collaboration on securing emerging technologies.

The UK government unveiled its Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, aiming to grow the tech sector to £1 trillion, driven by AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.

Turkey’s government is preparing a long-awaited 5G frequency auction in October, with the Transport and Infrastructure Minister announcing that the first services should begin in 2026. 

Two Chinese nationals were charged in the US for illegally exporting millions of dollars’ worth of advanced Nvidia AI chips to China over the past three years. Read more about this summer’s chip developments below.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Over 70 civil society and consumer groups have issued a statement warning that proposed interconnection fees in the EU’s upcoming Digital Networks Act could undermine net neutrality, raise costs, and stifle innovation.

In the US, several public-interest groups have opted not to appeal a January 2025 court ruling that struck down the FCC’s net neutrality rules, instead pursuing alternative federal and state strategies to protect open internet access.

A €40 million Baltic Sea digital infrastructure project, backed by €15 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2), will establish four subsea cables and several hundred kilometers of terrestrial fiber, creating a ~550 km long-haul route linking Sweden, Estonia, and Finland to expand Baltic Sea connectivity.

A new lawsuit filed by Cloud Innovation has intensified AFRINIC’s ongoing governance crisis, raising fears over the potential loss of African control of the continent’s internet infrastructure.

CYBERSECURITY

Australia’s eSafety commissioner report showed that tech giants made minimal progress in combating child sexual abuse online, with some failing to track reports or staff numbers, despite legally enforceable transparency notices requiring regular reporting under Australia’s Online Safety Act. https://dig.watch/updates/eu-sets-privacy-defaults-to-shield-minors 

A leaked memo reveals that the EU debate over mandatory private message scanning has intensified, with the European Parliament threatening to block the extension of voluntary rules unless the Council agrees to mandatory chat control.

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered PromptLock, the first known AI-powered ransomware, a proof-of-concept capable of data theft and encryption that highlights how publicly available AI tools could escalate future cyberthreats.

INTERPOL has announced that a continent-wide law enforcement initiative targeting cybercrime and fraud networks led to more than 1,200 arrests between June and August 2025. 

The Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of ICTs wrapped up its final substantive session in July 2025 with the adoption of its long-awaited Final Report.

ECONOMIC

US President Donald Trump has officially signed the GENIUS Act into law, marking a historic step in establishing a legal framework for stablecoins in the US. 

China is weighing plans to permit yuan-backed stablecoins in an effort to promote global use of its currency.

El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office has split the country’s bitcoin reserves into multiple new addresses to bolster security, citing potential future risks such as quantum computing.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on countries implementing digital taxes or regulations affecting American technology companies. 

China has proposed draft rules to ensure fair and transparent pricing on internet platforms selling goods and services, inviting public feedback following widespread complaints from merchants and consumers.

HUMAN RIGHTS

The UK’s new Online Safety Act has increased VPN use, as websites introduce stricter age restrictions to comply with the law. 

Russian authorities have begun partially restricting calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the need for crime prevention.

LEGAL

A Florida jury has ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages for a fatal 2019 Autopilot crash, ruling its driver-assistance software defective, which may significantly impact Tesla’s ambitions to expand its emerging robotaxi network in the USA.

The CJEU’s General Court has rejected a challenge to the EU–US Data Privacy Framework, allowing EU-to-US personal data transfers to continue without extra safeguards.

A United States federal judge has ruled against breaking up Google’s search business, instead ordering it to end exclusive deals, share data with rivals, and offer fair access to search and ad services after finding it illegally maintained its monopoly. However, the company has been hit with a 3.5 billion fine in the EU for abusing its dominance in digital advertising by giving unfair preference to its own ad exchange, AdX, in violation of EU antitrust rules.

SOCIOCULTURAL

Brazil’s Attorney General (AGU) has formally requested Meta to remove AI-powered chatbots that simulate childlike profiles and engage in sexually explicit dialogue, citing concerns that they ‘promote the eroticisation of children.’

In Nepal, mass protests erupted over a 24-hour social media ban of 26 platforms and government corruption, resulting in 19 deaths.

US President Trump called security and privacy concerns around TikTok highly overrated and said he’ll keep extending the deadline for its parent company, ByteDance, to sell its controlling stake in TikTok or face a nationwide ban.

DEVELOPMENT

The EU will require all platforms to verify users’ ages using the EU Digital Identity Wallet by 2026, with initial pilots in five countries and fines of up to €18 million or 10% of global turnover for non-compliance.

France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands signed the founding papers for a new European Digital Infrastructure Consortium for Digital Commons, which will focus on publicly developed and publicly usable digital programmes.

The UN Secretary-General’s July report elaborates on a voluntary Global Fund for AI, targeting $1–3 billion to support countries’ AI readiness through foundational resources, national strategies, and cooperation.
Achieving universal internet connectivity by 2030 could cost up to $2.8 trillion, an ITU–Saudi CST report warns, urging global cooperation and investment to bridge widening digital divides and connect the one-third of humanity still offline.


For years, semiconductors have been at the heart of the US–China technology rivalry, shaping trade negotiations, export controls, and national security debates. Nvidia’s latest struggle to sell its H20 chip in China is the latest chapter in a long-running standoff, highlighting how advanced technology, critical minerals, and industrial policy have become intertwined in global power politics.

The H20 chip, launched last year to help Nvidia maintain access to the Chinese market — which made up 13% of its sales in 2024 — was itself a product of geopolitics. However, in April, Washington told the company it needed a special license to export the H20 chip to China, halting shipments. The chip was believed to have powered DeepSeek, one of China’s most advanced AI models, raising US concerns about national security.

Nvidia reapplied for licenses in July and received assurances that they would be approved. Sales eventually resumed, but only after months of back-and-forth that reflected Washington’s shifting stance: In July, export controls were paused to bolster US-China trade negotiations. In August, the administration oscillated between threatening to block advanced Nvidia sales to China and signalling possible approval for modified versions

In September, sales restarted, albeit under unusual circumstances: Going forward, Nvidia will give the US government 15% of its chip revenue from China, a deal that’s largely been described as unprecedented. AMD will do the same.

The bigger picture is: China’s controls on rare earth exports became a major focus in the trade talks between Beijing and Washington this summer. Why does it matter? Because chip manufacturing relies heavily on critical minerals like germanium and gallium. The USA is heavily reliant on imports for both of these critical minerals, especially from China, given its dominant role as a major producer and supplier of both products. According to a US Mineral Commodity Summary, no domestic primary (low-purity, unrefined) gallium has been recovered since 1987, and there are no government stockpiles of the mineral. The USA does produce germanium, but as a byproduct recovery from zinc ores, not a primary product, a process that is costly. A strategic stockpile of 5 tonnes of germanium does exist, but it is a paltry number compared to China’s reported 199 tonnes of annual germanium production. (Sidenote: The numbers are, unfortunately, from 2023, but they paint a clear enough picture.)

China, meanwhile, relies on NVIDIA’s chips to stay competitive in the global AI race. Domestic alternatives are still behind in performance, efficiency, and reliability, so using NVIDIA hardware allows China to deploy cutting-edge AI solutions immediately while its homegrown industry continues to scale up.

The USA openly linked chip concessions to rare earths discussions: In exchange for increasing shipments of rare earth minerals from China, the US agreed to lift export curbs on microchip designing software, ethane and jet engines.

The interplay between chip access and mineral supply illustrates a complex trade-off: each side leverages what it has — the USA its semiconductor know-how, China its dominance in rare earth minerals.

Both countries have already tried with export controls, with mixed results. Reports surfaced that more than $1 billion worth of Nvidia chips had already reached China through alternative channels. This prompted the USA to consider embedding trackers into AI chip shipments to monitor possible diversions

Despite China’s export restrictions, germanium and gallium continue to reach the USA via indirect trade routes, likely through re-exports from countries where China permits their export.

This data underscored doubts about whether export controls could truly contain the spread of advanced technology and prompted each of the players to make moves to position themselves better and reduce their reliance on each other.

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The USA: Leveraging the CHIPS Act

The USA reportedly is weighing the diversion of $2 billion 2022 CHIPS and Science Act in funding toward critical minerals

Washington has also considered taking equity stakes in US chipmakers in exchange for cash grants authorised by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at supporting domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research. So far, the administration has signalled it will convert $8.87 billion in CHIPS Act grant money that had been awarded to Intel into 10% equity in the company. While Intel confirmed it had received a grant, officials insisted negotiations were still ongoing, underscoring the lack of clarity. The White House has denied plans to pursue similar stakes in firms like TSMC or Micron, but officials hinted that other companies could still be subject to action.

Critics argue that government ownership risks undermining global competitiveness, and some analysts question whether recent interventions — including Trump’s claim to have ‘saved Intel’ — are more political theatre than industrial strategy

Adding to the confusion, the US Commerce Department voided a $7.4 billion research grant signed under the Biden administration, further muddying the picture of America’s long-term semiconductor policy.

Tariffs are also a weapon the USA will be wielding: President Trump has said that the USA will impose a tariff of about 100% on imports of semiconductors, though companies that produce chips domestically—or have committed to do so—will be exempt. China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Huawei are likely to be impacted. 

China: Managing Nvidia concerns while boosting local production

Beijing, meanwhile, has tried to play both offence and defence. 

Reports say that China-linked hacker group APT41 sent a malware-laden email posing as Rep. John Moolenaar, embedding malware to target U.S. trade groups, law firms, and agencies in a bid to gain insights into recommendations to the White House for the contentious trade talks. The Chinese embassy in Washington refuted the claims.

Authorities demanded Nvidia explain alleged flaws in the H20 chips, while state media went further, warning that the chips were unsafe for domestic use. Nvidia denied the accusations, stressing that its products contained no backdoors.

The country is accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers: it aims to triple domestic AI chip production, while tech giants such as Alibaba are unveiling homegrown alternatives.

Other Asian players are also navigating this fractured landscape. 

In July, Malaysia’s trade ministry announced that the export, transhipment, and transit of US-origin high-performance AI chips will now require a trade permit, effective immediately. 

South Korea secured exemptions for Samsung and SK Hynix from 100% tariffs on semiconductor exports to the USA, as both companies have invested in the USA since 2022. TSMC, which is based in Taiwan (which the USA considers a part of China), also invested significantly in the USA. If they come to pass, these tariffs will be devastating for the Philippines, as about 70% of its total exports come from the semiconductor industry. Specifically, 15% of Philippine semiconductor exports—about $6 billion—are destined for the USA.

However, Washington revoked fast-track export status for Samsung, SK Hynix, TSMC, and Intel, making it harder to ship American chipmaking equipment and technology to their manufacturing plants in China. From 31 December, shipments of American-origin chipmaking tools to Chinese facilities will require US export licenses. However, the US Commerce Department is now weighing annual approvals for exports of chipmaking supplies to Samsung’s and SK Hynix’s China-based plants.

Who has the edge?

The US leads in chip design and advanced production, but its edge relies on access to critical minerals controlled by China. Beijing dominates the mineral supply but remains dependent on foreign high-end chips until domestic AI production scales up. In short, the US advantage is technologically superior but fragile, while China’s leverage is immediate but limited. The USA must find different sources of germanium and gallium, or figure out substitutions (such as inulin and silicone), while China must boost domestic chipmakers. How quickly each side addresses its weaknesses will shape the future of global tech dominance. And it won’t happen overnight.

The global race for AI dominance is intensifying, as countries continue to roll out ambitious strategies to shape the future of AI. In the USA, the White House has launched a sweeping initiative through its publication Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy aiming to cement US leadership in AI by promoting open-source innovation and streamlining regulatory frameworks. This ‘open-source gambit’ is a marked shift in US digital policy, seeking to democratise AI development to stay ahead of global competitors, particularly China.

This aggressive policy direction has found backing from major tech companies, which have endorsed President Trump’s AI deregulation plans despite growing public concern over societal risks. Notably, the plan emphasises ‘anti-woke’ AI frameworks in government contracts, sparking debates about the ideological neutrality and ethical implications of AI technologies in public administration.

Across Europe, nations are accelerating their AI initiatives. Germany is planning an AI offensive to catch up on critical technologies, while the UK is aiming for a £1 trillion tech sector with AI and quantum technology growth

Asian nations are increasingly positioning AI at the centre of their economic and technological strategies. South Korea is prioritising AI-driven growth through major infrastructure and budget investments. The initiative includes the creation of an ‘AI expressway’, starting with the Ulsan AI data centre, underpinned by bold tax incentives and regulatory reforms to attract private sector investment. Complementing this is a proposed investment of 100 trillion KRW (71 billion USD) to accelerate AI innovation, next-generation semiconductors, and the development of AI infrastructure and innovation zones.

Across Africa, governments and partners are turning to AI as a catalyst for growth and governance reform, with national strategies and international investments converging to shape the continent’s digital future. Zimbabwe plans to launch a national AI policy to accelerate the adoption of the technology. Nigeria is preparing a national framework to guide responsible use of AI in governance, healthcare, education and agriculture. Japan has pledged $5.5 billion in loans and announced an ambitious AI training programme to deepen economic ties with Africa.

Latin America, by contrast, continues to struggle to join the global AI race. According to a July 2025 study by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Latin America is lagging behind most advanced economies in terms of AI spending. The region’s spending reached US$2.6 billion in 2023, representing only 1.56% of global AI spending, while the region’s economy represents nearly 6.3% of global GDP. The study urges Latin America to accelerate AI adoption, especially among SMEs, by boosting skilled labour through education and training, promoting sector-specific use cases, and establishing technology centres. Without these measures, the region risks underusing AI’s potential despite its significant economic weight.

Amidst this competitive landscape, there are also moves toward international cooperation. China’s Global AI Governance Action Plan, published just days after America’s AI Action Plan, calls for an inclusive AI governance model with multistakeholder participation. China proposed the establishment of an international AI cooperation organisation, hoping to ‘assist countries in the Global South to strengthen their capacity-building, nurture an AI innovation ecosystem, ensure that developing countries benefit equally from waves of AI, and promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ This idea recently received support from Kazakhstan

It is currently unclear how this newly international AI cooperation organisation would interplay with the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which China has expressed support for, and whose operational details were set out at the end of the summer. The creation of these mechanisms was formally agreed by UN member states in September 2024, as part of the GDC. In August, the UNGA resolution A/RES/79/325 set out their terms of reference and modalities.

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The 40-member Scientific Panel has the main task of ‘issuing evidence-based scientific assessments synthesising and analysing existing research related to the opportunities, risks and impacts of AI’, in the form of one annual ‘policy-relevant but non-prescriptive summary report’ to be presented to the Global Dialogue. The Panel will also ‘provide updates on its work up to twice a year to hear views through an interactive dialogue of the plenary of the General Assembly with the Co-Chairs of the Panel’. 

The Global Dialogue on AI Governance, to involve governments and all relevant stakeholders, will function as a platform ‘to discuss international cooperation, share best practices and lessons learned, and to facilitate open, transparent and inclusive discussions on AI governance with a view to enabling AI to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and to closing the digital divides between and within countries’.

Another GDC commitment was a Global Fund for AI to scale up AI capacity development for sustainable development. The UN Secretary-General’s report on Innovative Voluntary Financing Options for AI Capacity Building (A/79/966), published this July, proposes a Global Fund for AI with an initial target of US $1–3 billion. It would help countries advance in AI readiness, focusing on foundations (compute, data, skills) and enablers (national strategies, cooperation). Funding would rely on voluntary government, philanthropic, private sector, and development bank contributions, with governance through a steering committee, technical panels, and multistakeholder input. Options for capitalisation include a small levy on tech transactions, digital asset contributions, and co-financing with banks, alongside tools such as AI bonds, conditional debt forgiveness, and blended financing. A coordination platform is also proposed to align funders, improve strategic coordination, and standardise monitoring. The report will be considered by the UNGA.

Whether the coming years bring fragmentation into rival technological spheres or a fragile framework for cooperation will depend on how states reconcile national ambitions with global responsibilities. The outcome of this delicate balance may determine not only who leads in AI, but how humanity as a whole lives with it.

As students return to classrooms and diplomats to negotiation tables, the question looms: where is AI really heading?

This summer marked a turning point. The dominant AI narrative, bigger is better, collapsed under its own weight. That story ended this August, with the much-hyped launch of GPT-5.0. Bigger models are not necessarily smarter models, and exponential progress cannot be sustained by brute force alone. 

This autumn, then, can be a season of clarity. In the following analysis, we outline ten lessons from the summer of AI disillusionment, developments that will shape the next phase of the AI story. 

1. Hardware: More is not necessarily better; small AI matters. Nvidia’s rise epitomised the belief that more compute ensures AI progress, but GPT-5 and new studies show diminishing returns. Core model flaws persist, prompting a shift from mega-systems toward diversified, smaller-scale hardware tailored to specific applications.

2. Software: The open-source gambit. Open-source AI surged in 2025, led by China’s DeepSeek and mirrored in the US strategy, challenging the dominance of closed labs. With strong performance at lower cost, open models spread rapidly, reframing debates on safety and shifting power dynamics. Open code became both a tool for innovation and a form of geopolitical soft power.

3. Data: Hitting the limit and turning to knowledge
AI is running out of high-quality training data, pushing a shift from raw text to structured human knowledge. Companies now court experts, adopt retrieval-augmented systems, and build knowledge graphs to ground outputs. This raises governance questions over ownership and fairness, as the risk grows that collective knowledge could be enclosed by a few corporations.

4. Economy: Between commodity and bubble
AI is both a cheap commodity and a speculative bubble. Open models and efficient tools democratise access, while massive investment inflates valuations and risks a crash. The challenge is distinguishing hype from real value: supporting sustainable applications while avoiding the fallout of an overheated market.

5. Risks: From existential to existing
The debate has shifted from distant existential threats to tangible present-day harms—bias, job loss, misinformation, and accountability. Overhyped AGI timelines have lost credibility, while regulators and civil society increasingly push to address AI as a product subject to current laws. Tackling today’s risks builds trust and stability for AI’s future.

6. Education: The front line of disruption
AI has upended traditional teaching by automating essay writing and assessments, creating both crisis and opportunity. Schools must shift from banning AI to rethinking pedagogy—focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and human judgment—while using AI to personalise learning and offload routine tasks. Education reform will determine whether students become AI-empowered or AI-dependent.

7. Philosophy: From ethics towards epistemology
Debates are moving beyond checklists of “AI ethics” toward deeper questions of knowledge and truth. As AI-generated content shapes cognition, concerns focus on how we know, who defines truth, and what reliance on algorithms does to human agency. This epistemological turn reframes AI not just as a tool but as a force reshaping understanding itself.

8. Politics and regulation: Techno-geopolitical realism
The USA, China, and EU now treat AI as strategic infrastructure, tying it to economic security and global power. Washington prioritises dominance and supply chain control; Beijing accelerates national integration and champions open-source abroad; Brussels pushes sovereignty through investment and regulation. Lofty AGI fears have given way to pragmatic competition, with cooperation at risk but realism rising.

9. Diplomacy: The UN moves slowly but surely
The UN has emerged as a steady player in AI governance, adopting resolutions that stress capacity-building, funding, and inclusive cooperation. Proposals include a Global Fund for AI, an international scientific panel, and a Global Dialogue. Though success depends on political will and financing, the UN is carving a role as a legitimate, development-focused convener.

10. Narrative collapse: From hype to realism
The AI hype cycle is deflating, exposing overblown promises and forcing a reset. Long-term doom predictions and inflated valuations are giving way to sober focus on practical applications, human knowledge, and local empowerment. This narrative shift—if matched with transparency and tech literacy—could mark the start of a more grounded, human-centred AI era.

This summary is adapted from Dr Jovan Kurbalija’s article ‘From summer disillusionment to autumn clarity: Ten lessons for AI.’ Read the full article.

This summer has seen a surge of cyberattacks linked to state-backed groups, underscoring how digital intrusions have become a central feature of geopolitical rivalry.

Microsoft has again become the focal point of high-stakes cyber operations. A flaw in its SharePoint software has triggered a wave of attacks that spread rapidly from targeted espionage into broader exploitation. Google and Microsoft confirmed that Chinese-linked groups were among the first movers, but soon both cybercriminals and other state-sponsored actors joined in. More than 400 organisations have reportedly been compromised, making the incident one of the most far-reaching Microsoft-linked breaches since the Exchange server attacks in 2021. The sheer scale of the breach—the compromise of millions of personal data records—demonstrated the blurring of lines between espionage, mass surveillance, and strategic influence operations.

A new joint cybersecurity advisory (CSA) was released on 27 August by over a dozen international law enforcement organisations, exploring the inner workings of Chinese APT threats

The episode has further sharpened tensions between Washington and Beijing. While the USA accused China of orchestrating intrusions through Salt Typhoon group—an operation that siphoned off data from millions of Americans—Beijing countered with claims that the USA itself had weaponised a Microsoft server vulnerability for offensive operations. In parallel, Microsoft announced restrictions on Chinese access to its cyber early warning system, signalling a deliberate shift in how it manages security cooperation with China.

In Asia, Chinese-linked groups infiltrated telecom networks across Southeast Asia and also targeted Singapore’s critical infrastructure, prompting a government investigation.

Russian-linked operations remain among the most disruptive, blending espionage, sabotage, and hybrid tactics. In the USA, federal courts confirmed that their systems were targeted by a cyberattack, with reports suggesting Moscow was responsible. The FBI separately warned that Russian groups continue to probe critical infrastructure by targeting networking devices associated with critical infrastructure IT systems.

In Europe, Russia is suspected of orchestrating sabotage and hybrid pressure campaigns. Norway’s intelligence chief attributed the sabotage of a dam in April to Russian hackers, while Brussels reported GPS jamming that disrupted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s flight, also linked to Moscow. These incidents suggest that the increasing willingness of threat actors to deploy cyber and electronic warfare not only against military targets but also against civilian infrastructure and political figures. Italy faced its own test when suspected Indian state-backed hackers targeted defence firms, suggesting that middle powers are increasingly entering the state-backed cyber arena. 

Nowhere is the fusion of cyber and kinetic conflict clearer than in Ukraine. By meticulously gathering and analysing digital data from the conflict within its borders, Ukraine has provided invaluable insights to its allies. This trove of information demonstrates how digital forensics can not only aid in defence but also strengthen international partnerships and understanding in a complex world.

In a fraught environment such as this, there is a continuous effort to manage risk, protect systems, and navigate the intricate diplomatic realities of the digital age. The irony is that as these attacks unfolded, so did the negotiations at the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on cybersecurity, which culminated in the successful adoption of the group’s Final report. The OEWG plays a central role in making cyber rules, providing a forum where states negotiate norms, principles, and rules of responsible behaviour in cyberspace. Yet what good are rules if not implemented? The OEWG has historically struggled to translate non-binding norms into practice: one such rule from 2015 prohibits allowing criminal activity to operate from national territory, but the cyberattacks this summer—and, let’s be frank, since 2015—prove otherwise. Yet, the Global Mechanism, which was agreed upon in the Final report, could bring a change. States will have the opportunity to draft and ultimately adopt action-oriented recommendations—let’s see how they will use it in the future.

The OEWG on ICT security has adopted its Final Report after intense negotiations on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. As always, compromises among diverse national interests – especially the major powers – mean a watered-down text. While no revolutionary progress has been made, there’s still plenty to highlight. 

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States recognised the international security risks posed by ransomware, cybercrime, AI, quantum tech, and cryptocurrencies. The document supports concepts like security-by-design and quantum cryptography, but doesn’t contain concrete measures. Commercial cyber intrusion tools (spyware) were flagged as threats to peace, though proposals for oversight were dropped. International law remains the only limit on tech use, mainly in conflict contexts. Critical infrastructure (CI), including fibre networks and satellites, was a focus, with cyberattacks on CI recognised as threats.

The central debate on norms focused on whether the final report should prioritise implementing existing voluntary norms or developing new ones. Western and like-minded states emphasised implementation and called for deferring decisions on new norms to the future permanent mechanism, while several developing countries supported this focus but highlighted capacity constraints. In contrast, another group of countries argued for continued work on new norms. Some delegations, such as sought a middle ground by supporting implementation while leaving space for future norm development. At the same time, the proposed Voluntary Checklist of Practical Actions received broad support. As a result, the Final Report softened language on additional norms, while the checklist was retained for continued discussion rather than adoption.

The states agreed to continue discussions on how international law applies to the states’ use of ICT in the future Global Mechanism, confirming that international law and particularly the UN Charter apply in cyberspace. The states also saw great value in exchanging national positions on the applicability of international law and called for increased capacity building efforts in this area to allow for meaningful participation of all states.

The agreement to establish a dedicated thematic group on capacity building stands out as a meaningful step, providing formal recognition of CB as a core pillar. Yet, substantive elements, particularly related to funding, were left unresolved. The UN-run Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity-Building Portal (GSCCP) will proceed through a modular, step-by-step development model, and roundtables will continue to promote coordination and information exchange. However, proposals for a UN Voluntary Fund and a fellowship program were deferred.

Prioritising the implementation of existing CBMs rather than adopting new ones crystallised during this last round of negotiation, despite some states’ push for additional commitments such as equitable ICT market access and standardised templates. Proposals lacking broad support—like Iran’s ICT market access CBM, the Secretariat’s template, and the inclusion of Norm J on vulnerability disclosure—were ultimately excluded or deferred for future consideration. 

States agreed on what the future Global mechanism will look like and how non-governmental stakeholders will participate in the mechanism. The Global mechanism will hold substantive plenary sessions once a year during each biennial cycle, work in two dedicated thematic groups (one on specific challenges, one on capacity building) that will allow for more in-depth discussions to build on the plenary’s work, and hold a review conference every five years. Relevant non-governmental organisations with ECOSOC status can be accredited to participate in the substantive plenary sessions and review conferences of the Global Mechanism, while other stakeholders would have to undergo an accreditation on a non-objection basis.

WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

This summer, Geneva became the stage for a most significant global digital gathering. From 7 to 11 July 2025, the city hosted the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, held alongside the AI for Good Global Summit. 

The week-long deliberations were framed as part of preparations for the UN General Assembly’s WSIS+20 Review, scheduled for 16–17 December 2025. That review will reaffirm international commitment to the WSIS process and set strategic direction for the next two decades of digital cooperation. 

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The Chair’s Summary, issued by South Africa’s Minister of Communications Solly Malatsi, underscored WSIS’s role as a cornerstone of global digital cooperation. Over the past twenty years, the WSIS architecture — anchored in the Geneva Plan of Action and the Tunis Agenda — has expanded connectivity, empowered users, and guided national and international strategies to bridge digital divides. Today, more than 5.5 billion people (68% of the world’s population) are online, up from fewer than one billion in 2005. Yet 2.6 billion people remain unconnected, concentrated in developing countries, least developed countries, and marginalised communities, making universal connectivity the most urgent unfinished task.

Some discussions in Geneva revolved around how to adapt the implementation of WSIS Action Lines to new realities: the rise of AI, quantum, and space technologies; persistent digital divides; and the implementation of the GDC. Participants largely agreed that existing mechanisms — the WSIS Forum, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), and initiatives such as AI for Good — are indispensable, and ideally positioned to implement the GDC and translate its principles into measurable action.

Several themes stood out. First, the need to ensure that digital governance keeps pace with unpredictable technological progress, while safeguarding human rights, cultural and linguistic diversity, and local realities. Second, the importance of youth engagement: more than 280 young people participated in a dedicated Youth Track, proposing co-leadership roles, grassroots funds, and a permanent WSIS Youth Programme. Third, recognition that inclusion must go beyond connectivity to encompass affordability, digital skills, and rights-based participation.

Participants also emphasised that the WSIS process must continue to link digital innovation with sustainability goals, integrating green technology and climate-smart solutions. Ethical and rights-based approaches to AI and other emerging technologies were highlighted as essential, alongside stronger international cooperation to address cybersecurity threats, disinformation, and online harms.

The Chair’s Summary concluded with a clear message: WSIS will remain the central platform for advancing digital cooperation beyond 2025, ensuring that the gains of the past two decades are consolidated while adapting to new realities. True inclusion, it stressed, is not only about being present but about being heard — there is a need to engage those still excluded, reflect diverse local and global experiences, and continue advancing WSIS’s vision of an equitable, people-centred information society over the next 20 years.

Our session reports and AI insights from both events can be found on the dedicated WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 and AI for Good Global Summit 2025 web pages on the Digital Watch Observatory.

Zero Draft of WSIS+20 outcome document

In the lead-up to the UN General Assembly’s high-level meeting dedicated to the WSIS+20 Review, scheduled for 16–17 December 2025, negotiations and consultations are focused on concrete text for what will become a WSIS+20 outcome document. This concrete text – called the zero draft – was released on 30 August.

Digital divides and inclusion take centre stage in the zero draft. While connectivity has expanded – 95% of the global population is now within reach of broadband, and internet use has grown from 15% in 2005 to 67% in 2025 – significant gaps remain. Disparities persist across countries, urban and rural areas, genders, persons with disabilities, older populations, and minority language speakers. The draft calls for affordable entry-level broadband, local multilingual content, digital literacy, and mechanisms to connect the unconnected, ensuring equitable access.

The digital economy continues to transform trade, finance, and industry, creating opportunities for small and women-led businesses but also risks deepening inequalities through concentrated technological power and automation. Against this backdrop, the draft outlines a commitment to supporting the development of digital financial services, and a call for stakeholders to foster ‘open, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory digital environments.

Environmental sustainability is a key consideration, as ICTs facilitate monitoring of climate change and resource management, yet their growth contributes to energy demand, emissions, and electronic waste. Standing out in the draft is a call for the development of global reporting standards on environmental impacts, and of global standards for sustainable product design, and circular economy practices to align digital innovation with environmental goals.

The Zero Draft reaffirms human rights, confidence and security, and multistakeholder internet governance as central pillars of the digital ecosystem. Human rights are positioned as the foundation of digital cooperation, with commitments to protect freedom of expression, privacy, access to information, and the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Strengthening confidence and security in the use of technology is seen as essential for innovation and sustainable development, with emphasis on protecting users from threats such as online abuse and violence, hate speech, and misinformation, while ensuring safeguards for privacy and freedom of expression.

The draft outlines a series of key (desirable) attributes for the internet – open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, secure, stable – and highlights the need for more inclusive internet governance discussions, across stakeholder groups (governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and technical communities) and across developed and developing countries alike. 

To advance capacity building in relation to AI, the draft proposes a UN AI research programme and AI capacity building fellowship, both with a focus on developing countries. In parallel, the draft welcomes ongoing initiatives such as the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Recognising the critical importance of global cooperation in internet governance, the draft designates the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as a permanent UN body and calls for enhanced secretariat support, enhanced working methods, and reporting on outcomes to UN entities and processes (which are then called to duly take these outputs into account in their work). The long-discussed issue of IGF financial sustainability is addressed in the form of a request for the UN Secretary-General to make proposals on future funding. 

Finally, the draft looks at the interplay between WSIS, the Global Digital Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and outlines several mechanisms for better connecting them and avoiding duplication and overlaps. These include a joint WSIS-GDC implementation roadmap, the inclusion of GDC review and follow-up into existing annual WSIS mechanisms (at the level of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and the Economic and Social Council), and reviews in GDC-WSIS alignments at the GA level. Speaking of overall reviews, the draft also envisions a combined review of Agenda 2030 and of outcomes of the WSIS-GDC joint implementation roadmap in 2030, as well as a WSIS+30 review in 2035.

Looking ahead

The Zero Draft sets the stage for intense negotiations ahead of the December 2025 High-Level Meeting. Member states and other stakeholders are invited to submit comments until 26 September. It then remains to be seen what a second version of the outcome document will look like, and which elements are kept, revised, or removed.

Follow the process with us on our dedicated WSIS+20 web page, where we will track key developments, highlight emerging debates, and provide expert analysis as the negotiations unfold.

Weekly #228 Roadmap to the digital future: WSIS+20 zero draft paves the way

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29 August – 5 September 2025


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Dear readers,

In 2003-2005, a landmark UN summit – the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) – outlined a vision for an inclusive information society, set out recommendations for making this vision a reality, and laid the basis for much of what we call today the global digital governance architecture. Twenty years later, UN member states are looking at progress made in achieving the goals set back then and areas requiring further effort, as well as at whether the WSIS architecture needs updates. This unfolding WSIS+20 review process will end in December 2025 with a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly. In the lead-up to the meeting, negotiations and consultations are now focused on concrete text for what will become a WSIS+20 outcome document. This concrete text – called the zero draft – was released last week.

Digital divides and inclusion take centre stage in the zero draft. While connectivity has expanded – 95% of the global population is now within reach of broadband, and internet use has grown from 15% in 2005 to 67% in 2025 – significant gaps remain. Disparities persist across countries, urban and rural areas, genders, persons with disabilities, older populations, and minority language speakers. The draft calls for affordable entry-level broadband, local multilingual content, digital literacy, and mechanisms to connect the unconnected, ensuring equitable access.

The digital economy continues to transform trade, finance, and industry, creating opportunities for small and women-led businesses but also risks deepening inequalities through concentrated technological power and automation. Against this backdrop, the draft outlines a commitment to supporting the development of digital financial services, and a call for stakeholders to foster ‘open, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory digital environments.

Environmental sustainability is a key consideration, as ICTs facilitate monitoring of climate change and resource management, yet their growth contributes to energy demand, emissions, and electronic waste. Standing out in the draft is a call for the development of global reporting standards on environmental impacts, and of global standards for sustainable product design, and circular economy practices to align digital innovation with environmental goals.

The Zero Draft reaffirms human rights, confidence and security, and multistakeholder internet governance as central pillars of the digital ecosystem. Human rights are positioned as the foundation of digital cooperation, with commitments to protect freedom of expression, privacy, access to information, and the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Strengthening confidence and security in the use of technology is seen as essential for innovation and sustainable development, with emphasis on protecting users from threats such as online abuse and violence, hate speech, and misinformation, while ensuring safeguards for privacy and freedom of expression.

The draft outlines a series of key (desirable) attributes for the internet – open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, secure, stable – and highlights the need for more inclusive internet governance discussions, across stakeholder groups (governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and technical communities) and across developed and developing countries alike. 

To advance capacity building in relation to AI, the draft proposes a UN AI research programme and AI capacity building fellowship, both with a focus on developing countries. In parallel, the draft welcomes ongoing initiatives such as the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Recognising the critical importance of global cooperation in internet governance, the draft designates the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as a permanent UN body and calls for enhanced secretariat support, enhanced working methods, and reporting on outcomes to UN entities and processes (which are then called to duly take these outputs into account in their work). The long-discussed issue of IGF financial sustainability is addressed in the form of a request for the UN Secretary-General to make proposals on future funding. 

Finally, the draft looks at the interplay between WSIS, the Global Digital Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and outlines several mechanisms for better connecting them and avoiding duplication and overlaps. These include a joint WSIS-GDC implementation roadmap, the inclusion of GDC review and follow-up into existing annual WSIS mechanisms (at the level of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and the Economic and Social Council), and reviews in GDC-WSIS alignments at the GA level Speaking of overall reviews, the draft also envisions a combined review of Agenda 2030 and of outcomes of the WSIS-GDC joint implementation roadmap in 2030, as well as a WSIS+30 review in 2035.

Looking ahead

The Zero Draft sets the stage for intense negotiations ahead of the December 2025 High-Level Meeting. Member states and other stakeholders are invited to submit comments until 26 September. It then remains to be seen what a second version of the outcome document will look like, and which elements are kept, revised, or removed.👉 Follow the process with us on our dedicated web page, where we will track key developments, highlight emerging debates, and provide expert analysis as the negotiations unfold.

DW Team


Highlights from the week of 29 August – 5 September 2025
switzerland parliament

The model is designed to boost innovation while remaining fully transparent and accessible to all.

TSMC Semiconductors AI A14 logic process

The USA revoked TSMC’s licence to ship advanced technology to China, adding pressure to global semiconductor supply chains.

Google AI Mode Search Labs restaurant reservations US EU

The ruling bars Google from exclusive distribution deals for products like Search, Chrome and Gemini.

court hammer with eu flag

The EU General Court upheld the EU–US Data Privacy Framework, rejecting claims it lacks adequate safeguards and independence in oversight of US data practices involving personal data from the EU.

France and Germany flags

The document flagship outlines projects in AI, quantum, cloud, and space, promotes a Franco-German digital ecosystem for public services, and sets the stage for the 2025 European Digital Sovereignty Summit.

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A joint cybersecurity advisory details how Salt Typhoon exploited unpatched network-edge devices to infiltrate telecommunications, military and government systems across 13 countries.

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The SCO Tianjin Declaration emphasised cyber sovereignty, inclusive AI development, global cybersecurity norms, and stronger cooperation in the digital economy.

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A global report found 63% of employers say AI has significantly boosted productivity at work.


READING CORNER
BLOG featured image 2025 From summer disillusionment to autumn clarity

As classrooms and negotiation tables fill again, a pressing question lingers: where is AI headed? This summer marked a turning point, as the ‘bigger is better’ narrative faltered. This blog captures ten key lessons from a season of AI disillusionment.

ai apprent fin

Why apprenticeship and storytelling are the future of learning in the AI Era AI is forcing us to ask a deeper question: what is the real purpose of learning?

UPCOMING EVENTS
Diplo EVENT 2025 African Priorities for the Global Digital

The webinar will bring together African experts from technology, development, diplomacy and policy domains to discuss which digital issues must be urgently prioritised to keep Africa on course in a rapidly changing world.

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In this one-hour session, several experts – Asoke Mukerji, Isaac Morales Tenorio, and Fan Yang will debate the future of global cyber negotiations — tackling obstacles, testing new ideas, and asking whether the UN dialogue can move from compromise to real progress.

UNHRC 2

This session provides a key platform for the international community to discuss, promote, and protect human rights worldwide.

Diplo Decoding the UN CSTD

The event will discuss the progress made by the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance and the expectations for the next meeting, which will take place on 15-16 September.

Weekly #227 – UNGA adopts new AI resolution, Trump threatens tariffs over EU digital taxes, OpenAI updates ChatGPT safety after teen suicide

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22 – 29 August 2025


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Dear readers,

On 26 August 2025, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution establishing two new mechanisms for global AI governance: an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The 40-member Panel will provide annual, evidence-based assessments of AI’s opportunities, risks, and impacts, while the Global Dialogue will serve as a platform for governments and relevant stakeholders to discuss international cooperation, exchange best practices, and foster inclusive discussions on AI governance.

The Dialogue will be launched during UNGA’s 80th session in September 2025 and will convene annually, alternating between Geneva and New York, alongside existing UN events. These mechanisms also aim to contribute to capacity development efforts on AI. The resolution also invites states and stakeholders to contribute resources, particularly to ensure participation from developing countries, and foresees that a review of both initiatives may happen at UNGA’s 82nd session.

Other highlights of the week:

US President Donald Trump has warned that he may impose retaliatory tariffs on countries introducing digital taxes or regulations targeting American tech giants, a move seen as a direct warning to the EU. Several European states and the EU itself have rolled out measures such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and digital services taxes to regulate big platforms and ensure companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta pay fair taxes locally. Trump’s threat also puts renewed pressure on the UK, which continues to uphold its digital services tax despite a trade deal with Washington. Besides that, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned tech companies that complying with the EU and UK online content and encryption rules could breach US law under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Alphabet’s Google has announced a $9 billion investment in Virginia by 2026, reinforcing the state’s status as a key US data infrastructure hub, with plans for a new Chesterfield County facility and expansions in Loudoun and Prince William counties to boost AI and cloud computing capabilities. The investment, supported by Dominion Energy and expected to take up to seven years to operationalise fully, aligns with a broader tech trend where giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet are pouring hundreds of billions into AI projects, though it raises energy demand concerns that Google aims to address through efficiency measures and community funding.

INTERPOL’s ‘Serengeti 2.0’ operation across Africa led to over 1,200 arrests between June and August 2025, targeting ransomware, online fraud, and business email compromise schemes, and recovering nearly USD 100 million stolen from tens of thousands of victims. Authorities shut down illicit cryptocurrency mining sites in Angola, dismantled a massive crypto fraud scheme in Zambia, and uncovered a human trafficking network with forged passports in Lusaka.

OpenAI announced new safety measures for ChatGPT after a lawsuit accused the chatbot of contributing to a teenager’s suicide. The company plans to enhance detection of mental distress, improve safeguards in suicide-related conversations, add parental controls, and provide links to emergency services while addressing content filtering flaws. Regulators and mental health experts are intensifying scrutiny, warning that growing reliance on chatbots instead of professional care could endanger vulnerable users, especially children.

The battle of the giants: Elon Musk’s xAI has sued Apple and OpenAI in Texas, accusing them of colluding to monopolise the AI market through Apple’s exclusive 2024 deal to integrate ChatGPT into its devices, which allegedly disadvantaged Musk’s X and Grok apps. Musk, seeking billions in damages and a jury trial, argues the partnership stifles competition and reflects Apple’s antitrust violations.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 22 – 29 August 2025

China Salt Typhoon hackers data breach telecom companies ATT Verizon FBI

US officials link Beijing-backed Salt Typhoon spies to breaches at major telcos and government networks.

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AI’s rapid rise is reshaping how nations think about energy, opening the door to new partnerships that could redefine the path toward a cleaner and smarter future.

Google Gemini for Home Google Assistant Nest Hub Gemini Live

The launch coincides with federal plans to boost AI while limiting regulation-heavy states.

Android malware MediaPlayer JavaScript Telegram

A new wave of Android malware deployed through fake utilities on the Play Store infected millions, using overlay attacks to harvest financial credentials and deploy adware.

ENISA EU NIS2 Security measures business compliance

The project highlights the EU’s focus on preparedness, with ENISA tasked to oversee the technical and operational standards of the reserve.

YouTube content creators AI age verification minors SpyCloud identity theft

By experimenting with AI edits without approval, YouTube has angered creators and renewed debates about trust, regulation and control in the age of AI.

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Fake AI-generated albums mimicking folk singer Emily Portman appeared on Spotify, sparking copyright complaints.

google lawsuit discrimination settlement Ana Cantu

Instead of cutting jobs, Google is investing in AI training through its new AI Savvy Google programme to upskill its workforce.

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A $2.7 billion whale sell-off triggered liquidations, weakening Bitcoin near key supports while Ethereum maintains stronger technical metrics and positive momentum.

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Age verification law could reshape online access and entrench big tech dominance.

Gmail Google Cloud data leak ShinyHunters phishing attack

ShinyHunters breached Google systems, sparking new phishing threats against Gmail accounts.

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Humanlike AI may distort reality as people form emotional attachments, experts caution.

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Salt Typhoon, observed since 2019, has been linked to targeting routers, VPNs and edge devices, with more than 200 US companies reportedly impacted.

ChatGPT OpenAI Sam Altman parental controls mental health monitoring

A teenager’s death has sparked calls for stronger safeguards on ChatGPT and similar AI systems.


READING CORNER
BLOG featured image 2025 98

Wheels, wagons, and metal turned herders into mobile nomads. With speed on their side, raiding – and empire-building – became possible. Aldo Matteucci writes.

ai green

AI is emerging as both a driver of environmental strain and a potential force for sustainable solutions, raising urgent questions about whether innovation and ecological responsibility can truly advance together.

Irans nuclear saga

Despite US and Israeli strikes, Iran’s nuclear program remains alive, exposing the double standards of global nuclear politics.

BLOG featured image 2025 101

This blog discusses how different cultural and philosophical traditions can be used as a strong foundation for global AI governance discussions.

UPCOMING EVENTS
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ISOC Brazil webinar on the responsibility of intermediaries and changes in the US policy landscape. The webinar will promote an in-depth discussion about the

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Declaring Independence in Cyberspace: Book Discussion Diplo’s Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Marilia Maciel, will provide comments and

Weekly #226 – Google fined $35M in Australia, EU–US seal $750B trade deal, Nvidia’s new China AI chip

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15 – 22 August 2025


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Dear readers,

Last week, on Monday, Google agreed to pay a A$55 million (US$35.8 million) fine in Australia after regulators found it restricted competition by striking revenue-sharing deals with Telstra and Optus to pre-install its search app on Android phones, sidelining rival platforms. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the arrangements, which were in place from 2019 to 2021, limited consumer choice and blocked competitors’ visibility. Google admitted that the deals harmed competition and pledged to drop similar practices, while Telstra and Optus confirmed that they no longer pursue such agreements. The settlement, which still requires court approval, comes amid wider legal and regulatory challenges for Google in Australia, including a recent loss in a case brought by Epic Games and growing scrutiny over its role in app distribution and social media access.

The United States and the European Union have agreed on a new Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade, aiming to reset one of the world’s largest trade relationships. The deal includes EU commitments to eliminate tariffs on US industrial goods, expand access for American agricultural and seafood products, and procure $750 billion in US energy exports and $40 billion in AI chips by 2028. In return, the US will cap tariffs on key EU goods, ease automobile tariffs, and pursue cooperation on steel, aluminium, and supply chain security. Both sides pledged deeper collaboration on defence procurement, digital trade, cybersecurity, sustainability rules, and standards harmonisation, while also working to resolve disputes over deforestation, carbon border taxes, and non-tariff barriers.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that the US risks underestimating China’s rapid AI progress, arguing that export controls on advanced semiconductors are an unreliable long-term solution. Speaking in San Francisco, he said chip restrictions and policy-driven approaches often fail due to workarounds, while China is quickly expanding its AI capacity and accelerating domestic alternatives through firms like Huawei.

On the same front, Nvidia is quietly developing a new AI chip for China, the B30A, based on its advanced Blackwell architecture, just as Washington debates how much US technology Beijing should be allowed to access. Positioned between the weaker H20 and the flagship B300, the B30A retains key features like high-bandwidth memory and NVLink, making it more powerful than China’s current scaled-down H20 approved model while staying within export limits. The move follows President Trump’s recent openness to allowing scaled-down chip sales to China, though bipartisan lawmakers remain wary of boosting Beijing’s AI capabilities. Nvidia, which relies on China for 13% of its revenue, also plans to release the lower-end RTX6000D for AI inference in September, reflecting efforts to comply with US-China export policy while fending off rising domestic rivals like Huawei, whose chips are improving but still lag in software and memory. Meanwhile, Chinese regulators have warned firms about potential security risks in Nvidia’s products, underscoring the political tensions shaping the company’s commercial strategy.

Private conversations with xAI’s chatbot Grok were unintentionally exposed online after its ‘share’ button generated public URLs that became indexed by Google and other search engines, raising serious concerns about user privacy and AI safety. The leaked chats included sensitive and dangerous content, from hacking crypto wallets to drug-making instructions, despite xAI’s ban on harmful use. The flaw, reminiscent of earlier issues with other AI platforms like ChatGPT, has damaged trust in xAI and highlighted the urgent need for stronger privacy safeguards, such as blocking the indexing of shared content and adopting privacy-by-design measures, as users may otherwise hesitate to engage with chatbots.

Meta is launching a new research lab dedicated to superintelligence, led by Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, as part of its push to regain momentum in the global AI race after mixed results with its Llama models and ongoing talent losses. Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly considering a multibillion-dollar investment in Scale, signalling strong confidence in Wang’s approach, while the lab’s creation, separate from  Meta’s FAIR division, underscores Meta’s shift toward partnerships with top AI players, mirroring strategies used by Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.

Japanese technology giant SoftBank has announced plans to buy a $2 billion stake in Intel, signalling a stronger push into the American semiconductor industry. The investment comes as Washington debates greater government involvement in the sector, with reports suggesting President Donald Trump is weighing a US government stake in the chipmaker. SoftBank will purchase Intel’s common stock at $23 per share. Its chairman, Masayoshi Son, said semiconductors remain the backbone of every industry and expressed confidence that advanced chip manufacturing will expand in the US, with Intel playing a central role.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 15 – 22 August 2025

closeup shot pile cryptocurrency cash golden coins

The Frontier Stable Token marks the first government-backed stablecoin in the US, with Wyoming positioning itself as a leader in digital finance innovation.

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With the V3.1 upgrade now live and the R1 label missing, observers are debating whether DeepSeek has postponed or abandoned its R2 reasoning model entirely.

collaborating with ai agents improves productivity

The former Twitter chief executive argues that AI agents will soon dominate the internet instead of humans, with individuals likely to deploy dozens to manage daily online activity.

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Strangeworks acquires German firm Quantagonia to expand European operations and bring AI-powered, quantum-ready planning technology to more organisations.

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Government plan tackles talent shortages and chip supply disruption.

people wearing futuristic high tech virtual reality glasses

Nearly nine in ten developers are using AI agents to speed up coding, testing, and localisation, while also adapting games to players in real time.

children playing grass

Regulators urge safeguards for AI toys as children gain interactive companions that teach and engage instead of relying solely on human interaction or screens.

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Malware steals passwords, crypto data and system info without clicks.

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The platform allows users to conduct market research, plan products, design prototypes, check regulations, and find distributors in minutes rather than weeks.

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Competitors Grok, Claude, and Copilot trail far behind as ChatGPT leads in downloads and consumer spending per user.

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HTC’s entry into this market is significant as it competes with established players like Meta, Google, and Samsung, each developing or already offering advanced smart glasses technology.

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Key concerns include the potential for widespread job displacement as AI systems replace human workers, significant environmental harm due to the substantial energy usage of AI models, and privacy erosion…

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A $45 million Bitcoin donation accepted without checks has turned into a major Czech political scandal, now focused on money laundering and drug trafficking.

INTEL

Trump criticises Intel leadership, urging board action.


READING CORNER
BLOG featured image 2025 95

As the Trump-Putin summit brought Alaska into focus, its overlooked telegraph cables reveal a fascinating history: in the late 19th century, Alaska was on the brink of becoming a telecommunication hub connecting the US to Europe via Siberia.

BLOG featured image 2025 97

Can AI replace the transmission of wisdom? The world of education is changing radically and rapidly. Generative AI tools are now capable of writing essays, solving math problems, summarising textbooks, and even personalising learning experiences at scale.

 
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English dominates the AI landscape, but this hegemony can hinder our understanding of AI’s deeper, non-technical aspects. The recent explosion of AI jargon often obscures meaning and can lead to cognitive confusion. Embracing our native languages allows us to deflate this jargon, fostering clearer, common-sense comprehension of AI concepts.

AI Hub AI and Law Ethics

AI offers tools to expand access to justice globally, but without transparency, oversight, and human-rights safeguards, it risks deepening bias, exclusion, and eroding public trust.

Investment diplomacy v2

How is money shaping foreign policy? Learn how countries use sovereign wealth funds and strategic investments as powerful tools for foreign policy and soft power.

Weekly #225 – Trump’s US-China chip export policy shifts, ODI’s manifesto and the EU AI and data policy, Musk–Altman antitrust battle

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8 – 15 August 2025


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Dear readers,

In the past seven days, US–China tensions over AI chip exports unexpectedly reversed. The Trump administration pushed ahead with an unprecedented export-for-revenue-sharing model, and Beijing quietly countered.  Namely, Washington granted Nvidia and AMD permission to resume sales of specific lower-end AI processors to China, including Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308, on the condition that 15% of related revenue goes directly to the US government. The administration framed the move as both commercially advantageous and strategically valuable, arguing it keeps Chinese AI development tied to less advanced US technology.

During the following days, President Trump said he is open to allowing a 30-50% less powerful version of Nvidia’s flagship Blackwell chip into the Chinese market. The proposal has fueled bipartisan concerns in Washington that even degraded chips could help Beijing accelerate its AI advancement. Critics, including Republican and Democratic lawmakers, condemned the decision and warned that monetising export licenses risks turning US national security policy into a ‘pay-for-play’ system, undermining the traditional principle that such controls are non-negotiable.

Beijing has responded with quiet but firm resistance, since regulators have instructed major Chinese tech companies, including Tencent, Baidu, and ByteDance, to avoid using Nvidia’s H20 chips, particularly in government or security-related projects, and to favour domestic options such as Huawei processors. Media have amplified doubts over the security and reliability of the US hardware, while officials signal a long-term push toward semiconductor self-sufficiency. At this point, we can pose the following question: Is Washington trying to balance economic gain and strategic control while Beijing is working to insulate its tech sector from foreign dependence?

In other news, the Open Data Institute (ODI) has published a manifesto setting out six principles for shaping the EU policy on AI and data. Aiming to support policymakers, it aligns with the EU’s upcoming digital reforms, including the AI Act and the bloc’s digital framework review.

Elon Musk has accused Apple of favouring ChatGPT on its App Store and threatened legal action, sparking a clash with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Musk called Apple’s practices an antitrust violation and vowed to take immediate action through his AI company, xAI. Critics on X noted rivals like DeepSeek AI and Perplexity AI have topped the App Store this year. Altman called Musk’s claim ‘remarkable’ on X, adding that Musk was alleged to ‘manipulate X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn’t like.’ Musk called him a ‘liar,’ prompting demands for proof he never altered X’s algorithm. 

Bitcoin surged past $124,000, marking a fresh record, as positive US regulatory sentiment and expectations of upcoming rate cuts fueled gains. Ethereum is also near its yearly peak, riding broader bullish momentum across top cryptocurrencies.

One of the standout billionaire trade offers of the week is Perplexity AI’s unexpected US$34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, a move that could align with antitrust measures currently under consideration in the US.

Russian authorities have begun partially restricting calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the need for crime prevention. Regulator Roskomnadzor accused the platforms of enabling fraud, extortion, and terrorism while ignoring repeated requests to act.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 8 – 15 August 2025

Google IBM Pasqal UN Quantum computing 2025

Quantum computing is moving from labs to industries in 2025, with breakthroughs transforming finance, healthcare and security.

google translate ai language model

Straker says its small language models offer faster, cheaper, and more accurate translations by focusing on industry-specific context rather than general language coverage.

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The wider cryptocurrency market is thriving, with top 100 coins recording double-digit weekly gains amid a shift towards high-growth digital assets.

OpenAI DeepSeek Open weight AI models AI rivalry US China

DeepSeek’s low-resource AI success challenges US dominance and spurs OpenAI’s open-weight model release.

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The humanoid robot market in China is projected to grow from $2.24 billion in 2024 to $41 billion by 2032 amid rapid AI advances and government support.

UAE Ministry of interior Cybersecurity Dubai Police

The UAE Ministry of Interior confirms the use of AI, surveillance, and modern laws to fight crime, noting that data analysis and legal updates are improving investigations.

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Tested by medical experts, NASA’s AI assistant shows promising accuracy in treating common ailments.

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CEO Elon Musk ends in-house AI chip development, shifting staff to other projects.

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The AI-driven system achieves near-perfect qubit operations and could allow atom-based quantum computers to scale to tens of thousands of qubits.

AI developer

Despite fears, Cameron nonetheless suggests AI superintelligence might also help solve humanity’s biggest challenges.

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Reports of wrongful Instagram account suspensions have led to a petition urging Meta to address moderation errors and clarify the impact of recent policy updates.

GPT 5 OpenAI ChatGPT Sam Altman Launch User feedback controversy

GPT-5 promises better reasoning and fewer hallucinations, but critics say responses are shorter, slower, and less engaging.

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Persistent technical issues with Huawei’s AI chips have forced DeepSeek to delay its R2 model launch and rely on Nvidia for training.

Legal risks for blockchain privacy tools are increasing as Carrone faces charges in Türkiye connected to his work on privacy protocols.


READING CORNER
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Is global finance on the verge of discovering the missing piece that unlocks crypto’s full promise and reshapes the future of the digital era?

BLOG featured image 2025 The European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is here. Learn what this landmark law means for digital accessibility, businesses, and users with disabilities across the EU.

Sexual diplomacy Blog featured image

The term ‘sexual diplomacy’ circulates within historical, political, and popular discourse, yet it avoids a single, stable definition.

blog elections

Elections aren’t expressions of a unified ‘will’ – they’re emergent, unintended outcomes. Aldo Matteucci takes aim at Max Gallo’s sweeping historical determinism.

DW Weekly #224 – The EU tariffs on the US paused for six months, Samsung and SK Hynix get US chip-import tariff exemptions, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT-5 debuts

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1 – 8 August 2025


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Dear readers,

In the week behind us, the EU has postponed its planned tariffs on the US by six months to allow more time for negotiations. Originally set to take effect this week, the tariffs are suspended from Tuesday; the move comes after a political agreement between Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump at the end of July.

South Korea’s trade minister said Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will be exempted from the planned 100% US tariffs on semiconductor chips. The exemption follows both companies’ significant investments in US chip manufacturing facilities. Trump warned that companies that don’t produce chips in the US would face a 100% tariff on semiconductor imports.

Apple is increasing its domestic investment by an additional $100 billion, bringing its total commitment to US manufacturing to $600 billion over the next four years. The announcement was made by CEO Tim Cook during a joint appearance with President Donald Trump at the White House, as the administration signals plans to impose steep tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors.

Tesla has awarded CEO Elon Musk a substantial new compensation package worth approximately $29 billion in stock options, signalling the company’s continued reliance on Musk’s leadership at a critical juncture. This interim payment includes 96 million new Tesla shares and aims to incentivise Musk as Tesla transitions from a struggling auto business toward futuristic ventures like robotaxis and humanoid robots. 

Yet, it is ironic that this bold pivot toward robotaxis is overshadowed by a recent court verdict ordering Tesla to pay approximately $243 million in damages following a fatal 2019 crash involving a Model S equipped with Autopilot. A Florida jury found Tesla’s driver-assistance software to be defective — a finding the company plans to appeal, asserting that the driver was solely responsible for the incident.

OpenAI has unveiled GPT-5, the latest generation of its widely used ChatGPT tool, offering what CEO Sam Altman described as a ‘huge improvement’ in capability. Now free to all users, the model builds on previous versions but stops short of the human-like reasoning associated with accurate artificial general intelligence. Altman compared the leap in performance to ‘talking to a PhD-level expert’ instead of a student.

Still speaking about OpenAI, the company has launched its first open-weight AI models in over five years, under the Apache 2.0 license. Developers now have access to download, adapt, and deploy the models commercially, marking a significant shift in policy from the company’s previously closed-source approach.

OpenAI has also partnered with the US General Services Administration to provide ChatGPT Enterprise access to all federal executive branch agencies for just $1 per agency over the next year, aligning with the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan to reduce bureaucratic workload and enhance public service efficiency. The initiative includes training programmes, strict security measures, and a 60-day free access window to advanced features, aiming to empower public servants with cutting-edge AI tools while maintaining responsible deployment and data protection standards.

Let’s move to Venice, Italy, where the Venice Film Festival has confirmed that a cyberattack compromised the personal data of accredited attendees, including journalists and industry members. The breach affected names, contact details, and tax information.

A report by Australia’s eSafety commissioner showed that tech giants, including Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, have failed to act against online child sexual abuse. Namely, it was found that Apple and YouTube do not track the number of abuse reports they receive or how quickly they respond, raising serious concerns.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 1 – 8 August 2025

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Despite a late dip, Bitcoin’s uptrend remains intact, with targets as high as $172,000 on the horizon.

OpenAI GPT 5 AI models complex tasks release AGI

OpenAI is expected to officially unveil GPT-5 today following a teaser campaign and a mistakenly published GitHub post revealing key details.

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Current cyber readiness gaps prompt fresh calls for a dedicated military cyber service.

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Cyber blame game intensifies as China accuses the US of exploiting software flaws Microsoft had already patched.

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Generative AI tools are reducing traffic to news sites, threatening revenue. Publishers are adapting with new strategies like GEO, amid legal battles, licensing deals, and rising concerns about news credibility.

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SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced a shift towards clearer crypto regulations and innovation-friendly policies under Project Crypto.

Google Genie 3 game developers AI tools job security

Google’s Genie 3 AI can instantly build entire game worlds, raising serious concerns about the future of human game developers.

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Chinese authorities have summoned Nvidia over national security concerns tied to its H20 chip, reviving fears of geopolitical retaliation in tech.

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Britain’s recently enacted Online Safety Act, designed to safeguard children and curb illegal digital content, is drawing sharp criticism from tech platforms and free speech advocates.

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Over 28,000 BTC from Satoshi-era wallets were sent to Galaxy Digital, contributing to a Bitcoin price dip.

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The 9th Circuit panel determined that the platform must address allegations of negligence stemming from delays in reporting explicit material involving minors to authorities.

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A digital euro will support, not replace, physical money in the eurozone, says ECB board member Piero Cipollone.

eu ai act

A coalition of creative organisations has asked the European Commission to reconsider parts of the implementation process under Article 53 of the AI Act.

google data centres AI electric utilities grid

Data centre deal that Google made with utilities aims to balance grid demand without expanding costly transmission infrastructure.


READING CORNER
Panda diplomacy feature

Explore the revival of China’s panda diplomacy with the return of pandas to the U.S. in 2025. Learn how these furry ambassadors are used to signal shifts in global relations, mend political rifts, and project soft power worldwide.

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Why did the ‘good governance’ agenda fall short? By overlooking local context, emotional insight, and personal responsibility, Western theory stumbled. Could Confucian reverence and relational ethics offer a wiser path? Aldo Matteucci explores.

Pura Vida

Learn how Costa Rica’s “wellness diplomacy” uses its ‘Pura Vida’ philosophy, a national commitment to peace, social well-being, and environmental stewardship, to exert global influence.

ai chatbot use reduces brain activity and learning

The decline of shared analogue experiences is altering how communities bond and preserve collective memory, especially among younger generations.

DW Weekly #223 – AI race heats: The US AI Action Plan, China’s push for a global AI cooperation organisation, and the EU’s regulatory response

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25 July – 1 August 2025


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Dear readers,

Over the past week, the White House has launched a sweeping AI initiative through its new publication Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan, an ambitious strategy to dominate global AI leadership by promoting open-source technology and streamlining regulatory frameworks. America’s ‘open-source gambit’, analysed in detail by Dr Jovan Kurbalija in Diplo’s blog, signals a significant shift in digital policy, intending to democratise AI innovation to outpace competitors, particularly China.

Supporting this bold direction, major tech giants have endorsed President Trump’s AI deregulation plans, despite widespread public concerns regarding potential societal impacts. Trump’s policies notably include an explicit push for ‘anti-woke’ AI frameworks within US government contracts, raising contentious debates about the ideological neutrality and ethical implications of AI systems in governance.

In parallel, China has responded with its own global AI governance plan, proposing the establishment of an international AI cooperation organisation to enhance worldwide coordination and standard-setting. Thus, it is not hard to conclude that there is an escalating AI governance competition between the two technological superpowers, each advocating distinctly different visions for the future of global AI development.

On the multilateral stage, the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a resolution: ‘Assessment of the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society’, through the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), reaffirming commitments to implement the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Corporate strategies have also reflected these geopolitical undercurrents. Samsung Electronics has announced a landmark $16.5 billion chip manufacturing deal with Tesla, generating optimism about Samsung’s capability to revive its semiconductor foundry business. Yet, execution risks remain substantial, prompting Samsung’s Chairman Jay Y. Lee to promptly travel to Washington to solidify bilateral trade relations and secure the company’s position amid potential trade tensions.

Similarly, Nvidia has placed a strategic order for 300,000 chipsets from Taiwanese giant TSMC, driven by robust Chinese demand and shifting US trade policies.

Meanwhile, the EU has intensified regulatory scrutiny, accusing e-commerce platform Temu of failing mandatory Digital Services Act (DSA) checks, citing serious risks related to counterfeit and unsafe goods.

In the USA, similar scrutiny arose as Senator Maggie Hassan urged Elon Musk to take decisive action against Southeast Asian criminal groups using Starlink services to defraud American citizens.

Finally, the EU’s landmark AI Act commenced its implementation phase this week, despite considerable pushback from tech firms concerned about regulatory compliance burdens.

Diplo Blog – The open-source gambit: How America plans to outpace AI rivals by democratising tech

On 23 July, the US unveiled an AI Action Plan featuring 103 recommendations focused on winning the AI race against China. Key themes include promoting open-source AI to establish global standards, reducing regulations to support tech firms, and emphasising national security. The plan addresses labour displacement, AI biases, and cybersecurity threats, advocating for reskilling workers and maintaining tech leadership through private sector flexibility. Additionally, it aims to align US allies within an AI framework while expressing scepticism toward multilateral regulations. Overall, the plan positions open-source AI as a strategic asset amid geopolitical competition. Read the full blog!

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 25 July – 1 August 2025

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But worries rise as many free VPNs exploit users or carry hidden malware

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From December, YouTube must block accounts for Australians under 16 or face massive fines.

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Belarusian and Ukrainian hackers claim responsibility for strategic cyber sabotage of Aeroflot.

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A NATO policy brief warns that civilian ports across Europe face increasing cyber threats from state-linked actors and calls for updated maritime strategies to strengthen cybersecurity and civil–military coordination.

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AGCM says Meta may have harmed competition by embedding AI features into WhatsApp.

eu and google

The EU AI Code could add €1.4 trillion to Europe’s economy, Google says.

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Tether and Circle dominate the fiat-backed stablecoin market, now valued at over $227 billion combined.

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Brussels updates Microsoft terms to curb risky data transfers

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AI use in schools is weakening the connection between students and teachers by permitting students to bypass genuine effort through shortcuts.

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Use of AI surveillance, including monitoring software, intensifies burnout, micromanagement feelings, and disengagement.

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A majority of Fortune 500 companies now mention AI in their annual reports as a risk factor instead of citing its benefits.

man using laptop night workplace top view

The platforms lost more than $3.1 billion in the first half of 2025, with AI-powered hacks and phishing scams leading the surge.

US AI jobs Brookings Lightcast survey

AI jobs now span marketing, finance, and HR—not just tech.

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Google and Microsoft lead investment in advanced AI and quantum infrastructure.


READING CORNER
BLOG featured image 2025 The open source gambit

On 23 July, the US unveiled an AI Action Plan featuring 103 recommendations focused on winning the AI race against China. Key themes include promoting open-source AI to establish global standards, reducing regulations to support tech firms, and emphasising national security.

ChatGPT Image Jul 28 2025 at 10 13 23 PM

Tracking technologies shape our online experience in often invisible ways, yet profoundly impactful, raising important questions about transparency, control, and accountability in the digital age.

DW Weekly #222 – Trump signs the GENIUS Act, EU‑Japan Digital Partnership, Meta refuses to endorse the EU’s Code of Practice

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18 – 25 July 2025


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Dear readers,

This week, President Donald Trump officially signed the GENIUS Act into law, marking a historic step in establishing a legal framework for stablecoins in the US. The act, passed with bipartisan support on 18 July, introduces the first rules for the $250 billion stablecoin market.

Additionally, Trump Media and Technology Group, backed by $2.5 billion in funding, has acquired around $2 billion worth of Bitcoin as part of an investment plan announced earlier this year.

The EU and Japan formally reaffirmed their long-standing EU‑Japan Digital Partnership during the third Digital Partnership Council in Tokyo.

Meta has refused to endorse the EU’s new voluntary Code of Practice for general-purpose AI, citing legal overreach and risks to innovation. In addition, Meta has urged the Australian government to harmonise privacy regulations with international standards, warning that stricter local laws could hamper AI development.

OpenAI has signed a strategic partnership with the UK government aimed at strengthening AI security research and exploring national infrastructure investment.

ChatGPT now receives over 2.5 billion daily prompts, with more than 330 million originating from users in the US.

growing number of US teens rely on AI for daily decision‑making and emotional support, with chatbots such as ChatGPT, Character.AI and Replika.

The UK government has unveiled a new proposal to strengthen its response to ransomware threats by requiring victims to report breaches, enabling law enforcement to disrupt cybercriminal operations more effectively.

A sophisticated new ransomware threat, dubbed GLOBAL GROUP, has emerged on cybercrime forums, meticulously designed to target systems across Windows, Linux, and macOS with cross-platform precision.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) had confirmed a significant cyberattack that forced it to disconnect from the internet, following warnings of a potential vulnerability.

Iran’s Minister of Communications has revealed the country’s digital economy shrank by 30% in just one month, losing around $170 million due to internet restrictions imposed during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel.

North Korea is dispatching AI researchers, interns and students to countries such as Russia in an effort to strengthen its domestic tech sector, according to a report by NK News.

OpenAI has officially signed a $30 billion annual agreement with Oracle to expand data centre capacity in the US.Amazon is shutting down its AI research lab in Shanghai, marking another step in its gradual withdrawal from China.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 18 – 25 July 2025

Top Cybersecurity Courses to Apply For in 2022

Chainalysis warns 2025 may see double the number of physical attacks on crypto holders compared to previous years.

Japan breaks internet speed record with 1.02 Pbps

New AI workloads are pushing server power demands past 100kW per rack, stressing existing infrastructure.

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Northern and southern Europe now lead the EU in 5G coverage, thanks to timely spectrum rollout

Amazon Trump Tariffs Haul

AWS sales and profits are rising, yet Amazon is cutting jobs within the division, aiming to balance investment with efficiency through AI-driven task automation instead of expansion.

Louis Vuitton Hong Kong Cyberattack data breach

Following the cyberattack, Louis Vuitton advised clients to watch for suspicious emails and calls, even though no financial details were accessed.

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Retail cyberattacks continue with breach at Co-op.

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Operators report only client-side devices affected—but the campaign reflects telecom as a growing espionage target.

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The dispute questions how digital services and personal data are valued under EU law.

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AI controversy follows similar streaming incidents involving fake artist profiles.

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Most corporate data leaks now involve sensitive financial and HR records, warns major cybersecurity study.

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BadBox 2.0 spreads through cheap gadgets, triggering adware, ransomware, and wider attacks.

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Around 7 million BTC could be vulnerable to quantum-based attacks, a cybersecurity expert warns.

Teikoku Databank cyberattacks Japan SMEs

Hackers from Akira encrypted vital systems and demanded about £5 million, forcing a shutdown.

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New research reveals teens wrongly believe misinformation only affects world news or scams, leaving them vulnerable to more subtle forms of fake content.


READING CORNER
AI chatbots Grok Tay Microsoft Prometheus Sydney LaMDA Lamoine Elon Musk

When AI chatbots go rogue, the fallout reveals more about human choices than machine intent—or technical limits.

Rwanda Congo Peace diplomacy blog featured image

The DRC–Rwanda peace accord of June 2025 marks a rare moment of successful peace diplomacy, aiming to end decades of conflict in the Great Lakes region through troop withdrawals, security coordination, and economic cooperation.

BLOG psephocracy

When politicians avoid hard choices, courts and experts step in to fill the gap. Power shifts away from voters to institutions that don’t answer to them. What does this mean for democracy’s future? Aldo Matteucci writes.

UPCOMING EVENTS
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29 July 2025 – 31 July 2025

Diplo/GIP at Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments On 29–31 July 2025, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in collaboration with the United

DW Weekly #221 – Cyberattacks surge alert, Europe leaps in quantum computing, chip sales and export controls side effects!

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11 – 18 July 2025


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Dear readers,

The past week has witnessed a surge in cyberattacks, underscoring the growing vulnerability of digital systems amid evolving threats. 

Hackers stole $500,000 in cryptocurrency by deploying a malicious Cursor AI extension, exploiting AI supply chains and highlighting the risks of trusted tools turning into attack vectors. 

The Salt Typhoon campaign intensified, compromising critical US infrastructure, including telecommunications and government networks, prompting the US House to pass the NTIA Cyber Leadership Bill to formalise agency coordination after severe telecom breaches. 

In the UK, a cyberattack on Co-op exposed the personal data of 6.5 million members, prompting a public apology from its CEO, while in Azerbaijan, over 6,200 government workers fell victim to poor cyber hygiene, exposing public sector weaknesses. 

Meta faced backlash after a small business lost thousands due to a breach. Android users, instead, were targeted with trojanized Telegram APKs exploiting the Janus vulnerability, alongside MacOS devices hit by a fake Termius app

Google urged caution as Gmail’s AI tools faced new threats, signalling risks in automated systems. 

This wave of incidents, driven by sophisticated tactics and geopolitical tensions, reveals a critical need for robust defences. However, the reactive nature of legislative and corporate responses raises doubts about their ability to keep pace with this escalating threat landscape.

Quantum computing

The week behind us also marked a significant leap forward in quantum computing, spotlighting Europe’s ambitious push to reclaim global influence. The EU announced a bold investment strategy to bolster quantum technology to counterbalance the US’s private-sector dominance and China’s state-driven efforts. The initiative includes the development of quantum computers using glass and light, with European researchers unveiling a scalable quantum light factory chip that promises enhanced computational power. Complementing this, a groundbreaking project to create the world’s first single-photon universal quantum system, slated for 2026, showcases Europe’s focus on practical quantum applications. These advancements position Europe as a key player amidst a global race, though the narrative of regained influence is tempered by challenges in matching the US’s private funding and China’s centralised resources, suggesting a competitive yet uneven playing field.

EU’s digital policy developments of the week

The EU confirmed the rollout of the AI Act, effective August 2025, and released the General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice to guide compliance for leading AI providers, aiming to balance innovation with safety. However, legal uncertainty looms for non-signatories, as the code’s voluntary nature may burden companies proving compliance through alternative means, raising questions about enforcement equity.

Meanwhile, Apple faces accusations of stifling browser competition on iOS, prompting scrutiny under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), while a surge in AI-generated fake news tests the EU Digital Services Act’s ability to curb misinformation, exposing potential regulatory gaps. The EU’s launch of the EuroSky satellite constellation, announced this week, seeks to reclaim digital sovereignty by enhancing secure connectivity, though its success hinges on funding and geopolitical cooperation. 

Meta encountered fresh EU backlash for DMA non-compliance, particularly over data practices, intensifying calls for stricter oversight. 

The Netherlands urged the EU to reduce reliance on US cloud providers, advocating for a Europe-first digital infrastructure. Yet, this shift risks fragmenting the market and increasing costs, challenging the narrative of seamless integration.

Chip export control side effects

Nvidia announced plans to resume AI chip sales to China following productive US-China talks, signalling a potential thaw in restrictions that had strained supply chains, though compliance with US export rules remains a focal point. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, asserted that the Chinese military’s use of US chips is unlikely, aiming to ease concerns and justify the restart. Yet, this claim lacks independent verification, raising questions about oversight effectiveness. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia enforced stricter trade controls on AI chips of US origin, aligning with US efforts to curb China’s access to advanced technology, which has disrupted regional semiconductor markets and prompted local firms to seek alternative suppliers.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

Join us as we connect the dots, from daily updates to main weekly developments, to bring you a clear, engaging monthly snapshot of worldwide digital trends.

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 11 – 18 July 2025

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Ethical AI must prioritise the common good over profit or efficiency.

cryptoUK

Crypto jobs are going mainstream as market value climbs past $3.8 trillion and top economies offer stronger policy support.

EXA

EXA Infrastructure has launched a major 1,200 km fibre route connecting key European hubs, featuring the first new North Sea subsea cable in 25 years.

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Pennsylvania to become a key player in Trump’s ‘AI economy’, as major energy and tech projects worth $100 billion are announced during Pittsburgh summit.

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Cambridge facility is Meta’s largest engineering investment outside the US, signalling a push for leadership in immersive AI wearables.

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Experts warn that children are using AI chatbots instead of seeking real friendships, raising concerns about emotional dependency and blurred lines between human and machine.

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Seoul’s bold push to merge cutting-edge AI with its defence industry is set to redefine how nations balance security, innovation, and ethical responsibility in the age of intelligent warfare.

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President Bukele’s controversial Bitcoin policy is yielding long-term value, despite ongoing international criticism.

Trump

Renewables face rollback under Trump’s infrastructure blueprint.

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Military AI is advancing faster than global rules can keep up, raising urgent questions about accountability, hidden biases, and the terrifying possibility of wars escalating beyond human control.

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The US plans to ban undersea cables using Chinese technology from connecting to its networks, citing rising cybersecurity and espionage risks.

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SpaceX backs Musk’s xAI venture with $2 billion, linking space technology and AI instead of keeping the two sectors separate.

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Featuring 12 stops and archival animations, the self-guided route highlights Miep Gies and other rescuers, offering fresh insight into courageous wartime acts.

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Elon Musk’s xAI has secured a $200 million Pentagon contract, raising ethics questions following recent scandals involving its Grok chatbot on social media.


READING CORNER
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam BLOG featured image

An in-depth look at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the complex diplomatic conflict over water and energy between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan.

blog Do diplomats have personal rights

Do diplomats have personal rights under international law, or are all rights held by the sending state? Alan Franklin examines why diplomatic immunity often leaves individuals with ‘a right without a remedy’.

Wimbledon 2025

AI made the calls at Wimbledon — and sparked global debate.

OEWG adopts final report

The OEWG on ICT security has adopted its Final Report after intense negotiations on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

UPCOMING EVENTS
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21 July 2025

July 2025 online courses | Diplo Academy Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of three online courses on 21 July 2025:

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23 July 2025

Five years on: Achievements, failures, and the future of the UN Cyber Dialogue The one-hour session will bring together four discussants – two representatives

IETF 113
19 Jul 2025 – 25 Jul 2025

The 123th meeting of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) will take place from 19 to 25 July 2025 in Madrid, Spain.