Last week was marked by geopolitics: from the testimony of TikTok’s CEO in front of Congress and a wave of TikTok bans across Europe, to new moves in the semiconductor industry. Developments in the chatbot race, an Ibero-American charter on digital rights and responsibilities charter, and more layoff news round off this issue.
Andrijana and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
TikTok and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week
The news coverage of TikTok CEO Shou Chew’s testimony in front of the US Congress largely describes Chew as having been ‘grilled’. We wouldn’t call it inaccurate: Chew was dancing between two fires as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle levied question upon question regarding TikTok’s data privacy and content policies.
And here’s how we see it: Lawmakers had their minds made up long before they stepped foot in that hearing room, and nothing Chew could have said would have made it better. Let’s dive into the whats and whys as succinctly as possible. There’s also a TL;DR version in a text box below the article.
Chew testifies before the US Congress Source: CNN
Why was Chew testifying? As the committee’s chair put it: ‘because the American people need the truth about the threat TikTok poses to our national and personal security’. In case you haven’t followed the argument critics are espousing, it goes like this: TikTok is a subsidiary of ByteDance, which is a private Chinese company, possibly subject to the Chinese 2017 National Intelligence law, which requires any Chinese entity to support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work – including, possibly, the transfer of US citizens’ TikTok data to China.
TikTok’s solution? Project Texas. To alleviate these fears, TikTok has committed to moving US data to the USA under what they call Project Texas. This means that all US user data would be automatically stored in Oracle’s (a US privately-owned company) servers – and this company is headquartered in Texas, hence the project’s name. In Chew’s words to Congress: ‘Our commitment is to move their data into the United States, to be stored on American soil by an American company, overseen by American personnel. So the risk would be similar to any government going to an American company, asking for data.’
Chew also asserted: ‘I have seen no evidence that the Chinese government has access to that data. They have never asked us, we have not provided.’ A congresswoman found that ‘preposterous’.
Here’s the stumbling stone: For ten days now, ByteDance has been under federal investigation for improperly accessing the data of Forbes’ journalists and some of their contacts last year.
And what about harmful content? Chew was less forthcoming on the practical measures TikTok takes to handle harmful content, though it has to be said that no platform has found a magical solution yet. He did pledge that TikTok ‘will keep safety, particularly for teenagers, as a top priority’ and that ‘TikTok will remain a place for free expression and will not be manipulated by any government.’
Beholden to CCP or not? Ultimately, Chew’s testimony hasn’t convinced Congress that ByteDance and TikTok are not beholden to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and that Project Texas would make the data of US citizens unreachable to China.
A Wall Street Journal article published the same day of the hearing was very unhelpful to Chew. The WSJ reported that the Chinese government would oppose the sale or divestiture of TikTok per China’s export rules. This remark was made at a regular (yet misfortunately scheduled for TikTok) press briefing by China’s Ministry of Commerce. Many a lawmaker took that to mean that China does, in fact, own TikTok.
What next? To answer this question about the future, we must look into the past. During the Trump administration, two possibilities were put forward: divestiture and banning.
Divestiture means ByteDance would sell the US operations of TikTok to a US-owned entity. However, the recent remarks by China’s commerce ministry made it clear that the licence won’t be granted.
A ban won’t be possible without a new law. The White House is currently favouring the RESTRICT Act, which, if passed, would allow the Department of Commerce to sanction and ultimately ban software from adversarial countries. The list of adversarial countries includes China; therefore, the act would make banning TikTok possible. Yet, banning TikTok may violate First Amendment rights: Critics argue that the First Amendment protects the rights of American citizens to use the social media platforms of their choice. A ban would set a dangerous precedent of curtailing the right to expression online. The over 150 million Americans that use the app might have something to say about that, too.
TikTok’s week in Europe hasn’t been great either: Civil servants in Norway, the Netherlands, and France, as well as parliamentarians in the UK, won’t be allowed to use the app on their work devices anymore.
There are differences in these measures. In Norway, there is a recommendation against installing and using TikTok on government service devices. The same recommendation applies to Telegram. In the Netherlands, civil servants will only be able to use pre-approved apps on their work devices, meaning ‘espionage-sensitive apps’ will no longer be allowed. It’s been confirmed by local media that TikTok would fall in that category. But so would other apps. France has banned, with immediate effect, recreational apps on civil servants’ work phones due to cybersecurity concerns. Again, this includes TikTok but also other apps. The UK has previously banned TikTok on the work phones of civil servants but is now expanding the ban to all parliamentary devices and the wider parliamentary network.
These bans are much narrower than the ban being discussed across the pond.
A ban contemplated by Japan is more general: Lawmakers will create a proposal banning social media platforms if they are used for disinformation campaigns.
TL;DR: TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew’s testimony hasn’t convinced Congress that TikTok and its owner, ByteDance, are not subject to China’s 2017 National Intelligence law, which requires organisations to assist with state intelligence work, which could include transferring the TikTok data of US citizens to China. A new law may be necessary to ban the app in the US, but it may violate First Amendment rights. Elsewhere, governments in Europe, including Norway, the Netherlands, and France have issued guidelines against installing and using TikTok on government devices, and Japan is contemplating a general ban.
Digital policy roundup (20–27 March)
// CHIPS //
USA and Canada pledge more financial support to domestic semiconductor companies
The USA and Canada have pledged more money for domestic semiconductor companies: The USA pledged US$50 million in Defense Production Act funding for advancing packaging for semiconductors and printed circuit boards, and Canada up to CAD250 million for semiconductor projects from the Strategic Innovation Fund.
Czechia and Brazil move closer to Asian chipmakers
As North American countries make another move to lessen their reliance on Asian chipmakers, two other countries took steps in the opposite direction. A delegation of Czech politicians and company representatives hopes for Taiwanese investments in Czech chip technologies. Brazil will reportedly seek mainland Chinese technology and investment in developing its semiconductor industry.
Get-out-of-detention card?
The most eyebrow-raising news (in chips) from last week was that China has released Chen Datong, a top chip investor, after an eight-month detention to help China navigate the US export rules on semiconductors. Under these rules, advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing items produced in the USA cannot be exported to China. Datong was detained during a probe related to corruption last August.
The chatbot race showed no signs of stopping last week.OpenAI is once again in the lead: The company connected ChatGPT to the internet via plugins. Unlike the previous versions of the OpenAI chatbot, this one can browse the web to answer your question, but it can also help you book your flights, order food, and perform other online tasks. ‘There’s a risk that plugins could increase safety challenges by taking harmful or unintended actions, increasing the capabilities of bad actors who would defraud, mislead, or abuse others,’ OpenAI acknowledges. And hey, if these developments scare you, you’re in good company; the OpenAI CEO is scared too.
And speaking of Microsoft’s rivals, Google has officially launched Bard – but only in the UK and the USA. Scarcely a day after it was launched, Bard was taking down ChatGPT-generated misinformation – about Bard being shut down, no less – also prompting concerns about chatbots purporting misinformation on the internet.
French parliament authorised AI-powered surveillance to secure 2024 Olympics
French lawmakers have passed a bill to use AI-powered surveillance technology to secure the 2024 Paris Olympics. It allows surveillance ‘on an experimental basis and until 30 June 30, 2025, for the sole purpose of ensuring the security of sporting, recreational, or cultural events which, by their scale or their circumstances, are particularly exposed to the risk of acts of terrorism or serious threats to the safety of persons’. The bill specifies that biometric data won’t be processed and facial recognition technologies won’t be used.
The use of AI-powered surveillance has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties, with critics warning that the technology could be used to monitor and control citizens beyond and after the Olympics. It also may conflict with the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, currently under discussion in Brussels.
The bill can still be contested at the country’s constitutional court, Politico writes.
// COMPETITION //
High-Level Group on the DMA established A high-level group has been established to provide the European Commission with advice and expertise related to the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The group will offer advice and recommendations within members’ areas of expertise on implementation and enforcement matters, promote a consistent regulatory approach, provide expertise in market investigations, and assess interactions between the regulation and sector-specific rules applied by national authorities. The group will submit an annual report to the Commission, which will be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council.
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The EU makes repair easier for consumers in new proposal
The European Commission adopted a new proposal containing common rules promoting the repair of goods. The proposal aims to make repair easier and cheaper for consumers. Sellers will be required to offer repair, except when it is more expensive than replacement. The proposal also includes the right for consumers to claim repair from producers, the producers’ obligation to inform consumers about which products they are obliged to repair, an online platform to connect consumers with repairers and sellers of refurbished goods, a European Repair Information Form for transparency on repair conditions and prices, and a European quality standard for repair services.
Mobile phones, cordless phones, and tablets will soon be included in the list of covered goods.
Such measures could have a significant impact on e-waste, as data shows that Europe has the highest annual generation of e-waste per capita – 16 kilograms per person.
The counter below shows the amount of e-waste generated worldwide so far in 2023.
// DIGITAL RIGHTS //
OEI Adopts Ibero-American Charter of Principles and Rights in Digital Environments to promote inclusion
The charter aims to guarantee inclusion in information societies via the exercise of fundamental rights in the framework of digital transformation. It does so by promoting ten common principles. States should consider these when developing and adopting policies related to protecting rights and fulfilling duties in the digital environment. Companies, civil society, and academia should consider the principles when developing and applying technologies.
These principles are
Centrality of the person. Rights and duties in digital environments
Digital inclusion and connectivity
Privacy, trust, data security and cybersecurity
Full access to education, culture and health in inclusive and safe digital environments
Special attention to girls, boys and adolescents
Social, economic and political participation in fair and sustainable digital environments
Digital public administration
Fair, inclusive, and secure digital economy
An approach to emerging technologies that does not renounce the centrality of people
Ibero-American assistance and cooperation for digital transformation
Facebook’s content moderator layoffs in Kenya blocked by judge
There is, however, some lukewarm news. A Kenyan judge has issued a temporary order blocking Facebook from carrying out a mass layoff of content moderators in the country. The moderators are alleging unlawful termination by Meta’s former content moderation partner Sama. They are also alleging that Meta instructed its new content moderator partner Majorel, to blacklist former Sama employees. The judge’s order prohibits Facebook from terminating the moderators’ contracts until the case has been heard and determined. The case is set to be heard on 28 March.
The week ahead (27 March–2 April)
27 March: The Global Digital Compact (GDC) co-facilitators are organising a series of thematic deep dives to prepare for intergovernmental negotiations on the GDC. The 27 March discussion will cover digital inclusion and connectivity, and it will be guided by the following questions: 1. How can governments, international organisations, private companies, and civil society work together to close the digital divide and improve access, skills, and meaningful connectivity for all? 2. What actions should be taken to enable digital inclusion for all? 3. What policies, frameworks, and programs have proven most successful and should be scaled up and adapted to other contexts to foster digital inclusion?
As these in-depth discussions unfold, the GIP will look at how their focus topics have been tackled in different key policy documents, from the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) (2003–2005), through the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, to the latest UN General Assembly resolution on ICT for sustainable development. Visit our dedicated page on the Digital Watch observatory to see how issues related to digital inclusion and connectivity have been covered in such documents. Bookmark the page to revert to it later, as we’ll continue to do the same for other topics tackled during the deep dives between now and June.
27–31 March: The 26th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will meet in Geneva to discuss technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production and ensuring safe water and sanitation for all, through solutions from science, technology and innovation.
28 March: Universal Acceptance (UA) Day promotes the advantages of UA and will consist of raising awareness and improving technical skills related to UA. Find your local UA event here.
29 March: The European Commission and the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) will host the Open Round Table on democracy in the digital age to discuss how technological innovation can serve democracy and how to strengthen democratic systems for meaningful civic participation.
In a letter entitled ‘The Age of AI has Begun’, Gates predicts that AI ‘will help empower people at work, save lives, and improve education’. He suggests ways to mitigate the risks of AI, and also suggests principles that should guide public conversation about AI. Read the letter here.
What’s new with cybersecurity negotiations? OEWG 2021–2025 fourth substantive session
Here’s what stood out this time around: two proposals to counter ransomware, high hopes for a future Points of Contact (PoC) directory, and in-depth discussions on the applicability of the UN Charter to cyberspace. Proposals also abounded – you can find those in the orange boxes dispersed throughout the blog. Read the blog here.
Andrijana Gavrilovic
Editor, Digital Watch, and Head of Diplomatic and Policy Reporting, DiploFoundation
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Amid all the excitement over the release of GPT-4 (our highlight in today’s digest), the major actors in digital policy seemed to be very focused on their geopolitical priorities and their quest for digital supremacy. In other news, TikTok has been banned in more regions, while the inventor of AI machine DABUS continues his legal fight in courts across the world.
Let’s get started Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
GPT-4 is (already) here
As soon as we got used to the idea that a search bot would be revolutionising the way we write, learn, and work, along came a new update from ChatGPT inventor OpenAI: GPT-4, which leverages more data and computation than the previous models (you’ll have to take the company’s word for it).
During roughly the same period (that is, last week), Google announced a range of AI tools for its email, collaboration, and cloud software, while Microsoft announced Copilot, which will overhaul its entire line-up of Office applications. China’s Baidu joined the ranks with its Ernie bot.
The incessant announcements of new releases tell us we’re in for an eventful year: finding out the impressive things generative AI can do (my favourite’s below); discovering ways in which it can automate our work (but hopefully not our thinking); and witnessing how it’s changing the face of marketing and educational methodologies.
A new product or software release will push the boundaries at each turn. In a way, it will be like the mobile phone business: You think you own the latest model until you realise the company announced a new version yesterday.
What are a couple of meals I can make with this?
Based on the items visible in the fridge, here are a couple of meal ideas:
1) Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt, strawberries, and blueberries in a bowl or jar. Top with honey or nuts for added texture and flavor.
2) Carrot and hummus wrap: Spread hummus on a tortilla or wrap. Top with shredded carrots and any other desired veggies. Roll up and enjoy!
The speed at which things are moving means that the typically slow-moving regulatory environment will have an even tougher time catching up. Two areas in which policymakers will need to move swiftly are enacting regulations for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of AI and updating intellectual property rules given the large amounts of copyrighted data these systems are using.
The biggest challenge for policymakers is how to future-proof these regulations, that is, how to introduce flexible safeguards that keep the door open for innovation and still apply to emerging technologies. Rather than a complete rewrite, such regulations would (hopefully) only need to be adapted. A good example is the EU’s proposed AI Act, which will create a process for self-certification and oversight, based on the level of risk of an AI system.
Future-proofing the regulations also helps create an environment where innovation is encouraged and supported, and consumers are protected. In turn, this fosters an environment of trust, which is so badly needed. There has never been a more important time for speedy tech regulation than now.
In addition, New Zealand will ban TikTok on devices with access to the country’s parliamentary network. As for the European Parliament, the ban announced earlier in March extends to all data networks managed by the institution, including the Wi-Fi network accessible to visitors.
The reasons. It’s the same chorus: data privacy and cybersecurity risks. Because TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is Chinese, governments worry that the Chinese government can access users’ data through ByteDance.
A ban or a split.As we wrote last week, TikTok’s plans to develop tighter privacy standards and open new data centres in Europe might not be enough to appease policymakers in the EU. Things are looking much worse for TikTok in the USA, where new regulations that would empower the government to ban the app are looming. Media reports are now saying that TikTok is considering splitting from ByteDance if everything else fails. This would surely prove TikTok’s resolve, if it comes to that.
// GEOPOLITICS //
Digitalisation a priority for EU’s long-term competitiveness
Digitalisation is one of the main priorities for the EU’s future, the European Commission said in its communication to mark the 30th anniversary of the Single Market. The commission identified nine priorities for securing long-term competitiveness.
The EU wants a broader take-up of digital tools across the economy, and stronger tech sectors, including AI, quantum computing, microelectronics, web 4.0, virtual reality and digital twins, and cybersecurity.
The speech marked a significant moment in China’s history as it was Xi Jinping’s first address since he began his third term as president on 10 March.
China publishes white paper on law-based cyberspace governance
China’s State Council Information Office (SCIO) has released a white paper: China’s Law-Based Cyberspace Governance in the New Era. The first of its kind, the document recaps China’s laws and regulations related to the internet and enforcement.
In a press conference, SCIO Deputy director expressed China’s willingness to work with the international community in global governance processes and to engage in consultations with joint contributions.
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EU, Latin America, Caribbean partners launch EU-LAC Digital Alliance
There’s a new partnership in town: The European Union–Latin America and Caribbean Digital Alliance, which will focus on building digital infrastructures and promoting connectivity and innovation. The EU is making an initial contribution of €145 million to implement the alliance’s digital projects. A high-level EU-LAC summit is planned for July.
// E-ID //
EU’s draft eID directive goes to trilogue
The European Parliament has given its formal nod for negotiations on the new eID directive to start with the EU Council. The new rules for electronic identification and authentication – operated through a personal digital wallet on a mobile phone – will give citizens and businesses digital access to the main public services across the EU.
The inter-institutional discussions, also known as trilogues, will start immediately. The Swedish presidency of the EU council is hoping to reach a political agreement by June, before it passes the baton to Spain.
Patent battle for AI machine’s inventions continues
The quest of American computer scientist Stephen Thaler to have his AI machine DABUS declared a patent-holder for its inventions continues.
This time, Thaler will try to convince the US Supreme Court that the US Patent Act doesn’t restrict the term inventor to human beings only. If the US Supreme Court reverses lower courts’ decisions, it could open a door to a new system in which AI machines could be declared patented inventors of their creations.
ICANN comes one step closer to launching a new round of gTLDs
ICANN, the organisation responsible for managing the internet’s address book, is getting ready to launch a new gTLDs round. This comes after the ICANN Board approved the majority of recommendations (see Section A of this scorecard) made by a working group focused on preparing the procedural rules.
gTLDs, short for generic top-level domains, are found in the last part of a website address, such as .com or .org. Experts say the entire process could take more than a year before applicants can actually submit a request. The last time a new round was issued was in 2012.
// CONTENT POLICY //
Trump’s back. Former US President Donald Trump has made a comeback on social media with a solitary ‘I’M BACK’ message accompanied by an old video announcing his election in 2016, which fades to a ‘Trump 2024’ screen. We’re wondering what he’ll say next.
The week ahead (20–26 March)
20–23 March: Mozilla’s festival for activists returns in virtual format. It will bring people together ‘to better our digital landscape, build transformative systems, and sustain momentum within our community towards positive human and digital rights progress’.
21 March: The DC Blockchain Summit 2023, hosted by the Chamber of Digital Commerce in Washington DC, will gather policymakers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and other experts to discuss regulatory trends, the latest innovations, and issues in the blockchain industry.
Policy report: The New American Foreign Policy of Technology
A new report by the US German Marshall Fund argues that the tech challenges of the 21st century can’t be solved with the old 20th-century system. Rather, the USA needs a new digital foreign policy. The digital foreign policy must include three key parts: (a) a digital policy lab for national policymaking and partnerships; (b) a technology task force for deepening cooperation among like-minded countries in supply chains (such as semiconductors); (c) global promotion of the US Declaration for the Future of the Internet. Full text.
Opinion: Regulatory first movers
Former chairperson of the US Federal Communications Commission Tom Wheeler – remembered principally for the 2015 Open Internet Order that established strong net neutrality rules in the USA – has written about the regulatory approaches of the EU, UK, and USA. The title of his article sums up the difference between the three players: ‘The UK and EU establish positions as regulatory first movers while the US watches’. Read here.
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Iowa has become the sixth state in the US to pass a comprehensive data privacy law, which applies to companies that control or process data of at least 100,000 Iowa…
The digital euro should be safe and resilient, easy and convenient to use, and widely accessible to the public. The ECB is collaborating with other central banks to understand the…
OpenAI has released general purpose machine learning (GPM) technology called GPT-4. GPT-4 has the potential to significantly disrupt traditional industries, such as legal and medical services, by providing automated assistance.
At the ICANN76 Community Forum in Mexico, the ICANN Board adopted a series of recommendations made in the context of what within the ICANN community is known as the New…
We start the week with news that the Silicon Valley Bank, a major lender to Big Tech companies, has collapsed. This only adds to the financial woes of tech companies, especially those which have had to consider layoffs.
Meanwhile, much of the debate during last week’s fourth substantive session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) highlighted existing divergences between countries advocating for an international treaty, others in favour of implementing existing norms of state behaviours, and yet others somewhere in between. We’ll publish an in-depth analysis on our OEWG page next week.
In other news, India and China are planning changes in how they manage their data, while Big Tech wrestles with Canada over its new media bargaining draft rules. Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
Will TikTok’s Project Clover be enough to appease European policymakers?
TikTok’s relationship with US and European policymakers is shaky at best. In the USA, the company is still trying to recover from Trump’s attempt to ban the app from operating in the country unless it was sold to an American company. The attempt may have failed back then, but policymakers are still intent on passing rules that would give the government the power to ban the company.
The EU is following suit: In their most recent action against TikTok, the EU’s institutions announced a ban on TikTok from being used on the personal devices of their staff. (So did the US Government, Canada, and Belgium.)
Antagonism against TikTok. The reason for this antagonist approach is because TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is Chinese. There are three main causes for concern.
Citing national security issues, policymakers fear that the Chinese government could be using the platform for espionage or other malicious activities. Although the USA and the EU share common concerns, the USA has been challenging TikTok (undoubtedly also influenced by the ongoing trade war between the USA and China), for longer than the EU.
Policymakers also worry that users’ data can be accessed by China (TikTok has admitted that non-EU staff do have access to European data). Here, there’s more at stake for the EU due to its tougher legislation on data protection; the EU has in fact been more vociferous on data handling than it has on issues of national security.
TikTok has been sued in several countries for exposing children to harmful content and for other practices that place children’s privacy at risk. The investigations and lawsuits follow their natural course: imposing fines on TikTok where appropriate and mandating a change in practices where necessary. Even though these practices can harm kids, no company has ever been banned from a market over this issue.
This begs two questions: Will the EU follow the USA’s stance on security? And will TikTok manage to reassure the EU that it’s severing all connections with China regarding European data? In the interests of cooperation between the USA and Europe, we’re bound to see a certain ripple effect in the actions the USA and Europe take when it comes to national security. But when protecting citizens’ data, the EU will want to make up its own mind.
Enter Project Clover. TikTok has just announced new data access and data security measures, including (a) security gateways that will determine employee access to European TikTok user data and data transfers outside of Europe; (b) external auditing of these processes by a third-party European security company; (c) new privacy-enhancing technologies to ensure that data cannot be de-anonymised ‘without additional information’.
This comes in addition to recent announcements that TikTok will open three European data centres (two in Ireland and one in Norway), to the tune of €1.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) in annual running costs.
Nor is it the first project of its kind: A similar plan, Project Texas, is ongoing in the USA. But Project Clover is a tad more ambitious. According to TikTok, the new data access rules will not only comply with the EU’s GDPR, but will introduce higher data access standards.
Not quite there yet. All of this should help appease European policymakers. But as they say, the devil is in the details. Details that put Project Clover on the right track, but not quite strongly enough.
First, TikTok will probably be nudged into confirming that not only will the data be housed in Ireland and Norway, but that access to it also be confined to Europe. The carefully-worded announcement falls short of affirming this (current wording includes: ‘Our existing data access controls already highly limit access to user data’; ‘security gateways… will determine employee access to European TikTok user data and data transfers outside of Europe’; ‘this will add another level of control over data access’).
Second, TikTok will need to provide clearer timelines on when it will implement what it promises to do. Clear schedules will also be important for timely compliance with the tougher obligations that the Digital Services Act imposes on very large online platforms and for implementing its sister legislation, the Digital Markets Act.
The current provision on cross-border data flows (Section 17 of the bill) states that the ‘Central Government may… notify such countries or territories outside India to which a data fiduciary may transfer personal data…’ Sources told the newspaper this is likely to be amended, with the bill allowing cross-border data flows to all locations by default, with the exception of blacklisted countries, where transfers would be restricted.
China plans to set up new bureau for data governance; reiterates calls for self-reliance
China is planning to set up a new government agency to centralise the management of its data. The proposed national data bureau, to be coordinated by the National Development and Reform Commission, will be tasked with the sharing and application of data resources. The plan was submitted last week for deliberation during the annual session of the National People’s Congress, one of the ‘two sessions’. The proposed body will also be responsible for advancing the development of China’s digital economy and other digital-related ambitions.
In separate news, Chinese President Xi Jinping has renewed calls to speed up efforts for achieving greater self-reliance in science and technology. China’s strength should ultimately rely on scientific and technological innovation, he told the National People’s Congress.
The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) opens its first session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Credit: Xinhua/Ju Peng
// CONSUMER PROTECTION //
WhatsApp agrees to be more transparent when updating terms of service
The European Commission has announced that WhatsApp has committed to being more transparent on changes to its terms of service, in settlement of an EU consumer probe. For future updates to its terms, WhatsApp promised it would explain clearly to users what changes it intends to make to its contracts and how the changes could affect users’ rights. WhatsApp has also committed to making it easier for users to reject updates if desired and to explain to users what happens when they reject an update.
The announcement came after discussions between the company and the consumer protection cooperation (CPC) Network of authorities responsible for enforcing the EU consumer protection laws. The CPC will monitor how the company will implement these commitments.
Google will stop blocking news content in Canada, the company told a parliamentary panel last week. A few weeks ago, Google temporarily blocked access to news content in Canada in reaction to draft rules that would oblige internet platforms to compensate Canadian media companies for making news content available on the platforms.
…But Meta threatens to start blocking access
Facebook’s parent company Meta, however, announced it would end access to news content for Canadian users if the rules are introduced in their current form.
A Meta spokesperson said: ‘A legislative framework that compels us to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our platforms, is neither sustainable nor workable.’
// CYBERSECURITY //
US budget proposes big spend on cybersecurity
The new US budget for 2024, announced last week by President Biden, is requesting significant funding for cybersecurity operations, including USD63 million for strengthening the FBI’s capacity, and USD145 million to improve the capacities of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
In addition, the budget requests more than USD395 million to advance global cyber and digital development initiatives, including the Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and regional initiatives such as Digital Transformation with Africa.
US President Joe Biden delivering remarks on his budget for 2024. Credit: NBC News
// JOBS //
Meta to lay off thousands of employees (again)
It’s already been reported recently in the Financial Times, and now it’s Bloomberg’s turn to report that Meta is planning to cut thousands of jobs. The company, which has not issued any official communication on this second round of job cuts, laid off more than 11,000 jobs in November.
The week ahead (13–19 March)
13–16 March: Organised by ITU and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the all-virtual Future Networked Car Symposium 2023 will examine the latest advances in vehicle connectivity, automated mobility, and the role of AI in the transport sector.
13–17 March: This year’s WSIS Forum 2023, in Geneva and online, will focus on how to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. (Pass by our booth!)
16 March: The European Commission’s public consultation on the enforcement procedures of the new Digital Services Act ends today.
16–17 March: This year’s Blockchain Africa Conference 2023 is its ninth edition. Taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and online, it will focus on the opportunities of using blockchain technology and potential use cases in Africa and globally.
#ReadingCorner
Chomsky dubs marvels of ChatGPT a ‘false promise’
If there’s one person we would ask for his thoughts on ChatGPT, it’s Professor Noam Chomsky, widely known as the father of modern linguistics. In last week’s op-ed, Chomsky wrote how content generators’ ‘deepest flaw is the absence of the most critical capacity of any intelligence.’ Read the full text.
Ready, set, go! Well, except not everyone was at the starting line.
Microsoft took off like a bullet with its surprise press event, announcing that it would integrate the large language model (LLM) ChatGPT-4, created by OpenAI, into its Bing search engine and Edge browser. Google, who had previously dubbed the threat that ChatGPT poses ‘code red,’ had to react fast. The next day, it announced its conversational AI named Bard. And this is only the first lap of the race.
Campaigns 43
What sets ChatGPT apart from previous other language models?
OpenAI’s decision to make ChatGPT available to the public for free was a bold move, considering the significant costs associated with maintaining the model while handling millions of questions from curious users – costs that Open AI CEO Sam Altman himself called ‘eye-watering’. However, this decision proved to be not only brave but also astute. By making ChatGPT accessible to everyone, OpenAI ignited a spark of curiosity and interest that captured worldwide attention.
In reality, ChatGPT was not the first model to be made available to the public for free. Meta’s Galactica attempted the same feat, suffered from an infamous crash and was turned off after only a few days. So how did ChatGPT succeed when Galactica didn’t? The answer is mainly related to how it was advertised and to whom. Galactica was presented to the academic community as an AI capable of effortlessly writing scientific papers – a field with a demanding and critical audience that is easy to disappoint. On the other hand, ChatGPT – and its limitations – was promoted publicly as an open and accessible tool for everyone to experiment with and enjoy. This approach, combined with ChatGPT’s performance, set it apart from previous models and made it a game changer in the world of AI.
The decision to make ChatGPT available to the general public was not without its limitations. Unlike open-sourced models, ChatGPT is only available in a limited way, with interested researchers unable to look ‘under the hood’ of the model or adapt it to their specific needs. This is a different approach than what OpenAI did with its exceptional Whisper model, which was commendable in its transparency. From a business standpoint, OpenAI’s decision to offer ChatGPT to the public for free, despite the high costs involved, proved to be the right one, as it attracted attention and funds.
How other companies reacted
ChatGPT has stirred up unprecedented attention and competition in the world of AI. The public’s tremendous interest in ChatGPT has prompted significant players in the industry to react swiftly. This type of competition is undoubtedly exciting, but it can also result in losses. Nevertheless, the strategies employed are quite intriguing.
Microsoft did not hesitate to allocate US$10 billion toward the integration of ChatGPT to all of its leading products, including Skype, Teams, and Word. It did so rapidly and openly in response to ChatGPT’s overwhelming public interest and popularity, and set a precedent for others to follow.
Google hastily announced it would integrate the Bard model into Google Search, but failed its first step when Bard made a factual error in its launching demo. Google’s strategy resulted in significant early losses for the company, as a 10% share price drop wiped off US$170 billion from Google’s market value.
Despite the setback caused by the public release and open-sourcing of the Galactica model, Meta persists in its approach of open-sourcing its state-of-the-art AI models. With the recent open-sourcing of its largest language model, called the LLaMa model, Meta seems to be attempting to decrease user reliance on the OpenAI GPT API by providing access to new models. LLaMa is not the first large-scale model to be open-sourced – BLOOM and OPT have been available for some time. But their application has been limited due to their high hardware requirements. LLaMa is about ten times smaller than these models, and can run on a single GPU, potentially helping more researchers access and study large language models. At the same time, LLaMa achieves similar results to GPT-3.
China’s tech giants haven’t been wasting time: Baidu is planning to integrate its chatbot Ernie (short for Enhanced Representation through kNowledge IntEgration) into its search engine in March and eventually into all Baidu operations.
Regulators’ response
Regulators in both the USA and China are taking notice: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been meeting with US lawmakers, who reportedly pressed him on bias, the speed of changes in AI, and AI’s potential uses.
In China, ChatGPT is not officially available, but users have been able to access it through workarounds. However, regulators have told key Chinese tech companies not to integrate ChatGPT into their services, over risks that the software ‘could provide a helping hand to the US government in its spread of disinformation and its manipulation of global narratives for its own geopolitical interests’. Chinese tech companies will also have to report to regulators before they roll out their own ChatGPT-like services.
Generative AI’s impact on our future
February developments in generative AI once again brought forth the question: will AI take over our jobs? Aside from the obvious, work brings meaning and fulfilment to humans, which is why fears of a new technology making human labour redundant run wild with every new tech hype.
Our colleagues from Diplo’s AI Lab, who have also been using language models to develop some pretty smart AI tools (we’re biased here), think that AI won’t make most jobs redundant. Some jobs have an intrinsically interhuman nature, and AI will be hard-pressed to replace those.
Yet, AI will make some jobs redundant, as has also been the case with every new technology.
The good news is that AI tools will free up time for workers by taking mundane tasks off their lists. And while some jobs will disappear, new ones will appear, as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Microsoft founder Bill Gates already said. The question is: How do we ensure that both current and future generations are prepared to deal with current and similar changes in the job market?
Would you like to share your thoughts on generative AI with us? Write to us at digitalwatch@diplomacy.edu!
Digital policy developments that made global headlines
The digital policy landscape changes daily, so here are all the main developments from February. We’ve decoded them into bite-sized authoritative updates. There’s more detail in each update on the Digital Watch Observatory.
The US White House has published a National Cybersecurity Strategy, noting that big companies should take more responsibility for insecure software products and services.
The European Commission launched a public consultation on the future of connectivity, which is considered a prelude to plans that could require Big Tech to pay their share of costs related to digital infrastructure. It also published a proposal for a Gigabit Infrastructure Act.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will examine whether interconnected products and services offered by digital platforms harm competition and consumers.
The signatories to the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation, which includes all major online platforms, have set up a Transparency Centre, which will guarantee the transparency of their efforts to combat disinformation, and released reports on their implementation of the code’s commitments.
The European Commission dropped its complaint against Apple’s in-app purchase mechanism, which obliges music streaming app developers to use the proprietary system if they want to distribute paid content on iOS devices, but will continue investigating Apple’s anti-steering practice.
Technologies
Representatives of 59 countries issued a joint call to action on the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in the military domain.
The Netherlands will restrict the export of the most advanced semiconductors technology, including deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems.
How are algorithms putting Section 230 to the test?
It’s long been argued that the law in the USA that protects social media platforms from liability over content posted by users on these platforms – the so-called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act – should be narrowed down or downright abolished.
Section 230, which has been the object of so many debates, is a nifty two-sentence rule which states that: (a) platforms aren’t publishers (hence, they aren’t liable for the content users post, unlike publishers), (b) in cases where platforms self-police third-party content, they can’t be punished for other harmful content they don’t remove.
Admittedly, this rule has allowed the internet to flourish. Platforms were able to host a huge amount of user content, unshackled from the fear of liability. It also allowed content to be posted instantaneously, without platforms being required to review it before making it public. Freedom of expression thrived.
But now, the age of algorithms is putting Section 230 to the test. A few weeks ago, the US Supreme Court began hearing arguments in two cases, both initially decided by the Ninth District, that could have implications for Section 230.
Gonzales vs Google
In a lawsuit against Google, the family of an American woman killed in an attack in Paris by Islamist militants has been arguing that Google’s algorithm recommended content from the militant group to YouTube users. The family is appealing the first judgement by arguing that Section 230 doesn’t provide platforms immunity when it comes to algorithm-recommended content, as the suggestions made by algorithms are not third-party content but the company’s own. Google’s argument, on the other hand, is that Section 230 is not just about protecting companies from third-party content but goes as far as to state that platforms shouldn’t be considered publishers.
Many companies and organisations have filed court briefs in support of Google. Twitter, for instance, is arguing that algorithms provide a way of prioritising some content over others (‘newer content over older content’), but is not conveying any content of its own. Microsoft is arguing that algorithms are so essential to daily life that Section 230 shouldn’t be narrowed or reinterpreted, as this would ‘wreak havoc on the internet as we know it’.
Twitter vs Taamneh
The second case is an appeal filed by Twitter after the Ninth Circuit set aside Section 230 and allowed the case to proceed. It then ruled that Twitter and other platforms had not taken adequate steps to prevent terrorist content from appearing on the platform. The family of a Jordanian man accused Twitter of failing to police the platform after a 2017 attack led to the man’s death along with 38 other victims.
The focus of this case is the antiterrorism law, but since the appeal could overturn the lower court’s judgement (which included a ruling on Section 230), the appeal could also have repercussions for Section 230.
What’s at stake?
Although both cases are connected, it’s the Gonzales case which is likely to tackle the question of algorithms: whether platforms can be held liable for content promoted by their algorithms.
There are several possible outcomes to both lawsuits, which will be decided by the end of June. The most drastic outcome is for the court to remove the protections which Section 230 gives to platforms. But judging by what’s at stake, this is quite unlikely.
A more realistic outcome is for the Supreme Court to retain the current interpretation of Section 230 or, at most, introduce a subtle limitation. Then, it will be up to the legislative branches to address the discontent aired by policymakers in recent years.
Policy updates from International Geneva
Numerous policy discussions take place in Geneva every month. Here’s what happened in February.
The third session of the Open-ended working group (OEWG) on reducing space threats took place at the UN Office in Geneva. The OEWG is mandated, inter alia, to make recommendations on possible norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviours relating to threats by states to space systems. It was set up by UN General Assembly Resolution 76/23 and convened already twice: (a) from 9 to 13 March 2022, (b) then on 12 and 13 September 2023. The OEWG is expected to meet again from 7 to 11 August 2023 and to submit a final report to the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organised a series of webinars on Combating counterfeiting and stolen ICT devices. In its first episode, panellists from different stakeholder groups present issues and challenges on the circulation of counterfeit ICT devices. Particular attention was given to possible solutions via standardisation.
Explore digital Geneva!
Need a guide through internet governance in Geneva? Our Geneva Digital Atlas, where you can find details and contacts for the 46 most relevant digital policy actors, will be with you on your journey.Keep an eye on our Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook or LinkedIn for weekly Geneva Digital Tours videos where high-level names take you on a tour through their institutions. During March, we feature organisations involved in standardisation and infrastructure. Our first guest is Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU!
ICANN76 will offer opportunities for the ICANN community to address various issues concerning ICANN’s activity and domain name system (DNS) management. The ICANN76 Community Forum programme schedule includes capacity development/training, cross-community interaction, policy development, outreach/engagement, security/technical matters, and reporting/updates. Read more.
ICANN76 will offer opportunities for the ICANN community to address various issues concerning ICANN’s activity and domain name system (DNS) management. The ICANN76 Community Forum programme schedule includes capacity development/training, cross-community interaction, policy development, outreach/engagement, security/technical matters, and reporting/updates. Read more.
Thetheme of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 is ‘WSIS Action Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs’. The WSIS Forum is a global multistakeholder platform for advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. The forum facilitates information and knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships with UN organisations and WSIS Action Line co-facilitators.Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), with the support of Permanent Missions of Djibouti, Kenya, and Namibia, are co-organising a session during the WSIS Forum to discuss Africa’s digital diplomacy. The session explores how Africa can enhance its participation in global digital governance, considering its growing digital economies, start-up ecosystems, and dynamic digital transformation. It aims to identify digital policy priorities, improve Africa’s participation in global digital governance processes, and offer practical insights to strengthen Africa’s digital diplomacy in international processes related to cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and access and infrastructure. Ultimately, the session will propose practical steps for developing African digital diplomacy. Read more.
Thetheme of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 is ‘WSIS Action Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs’. The WSIS Forum is a global multistakeholder platform for advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. The forum facilitates information and knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships with UN organisations and WSIS Action Line co-facilitators.Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), with the support of Permanent Missions of Djibouti, Kenya, and Namibia, are co-organising a session during the WSIS Forum to discuss Africa’s digital diplomacy. The session explores how Africa can enhance its participation in global digital governance, considering its growing digital economies, start-up ecosystems, and dynamic digital transformation. It aims to identify digital policy priorities, improve Africa’s participation in global digital governance processes, and offer practical insights to strengthen Africa’s digital diplomacy in international processes related to cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and access and infrastructure. Ultimately, the session will propose practical steps for developing African digital diplomacy. Read more.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 26th session under the main themes: Technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production; Ensuring safe water and sanitation for all: a solution by science, technology and innovation. The commission will focus on analysing how science, technology, and innovation can serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda, especially in crucial areas like economic, environmental, and social development. The CSTD will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow up on the outcomes of the WSIS Forum on regional and international levels; and hear presentations on ongoing science, technology, and innovation policy reviews. Read more.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 26th session under the main themes: Technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production; Ensuring safe water and sanitation for all: a solution by science, technology and innovation. The commission will focus on analysing how science, technology, and innovation can serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda, especially in crucial areas like economic, environmental, and social development. The CSTD will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow up on the outcomes of the WSIS Forum on regional and international levels; and hear presentations on ongoing science, technology, and innovation policy reviews. Read more.
The seventh session of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Conversation on Intellectual Property and Frontier Technologies will concentrate on the intersection of IP and the metaverse, exploring the frontier technologies that make it possible and examining the challenges they pose to the existing IP system. The primary objective of the session is to provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges to ensure that innovation and development continue to benefit everyone. Read more.
The seventh session of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Conversation on Intellectual Property and Frontier Technologies will concentrate on the intersection of IP and the metaverse, exploring the frontier technologies that make it possible and examining the challenges they pose to the existing IP system. The primary objective of the session is to provide a roadmap for addressing these challenges to ensure that innovation and development continue to benefit everyone. Read more.
The Digital Watch observatory maintains a live calendar of upcoming and past events.
This week, we dive into the White House’s new cybersecurity strategy, which marks a fundamental shift away from a decades-long environment in support of self-regulation. In other news, the European Commission has halved its antitrust investigation on Apple’s marketplace practices, whereas China and India announce new plans for development and non-personal data.
Happy March!
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
USA’s new cybersecurity strategy: Big companies should take more responsibility for insecure software products and services
The White House’s new National Cybersecurity Plan, released last week, makes a major announcement: The US government will shift the burden of defending cyberspace to large tech manufacturers and software companies and away from individuals, small businesses, and local governments.
In essence, this means new laws – down the line – that will hold large companies accountable for failing to take reasonable precautions to secure their products and services. Down the line, because it’s not something that will be developed overnight. And with the presidential election in 2024, there’s only so much that can be achieved. (Let’s also wait for the strategy’s implementation plan to be published in a few months’ time).
And yet, this sets the tone for a fundamental shift away from a decades-long environment where the end users (you and me) have been facing the brunt of digital technologies vulnerable to viruses due to early releases or personal data breaches, which companies failed to adequately prevent. The idea is that companies that fail to meet specific standards will be held liable for any data losses or harm caused by cybersecurity errors that could have been avoided with more rigorous security. They will also be prevented from strong-arming their way out of liability just because they hold market power.
An updated cyber-social contract. This major shift in who should bear responsibility is what Kemba Walden, acting national cyber director, described as a change in America’s cyber-social contract. In a press briefing, Walden explained: ‘Today, across the public and private sectors, we tend to devolve responsibility for cyber risk downwards. We ask individuals, small businesses, and local governments to shoulder a significant burden for defending us all. This isn’t just unfair, it’s ineffective.’
Under this reimagined cyber-social contract, the division of tasks between governments and the private sector is quite clear. The strategy explains that ‘in a free and interconnected society, protecting data and assuring the reliability of critical systems must be the responsibility of the owners and operators of the systems that hold our data and make our society function, as well as of the technology providers that build and service these systems.’
On the other hand, ‘government’s role is to protect its own systems; to ensure private entities, particularly critical infrastructure, are protecting their systems; and to carry out core governmental functions such as engaging in diplomacy, collecting intelligence, imposing economic costs, enforcing the law, and, conducting disruptive actions to counter cyber threats.’
The days of self-regulation are numbered. The strategy’s heavy stance on regulation signals a break from two decades of efforts to get companies – including those in critical sectors – to voluntarily strengthen all aspects of their cybersecurity, both internally and in their products, databases, and services.
Voluntary approaches to cybersecurity are no longer adequate, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger explained during an event in Washington.
Coalitions for combating ransomware. You may all recall the Biden-Putin summit in Geneva in June 2021, which marked the start of cyber detente (we even ran a monthly newsletter on cyber detente). At the time, the two countries agreed to cooperate to deter ransomware criminal cells (of Russian origin or operating from Russia). Technical work was progressing, until it all went downhill just over a year ago.
In lieu of such cooperation, the USA is working with its allies (such as through the Counter Ransomware Initiative) to pressure Russia and other countries to disrupt malicious behaviour. Through the new plan, the USA also hopes to strengthen these partnerships and carry out what the USA-Russia cyber detente failed to do, especially in combating ransomware.
This was one of two complaints. The second – the so-called anti-steering practice, which restricts app developers from informing iPhone and iPad users of alternative music subscription services – is still a concern for the commission’s ongoing anti-competition investigation.
During an event last week, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said ‘We remain concerned about Apple’s anti-steering provisions and its impact on the music streaming market. But we refocused our competition concerns on the direct consumer impact.’
EDPB welcomes improvements under EU-US Data Privacy Framework, but concerns remain
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB), the EU’s data watchdog, wants to see the USA’s commitment to limiting US security agencies’ data collection activities not only on paper but also in practice.
The EDPB’s non-binding opinion on the Draft Adequacy Decision (published by the European Commission in December) welcomes the improvements introduced by a recent executive order, which limits data collection to what is necessary and proportional. However, ‘close monitoring is needed concerning the practical application of the newly introduced principles of necessity and proportionality. Further clarity is also necessary regarding temporary bulk collection and the further retention and dissemination of the data collected in bulk,’ the watchdog said.
An adequacy decision will ultimately confirm that the data of European citizens can be transferred to the USA without additional safeguards.
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Digital India Bill to introduce rules for non-personal data sharing
A public consultation on the basic guiding principles and architecture of the upcoming law will take place on 9 March. Once the consultation process is concluded, the government will release a final draft for consultation. The law will replace the decades-old Information Technology Act.
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Under this new plan, China will apply digital technology more seriously to the economic sector, as well as to the agriculture, manufacturing, finance, education, medical services, transportation, and energy sectors.
On the global front, China also plans to continue participating in multilateral forums, and to cooperate on developing new international rules such as those related to cross-border data flows.
Chinese experts have said that more efforts were needed to strengthen the private sector’s role in the semiconductors sector and to cultivate globally competitive high-tech enterprises.
EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager speaks at a podium (File photo. Credit: European Parliament)
// METAVERSE //
‘It is already time’, says EU competition chief
Speaking during a public event, EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager hinted that European policymakers are already looking into metaverse policy.
She said: ‘digital markets have not fulfilled their promise for small businesses to achieve scale and greater reach with fewer physical barriers to get in their way. We have certainly not been too quick to act – and this can be an important lesson for us in the future. We need to anticipate and plan for change, given the obvious fact that our enforcement and legislative process will always be slower than the markets themselves. For example, it is already time for us to start asking what healthy competition should look like in the metaverse, or how something like ChatGPT may change the equation.’
// AI //
Can an AI machine be granted a patent for an invention?
This is the question which UK Supreme Court judges are deliberating after hearing arguments brought forward on appeal by American inventor Stephen Thaler.
The case involves two patent applications for two inventions which Thaler says were created by an AI machine he owns called Dabus (an acronym for Device for the Autonomous Bootstrapping of Unified Sentience). The case has already been dismissed by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which ruled that patents cannot be awarded in cases where the inventor is not a natural person.
The UK’s Supreme Court is expected to hand down a final judgement in the coming months.
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The week ahead (6–12 March)
6 March: The EU commission’s next technical workshop with stakeholders on how to comply with the new Digital Markets Act will address app store-related aspects, including alternative in-app payment systems, steering (a practice which allows developers to inform users about other purchasing options) and sideloading (the process of installing an app which did not come from one of the two main app stores).
6 March: The 19th Annual State of the Net conference, taking place in Washington DC, will bring together internet stakeholders in government and in the private sector to talk about connectivity, cybersecurity, AI developments, and children’s privacy.
6–7 March: The Council of Europe and the Moroccan Ministry of Justice are jointly organising an international conference on strengthening cooperation on cybercrime and e-evidence in Africa.
6–10 March: The UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), tasked with studying existing and potential threats to information security and possible confidence-building measures and capacity development, will hold its 4th substantive session in New York. Deeper discussions on the points of contact (PoC) directory are expected. There will be quite a few side events too.
6–17 March: The priority theme of the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women is ‘Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls’.
8–9 March: European trade association DIGITALEUROPE will host chief EU policymakers and leaders from the private sector for the two-day annual Masters of Digital.
10–12 March: The 2nd session of the European Commission citizens’ panel on the metaverse and other virtual worlds will ask people to identify, discuss and prioritise values and principles that should guide their development.
10–16 March: The ICANN76 Community Forum, to be held in Cancún, Mexico and online, will bring together ICANN supporting organisations, the advisory committee and the broader ICANN community to discuss ongoing issues on domain name system (DNS) management. Preparatory meetings took place last week.
#ReadingCorner
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EU Cyber Resilience Act: Enforcing cyber norms far beyond Europe
A new article by our colleague Anastasiya Kazakova looks at the extra-territorial effect that the EU’s upcoming cybersecurity law, the Cyber Resilience Act, will have on products and services developed by the private sector for citizens (these points are also potentially applicable to new US laws imposing liability for cybersecurity flaws once they materialise). Assuming that companies decide not to lower the bar for non-EU users, the new rules will mean that users worldwide will benefit from these stricter requirements. Moreover, EU member states adopting these rules will also contribute to implementing at least three of the norms on responsible state behaviour.
Two major debates are brewing: the sender-pays argument, which would see Big Tech contribute to infrastructure costs in Europe, and the extent to which Section 230 protects social media platforms from liability over algorithms.
And oh, it’s our 100th edition! Thank you for reading us, week after week. Cheers to another 100.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
Brussels opens door to sender-pays consultation
Telecom providers have long argued that content providers – the likes of Google, Apple, Netflix, and others – should shoulder some infrastructure costs. Last week, after much anticipation, the European Commission took the first step by launching a public consultation on the future of connectivity.
The 12-week consultation, in the form of a questionnaire, is a prelude to plans that could require Big Tech to pay their share of costs related to the digital infrastructure. The questionnaire’s fourth section is dedicated to the ‘fair contribution by all digital players’, and explains how internet traffic has grown and how developments around the metaverse and other innovative technologies will push the demand for data and internet traffic even more. Companies completing the questionnaire are being asked to quantify their past and planned investments in the network infrastructure, and their past and future share of traffic, among other points.
For those eager to hear the reactions from both sides of the fence, the timing of the launch couldn’t have been better. Companies and European policymakers are expected to battle it out at this week’s GSMA Mobile World Congress in Spain, which started today and runs through Thursday.
Today, Telefonica’s and Orange’s CEOs took the stage in Barcelona to applaud the launch. Orange’s Christel Heydemann described the consultation as a first step toward fixing what she referred to as an ‘unbalanced situation’. Telefonica’s Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete said it was time for telcos and Big Tech to collaborate: ‘Collaborating means everybody contributing with a fair share of the effort.’
Content providers have yet to take the stage, but one of the main arguments we can expect to hear is how any initiative forcing Big Tech to contribute might breach net neutrality rules. This doesn’t really argue that content providers shouldn’t contribute; it only tells us what the impact of an EU initiative might be.
Since last week’s launch, the Dutch government has also spoken out against rules that could be imposed on Big Tech. Any financial imposition would be tantamount to an internet tax that would be passed on to consumers, the Dutch minister for economic affairs told Reuters in an interview.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has not committed to specific next steps. Time will tell.
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European Commission proposes new rules for faster, cheaper internet by 2030
The European Commission proposed new rules for the faster, cheaper, and more effective rollout of internet networks across the bloc.
The commission wants all EU households and businesses to have access to a one-gigabit connection by 2030. That’s one of the targets outlined in Europe’s Digital Decade, a set of objectives which the EU wants to reach by 2030.
The proposed Gigabit Infrastructure Act will replace the older Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (2014), which mandated that EU citizens and businesses be covered by internet speeds of at least 30 Mbps.
// MEDIA //
Google blocks access to news content in Canada; PM reacts
Google has temporarily blocked access to news content in Canada, responding to looming new rules in Canada. The draft rules, called the Online News Act, or Bill C-18, will oblige Google and other internet platforms to compensate Canadian media companies for making their news content available on the platforms. Google says the blocked content affects only 4% of Canadian viewers.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticised Google for making a terrible mistake. ‘It really surprises me that Google has decided that they’d rather prevent Canadians from accessing news than actually paying journalists for the work they do,’ he said, according to media reports.
UNESCO conducts three-day dialogue on guidelines to regulate digital platforms
UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay has warned about the negative effects of disinformation on the 90 or so elections coming up in the next two years and the risks of states developing regulations in isolation.
Speaking during the three-day Internet for Trust conference last week, she said that this situation calls for regulatory initiatives: ‘This regulatory work to ensure transparency, to protect democratic life, is, of course, the responsibility of states – and many of them are taking action, with at least 55 initiatives already underway. But if these regulatory initiatives are developed in isolation, with each country working in their own corner, they are not without risk.’ The conference served as a dialogue for informing UNESCO’s draft guidelines on regulating social media platforms to improve the reliability of information. The UN organisation said it would release the final version of the guidelines in September.
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US Supreme Court hears lawsuits that may affect Section 230
The US Supreme Court has begun hearing arguments that could have implications for Section 230, a law that protects social media companies and other internet platforms from liability for third-party content posted on the platforms.
The lawsuit is an appeal filed by Twitter after a lower court allowed the case to proceed and ruled that the company had not taken adequate steps to prevent Islamic State terrorists from using the platform. The family of a Jordanian man accused Twitter of failing to police the platform after a 2017 attack led to the man’s death along with 38 other victims.
In a separate lawsuit against Google, the family of an American woman killed in a Paris attack by Islamist militants alleges that Google’s algorithm recommended content from the militant group to YouTube users. This type of activity doesn’t fall under immunity from Section 230, they claim.
Rulings in both cases are due by the end of June.
// JOBS //
Twitter lays off 200 employees
Twitter laid off at least 200 more of its employees, representing anywhere between 10% and 15% of its workforce, depending on which news report comes closest to reality.
Ericsson joins layoff frenzy
Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson also announced that it would lay off 8,500 employees globally – approximately 8% of its global workforce.
Animated video image shows a virtual courtroom using avatars to represent the magistrate and other court proceeding participants.
// METAVERSE //
Colombia court holds historic first hearing in the metaverse
These are the avatars of Magistrate María Victoria Quiñones (far right), and representatives of the parties to a lawsuit being heard in the metaverse by the Administrative Tribunal of Magdalena, in Colombia. The hearing took place in Meta’s Horizon Workrooms and livestreamed on YouTube. After the hearing, the magistrate told reporters: ‘It felt more real than a video call’. Many people were sceptical, but the editor of El Tiempo, Colombia’s most-read newspaper, thinks it’s a welcome innovation.
27 February–4 April: The first of three yearly sessions of the Human Rights Council starts today, in Geneva and online. What to watch for during the 52nd session:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ address, and speeches by heads of state (throughout week 1)
3 March: The 2023 Cyber Stability Conference, organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in New York and online, will tackle the rights and responsibilities of states in cyberspace under the UN Charter.
Demand for international bandwidth nearly doubles every two years. The strongest demand has been for links connected to Africa.
The demand comes mostly from a handful of content and cloud service providers: Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. (That’s an important point for the unfolding sender-pays debate.)
Munich had the world’s attention this weekend as leaders from around the globe gathered for a security summit to wrap up an action-packed week for cybersecurity. In other news, the private sector is focusing more on the latest generative AI frenzy than on the metaverse and cryptocurrencies.
Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
Munich Security Conference: Cyberspace a national security issue
The week (or rather, weekend) was dominated by security talks. Heads of government, defence ministers, and security experts descended upon the Bavarian capital on 17–19 February for the annual Munich Security Conference (MCS).
Unavoidably, the main topic was the Ukraine war, which started almost a year ago. World leaders hit hard on Russia, especially US Vice President Kamala Harris, who said that the USA formally accused Russia of committing crimes against humanity.
Against this backdrop of tensions, countries are increasingly aware of vulnerabilities to cyber attacks as they move to digitise their economies and rely more heavily on technology. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned: ‘Military forces are necessary to protect our security. But they are not sufficient. We must also secure our cyberspace, our supply chains, and our infrastructure.’
All in all, there were fewer explicit mentions of cybersecurity and cyber resilience compared to previous MSCs, which shows how digital security has become an issue of national security for countries worldwide.
A packed hall at Munich’s Hotel Bayerischer Hof following European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen’s address. Photo: Munich Security Conference
China’s role in the Ukraine war could affect tech trade relations
A new development could put China’s tech trade relations with other countries to the test. During the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that according to US intelligence, China is ‘strongly considering’ providing military support to Russia – a claim that China dismissed as disinformation.
The USA has already taken an aggressive stance, including restrictions on Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and other Chinese companies over national security concerns and controls on exports of high-tech chips and other technology to Chinese companies.
The EU has taken a milder approach by seeking to diversify its own sources of technology while still maintaining working relations with Beijing. Its approach is to encourage innovation within member countries by increasing investment in areas like AI and semiconductors while avoiding tech reliance on any single country, particularly China. For NATO’s Secretary-General Stoltenberg, although security interests should outweigh economic interests, countries ‘should continue to trade and engage economically with China’.
If China’s involvement in the ongoing war intensifies, this could affect the trade relations China has with other countries and regions, particularly the EU, which could be prodded to do much more than decrease its tech dependence on China.
Digital policy roundup (13–20 February)
// CYBERSECURITY //
NATO sets up coordination body to protect undersea cables
NATO has set up a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Protection Cell to coordinate engagement between military and industry stakeholders around the protection of undersea infrastructure. The new body will also share best practices and leverage new technologies. It will be led by former German military officer, Lieutenant General Hans-Werner Wiermann.
Norway seizes USD5.8 million worth of crypto
Norway seized a record USD5.8 million worth of cryptocurrency, stolen in March 2022 from a crypto-based game called Axie Infinity. Shortly after the cyberattack, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the North Korean hacker group Lazarus perpetrated the attack.
The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, which spearheaded the investigation, said that the Lazarus group started a still-ongoing massive money laundering operation right after the attack.
EU Council ministers discuss critical categories of devices in new cybersecurity law
EU ministers are discussing an amended version of the draft Cyber Resilience Act, which will establish baseline cybersecurity requirements for connected devices, such as internet of things (IoT) products that connect and exchange data with other devices.
Online platforms comply with first Digital Services Act deadline
Online platforms had until 17 February to inform the European Commission how big their monthly audience is. Platforms whose audience exceeds 45 million users include Facebook, Google Search, Maps, Play and Shopping, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Under the new Digital Services Act (DSA), these companies will be subject to additional obligations, such as making a risk assessment and taking corresponding risk mitigation measures. Among those below the threshold are eBay, Microsoft’s App Store, and Spotify.
// GENERATIVE AI //
Microsoft pitches AI-revamped Bing to advertisers
Microsoft is engaging in conversations with advertising agencies and demonstrating how its revamped Bing search engine, powered by generative AI, can insert paid links within responses to searches. The company is testing these ads on its early version of the Bing chatbot, which is available to a limited number of users, according to an anonymous advertising executive and ads seen by Reuters last week.
// SEMICONDUCTORS //
EU’s draft Chips Act enters next phase
European lawmakers have agreed on a draft text on semiconductors which will be used in negotiations with the EU Council. The Chips Act proposes that the EU’s share of global production capacity reach 20%. A second text, the Chips Joint Undertaking, will increase support for developing this type of European presence.
US chip plants get investment boosts
Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC has announced it will inject up to USD3.5 billion into its Arizona (USA) plant. The factory construction began in 2022 and will start operating in 2024. This will bring the total investment in the Arizona facility to USD40 billion (EUR37.4 billion).
In other news, Texas Instruments announced it would build a second semiconductor factory in Utah (USA), adjoining an existing factory. This will form part of the company’s USD11 billion (EUR10.3 billion) investment in Utah.
// METAVERSE //
Tencent lets go of VR hardware plans; Apple pushes back launch of MR headset
Chinese company Tencent Holdings has decided against taking the plunge into virtual reality hardware, as economic uncertainty calls for tighter purse strings and an overall restructuring of their metaverse unit, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Apple has also decided to postpone the launch of its first mixed reality (MR) headset by a few months. It’s not the first time the company has decided to push back the launch.
Gamer uses a virtual reality headset and controller Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
// CRYPTOCURRENCIES //
PayPal pauses stablecoin launch due to regulatory scrutiny
PayPal is hitting the brakes on its new project to create a type of cryptocurrency called stablecoin (as the name implies, stablecoins are pegged to a normal currency so that they’re less volatile than cryptocurrencies).
Bloomberg News reported that although the company hoped to launch its stablecoin in the coming weeks, the plans are now unclear, due to heightened regulatory scrutiny. A vital partner in the project is also being investigated by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
The cryptocurrency world is currently going through some turbulence after major players have fallen victim to collapsed investments.
// JOBS //
Job cull in tech sector continues
We’ve been keeping track of the companies announcing layoffs. This week it’s Yahoo’s turn, which announced plans to lay off more than 20% of its total 8,600 workforce, and DocuSign to lay off 10% of its workers in a second round of cuts. The BBC reports that Yahoo’s cuts will take place by the end of this week. Here’s the whole list of significant tech layoffs in 2023.
The week ahead (20–26 February)
20–24 February: The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is holding a week-long gathering in London for Commonwealth tech ministers, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Three main events will happen throughout the week: The CTO Forum on 20 February, the Ministerial Alliance for Digital Nations on 21–22 February, and the 60th council meeting on 23–24 February.
21–23 February: The Internet of Trust conference, organised by UNESCO, will serve as a discussion forum for UNESCO’s draft global Guidelines for regulating digital platforms. The input will help the UN agency finalise the guidelines in the coming months. The conference itself is on 22–23 February; the extra day on 21 February is dedicated to side events.
#ReadingCorner
The latest Munich Security Report
There’s an entire chapter dedicated to cybersecurity in the 174-page Munich Security Report 2023, released right before last weekend’s Munich Security Conference.
The chapter in brief: There’s one main reason why major powers are vying to control global architectures (including the digital infrastructure): Such control allows some countries to control the rules of the game and renders other countries dependent on them. There’s more focus on protectionist approaches, competition, and autonomy and less on free markets and interdependence. Read the report.
Bienvenue à la 13e édition de nos prédictions annuelles en matière de gouvernance et de diplomatie numériques. Voici nos prévisions pour l’année à venir.
1. Technologies
Chaque année démarre généralement par des annonces prometteuses sur la façon dont les dernières technologies vont sauver le monde. Mais pas cette fois-ci. Ce sera l’occasion, pour les technologies existantes – telles que le métavers, la blockchain et l’IA –, de faire la preuve de leur impact réel au-delà du simple battage médiatique.
2. Géopolitique numérique
Les tensions géopolitiques ont dominé une grande partie de l’année dernière. Dans la sphère numérique, elles ne semblent pas non plus vouloir s’apaiser. En 2023, elles se joueront plus intensément dans au moins trois grands domaines de la politique numérique : la protection des câbles sous-marins et des satellites, la production de semi-conducteurs et la libre circulation des données à travers les frontières.
3. Le(s) moment(s) numérique(s) de l’IBSA
Le trio IBSA – Inde, Brésil et Afrique du Sud – est susceptible de jouer un rôle de premier plan dans la réforme de la gouvernance numérique en liant développement, démocratie et diplomatie multilatérale. Les premiers résultats tangibles de l’élan numérique de l’IBSA pourraient être attendus pendant la présidence indienne du G20, qui, entre autres, promouvra « un nouvel étalon-or pour les données ».
4. La coopération numérique
Les processus de coopération numérique vont accélérer la préparation de 2025, date à laquelle la mise en œuvre du Sommet mondial sur la société de l’information (SMSI) sera réexaminée, y compris l’avenir du Forum sur la gouvernance de l’Internet (FGI). La « Osaka Track » sur la gouvernance des données, lancée lors de la présidence japonaise du G20 en 2019, connaîtra probablement une nouvelle vie, puisque le Japon doit accueillir le prochain FGI (Kyoto, octobre 2023). En septembre 2023, une réunion ministérielle sera consacrée à la préparation du Sommet du futur de 2024, au cours duquel le Pacte numérique mondial (PNM) sera adopté.
5. Les droits de l’Homme en ligne
Nous pouvons nous attendre à une meilleure exécution de la première génération des droits de l’Homme en ligne, telle que la liberté d’expression et la protection de la vie privée. Une approche globale de la numérisation et des droits de l’Homme mettra en lumière la deuxième génération (droits économiques, sociaux et culturels) et la troisième génération (environnementale et intergénérationnelle) des droits de l’Homme. La quatrième génération des droits de l’Homme prendra également de l’importance, en réponse aux risques liés aux développements de l’IA, des biotechnologies et des nanotechnologies.
6. La gouvernance du contenu
Les pays et les entreprises renforceront leur volonté de définir de meilleurs moyens de régir le contenu. Ils viseront à trouver un équilibre entre le statut juridique des plateformes de médias sociaux (entreprises privées ayant peu de responsabilités juridiques pour le contenu qu’elles publient) et leur rôle social (services publics d’information qui influent sur la façon dont les individus perçoivent la société et la politique). La stratégie de l’Union européenne en matière de gouvernance du contenu (notamment la législation sur les services numériques, ou « DSA ») servira probablement d’exemple à de nombreuses autres nations. Le résultat de l’expérience Twitter d’Elon Musk aura un impact significatif sur l’avenir de la gouvernance de contenu dans le secteur des entreprises.
7. La cybersécurité
De nombreuses organisations et de nombreux gouvernements ont amélioré leur cyberrésilience dans le contexte géopolitique de la guerre en Ukraine. L’agenda de la cybersécurité est de plus en plus présent dans les pays en développement, qui prennent part à des processus plus généraux, comme le Groupe de travail à composition non limitée (GNTCL) de l’ONU sur la cybersécurité et le Comité spécial de l’ONU sur la cybercriminalité. Ces processus mondiaux pourraient faire pression sur les principales cyberpuissances pour qu’elles se comportent de manière plus responsable.
8. L’économie numérique
La gouvernance de l’économie numérique se concentrera sur le commerce numérique, la réalisation du nouvel accord fiscal mondial et la réglementation des cryptomonnaies. L’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) redoublera d’efforts dans les négociations sur le commerce numérique, en essayant de concilier les positions sur les flux de données, la localisation des données et la vie privée. La mise en œuvre du nouvel accord fiscal mondial de l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE) continuera à être négociée, avec des conventions multilatérales pour appliquer l’accord, qui devraient être finalisées d’ici la moitié de l’année. Les États continueront d’adopter des réglementations sur les actifs numériques, notamment en ce qui concerne la protection des consommateurs et l’implication précise des institutions financières dans le contrôle de l’industrie.
9. La normalisation numérique
La pertinence des normes numériques en tant que mode de gouvernance douce va augmenter. Nous pouvons nous attendre à une intensification de la coopération en matière de normalisation numérique entre pays partageant les mêmes idées, à une accélération de la normalisation des nouvelles technologies et à davantage de discussions sur les implications des normes en cours d’élaboration en matière de droits de l’Homme.
10. La gouvernance des données
La gouvernance des données va mûrir avec la prise de conscience que nous avons de la nécessité de disposer d’autant de solutions de gouvernance qu’il y a de types de données. Les parties prenantes devront adopter une approche holistique prenant en compte les perspectives de normalisation, de sécurité, de droits de l’Homme et de droit.
11. La gouvernance de l’IA
À mesure que l’IA deviendra de plus en plus utilisée dans des contextes réels, les arguments relatifs à son éthique en général (comme la façon de s’assurer que les solutions d’IA sont créées et déployées selon des normes déontologiques) céderont la place à des préoccupations plus pratiques (comme les liens entre l’IA et l’éducation).
12. L’avenir du travail
Le format hybride du temps de travail au bureau et des négociations diplomatiques, combinant des éléments d’interactions en ligne et in situ, sera la nouvelle normalité. En plus de Zoom et des réunions en ligne, de nouveaux outils de réalité virtuelle seront développés pour faciliter une interaction virtuelle sans faille.
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Examinez ces prédictions plus en détail en lisant la suite :
Ce qu’il faut surveiller : Les rendez-vous mondiaux de la politique numérique en 2023
Nous nous penchons sur le calendrier de la politique numérique afin de mettre en évidence certaines de ses principales discussions en 2023 à travers le monde. Comme à l’accoutumée, l’équipe de DW couvrira en temps réel des événements majeurs au cours de l’année tout en se concentrant également sur les événements grand public traitant des questions numériques.
La première des trois sessions annuelles du Conseil des droits de l’Homme examinera et discutera le rapport annuel du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies aux droits de l’Homme (HCR) et les rapports du Bureau du Haut-Commissaire et du Secrétaire général. Les rapports sur la situation des droits de l’Homme en Érythrée, au Soudan, à Chypre, au Soudan du Sud et en Afghanistan, entre autres, seront communiqués au Conseil des droits de l’Homme, et pris en considération.
Les discussions de haut niveau et l’examen des rapports sur les questions liées au numérique auront une importance particulière : « La vie privée et la protection des données personnelles en Amérique latine : un pas vers la mondialisation » ; « Les droits de l’enfant et l’environnement numérique » ; « L’impact négatif de la désinformation sur la jouissance et la réalisation des droits de l’Homme » ; « La promotion et la protection des droits de l’Homme et la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable ».
3 MARS. Conférence sur la cyberstabilité (New York, États-Unis, et en ligne) Organisée par l’Institut des Nations unies pour la recherche sur le désarmement (UNIDIR), sous le thème « Utilisation des TIC par les États : droits et responsabilités en fonction de la Charte des Nations unies », la conférence se concentrera sur la manière dont le droit international s’applique à l’utilisation des TIC par les États. Elle explorera les droits et obligations de la Charte des Nations unies applicables au cyberespace dans le but de faciliter les délibérations futures et de contribuer à l’avancement des négociations multilatérales.
Le premier forum de l’UIT sur le thème « Adopter le métavers », co-organisé par la National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), marquera le début des efforts de l’UIT pour promouvoir les initiatives de pré-normalisation du métavers. L’objectif du forum est de faciliter le dialogue mondial sur le métavers, de fournir des contributions et de débattre de sujets appropriés qui peuvent aider le travail du groupe de réflexion de l’UIT-T sur le métavers, récemment créé. Le forum explorera les défis et les opportunités pour un métavers accessible, durable et inclusif, étudiera comment développer des normes d’interopérabilité, et réfléchira à la manière dont il peut être utilisé pour atteindre les ODD et accélérer la transformation numérique. Le forum sera suivi de la première réunion du groupe de réflexion de l’UIT-T sur le métavers.
Le Forum 2023 du SMSI aura pour thème « Lignes d’action pour mieux reconstruire et accélérer la réalisation des ODD ». Le forum s’articulera autour de deux pistes : celle de haut niveau (14-15 mars) et celle du forum (13-17 mars). La piste de haut niveau consistera en des déclarations politiques, des dialogues de haut niveau, une cérémonie de remise du prix SMSI et une table ronde ministérielle. La piste du forum proposera aux participants une série de réunions de facilitation des lignes d’action du SMSI, des ateliers, des sessions de formation, des pistes thématiques spéciales, des cafés du savoir, un hackathon et une exposition sur la mise en œuvre du SMSI. Les ateliers virtuels se poursuivront en avril et en mai.
La session annuelle de la CSTD sert de cadre à la planification stratégique, à l’échange des leçons apprises et des meilleures pratiques, à la présentation des tendances fondamentales de la science, de la technologie et de l’innovation, et à la mise en évidence des technologies émergentes et disruptives. Les principaux thèmes de l’édition de cette année seront : la technologie et l’innovation pour une production plus écologique, plus productive et plus compétitive ; et la garantie d’une eau saine et d’un assainissement pour tous : une solution par la science, la technologie et l’innovation.
Le comité ad hoc chargé d’élaborer une convention internationale globale sur la lutte contre l’utilisation des TIC à des fins criminelles tiendra ses cinquième et sixième sessions respectivement à Vienne et à New York, la session de clôture ayant lieu début janvier 2024. La session de clôture, au cours de laquelle un projet de convention sera examiné et approuvé pour être soumis à l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies (AGNU) lors de sa 78e session, en septembre 2024, marquera la fin des travaux du comité.
Le 8e Forum STI se tiendra autour du thème « La science, la technologie et l’innovation pour une relance accélérée après la COVID-19 et la mise en œuvre complète de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable à tous les niveaux ». Comme les années précédentes, le thème du Forum STI sera étroitement aligné sur celui du Forum politique de haut niveau sur le développement durable (FPHN).
Le sommet mondial AI for Good est l’événement principal de la plateforme AI for Good, organisé par l’UIT en partenariat avec 40 agences affiliées des Nations unies et co-organisé avec la Suisse. L’événement comprendra des orateurs principaux, des solutions d’IA de pointe, des séances de présentation et des performances d’artistes inspirés par l’IA. Il comprendra également des expositions interactives, des débats et des démonstrations par plus de 30 robots d’avant-garde et leurs concepteurs humains.
Le FPHN se déroulera autour du thème « Accélérer la relance après la pandémie de coronavirus (COVID-19) et la mise en œuvre intégrale de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable à tous les niveaux ». Le FPHN se réunit chaque année pour discuter du suivi et de l’examen de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable et de ses ODD.
La 78e session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies (AGNU 78) s’ouvrira le mardi 12 septembre 2023. Le premier jour du débat général de haut niveau aura lieu le lundi 25 septembre 2023.
Le Gouvernement du Japon accueillera le 18e rassemblement annuel du FGI à Kyoto du 8 au 12 octobre. L’appel aux questions à traiter dans le cadre de la réunion était ouvert jusqu’au 31 janvier 2023. La prochaine étape du processus est la première réunion du groupe consultatif multipartite (MAG), du 8 au 10 mars 2023, qui commencera à planifier les travaux intersessions et le programme du FGI 2023.
L’édition 2023 de la semaine du commerce électronique de la CNUCED se tiendra sous le thème « Façonner l’avenir de l’économie numérique ». Elle sera axée sur l’élargissement de la fracture numérique et sur le risque que la numérisation fondée sur les données exacerbe les inégalités. Au cours de la semaine du e-commerce de la CNUCED, les parties prenantes de haut niveau se concentreront sur des solutions concrètes et tangibles dans des domaines politiques clés qui doivent être examinés pour parvenir à une numérisation inclusive et durable, ainsi que pour répondre à trois questions essentielles : à quoi ressemble l’avenir que nous souhaitons pour l’économie numérique ; que faut-il faire pour que cet avenir devienne réalité ; et comment les partenariats numériques et la coopération renforcée peuvent-ils contribuer à des résultats plus inclusifs et durables ?
Baromètre
Les développements de la politique numérique qui ont fait les gros titres ces dernières semaines
Le paysage politique numérique évolue quotidiennement. Voici donc les principaux développements de décembre et janvier. Nous les avons déchiffrés en petits paragraphes, qui font autorité. Vous trouverez plus de détails dans chaque mise à jour du Digital Watch Observatory.
Architecture de gouvernance numérique mondiale
Le Rwanda et la Suède, co-facilitateurs menant le processus intergouvernemental sur le Pacte Numérique Mondial, ont annoncé la feuille de route de son processus, comprenant des consultations informelles avec les parties prenantes et les États membres, des discussions thématiques, un document de réflexion basé sur les discussions, la présentation dudit document et les négociations sur le PNM.
Le Comité ad hoc des Nations unies sur la cybercriminalité a tenu sa quatrième session de négociation. L’Ukraine a appelé à la création de « Cyber Nations », une entité mondiale qui aiderait à partager les informations sur les menaces et à se préparer aux attaques futures.
Le commerce électronique et l’économie de l’internet
L’Irlande a infligé une amende de 5,5 millions d’euros à Meta pour avoir forcé les utilisateurs à consentir au traitement de leurs données personnelles « à des fins d’amélioration du service et de sécurité », en violation des règles de l’UE en matière de protection des données.
Le ministère américain de la Justice (DoJ) et huit États ont intenté une action en justice contre Google, l’accusant d’abuser de sa position dominante dans le secteur de la publicité sur Internet et de limiter la concurrence loyale.
La Cour suprême de l’Inde a confirmé une décision de la Commission de la concurrence de l’Inde (CCI) selon laquelle Google abuse de sa position dominante dans l’écosystème des appareils mobiles Android et abuse de son monopole par le biais de son Play Store. À la suite de la décision de la Cour, Google a procédé à des changements tels que permettre aux utilisateurs de choisir leur navigateur par défaut ou de désinstaller le navigateur Google.L’autorité allemande de la concurrence a ordonné à Google de réviser ses conditions et pratiques de traitement des données, car les utilisateurs ne disposent pas d’un choix suffisant quant au traitement de leurs données.
Nouvelles technologies
La Chine a engagé une procédure de différend commercial auprès de l’OMC contre les mesures américaines de contrôle des exportations de puces, arguant que ces mesures « menaçaient la stabilité des chaînes d’approvisionnement de l’industrie mondiale ».
Comité ad hoc sur la cybercriminalité : points à retenir de sa 4e session
Le Comité ad hoc sur la cybercriminalité a donné le coup d’envoi de 2023 avec sa quatrième session à Vienne et s’est concentré sur la modification de son document consolidé (DC). Les États ont négocié et apporté des modifications concernant les dispositions générales, les dispositions relatives à l’incrimination, les mesures procédurales et l’application de la loi.
La majorité des États ont souligné qu’il fallait veiller à ce que les dispositions soient conformes aux traités du droit international des droits de l’Homme tout en incluant les protocoles additionnels et les autres instruments internationaux des droits de l’Homme applicables.
Les États ont des vues divergentes sur les dispositions relatives à la criminalisation : un groupe d’États vise à restreindre le contenu de la convention aux seuls crimes cyberdépendants ; un autre groupe d’États reste ouvert à l’inclusion des crimes cyberdépendants et cybernétiques ; un troisième groupe d’États vise à élargir les infractions de criminalisation et à inclure des dispositions sur la criminalisation du terrorisme et de l’extrémisme, entre autres. La plupart des États se sont mis d’accord sur l’inclusion de la criminalisation de l’abus d’enfants en ligne.
Jusqu’à présent, toutes les dispositions du DC concernant les crimes cyberdépendants et cybernétiques, tels que l’accès illégal, la falsification informatique et l’utilisation illicite d’instruments de paiement électronique, entre autres, ont été modifiées. Toutefois, les dispositions relatives à « la violation des informations personnelles, la violation des droits d’auteur, l’incitation à des activités subversives ou armées, les infractions liées à l’extrémisme, les infractions liées au terrorisme, les infractions liées à la distribution de stupéfiants, le trafic d’armes et la distribution de médicaments contrefaits » font l’objet de consultations informelles.
La définition des infractions de cybercriminalité dans le cadre du DC soulève des inquiétudes quant aux violations potentielles des droits de l’Homme. Par exemple, l’inclusion de la criminalisation de la diffusion de fausses informations stipule que : « La définition des fausses informations et des troubles sociaux graves est définie conformément à la législation nationale de chaque État partie. »
En ce qui concerne les mesures procédurales et les dispositions relatives à l’application de la loi, les dispositifs relatifs à la juridiction font toujours l’objet de consultations informelles. La coopération entre les autorités nationales et les fournisseurs de services lors de la conservation des données relatives au trafic et au contenu a été ajoutée au DC. Là encore, il s’agit de laisser à la discrétion de chaque État les circonstances dans lesquelles l’État pourrait obtenir ces données auprès des fournisseurs de services, ainsi que la mesure dans laquelle les données personnelles sont protégées.
Certains États ont souligné la nécessité d’harmoniser le contenu des dispositions en question avec celles de la Convention de Budapest. Et si le comité ad hoc de janvier a progressé dans la rédaction de certaines parties de la convention, il reste encore de nombreuses questions litigieuses à régler. La protection des droits de l’Homme, la définition des infractions et la mise en œuvre de ces dispositions doivent être soigneusement examinées pour garantir une protection efficace lors de la lutte contre la cybercriminalité au niveau international. La cinquième session se tiendra du 11 au 21 avril 2023 à Vienne, session au cours de laquelle les États seront appelés à poursuivre les négociations sur le DC actuel et sur un nouveau document consolidé.
Actualités de la Francophonie
La Francophonie participe à la première réunion annuelle de la Coalition pour le numérique Partner2Connect
Accompagné par la Représentation auprès des Nations unies à Genève de l’OIF, le Conseiller numérique et innovation de la Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie a participé à la 1ère réunion annuelle de la Coalition pour le numérique Partner2Connect de l’UIT (Union Internationale des Télécommunications) qui s’est tenue à Genève du 8 au 9 décembre dernier. À cette occasion, le Conseiller est intervenu sur les avancées de la Francophonie en matière numérique, notamment l’impulsion donnée par les chefs d’État lors du Sommet de Djerba (19-20 novembre 2022, Tunisie) et les résultats satisfaisants du projet D-CLIC « Formez-vous au numérique » de l’OIF. En marge de cette réunion, le Conseiller a été reçu par la responsable de l’UIT en charge des relations institutionnelles pour évoquer les perspectives de partenariat entre les deux organisations. Il a également évoqué les priorités numériques francophones avec les ambassadeurs francophones de Tunisie, du Rwanda et de Bulgarie, co-présidents de la Coordination numérique du GAF (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones) de Genève.
L’OIF soutient et contribue à la 11ème édition des Assises de la Transformation Digitale en Afrique (ATDA)
L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie a soutenu et a pris part à la 11ème édition des Assises de la Transformation Digitale qui se sont tenues les 15 et 16 décembre 2022 à Genève sous le thème : « Confiance, souveraineté, inclusion : enjeux et perspectives pour l’Afrique ». Avec la présence de décideurs et acteurs du numérique, plusieurs échanges ont eu lieu autour des défis de la transformation digitale en Afrique. Le Directeur de la Francophonie économique et numérique (DFEN) de l’OIF a pris part à un panel sur le thème : « le capital humain, un levier incontournable de la transformation structurelle de l’économie ». Ce panel a notamment été l’occasion d’aborder les problématiques de formation et de renforcement des capacités des jeunes africains pour en faire des personnes aptes à répondre aux besoins du marché en compétences numériques. L’action de l’OIF en ce sens à travers le programme D-CLIC a été présentée (https ://www.francophonie.org/dclic/).
En savoir plus : www.lesatda.com
L’OIF contribue au cadre modèle de régulation pour les plateformes numériques de l’UNESCO dans le cadre de la Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO (21 au 23 février 2023, Paris)
La Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO « Pour un Internet de confiance – Réguler les plateformes numériques pour l’information comme bien public » aura lieu du 21 au 23 février 2023 à Paris. L’objectif principal de la conférence est d’échanger autour des Éléments d’orientation pour la régulation des plateformes numériques à travers une approche multipartite. Ce document vise à fournir des orientations et établir des normes pour aider les États et autres parties prenantes à la régulation des contenus en ligne et à l’élaboration de lois et politiques conformes aux normes internationales en matière des droits de l’Homme.
L’OIF a été sollicitée par l’UNESCO pour contribuer aux travaux sur le cadre modèle de régulation pour les plateformes numériques et sera présente lors de cet important événement sur la régulation du contenu de l’Internet en faveur de la protection des droits de l’Homme et de la liberté d’expression. L’OIF organisera également une table ronde francophone en marge de la conférence mondiale, le 21 février prochain. L’objectif est de mobiliser la diversité des acteurs francophones autour des enjeux et défis liés à la régulation des plateformes numériques, d’encourager la valorisation des approches, l’appropriation des enjeux et défis francophones sur ce domaine et coordonner la communauté francophone afin de définir des recommandations communes en faveur de la régulation des plateformes numériques dans l’espace francophone. L’événement devrait notamment réunir des experts, les représentants d’États membres et les présidents des réseaux francophones tels que le Réseau des compétences électorales francophones (RECEF), l’Association francophone des Autorités de protection des données personnelles (AFAPDP), le Réseau francophone des Régulateurs des médias (REFRAM), ou encore l’Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).
Une vingtaine d’agents publics francophones achèvent leur cursus de formation sur la gouvernance de l’Internet (2ème cohorte – octobre à décembre 2022)
Du 17 octobre au 16 décembre 2022, s’est déroulée la formation sur la gouvernance de l’internet à l’attention de 23 fonctionnaires et diplomates des États et gouvernements membres de l’OIF. Cette formation de 9 semaines a été dispensée par la DiploFoundation, dans le cadre du projet « D-CLIC, formez-vous au numérique avec l’OIF ». Il s’agit de la deuxième cohorte après celle qui avait été formée de janvier à avril 2022.
L’OIF, via cette formation longue, souhaite ainsi renforcer les compétences des fonctionnaires publics francophones afin de leur permettre de mieux appréhender les défis actuels et futurs de la gouvernance numérique.
La gouvernance de l’Internet (GI) est de plus en plus prépondérante dans le travail des diplomates et des fonctionnaires publics. La régulation de l’Internet, la cybersécurité, ou encore la protection des droits et l’économie numérique font partie des sujets les plus abordés et débattus lors des discussions internationales.
Ce cycle de formation en français qui mobilise un minimum de 6 à 8 heures d’étude par semaine en présente les enjeux stratégiques et opérationnels afin d’approfondir et comprendre « l’écosystème de l’Internet », de faciliter la compréhension des thématiques numériques ainsi que les enjeux politiques sous-jacents : l’histoire de l’Internet, l’infrastructure et la normalisation, l’approche multi-partenariale de la gouvernance, la cybersécurité, les questions juridiques, économiques, de développement et socioculturelles, les droits de l’Homme, les acteurs et les récentes évolutions de la gouvernance de l’Internet.
Cette deuxième formation a pu bénéficier à des représentants issus du Bénin, d’Haïti, du Niger, de la Côte d’Ivoire, du Sénégal, de la République Centrafricaine, du Burkina Faso, des Comores, du Maroc, du Cameroun, de la République Démocratique du Congo, de la Guinée Equatoriale, ou encore du Togo.
Afin de capitaliser sur le succès de ces formations, de nouveaux cycles seront proposés en 2023, notamment dans le cadre de la coopération de l’OIF avec l’Université Senghor, université internationale de langue française au service du développement africain.
L’OIF et la BOAD (Banque ouest-africaine de développement) signent un accord-cadre de coopération pour soutenir la transformation numérique en Afrique de l’Ouest (7 décembre 2022)
La Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie et le Président de la Banque ouest-africaine de Développement (BOAD), Serge Ekue, ont signé le 7 décembre 2022 un accord-cadre de coopération pour soutenir la transformation numérique dans les huit pays (Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinée-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Sénégal, Togo) de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine (UEMOA).
Cet accord-cadre permettra à la BOAD, après validation de son Conseil d’Administration, de concevoir un véhicule financier mobilisant plusieurs dizaines de millions d’euros que les pays concernés pourront activer au bénéfice de leur population, en particulier les jeunes et les femmes, pour leur permettre de suivre des formations au numérique délivrées dans le cadre du programme « D-CLIC, formez-vous au numérique avec l’OIF ».
Lancé en janvier 2022 suite à l’adoption de la Stratégie de la Francophonie numérique 2022- 2026, D-CLIC a déjà mis en place 57 parcours de formation professionnalisante aux métiers du numérique dans 10 pays africains francophones. Il offre également des solutions en matière de renforcement de capacités des agents publics dans le domaine de la gouvernance du numérique et proposera dès 2023 un ensemble d’outils visant à sensibiliser et initier au numérique les personnes les plus éloignées de cette réalité nouvelle.
Crédits photographiques : Alex Tharreau/OIF
À cette occasion, la Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie, Madame Louise Mushikiwabo, a déclaré : « Lors du XVIIIe Sommet de la Francophonie à Djerba, les Chefs d’État et de gouvernement ont longuement délibéré sur la transformation numérique. Ils ont conclu que l’appropriation du numérique par les jeunes francophones – et notamment les jeunes filles – constituait un enjeu vital pour l’avenir de la Francophonie et de l’Afrique. Avec plus de 70 % de leur population nationale qui est âgée de moins de trente ans, les pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest doivent mettre la formation au numérique tout en haut de leur agenda. Avec cet accord, l’OIF et la BOAD vont les y accompagner ».
Les équipes techniques des deux organisations se sont rencontrées les 10 et 11 janvier 2023, au siège de la BOAD, à Lomé (Togo), dans le cadre d’une mission de suivi de la mise en œuvre de l’accord-cadre. Une feuille de route pour une opérationnalisation de l’accord-cadre dès 2023, à travers le développement d’un projet de Fonds régional, a été arrêtée à cette occasion.
Événements à venir :
Table ronde de l’OIF sur la régulation du contenu de l’Internet en faveur de la protection des droits de l’Homme (21 février 2023, Paris) dans le cadre de la Conférence mondiale de l’UNESCO « Pour un Internet de confiance – Réguler les plateformes numériques pour l’information comme bien public » (21 au 23 février 2023, Paris)
The devastation that last week’s deadly earthquake left in Turkey and Syria could be witnessed in real-time, as eyewitnesses captured the scenes and shared them on social media. Once more, social media played a significant role in rescue efforts and disaster relief.
In other news, the ChatGPT frenzy is picking up fast, while Big Tech companies get called out for various reasons. Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
AI-powered search engines: The race is on
Google’s accolades in the search engine business are plenty. It created a money-making algorithm, uses AI to power its search, shopping, translation and augmented reality, and is the dominant player in this field.
So when Microsoft announced last Tuesday that it was revamping its Bing search engine and Edge browser with software from OpenAI, the developers of ChatGPT, Google had to react fast the next day, announcing its conversational AI named Bard. Considering that Microsoft is teaming up with the developers of an already hugely popular ChatGPT, Google is coming in a tad late (and a bit shabby: Bard made a factual error in its first public demo).
Still, the race is now on, and will depend on at least three factors.
First, personal preferences: Users will be able to choose between a toggle page (Microsoft) or an integrated search result (Google). Microsoft’s Bing will allow users to toggle between the search results page and a ChatGPT-powered chat service in another browser tab. On the other hand, Google will integrate its generative AI features into its search results without the need to switch tabs.
Second, accuracy: For users to continue using these tools, they need to be able to trust the output. Companies will need to keep mistakes (and biases) at bay, or at least be fast enough to correct errors.
Third, monetising the engine: The advertising market linked to search engines is already lucrative. Since this is what powers Google’s business model, any inroads which Microsoft makes into Google’s share of the market can disrupt Google more than any other tech giant.
Digital policy round-up (6–13 February)
// AI //
China joins generative AI frenzy
Tech companies in China have joined the generative AI bandwagon. Chinese tech giants Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent are among the companies planning to integrate generative AI software into their existing products.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT software is capable of conversing in Chinese, making the software very attractive to the Chinese market. Although Chinese users cannot access ChatGPT directly, access tools such as virtual private networks are helping users bypass restrictions.
Council of Europe’s AI committee releases draft text
The Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence has published its revised draft convention on AI, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The text is being negotiated by the committee. The European Commission is a party to the negotiations on behalf of the EU.
// UKRAINE //
SpaceX to restrict Ukraine’s use of satellite internet for drones
Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to limit the Ukrainian military from using its satellite internet service to control drones. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said last week that the Starlink service was ‘never meant to be weaponised’. The company has been providing internet to Ukraine since last February through its Starlink satellite system.
Up until Thursday, Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that ‘So far, there are no problems with the operation of Starlink terminals in Ukraine.’
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US development agency pledged up to USD60 million to ramp up Ukraine’s cyber capabilities
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to invest up to an additional USD60 million (EUR56 million) to help Ukraine protect its critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. The funds are also aimed at boosting Ukraine’s cyber capabilities, and supporting it with its ongoing digital transformation. The announcement was made by Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman during her visit to the Ukrainian capital.
// DISINFORMATION //
Twitter blocked in Turkey in aftermath of earthquake
Global internet monitor NetBlocks revealed that Twitter was blocked for up to 12 hours in Turkey, a day after deadly earthquakes shook the region. Restrictions were carried out by internet service providers.
NetBlocks explained: ‘The incident comes as authorities raise concerns over disinformation online, although no formal explanation has been provided. Service was restored the next morning after state media reported that Turkish authorities had held a meeting with Twitter’s head of policy on disinformation and the need for content takedowns.’
Twitter fails EU disinformation test
In separate news, Twitter was called out by EU Commissioner Věra Jourová for a poor report on how it is dealing with disinformation. The report was submitted as part of a voluntary anti-disinformation charter, the EU’s 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation, agreed upon in June 2022.
The information which companies were asked to provide included: How political adverts are labelled, and how coordinated foreign manipulation campaigns are detected and stopped.
// BIG TECH //
President Biden’s State of the Union: ‘Hold social media accountable’
Protecting children’s privacy and clamping down on targeted advertising to children were among the issues raised by US President Joe Biden in his annual State of the Union address.
‘It’s time to pass bipartisan legislation to stop Big Tech from collecting personal data on kids and teenagers online, ban targeted advertising to children, and impose stricter limits on the personal data that companies collect on all of us.’
His address also mentioned ongoing efforts to produce more semiconductors in the USA, the need for companies to pay their fair share of taxes, and the work being done to bring affordable, high-speed internet to every community across the country.
// JOBS //
Lay-offs: Zoom’s next
Zoom has announced it will lay off around 1,300 employees, equivalent to 15% of its workforce. The announcement was made by CEO Eric Yuan, who said that the company ‘didn’t take as much time as we should have to thoroughly analyse our teams or assess if we were growing sustainably, toward the highest priorities.’
Solidarity. The CEO said he plans to reduce his salary for the coming fiscal year by 98% and will also forego his 2023 corporate bonus.
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// CYBER SAFETY //
Hundreds of online safety awareness campaigns mark Safer Internet Day 2023
Hundreds of activities and campaigns in countries around the world were organised last week to mark Safer Internet Day 2023. The annual event promotes the safe and positive use of digital technologies, especially among children and youth. Photo shows Masego Jeremiah, Deputy Director for Media and Content at the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, and David Moepend, Coordinator at CyberSmart Botswana, visiting a Botswana radio station to talk about safe and responsible online behaviour and practices. This was one of several visits they made to radio and television stations to kickstart a two-month public outreach campaign in the media and across schools. For more activities, go through #SaferInternetDay feeds on social media.
17 February: Online platforms and search engines need to publish their average monthly active recipients (AMARs) in the EU by today. This is one of the first onerous obligations set by the EU’s new Digital Services Act.
17–19 February: The 59th Munich Security Conference, taking place in Munich, Germany, will include discussions on cybersecurity. The Munich Security Report 2023 will set the scene.
#ReadingCorner
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Latest edition of Digital Watch newsletter
The latest edition of our monthly newsletter is out. Highlights include Upcoming trends in digital governance and diplomacy this year; a round-up of the developments in January, and the key takeaways from the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime’s fourth session in Vienna. Read in PDF or HTML format.
