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DW Weekly #209 – Big Tech on global trial: lawsuits, data leaks, cryptocurrency and viral tendencies

18 – 25 April 2025

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Dear readers,

The past week has delivered another wave of developments redefining the digital world. Legal battles involving Big Tech took centre stage on both sides of the Atlantic, with the EU and the USA involved in antitrust disputes, amid an escalating global trade war that may be fuelling this regulatory reckoning.

The EU has imposed its first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), targeting Apple and Meta for anti-competitive practices. Apple faces a €500 million penalty for restricting app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options outside its App Store. Meta has been fined €200 million for its ‘consent or pay’ model, which required users to either consent to personalised ads or pay a fee for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta is also facing fresh legal backlash in France as 67 French media companies representing over 200 publications filed a lawsuit alleging unfair competition in the digital advertising market.

European regulators are putting pressure on Big Tech, with Alphabet’s Google and Elon Musk’s X expected to be the next in line for penalties under the EU’s tough new digital rules. Despite US President Donald Trump’s objections, the EU appears undeterred, viewing the DMA as a veiled tariff on American tech firms.

On the other side of the Atlantic, we have the Google antitrust court case in the USA, where the US Department of Justice (DOJ) added the AI-driven search monopoly accusation to its court file. Namely, the DOJ launched its opening arguments in a long-awaited landmark antitrust trial against Google, aiming to curb the tech giant’s dominance in online search and prevent it from leveraging AI to entrench its position further.

One of the potential conditions for Google to comply with regulatory requirements may involve divesting its Chrome browser, for which OpenAI has expressed acquisition interest.

South Korea’s data protection authority has flagged serious privacy concerns over the operations of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, accusing the company of transferring personal data and user-generated content abroad without consent.

Speaking of cryptocurrency, Paul Atkins has officially been sworn in as the 34th Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Known for his pro-crypto stance, Atkins is expected to bring much-needed clarity to digital asset regulations.

Dutch banking giant ING is preparing to launch a Euro-based stablecoin. It is teaming up with other financial institutions to form a consortium.

Staying in the Netherlands, Adyen, the Dutch payment processor, fell victim to three coordinated DDoS attacks on Monday evening, severely disrupting debit card and online payments.

A viral development of the past seven days is the story about a controversial new startup called Cluely, which has secured $5.3 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered tool designed to help users ‘cheat on everything,’ from job interviews to exams.

To finish, the blog: Dr Jovan Kurbalija, the Director of Diplo, is dealing with AI and linguistics this time. In his blog ‘Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance,’ he introspects the shift from initial scepticism among linguists to a newfound synergy, as AI tools enhance language analysis, translation, and cultural understanding in diplomacy.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 18 – 25 April 2025

eu flags in front of european commission

The EU Commission hits Apple and Meta with draconian fines

The EU has fired its first regulatory shot under the Digital Markets Act, fining Apple €500M and Meta €200M for anti-competitive practices. As US-EU digital tensions grow, the tech giants…

DALL%C2%B7E 2023 04 26 13.49.29 Google company making money from Search engine clear full light 50mm

DOJ adds to Google’s antitrust trial the AI-driven search monopoly

Prosecutors are calling for sweeping measures, including the sale of Chrome and a breakup of exclusive deals with device makers, including its Gemini app installed on Samsung devices, which reinforces…

AI startup Cluely offers controversial cheating tool

Cluely’s founders say their tool challenges outdated norms, but critics warn it could erode trust in recruitment and education.

CISA extends MITRE’s CVE program for 11 months

CISA has extended MITRE’s contract to operate the CVE program for 11 months, ensuring continuity of vulnerability tracking services. Meanwhile, a new non-profit CVE Foundation has been established to support…

Algorithms confront tariffs featured image

Temu and Shein to raise US prices due to new tariffs

Low-cost retailers face up to 145% tariffs under revised US trade rules.

Trump meme coin team moves $4.6M ahead of token unlock

Analysts warn of potential sell pressure as 40 million TRUMP tokens prepare to hit the market.

Adyen outage cyberattack DDOS servers payments

Adyen services disrupted by cyber blitz

Three DDoS attacks disrupted payment services on Monday, with full functionality only restored by 3:40 am, severely impacting Adyen’s operations.

Pro-crypto Paul Atkins sworn in as SEC Chair

With over 20 years in capital markets, Paul Atkins takes charge at the SEC, eyeing reforms for digital asset regulations.

OpenAI eyes Chrome in bid to boost ChatGPT

Nick Turley revealed OpenAI lacks a deal with Google and struggles to expand ChatGPT’s presence on Android despite a successful Apple partnership.

Crypto exchanges expand into Wall Street territory as synergy with TradFi increases

Digital asset exchanges like Kraken are expanding into traditional finance, highlighting the growing synergy between digital assets and Wall Street.

Russian hackers target NGOs with fake video calls

Researchers warn of a phishing campaign using video call links to compromise Microsoft 365 accounts of NGOs focused on Ukraine and human rights issues.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Linguists in the AI era: From resistance to renaissance – Diplo

In the context of Geneva’s multilingual landscape, the rise of AI has sparked both concern and opportunity within the linguistic community. While AI will automate many translation and interpretation tasks, linguists are essential for addressing the limitations of AI, particularly in navigating syntax and semantics.

BLOG featured image 2025 57 Cuban missile crisis

Triumph of diplomacy: The Cuban missile crisis – Diplo

The Cuban Missile Crisis pushed humanity to the edge of catastrophe—but it also revealed the quiet strength of diplomacy. In a tense standoff between superpowers, backchannel negotiations and mutual restraint averted disaster.

Politeness in 2025: Why are we so kind to AI? – Diplo

Why do ~80% of us say ‘please’ & ‘thank you’ to AI like ChatGPT? Explore the psychology, hidden costs, and what our AI politeness reveals about our humanity.

What’s wrong with doping? – Diplo

Trainers, labs, surgeons, psychologists – all boost performance. But doping? That’s banned. Is the real scandal the drugs – or the unequal coronas of support? Aldo Matteucci examines.

www.diplomacy.edu

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation? – Diplo Event

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation? 🗓️ 29 April 2025 | 🕐 13:00–14:00 CEST

Diplo Weekly Newsletter 2024 thumbnail 01

www.diplomacy.edu

AI Apprenticeship for International Organisations blended course – Diplo Event

Diplo Academy will launch the Humanitarian Diplomacy online diploma course on 16 September 2024 in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Stay updated on courses by subscribing to their newsletter.

dig.watch

Sexual and reproductive rights in the digital age: Tackling threats and seizing opportunities

The conference, organised by Medicus Mundi Schweiz, will provide a platform for examining the evolving role of AI and digital technologies in shaping public health and sexual and reproductive health…

www.diplomacy.edu

Trump and tech: After 100 days – Diplo Event

Trump and tech: After 100 days Date: 30 April 2025Time: 10.00 EST | 14.00 UTC | 16.00 CESTDuration: 90 minutesLocation: Online

Digital Watch Quarterly Newsletter – Issue 1

22 April 2025

AI trends in the first three months of 2025

Dear readers,

You are not alone if you are overwhelmed with AI news. Many of us have hundreds of open browser tabs waiting to be read. It’s frustrating that we cannot keep up with AI developments that shape our reality. This feeling inspired the Quarterly newsletter as a way to step back and identify trends.

The first quarterly newsletter of 2025 looks back at a packed start to the year. This year is anything but typical. With Trump’s return to the presidency, history is accelerating, and rapid AI developments are already gaining even more momentum.

Yet, within this fast-moving environment, slower, deeper shifts will shape our reality in the longer term. Since January, three key developments have set the tone for AI in 2025:

The scaling limit of AI models is challenging the future development of AI models.
A shift in AI governance, moving away from the existential risk narrative toward more immediate and concrete concerns.
Copyright and data protection requirements challenge future AI developments.

These three trends are unpacked in the first part of this Quarterly newsletter, followed by an analysis of the position of the leading actors in the AI race. You can also revisit quarterly developments in the context of our predictions for 2025.

Limits of AI scaling: from ’bigger is better’ to ‘smaller can be smarter’ AI

One of the most profound transformations this year has been moving from a ‘bigger is better’ mindset to recognising that ‘small can be smarter.’ Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the prevailing wisdom was simple: the more Nvidia chips you had, the better your AI model. Large, centralised systems—often described as mysterious or opaque—fuelled concerns about existential risks and inspired governance frameworks modelled on nuclear safety.

However, a quiet counter-narrative has been building. At Diplo, we began challenging the ‘bigger is better’ paradigm as early as June 2022, advocating instead for bottom-up, context-aware AI.

In 2025, this alternative vision gained traction through three developments:

AI agents: These tools organise thinking and data in a subject-specific way. For example, our AI agents for diplomacy, while running on smaller models, outperform larger generic LLMs in domain-specific tasks.
Reinforcement learning: AI systems are increasingly trained in real-world environments, anchoring their performance in local experience and expertise.
DeepSeek’s breakthrough: DeepSeek’s model, developed with significantly fewer resources, matched or surpassed the performance of much larger models—shattering the ‘scaling law’ myth.

Despite this shift, inertia remains. Investment continues in AI megaprojects—AI factories, massive data centres—but the rethinking has begun. Nvidia saw a 37% drop in its share price in 2025, in paritcular following DeepSeek’s rise.

Nvidia’s drop in its share price in 2025

Samsung reported a slowdown in AI chip sales. Microsoft is slowing its expansion of AI data centres.

In parallel, companies and governments are embracing smaller, open-source models like Llama, Mistral, and DeepSeek. They now face a critical strategic choice:

Invest in large-scale, top-down systems that face physical and economic scaling limits, or embrace smarter, leaner AI solutions?
Focus on bottom-up development through training, fine-tuning, and local deployment.

From existential to existing risks in AI governance

AI’s technological shift is reshaping AI governance. The focus is moving from long-term existential threats dominating the 2023 agenda to tangible, near-term risks like job displacement, educational disruption, and privacy threats.

This shift was clearly reflected at the AI Action Summit in Paris, which broke from the safety-heavy narrative of the 2023 Bletchley Park summit. US Senator J.D. Vance underscored this change, criticising the safety obsession and excluding AI safety experts from the US delegation.

South Korea, once a key player in the AI safety camp, is now under pressure to broaden its focus. The EU, although still anchored in the AI safety framework via the EU AI Act, is also adjusting. President Macron has called for a simplification of AI rules. The AI liability directive has been delayed, and copyright rules have been clarified, indicating a shift toward a more balanced approach.

This evolution raises a key question: Where should AI be regulated?

To answer, we can use the AI regulation pyramid:

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The lower you regulate (hardware/algorithms), the more specific and complex new rules are required.
The higher you go (use and impact), the more existing laws (IP, human rights, trade) can apply.

Whenever there is a call for new AI regulation, we should ask: Can this be addressed through existing legal frameworks?

Copyright and data protection challenges in AI developments

As AI becomes more widespread and commodified, it is shedding its aura of mystery and entering domains governed by law, ethics, and policy. Two major limitations are emerging that will increasingly shape the pace and direction of AI development: copyright and data protection.

Copyright

The training of AI models on large corpora of online content—often scraped without clear licensing—has led to mounting legal scrutiny and ethical debates.

Meta has faced multiple legal and ethical challenges for using copyrighted and pirated materials during model training. Ongoing court cases in France and elsewhere are testing whether this practice falls under fair use or constitutes infringement.
OpenAI is under fire for the use of Ghibli-style images, raising questions about style mimicry and derivative works as forms of copyright violation. These cases may define how creative outputs from generative AI are treated under existing IP laws.
In a landmark ruling, Thomson Reuters won a copyright infringement case against Ross Intelligence, setting a precedent that the use of proprietary legal databases in AI training may not qualify as fair use.

As court cases multiply, the AI industry faces increasing pressure to establish clearer licensing practices, potentially shifting toward licensed datasets or synthetic data to mitigate legal exposure.

Data protection

Alongside copyright, personal data used in training AI models has triggered regulatory concern, especially under robust privacy regimes like the EU’s GDPR and emerging global standards.

AI developers must now address whether personally identifiable information (PII) was inadvertently used in training sets. The lack of transparency in data pipelines raises questions about consent, anonymisation, and data deletion rights.
Governments and data protection authorities are beginning to investigate whether generative AI models comply with data minimisation, purpose limitation, and user rights to access or delete personal data.
The challenge is further amplified by model opacity—it’s often impossible to identify exactly what data a model has ‘memorised’ or retained, making compliance with deletion requests technically and legally ambiguous.

These issues will push AI developers to rethink data governance strategies, adopt more transparent training protocols, and possibly move toward federated learning and other privacy-preserving techniques.

Position of the main actors: Q1 2025

USA: Recalibrating AI strategy

Under President Trump, the USA has begun a significant shift in its AI strategy—from a Biden-era focus on AI safety toward a more development-centric agenda.

On his first day in office, President Trump revoked Executive Order 14110 of Biden’s administration, which was widely regarded as the cornerstone of the US AI safety framework. Three days later, he issued a new executive order initiating a public consultation to inform a new AI Action Plan, with a mandate to support US leadership in AI. The plan is expected to be finalised within 180 days.

By 15 March, 8,755 public comments had been submitted, including from major tech companies, offering a glimpse into the evolving industry-government dynamics. Three notable corporate positions stand out:

OpenAI adopts a highly ideological stance, framing its submission around the global contest between freedom and authoritarianism. It proposes a three-tiered international AI framework:

Deep cooperation with democratic allies;
Exclusion of adversaries, especially China.
Voluntary federal regulation, flexible copyright rules that permit fair use of training data, and strict export controls to secure the global dominance of ‘democratic AI.’

Google takes a more pragmatic, pro-business approach, emphasising competitiveness and regulatory harmonisation. It supports international cooperation through forums like the OECD and ISO while warning against the dangers of rule fragmentation across countries and US states. Without invoking ideological divides, Google stresses the need for open data access, interoperable regulation, and balanced policies that protect privacy and IP without stifling innovation.

Anthropic focuses on technical safety and national security. It urges the US government to treat advanced AI as a national strategic asset. While vague on global governance, Anthropic calls for tighter collaboration with key allies like the UK—particularly through institutions like the AI Safety Institute—and emphasises the need to prevent adversarial misuse of AI.

China: A new wave of AI platforms

The beginning of 2025 saw a visible surge of new Chinese AI platforms, led by DeepSeek. Although their emergence appeared sudden, China’s LLM ecosystem has been growing rapidly over the past few years, with new models emerging almost daily. Since January, platforms from Baidu, Alibaba, and Manus, among others, have gained global visibility.

This new wave marks three important trends:

Necessity driving innovation: Due to US export controls on advanced Nvidia chips, Chinese developers have innovated with smaller, more efficient systems. DeepSeek’s multi-threaded approach is one such breakthrough, delivering powerful performance with limited resources.
Open-source strategy: In a departure from previous practice, many leading Chinese AI models are now released as fully open-source, allowing local adaptation and customization. This shift may reflect both a technical and geopolitical strategy to broaden adoption globally.
Diversification beyond LLMs: In addition to LLMs, Chinese developers are advancing in image, video, and multi-modal AI, reflecting a broader ambition across the generative AI landscape.

EU: in search of a strategy

The EU lags behind the US and China in the AI race and actively seeks a more coherent strategy. Thus far, its efforts have largely mirrored the dominant narrative: scaling up computing infrastructure and building big models.

The EU is pushing for the development of AI gigafactories in partnership with the private sector. Indeed, data centre growth across Europe is on track to break records in 2025.
It is also supporting the development of OpenEuroLLM, a European open-source model initiative.

On the regulatory front, the EU is showing signs of adaptation:

President Macron has called for simplified AI rules to reduce compliance burdens.
The AI Liability Directive has been delayed, suggesting a pause to rethink legal frameworks.
Clarifications around AI copyright rules have been issued, indicating a desire to reduce legal ambiguity for developers and users.

Despite these steps, the EU is still grappling with the challenge of balancing regulatory leadership with technological competitiveness—a tension that will define its AI strategy for the remainder of 2025.

For a detailed survey of quarterly developments, please consult the Monthly Newsletters for January, February, and March.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

DW Weekly #208 – US tariffs, the digital trade and digital policies court battles

12 – 18 April 2025

Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Animal, Dinosaur, Reptile, Mammal

Dear readers,

Last week, we focused on the effects that the global trade war is producing worldwide. After President Trump’s administration increased tariffs, forcing major tech firms to rethink their strategies urgently, Apple swiftly responded to the looming trade barriers by orchestrating a record-breaking $2 billion iPhone airlift from India to the US, strategically sidestepping the elevated tariffs.

Meanwhile, the US has temporarily exempted certain critical electronics imported from China, including smartphones and semiconductor components, from tariff hikes.

The ripple effects of the US tariffs extend beyond US borders. South Korea, heavily reliant on its semiconductor exports, has launched an ambitious $23 billion investment into its domestic chip industry.

Parallel to the tariff turmoil, major US tech firms are embroiled in intensifying legal disputes concerning digital market dominance. The US Justice Department is pursuing legal action against Google, alleging monopolistic practices within its search and advertising services.

Echoing similar concerns, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is challenging Meta’s stronghold on the social media market, marking a critical moment in US antitrust enforcement.

These legal confrontations are not confined to the US. Japan recently directed Google to address its dominant position on Android search services, pressing for enhanced competition and user choice.

In Europe, X (formerly Twitter) faces heightened scrutiny over its AI data-use policies, as the EU regulators investigate potential misuse of user data.

Additionally, Meta has confirmed plans to utilise the EU user data for AI model training, prompting regulatory concerns and further legal scrutiny.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 12 – 18 April 2025

Crypto leaders gather in Moscow for the Global Blockchain Forum 2025

The Global Blockchain Forum will bring together international crypto experts to discuss Bitcoin, adoption trends, and Russia’s crypto future.

AI firm DeepSeek opens up on model deployment tech

Community gains from DeepSeek’s open-source contributions.

Trump-backed WLFI boosts crypto portfolio with SEI token acquisition

Despite significant investments, WLFI’s portfolio is down by $145.8 million, with losses primarily in its Ethereum holdings.

Beijing blames NSA for hacking Asian Games systems

Beijing claims US operatives targeted infrastructure and Huawei with NSA-led cyberattacks.

Panama City introduces cryptocurrency payments for public services

Mayor Mizrachi confirmed Panama City’s plan to facilitate cryptocurrency payments, using banks to convert assets into fiat currency.

eu flags in front of european commission 1

EU plans major staff boost for digital rules

Despite launching multiple probes under the Digital Services Act, the EU has yet to close any, prompting a recruitment push for its enforcement team.

amd launches new ai chips to take on leader nvidia

AMD warns of financial hit from US AI chip export ban

The US administration has tightened rules on AI chip exports, affecting AMD’s MI308 products and potentially causing major financial losses for the company.

Benchmark backlash hits Meta’s Maverick model

AI developers question Meta’s transparency after benchmark controversy.

nato flag north atlantic treaty organization flag waving

NATO allies strengthen cyber defenses against critical infrastructure threats

A cyber defence exercise involving 20 allied nations was held to strengthen coordination and improve response to attacks on critical infrastructure, led by NATO.

Most Bitcoin firms in El Salvador are inactive

Just 11% of El Salvador’s Bitcoin service providers are operational under the country’s Bitcoin Law, central bank data shows.

double exposure creative artificial intelligence icon with man hand writing notebook background neural networks machine learning concept

Hamburg Declaration champions responsible AI

As the global race to harness AI accelerates, a new international effort is working to ensure that progress doesn’t come at the cost of people or the planet.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Beyond the imitation game: GPT-4.5, the Turing Test, and what comes next

What happens when machines not only speak like us but begin to mirror the subtleties of our personalities, emotions, and intentions — and we can no longer tell the difference?

How concepts get their meaning – Diplo

How do words get their meaning? Aldo Matteucci shows how terms like ‘dispositif’ and ‘consul’ gain meaning not through definitions, but through repeated use in historical and political contexts.

23 April 2025

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation?

The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons.

dig.watch

WIPO Conversation 11: AI and IP: Infrastructure for rights holders and innovation

Conversation on IP and AI will take place on April 23-24, 2025, focusing on the role of copyright infrastructure in supporting both rights holders and AI-driven innovation.

www.sdgaicompendium.org

Hamburg Declaration

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) is a global gathering of leaders and changemakers from governments, international organizations, businesses, civil society, and academia. Together, they co-create innovative solutions for a sustainable and fair future. The next conference is scheduled for 2-3 June 2025.

Mars 2025 en rétrospective

Chères lectrices,

Chers lecteurs,

Mars a été relativement calme comparé aux deux premiers mois de l’année, qui ont profondément remodelé la géopolitique mondiale du secteur technologique. Le cessez-le-feu cybernétique conclu entre la Russie et l’administration Trump a suscité de vives critiques de la part de l’Union européenne et de ses alliés. À l’ONU, les pays se sont mis d’accord sur la suite des discussions concernant la gouvernance de l’IA et l’avenir du Sommet mondial sur la société de l’information (SMSI).

Dans le monde des affaires, Google a réalisé sa plus importante acquisition à ce jour en achetant Wiz, une entreprise israélienne spécialisée dans la cybersécurité dans le cloud. Parallèlement, les images générées par l’IA, dans le style Ghibli ont saturé les serveurs d’OpenAI, relançant les débats sur le droit d’auteur lié à l’IA et la résilience des systèmes.

Les tendances dans le domaine de l’IA se sont confirmées, avec un flux constant d’annonces concernant de nouveaux grands modèles de langage (LLM) et d’autres innovations en matière d’IA. Dans le même temps, certains signes de ralentissement apparaissent dans le secteur : Microsoft a réduit ses investissements dans les centres de traitement de l’IA et la chute du cours de l’action Nvidia, un indicateur clé de l’intérêt du marché pour le matériel lié à l’IA.

La saga TikTok continue, alors que l’administration américaine envisage toujours des repreneurs potentiels pour la plateforme. La gouvernance des contenus a également fait l’objet d’une attention particulière : X (anciennement Twitter) a suspendu plus de 700 comptes en Türkiye, tandis que la pression de l’UE s’intensifie. En France, un procureur a ouvert une enquête sur un possible biais algorithmique.

L’analyse et les rapports de Diplo en cette période particulière

Dans un monde où l’histoire évolue à une vitesse effrénée, le véritable défi n’est pas seulement de suivre le rythme, mais d’en comprendre le sens. Chaque jour apporte son lot d’informations, mais la vision d’ensemble se perd souvent dans le vacarme ambiant. Comment les événements actuels façonnent-ils les tendances à long terme ? Quel est leur impact sur nous en tant qu’individus, communautés, entreprises et même en tant qu’humanité ?

Chez Diplo, nous faisons le lien entre les actualités en temps réel et les analyses plus approfondies. Notre Digital Watch suit de près les développements quotidiens tout en les reliant aux tendances hebdomadaires, mensuelles et annuelles, comme illustré ci-dessous.

Digital Watch suit de près les développements quotidiens tout en les reliant aux tendances hebdomadaires, mensuelles et annuelles, comme illustré ci-dessous

Par exemple, les risques liés à l’IA sont passés des « menaces existentielles » alarmistes de l’année dernière à des « risques existants » plus pragmatiques cette année.

Parallèlement, la course à l’IA plus puissante a dépassé le simple cumul de processeurs graphiques Nvidia pour mettre davantage l’accent sur les données de haute qualité, véritable moteur de l’innovation en matière d’IA. De la cybersécurité au commerce électronique en passant par la gouvernance numérique, nous suivons ces évolutions, des fluctuations quotidiennes aux changements à long terme du secteur.

Ce numéro propose un éclairage sur une tendance émergente : la gouvernance des contenus et la responsabilité des plateformes. Vous y découvrirez également un tour d’horizon des faits marquants, des réflexions venues de Genève, et une mise à jour sur les activités de Diplo.

Sincères salutations,

L’équipe du DW

Tendances | Coup d’oeil sur les principaux développements | Genève en mars

Tendances

Gouvernance des contenus et responsabilité des plateformes

L’année a débuté sur fond de bras de fer transatlantique : tandis que les géants technologiques américains réduisaient leurs efforts de modération des contenus, l’Union européenne, elle, renforçait son arsenal réglementaire. En mars 2025, ces tensions ont culminé dans des batailles juridiques à fort enjeu, redéfinissant la manière dont les plateformes abordent la liberté d’expression, la désinformation et le pouvoir des États.

Menace d’amende de l’UE contre X : En mars 2025, l’UE a menacé X d’une amende record d’un milliard d’euros dans le cadre du DSA, en raison de prétendues « défaillances systémiques » dans la lutte contre la désinformation et les discours de haine, notamment en période électorale. Cette action fait suite à une enquête lancée en 2023, centrée sur les pratiques de modération des contenus de X après son rachat par Elon Musk. Musk a réagi en qualifiant cette démarche de « censure politique » et a promis de contester la décision en justice, relançant le débat fondamental sur la question de savoir si les plateformes doivent donner la priorité à la liberté d’expression ou à la sécurité collective. L’UE envisage une amende d’un milliard d’euros contre X pour violations du DSA. En avril 2025, l’UE finalise les modalités de cette sanction, certains rapports évoquant en parallèle des exigences de modifications techniques des produits concernés.
Décision de justice allemande sur la transparence des données : En février 2025, un tribunal allemand a ordonné à X de fournir des données à des chercheurs étudiant la désinformation liée aux élections, en amont des élections fédérales du 23 février 2025. Cette décision, considérée comme une avancée majeure en matière de transparence des plateformes, oblige X à divulguer des informations telles que la portée des publications, le nombre de partages et de mentions « J’aime », afin de permettre l’analyse de la circulation de la désinformation en période électorale. X conteste l’ordonnance du tribunal allemand sur l’accés l’accès aux données des chercheurs en élection, invoquant des préoccupations liées au respect de la procédure et à la protection de la vie privée des utilisateurs, signalant ainsi la poursuite des batailles juridiques en cours.
Enquête française sur un biais algorithmique : En février 2025, le parquet français a ouvert une enquête visant X, à la suite d’une plainte déposée en janvier par un député, concernant de possibles biais algorithmiques. L’enquête porte sur la question de savoir si les algorithmes de X privilégient ou au contraire suppriment certains contenus injustement, ce qui pourrait fausser l’exposition des utilisateurs à l’information. Les procureurs français enquêtent sur X pour suspicion de biais algorithmique. Cette enquête, toujours en cours en avril 2025, ajoute une nouvelle dimension au débat sur la modération des contenus, soulevant des questions d’équité, d’égalité et de diversité des points de vue sur la plateforme.

Cadre réglementaire et juridique

Le DSA, en vigueur depuis novembre 2022, constitue la pierre angulaire de l’approche européenne. Il impose aux grandes plateformes en ligne d’atténuer les risques liés à la désinformation, de retirer les contenus illégaux et de collaborer avec les chercheurs. Les mesures prises par l’UE à l’encontre de X – y compris la potentielle amende et les injonctions de partage de données – s’inscrivent dans le cadre d’une procédure officielle ouverte en décembre 2023, portant sur la gestion des risques, la modération des contenus et la transparence en matière de publicité. La Commission enquête sur X pour des violations présumées des règles de l’UE en matière de modération de contenu. Ces procédures se sont intensifiées en 2025 : en janvier et février, l’UE a demandé des informations supplémentaires concernant les algorithmes de X et les ressources allouées à la modération.

Ces développements soulèvent plusieurs controverses majeures, notamment :

Liberté d’expression contre sécurité : des plateformes comme X estiment que les actions réglementaires – telle que l’amende européenne – relèvent de la censure politique et restreignent la liberté d’expression. Elon Musk a exprimé cette position dans un post sur X, dénonçant un abus de pouvoir. À l’inverse, l’UE et les organisations de la société civile mettent en avant la nécessité de protéger les utilisateurs contre les contenus nocifs, en particulier en période électorale.
Transparence contre vie privée : La décision du tribunal allemand et l’enquête française illustrent les exigences croissantes en matière de transparence. Cependant, la résistance de X – notamment ses recours juridiques – soulève des préoccupations quant à la protection de la vie privée des utilisateurs. Cela met en évidence un équilibre délicat entre la recherche d’intérêt public et les droits individuels.
Divergence régionale : l’approche de l’UE contraste avec celle des États-Unis, où les géants de la technologie ont réduit leurs efforts de modération. Ce fossé transatlantique pourrait engendrer des tensions, notamment si le gouvernement américain réagit aux mesures de l’UE, avec un impact potentiel sur les politiques technologiques internationales.Pleins feux sur l’application de la loi – Printemps 2025.

Enjeux mondiaux et perspectives d’évolution

Cette tendance pourrait influencer les normes mondiales, les actions de l’UE établissant un précédent pour d’autres pays, peu enclins à tolérer un relâchement de la modération des contenus par les plateformes technologiques.

L’implication du gouvernement américain reste une possibilité, compte tenu des tensions transatlantiques et du risque de mesures réglementaires en retour. Cela pourrait ouvrir la voie à un débat géopolitique plus large sur la gouvernance numérique, avec des répercussions pour les entreprises technologiques opérant à l’échelle mondiale.

Contexte chronologique

Pour organiser la chronologie et l’impact, le tableau suivant résume les événements clés et leur importance :

Pour plus d’informations sur la cybersécurité, les politiques numériques, la gouvernance de l’IA et d’autres sujets connexes, visitez diplomacy.edu.

Coup d’oeil sur les principaux développements

TECHNOLOGIE

Mars 2025 a été marqué par des décisions à forts enjeux, des avancées innovantes et une concurrence toujours plus vive dans le secteur technologique.

Microsoft a officiellement tourné la page de Skype, en faveur de Teams, actant la fin d’une plateforme de communication qui avait révolutionné son époque.

Les images générées par l’IA à la manière de Ghibli ont récemment submergé les serveurs d’OpenAI, déclenchant des débats sur le droit d’auteur de l’IA et la résilience des systèmes.

La course à l’IA continue de s’intensifier. La société chinoise DeepSeek a lancé son modèle V3, en concurrence directe avec OpenAI et Anthropic. Sa particularité ? Une transparence inédite sur les profits et les coûts de calcul, un positionnement qui tranche avec l’opacité souvent reprochée au secteur. De son côté, Foxconn est entré dans l’arène de l’IA avec son modèle FoxBrain, entraîné sur Llama 3.1 de Meta et conçu pour les utilisateurs chinois et taïwanais – un choix stratégique qui illustre la tendance à la localisation des outils d’IA générative.

Dans ce qui devient la plus grande acquisition jamais réalisée par Google, Alphabet a conclu un accord de 32 milliards de dollars pour acquérir Wiz, une entreprise israélienne spécialisée dans la cybersécurité dans le cloud. Ce rachat souligne la volonté offensive de Google de rattraper Amazon et Microsoft dans le domaine du cloud computing, tout en consolidant sa maîtrise d’actifs sensibles dans un contexte de tensions technologiques croissantes entre les États-Unis et la Chine.
Tout en réduisant le développement de nouveaux centres de données d’IA dans le monde, Microsoft a doublé la mise en Asie, en annonçant un investissement de 2,2 milliards de dollars dans le cloud en Malaisie, incluant le lancement de trois nouveaux centres de données. Ce mouvement s’inscrit dans une dynamique plus large, où les grands fournisseurs occidentaux de services cloud cherchent à s’imposer dans l’infrastructure numérique et l’écosystème IA de l’Asie du Sud-Est.

GOUVERNANCE

L’IA et la gouvernance numérique ont occupé le devant de la scène mondiale ce mois-ci, les développements internationaux et nationaux ayant remodelé les discussions réglementaires.

Le dialogue mondial sur la gouvernance de l’IA a progressé, avec un accord entre États sur l’avant-projet de résolution pour la création d’un groupe scientifique international indépendant sur l’IA et l’organisation d’un Dialogue mondial sur la gouvernance de l’IA. Dirigée par le Costa Rica et l’Espagne, cette initiative intergouvernementale s’inscrit dans le processus du Pacte numérique mondial, et vise à ancrer la gouvernance de l’IA dans des mécanismes inclusifs et fondés sur la science.

En Corée du Sud, les groupes industriels ont fait pression contre la loi fondamentale sur l’IA, estimant que des réglementations de sécurité strictes à l’image du modèle européen pourraient freiner l’innovation. Ce débat reflète une tendance plus large : la divergence croissante entre les approches réglementaires, certains pays privilégiant l’innovation avant tout, tandis que d’autres misent sur la sécurité et la responsabilité
Le cessez-le-feu cybernétique annoncé par l’administration Trump avec la Russie a suscité des réactions perplexes à l’échelle internationale. Présentée comme un geste diplomatique d’apaisement, cette mesure est critiquée par ceux qui y voient un affaiblissement de la dissuasion américaine dans le cyberespace, risquant d’exposer ses alliés à des menaces incontrôlées. Ce tournant illustre combien la politique en matière de cybersécurité est désormais indissociable des enjeux diplomatiques et stratégiques globaux..

INFRASTRUCTURE

L’acquisition de Wiz par Google ne se limite pas à la cybersécurité : c’est aussi un pari stratégique sur l’infrastructure de sécurité dans le cloud. Les outils de Wiz étant compatibles avec les principales plateformes cloud, cette opération renforce la position de Google dans la sécurisation des infrastructures numériques face à des menaces croissantes.

Microsoft, de son côté, a annoncé un investissement de 2,2 milliards de dollars en Malaisie, incluant la construction de trois centres de données à Kuala Lumpur. Cette expansion vient renforcer l’infrastructure télécom et la capacité cloud en Asie du Sud-Est, consolidant le rôle de la Malaisie comme carrefour numérique régional.

Enfin, la Federal Communications Commission (FCC) des États-Unis a lancé une unité de sécurité nationale axée sur la cybersécurité des télécommunications. L’objectif : réduire la dépendance aux chaînes d’approvisionnement étrangères et répondre à l’aggravation des menaces dans ce secteur stratégique.

JURIDIQUE

L’Union européenne a assoupli ses règles d’application des droits d’auteur en matière d’IA, cherchant un équilibre entre innovation et protection. Parallèlement, Meta fait face à une action en justice intentée par des auteurs, qui l’accusent de violations du droit d’auteur lors de l’entraînement de l’IA — mettant en évidence les tensions persistantes entre les droits de création et l’extraction de données.

Un tribunal allemand a ordonné à la plateforme X d’Elon Musk de fournir à des chercheurs des données permettant de détecter les fausses informations avant les élections nationales. Cette décision reflète l’attente croissante d’une coopération des grandes plateformes avec les autorités réglementaires et le monde académique.

La Chine a annoncé de nouvelles règles imposant l’étiquetage obligatoire des contenus générés par IA, dans un souci de transparence et de sensibilisation des utilisateurs. Une mesure qui pourrait influencer les futures normes mondiales en matière de sécurité et de traçabilité des contenus issus de l’IA générative.

ECONOMIE

SoftBank a mené une levée de fonds majeure pour OpenAI, signe d’une forte confiance des investisseurs alors que l’IA générative continue d’étendre sa domination sur le marché.

L’acquisition de Wiz par Alphabet pour 32 milliards de dollars marque un accord historique dans l’économie de la cybersécurité.

L’UE a ordonné à Apple d’ouvrir son portefeuille technologique à ses concurrents, introduisant de nouvelles pressions économiques sur les modèles commerciaux à plate-forme fermée.

La guerre commerciale entre les États-Unis et la Chine s’est intensifiée, avec de nouveaux droits de douane impactant les prix des composants et appareils technologiques. Apple et Samsung ont déjà annoncé une hausse des prix de leurs smartphones en conséquence.

L’adoption des cryptomonnaies a explosé à l’échelle mondiale, avec plus de 824 millions de personnes détenant désormais des actifs numériques. Cependant, le marché est resté instable en raison d’une recrudescence des délits liés aux cryptos, entraînant une chute du Bitcoin de 106 000 à 83 000.

Le sort de TikTok reste incertain, l’administration américaine envisageant plusieurs repreneurs. La suggestion du président Trump de réduire certains droits de douane pour faciliter la vente de TikTok illustre l’interpénétration croissante entre négociations économiques et géopolitique des plateformes.

SÉCURITÉ

Afin de renforcer la sécurité nationale, la Suisse a instauré l’obligation de signaler toutes cyberattaques pour les opérateurs d’infrastructures critiques, à compter du 1er avril. Cette réglementation vise à garantir des réponses plus rapides et à améliorer la résilience du pays face aux menaces numériques.

Dans une décision très controversée, l’administration Trump a ordonné l’arrêt des opérations cyber offensives contre la Russie, opassant de la confrontation à l’engagement cyberdiplomatique. Cette annonce a déclenché de vives critiques à Washington et parmi les alliés de l’OTAN, qui redoutent un affaiblissement de la dissuasion américaine et une perte de visibilité en matière de renseignement.

Elon Musk a affirmé que la plateforme X avait été la cible d’une vaste cyberattaque, apparemment traçable à des adresses IP situées dans la « zone ukrainienne ». Si l’attribution reste sujette à caution, l’incident met en lumière la vulnérabilité des infrastructures numériques à forte visibilité.

Les États-Unis ont inculpé des hackers chinois et sanctionné une entreprise technologique impliquée dans l’espionnage et la vente de données volées, un signe de plus de l’escalade des tensions cybernétiques dans la rivalité technologique sino-américaine.

Scale AI a décroché un contrat avec le Pentagone, déclenchant des discussions sur les implications éthiques et sécuritaires de l’usage de l’IA dans les applications militaires. Alors que ces outils font désormais partie des stratégies de défense nationale, les questions de responsabilité et de sécurité deviennent plus pressantes que jamais.

DÉVELOPPEMENT

L’expansion de Microsoft dans le cloud en Malaisie, pour un montant de 2,2 milliards de dollars, et l’engagement d’Alibaba (52,4 milliards de dollars) dans les infrastructures de l’IA et de cloud, illustrent un recentrage des efforts de développement numérique vers l’Asie du Sud-Est.

Dans le sud de l’Inde, le géant pharmaceutique américain Amgen investit 200 millions de dollars dans un centre dédié à l’IA et aux sciences des données, destiné à soutenir la recherche en technologies de la santé, une nouvelle démonstration de la convergence entre biotech et innovation numérique au service du développement.

SOCIO-CULTUREL

En Türkiye, des manifestations ont éclaté suite à l’arrestation de la figure de l’opposition Ekrem İmamoğlu. La plateforme X a été vivement critiquée après avoir suspendu plus de 700 comptes, dont beaucoup partageaient des informations sur les manifestations. L’incident soulève de sérieuses questions sur la politique de modération des contenus, la liberté d’expression et l’influence des États sur les plateformes numériques.

Meta, en partenariat avec l’UNESCO, a lancé une nouvelle initiative visant à améliorer la reconnaissance linguistique par IA pour les langues peu représentées, un pas de plus vers le multilinguisme et l’inclusion culturelle dans les environnements numériques.

En Allemagne, un tribunal a ordonné à X de partager des données avec des chercheurs analysant la désinformation électorale — une avancée en faveur de la transparence des plateformes et du soutien aux processus démocratiques.

Dans une autre affaire, le parquet français a ouvert une enquête sur X pour soupçon de biais algorithmique – ajoutant une nouvelle dimension juridique aux débats en cours sur la modération des contenus.

La Chine a annoncé l’augmentation des inscriptions universitaires dans les filières liées à l’IA, afin de renforcer ses capacités nationales en matière d’innovation. De son côté, le Royaume-Uni voit un engouement croissant pour l’utilisation de l’IA dans les salles de classe, illustrant une volonté mondiale d’intégrer les compétences numériques dans les systèmes éducatifs.

Genève en mars

Dialogues sur l’IA et la sécurité internationale

Mars 2025 a été un mois relativement « calme » à Genève, comparé à février ou au printemps intense qui s’annonce. La ville a néanmoins accueilli deux événements majeurs réunissant diplomates, experts et parties prenantes pour aborder l’impact croissant de l’IA sur la sécurité et l’éthique.

Du 27 au 28 mars, l’Institut des Nations Unies pour la recherche sur le désarmement (UNIDIR) a tenu sa première conférence mondiale sur l’IA, la sécurité et l’éthique 2025 (#AISE25) au Palais des Nations. Ouvert à tous,cet événement phare a rassemblé diplomates, experts militaires, chefs d’entreprise et universitaires pour discuter des implications de l’IA dans des domaines de la sécurité et la défense. Parmi les sessions clés figuraient une analyse approfondie de l’IA au service des opérations de maintien de la paix de l’ONU ainsi qu’un groupe sur le renforcement de la confiance dans le déploiement de l’IA, soulignant le rôle central de Genève dans l’élaboration de politiques responsables en matière d’IA.

Le 26 mars, Diplo, en collaboration avec les Missions permanentes du Kenya, des Pays-Bas, du Pakistan, de la Corée du Sud, de la Suisse et de la France, a organisé un dialogue diplomatique intitulé « L’IA et la paix et sécurité internationales : enjeux clés et pertinence pour Genève ». Cet événement s’inscrivait dans une série de dialogues sur la gouvernance de l’IA, explorant les applications militaires de l’IA et ses implications plus larges sur la sécurité globale.Ces événements ont mis en lumière la position unique de Genève en tant que plateforme multilatérale incontournable pour les discussions sur l’IA et la paix et la sécurité internationales. Les États membres et les parties prenantes ont été invités à contribuer au prochain rapport du Secrétaire général des Nations unies sur les opportunités et les défis de l’IA pour la paix et la sécurité, ainsi qu’aux événements à venir tels que le sommet sur l’IA responsable dans le domaine militaire (REAIM – Responsible AI in the Military Domain) qui se tiendra en Espagne en septembre 2025.

dig.watch Analyses

La tendance Ghibli, preuve de la dépendance mondiale à l’IA : un phénomène qui a saturé les réseaux sociaux et les systèmes

Il est rare de trouver aujourd’hui, parmi ceux qui ont accès à Internet, une personne qui n’a pas, au moins une fois, consulté une IA pour un dilemme, une idée ou une simple question.

La vaste étendue des informations disponibles et la rapidité des réponses ont conduit l’humanité à adopter une forme de « zone de confort », laissant les machines réfléchir à leur place – et, plus récemment, de créer des photos animées

Cela nous amène à une tendance qui, en l’espace de quelques jours seulement, s’est répandue à travers la planète, franchissant presque tous les méridiens : le style Ghibli a émergé spontanément sur les réseaux sociaux. Lorsqu’ils ont découvert qu’ils pouvaient obtenir des versions animées de leurs photos préférées en quelques secondes, les utilisateurs ont afflué, jusqu’à saturer l’ensemble du réseau.

Advertisement, Poster, Outdoors, Book, Publication, Art, Painting, Nature, Plant, Vegetation

En l’absence de mécanisme de régulation, les réactions des personnalités en vue étaient inévitables, à commencer par Sam Altman, PDG d’OpenAI, qui a pris la parole publiquement.

Il a déclaré que la tendance avait dépassé toutes les attentes et que les serveurs étaient « sous tension », ce qui a conduit à restreindre l’accès au style Ghibli aux seuls utilisateurs de ChatGPT abonnés aux versions Plus, Pro et Team.

Outre l’émerveillement suscité par la capacité impressionnante de l’IA à créer des moments emblématiques en quelques secondes, ce phénomène soulève également la question de la dépendance mondiale croissante à l’égard de l’intelligence artificielle.

Pourquoi sommes-nous tous si fascinés par l’IA ?

La réponse à cette question est assez simple, et voici pourquoi. Imaginez que vous puissiez enfin transformer votre imagination en réalité et partager toutes vos créations avec le monde entier. Ce n’est pas si mal, n’est-ce pas ?

C’est précisément là que l’IA a fait sa percée et a changé le monde à jamais. Tout comme les films Ghibli ont inspiré leurs fans pendant des décennies par leur chaleur et leur nostalgie, la technologie de l’IA a donné naissance à l’équivalent numérique de ces émotions.

Les gens créent et expérimentent désormais des mondes qui n’existaient auparavant que dans leur esprit. Pourtant, aussi réconfortant que cela puisse paraître, des voix s’élèvent régulièrement pour rappeler l’importance de garder les pieds sur terre afin d’éviter de « tomber dans les griffes » d’un beau monde virtuel aussi séduisant que trompeur.

Concilier innovation et simplicité

Altman a mis en garde contre l’usage excessif des outils d’IA, affirmant que même ses propres employés se sentent parfois dépassés par la rapidité des avancées et des innovations quotidiennes dans ce domaine..

En conséquence, les êtres humains ne parviennent plus à s’adapter au même rythme que l’IA, tandis que l’information circule plus vite que jamais.

Cependant, les cas d’usage abusif se multiplient également, soulevant une question essentielle : où se situe l’équilibre ?

La culture de la production continue a conduit à une forme de saturation… mais aussi à un manque de réflexion. Cette situation pourrait bien, paradoxalement, provoquer une pause nécessaire, et encourager les individus à prendre du recul et à « réfléchir davantage par eux-mêmes ».

Ghibli n’est qu’un exemple parmi d’autres : comment les tendances de l’IA sont devenues courantes

L’IA existe depuis longtemps, mais elle n’était pas aussi populaire avant l’arrivée d’acteurs majeurs tels que OpenAI, Gemini, Azure et bien d’autres. La tendance Ghibli n’est qu’une des nombreuses tendances qui font désormais partie de la culture populaire depuis quelques années.

Depuis 2018, nous assistons à l’émergence des technologies de deepfake, qui permettent de recréer avec précision des visages dans des contextes totalement différents, et qui inondent les réseaux sociaux presque quotidiennement.

La musique et les enregistrements audio générés par IA font également partie des tendances les plus populaires de ces quatre dernières années : faciles d’accès, ils donnent aux utilisateurs l’illusion de produire du contenu de qualité en quelques clics.

De nombreuses autres tendances ont capté l’attention du public mondial, telles que la mode des avatars (Lensa AI), les bandes dessinées et les histoires générées via StoryAI et ComicGAN, tandis que les générateurs de style animé existent en réalité depuis 2022 (Waifu Labs).

Sommes-nous vraiment aussi paresseux ou simplement mieux organisés ?

La disponibilité des outils d’IA à chaque étape a considérablement simplifié la vie quotidienne. Des applications qui facilitent la création de contenu, qu’il soit écrit ou sous tout autre format.

C’est pourquoi une question se pose : sommes-nous devenus paresseux ou avons-nous simplement choisi de mieux organiser notre temps libre ?

Il revient à chacun d’y répondre. Le plus simple est de se demander : m’est-il déjà arrivé de consulter une IA pour choisir un film, de la musique, ou une activité qui, auparavant, ne nécessitait pas tant d’efforts ?

L’IA offre des solutions rapides et faciles, ce qui est certainement un avantage. Mais à l’inverse, un usage excessif de la technologie peut entraîner une perte de pensée critique et de créativité.

Où se situe la frontière entre efficacité et dépendance si nous comptons sur des algorithmes pour tout ? C’est une réponse que chacun d’entre nous devra trouver à un moment donné.

Un point de vue sur la dépendance à l’IA : comment s’en « libérer » ?

La dépendance constante à l’IA et le confort qu’elle procure après chaque requête sont attractifs, mais en abuser conduit à un tout autre extrême.

Le premier pas vers une forme de « libération » consiste à reconnaître qu’il existe un certain niveau de dépendance, ce qui ne signifie pas pour autant renoncer totalement à l’IA.

Comprendre les limites de la technologie peut être la clé d’un retour aux valeurs humaines essentielles. Une forme de « détox numérique » implique de s’exprimer de manière créative, sans l’aide de la technologie.

La vraie question est la suivante : peut-on utiliser la technologie sans qu’elle devienne le seul prisme à travers lequel on perçoit le monde ? Après tout, la technologie est un outil, pas un facteur qui devrait dominer nos choix de vie.

Fans de la tendance Ghibli : le légendaire Hayao Miyazaki n’aime pas l’IA

Le fondateur du Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, a récemment réagi à la tendance qui a submergé le monde. Le créateur d’œuvres emblématiques telles que Princesse Mononoké, Le Château ambulant, Le Voyage de Chihiro, Mon Voisin Totoro, et bien d’autres, s’oppose fermement à l’usage de l’intelligence artificielle.

Réputé pour son approche artisanale du dessin et son art du récit empreint de poésie, Miyazaki a soulevé des questions éthiques, considérant que les tendances et l’utilisation massive des outils d’IA reposent sur des volumes considérables de données, incluant des œuvres protégées par le droit d’auteur.

Formal Wear, Clothing, Suit, Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Adult, Male, Man, Accessories, Tie, Glasses, Fashion, Happy, Smile, Hayao Miyazaki

Au-delà de ses critiques sur l’utilisation de l’IA dans l’animation, il estime que ces outils ne peuvent en aucun cas remplacer le savoir-faire humain, l’authenticité, et les émotions transmises par le processus de création traditionnel.

Pour Miyazaki, l’art n’est pas seulement un produit : c’est le reflet de l’âme de l’artiste, quelque chose que les machines, aussi sophistiquées soient-elles, ne peuvent véritablement reproduire.

Pour plus d’informations sur ces sujets, visitez diplomacy.edu.

Le casse-tête de X en Türkiye : entre liberté d’expression, contrôle et résistance numérique

Dans les rues d’Istanbul et au-delà, une vague de tensions a secoué la Türkiye au cours de la semaine dernière, déclenchée par l’arrestation du maire d’Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, une personnalité politique dont la détention a provoqué des manifestations dans tout le pays. Au milieu de ces événements, un champ de bataille numérique a émergé, avec X, la plateforme de médias sociaux dirigée par Elon Musk, propulsée sous les feux de la rampe.

Les médias internationaux révèlent que X a suspendu de nombreux comptes liés à des militants et à des voix de l’opposition partageant des informations sur les manifestations. Cependant, il y a un rebondissement : X a également rejeté publiquement la demande du gouvernement turc de bloquer « plus de 700 comptes », affirmant son intention de défendre la liberté d’expression.

Ce conflit entre conformité et résistance illustre parfaitement la controverse autour de la liberté d’expression et de la politique de contenu à l’ère numérique, un monde où les plateformes mondiales, le pouvoir national et les voix citoyennes s’affrontent comme des plaques tectoniques sur une terre en perpétuel mouvement.

L’étincelle : manifestations et répression numérique

Les troubles ont commencé avec l’arrestation de M. İmamoğlu, une décision que beaucoup ont considérée comme un coup politique porté du gouvernement du président Recep Tayyip Erdoğan à l’encontre d’un rival de premier plan. Alors que les gaz lacrymogènes enfumaient l’air et que les slogans résonnaient dans les villes turques, les manifestants se sont tournés vers X pour s’organiser, partager des informations en direct et faire entendre leur contestation. Les étudiants, les partisans de l’opposition et les militants de terrain ont inondé la plateforme de hashtags et de vidéos : des images brutes et sans filtre d’une nation en proie à des divisions. Mais ce mégaphone numérique n’est pas passé inaperçu. Les autorités turques ont identifié 326 comptes à supprimer, les accusant d’« incitation à la haine » et de déstabilisation de l’ordre public. Quelle a été la réponse de X ? X a partiellement satisfait aux demandes présumées des autorités turques en suspendant « probablement » de nombreux comptes.

Ce n’est pas la première fois que les autorités turques exigent des plateformes qu’elles prennent des mesures. Déjà, lors des manifestations du parc Gezi en 2013, Twitter (le prédécesseur de X) avait reçu des demandes similaires. Le gouvernement d’Erdoğan utilise depuis longtemps des dispositions juridiques tels que l’article 299 du code pénal (insulte au président) pour infliger des amendes aux plateformes qui ne se conforment pas à la politique du gouvernement en matière de contenu. Le rapport 2024 de Freedom House classe la liberté sur Internet dans le pays de « non libre », en raison d’un historique de censure et de restriction des voix dissidentes en ligne. Pourtant, l’obéissance partielle de X dans ce cas précis (suspension sélective de comptes) laisse entrevoir un exercice périlleux : s’incliner juste assez pour continuer à fonctionner en Tükiye tout en évitant une fermeture définitive qui pourrait aliéner sa base d’utilisateurs. Pour les Turcs, c’est une pilule difficile à avaler : une plateforme sur laquelle ils s’appuyaient comme un moyen d’expression libre semble désormais être un allié peu fiable.

La position provocatrice de X : une façade de liberté d’expression ?

Puis vint le coup de théâtre. Des publications sur X d’utilisateurs tels que @botella_roberto ont enflammé les fils d’actualité en annonçant que X avait rejeté une demande plus large du gouvernement turc visant à suspendre « plus de 700 comptes », qualifiant cette demande d’« illégale » et réaffirmant sa position dans un communiqué : « X défendra toujours la liberté d’expression ». Une telle prise de position présente X comme le gardien de la liberté d’expression, un David numérique lançant des pierres contre un Goliath autoritaire.

Quoi qu’il en soit, une théorie, qui circule à travers les posts sur X, suggère que X aurait reçu un ultimatum : suspendre les comptes critiques ou risquer une interdiction nationale, un sort que Twitter a subi en 2014.

En se conformant partiellement aux exigences, X pourrait jouer une carte stratégique : préserver sa présence en Türkiye tout en renforçant sa crédibilité en matière de liberté d’expression à l’échelle mondiale. Après tout, Musk a bâti l’image de X sur le principe d’un discours sans filtre, un revirement radical par rapport aux politiques de modération plus strictes de Twitter avant 2022. Mais, cette défiance sonne creux pour certains. Une chercheuse d’Amnesty International en Türkiye a fait remarquer que les comptes suspendus (souvent ceux de jeunes militants) étaient précisément les voix que X prétendait défendre.

Liberté d’expression : un bras de fer culturel

Cette saga ne concerne pas seulement X ou la Türkiye ; elle illustre le débat mondial sur la notion de « liberté d’expression » en 2025. Dans certains pays, elle est inscrite dans la loi et vigoureusement débattue sur des plateformes comme X, où la philosophie « d’utilité maximale » prônée par Musk s’épanouit. Dans d’autres, la liberté d’expression est un fil fragile, tissé dans des cultures qui valorisent la stabilité collective plus que l’expression individuelle. En Türkiye, le gouvernement présente la dissidence comme une menace à l’unité nationale, une position ancrée dans des décennies de turbulences politiques, notamment les coups d’État de 1960 et 1980. Les manifestants ont donc vu X comme un mégaphone pour contester ce discours officiel, mais lorsque la plateforme a suspendu certains de leurs comptes, c’était comme si le sol s’était dérobé sous leurs pieds, renforçant une norme : parlez trop fort et vous serez réduit au silence.

Les publications sur X reflètent un sentiment partagé : certains louent X pour avoir résisté à certaines demandes du gouvernement, tandis que d’autres dénoncent sa soumission comme une trahison. Cette dualité nous amène à conclure que les plateformes numériques ne sont pas des arbitres neutres dans le cyberespace libre, mais des caméléons, qui s’adaptent aux lois locales tout en essayant de projeter une image universelle.

Politique de contenu : la main invisible

La politique de contenu de X, ou plutôt son absence, ajoute une autre dimension à ce conflit socioculturel. Contrairement à Meta ou YouTube, qui s’appuient sur des règlements détaillés, X, sous la direction de Musk, a réduit la modération, misant sur une forme de vérité portée par les utilisateurs plutôt que sur un contrôle hiérarchique. Son rapport de transparence 2024, cité dans les publications de X, indique un taux de conformité mondial de 80 % en matière de suppression de contenu, mais le taux de 86 % enregistré en Türkiye suggère une plus grande déférence envers les demandes d’Ankara. Pourquoi ? Selon Reuters cela s’expliquerait par la loi turque de 2020 sur les réseaux sociaux, qui oblige les plateformes à désigner un représentant local chargé de se conformer aux demandes de retrait, sous peine de réduction de bande passante et d’amendes. L’ouverture du bureau de X à Istanbul en 2023 témoigne de son intention de jouer le jeu en Türkiye, mais le prétendu refus de certaines demandes gouvernementales montre clairement sa position : se conformer, mais pas aveuglément.

Cette controverse politique n’est pas propre à la Türkiye. Au Brésil, X a été confronté à une interdiction en 2024 pour cause de désinformation, avant de faire marche arrière après avoir nommé un représentant local. En Inde, X poursuit le gouvernement Modi en justice pour contester la suppression de contenus dans le cadre d’un affrontement plus large contre la censure numérique. Aux États-Unis, X mène plusieurs batailles juridiques pour défendre la liberté d’expression de ses utilisateurs. En Türkiye, il cède (en partie) pour éviter l’exil. Chaque cas illustre une même réalité : la politique de modération n’est pas une règle figée, mais le théâtre d’un conflit juridique et culturel permanent, où géants technologiques, pouvoirs nationaux et voix citoyennes s’affrontent dans une négociation sans cesse mouvante sur les contours de la liberté en ligne.

Conclusions

Alors que les manifestations s’intensifient et que X tente de répondre aux exigences de la Türkiye, le monde observe le résultat de cette expérience socioculturelle. X va-t-il persister dans sa position de défi, au risque d’une interdiction qui pourrait lui coûter quelque 20 millions d’utilisateurs turcs (selon les données Statista pour 2024) ? Ou va-t-il s’aligner davantage, consolidant ainsi son rôle d’invité docile à Ankara ? La réponse pourrait façonner l’avenir de la dissidence numérique et le modèle mondial de la liberté d’expression en ligne. Pour l’instant, c’est une impasse : X tient un mégaphone dans une main et une muselière dans l’autre, tandis que les manifestants crient dans la mêlée.

Le pari américain sur le Bitcoin : une manœuvre de puissance pour dominer la finance mondiale

Pendant des années, le gouvernement américain a adopté une position prudente à l’égard des cryptomonnaies, les considérant plus comme un enjeu réglementaire que comme une opportunité économique. Les récentes décisions politiques prises par le président Donald Trump laissent entrevoir un changement radical, susceptible de redéfinir le rôle du pays dans le domaine des actifs numériques. Pendant sa campagne électorale, M. Trump a promis de créer une réserve stratégique de bitcoins, une initiative qui a suscité un vif enthousiasme parmi les partisans des cryptomonnaies. Au cours de la période post-électorale, une série de mesures ont été introduites, traduisant une prise de conscience plus profonde de l’influence croissante des cryptomonnaies. Mais s’agit-il de mesures audacieuses en faveur de l’innovation financière ou simplement de manœuvres politiques visant à tirer parti d’une tendance économique montante ? La réponse réside peut-être dans la manière dont ces politiques seront mises en œuvre et dans leur capacité à provoquer un changement réel et durable pour le Bitcoin et l’écosystème crypto dans son ensemble.

Réserve d’actifs numériques : la promesse du Bitcoin en tant que réserve a-t-elle été trahie ?

La première étape importante de ce changement a eu lieu le 23 janvier, lorsque M. Trump a signé un décret présidentiel promouvant la cryptomonnaie et ouvrant la voie à la création de la réserve américaine d’actifs numériques. À première vue, cette décision semblait constituer une reconnaissance sans précédent des cryptomonnaies en tant qu’actifs nationaux de valeur. Cependant, un examen plus approfondi a révélé que cette réserve ne concernait pas uniquement le bitcoin, mais comprenait un ensemble d’actifs numériques provenant de saisies effectuées par le gouvernement dans le cadre de procédures pénales et civiles. Cela a immédiatement suscité l’inquiétude des partisans du Bitcoin, qui s’attendaient à un engagement plus direct en faveur du Bitcoin en tant qu’actif de réserve, comme cela avait été promis. Au lieu d’acheter activement du Bitcoin pour constituer une réserve stratégique, le gouvernement américain a choisi de s’appuyer uniquement sur des fonds confisqués, soulevant des questions sur la durabilité et les intentions réelles de cette initiative. S’agit-il vraiment d’une étape vers l’innovation financière ou simplement d’un moyen de réutiliser des actifs saisis sans s’engager dans une stratégie plus large en matière de cryptomonnaies ?

L’ambiguïté entourant la réserve d’actifs numériques a conduit de nombreuses personnes à douter de la volonté réelle du gouvernement américain d’adopter le Bitcoin comme instrument financier à part entière. Si l’objectif était de constituer une réserve significative, pourquoi ne pas allouer des fonds pour acquérir des Bitcoins sur le marché libre ? En évitant tout investissement direct, l’administration a envoyé des signaux contradictoires, reconnaissant l’importance des actifs numériques tout en hésitant à engager des capitaux réels. Cette décision, bien que significative, semble en deçà des attentes suscitées par une rhétorique antérieure clairement favorable aux cryptomonnaies.

America’s bold Bitcoin strategy could set off a global wave, reshaping the future of digital finance and economic power.

Réserve stratégique de bitcoins : un pas vers la reconnaissance du rôle unique du bitcoin

Alors que les États-Unis semblaient trahir leurs promesses envers la communauté crypto, un nouveau décret présidentiel a été publié, offrant une lueur d’espoir. Beaucoup ont d’abord été déçus par la création de la « réserve stratégique de bitcoins », qui devait être constituée à partir d’actifs confisqués plutôt que d’investissements directs dans le bitcoin. Cette approche a semé le doute quant aux véritables intentions de l’administration, qui semblait plus soucieuse de réutiliser les fonds saisis que de s’engager à long terme en faveur du bitcoin dans le système financier. Cependant, le décret suivant a marqué un tournant dans la politique américaine, ouvrant la voie à une reconnaissance plus large du potentiel du bitcoin. Même si cette mesure ne répondait pas aux attentes ambitieuses suscitées par les promesses initiales, elle représentait néanmoins une avancée significative vers l’intégration des cryptomonnaies dans les stratégies financières nationales et mondiales. Plus important encore, elle marque le début d’une évolution qui consiste à ne plus considérer toutes les cryptomonnaies comme identiques, mais à reconnaître la position unique du Bitcoin en tant qu’actif numérique doté d’un potentiel transformateur. Il s’agit d’un pas supplémentaire vers la reconnaissance de l’importance du Bitcoin, distinct des autres cryptomonnaies, et d’un moment charnière dans l’évolution de la finance numérique

Sommet de la Maison Blanche sur la crypto : apporter une légitimité à la table des discussions

Alors que ces initiatives se concrétisaient, le Sommet de la Maison Blanche sur les cryptomonnaies a ajouté une nouvelle dimension à l’évolution du contenu politique. Premier événement de ce type, il a réuni des dirigeants du secteur et des décideurs politiques initiant un dialogue inédit entre représentants gouvernementaux et géants de la crypto. Il ne s’agissait pas seulement d’un simple débat sur la régulation : il s’agissait d’un effort stratégique visant à poser les bases d’actions pro-crypto à venir. Les experts du secteur ont fourni une occasion cruciale de comprendre la véritable nature des cryptomonnaies avant de finaliser les mesures législatives, garantissant ainsi que les politiques seraient éclairées plutôt que réactives. En impliquant les principaux acteurs du secteur, l’administration s’est assurée que les mesures à venir seraient élaborées par ceux qui maîtrisent la technologie et ses enjeux. Il s’agissait d’une étape calculée vers l’élaboration de politiques futures collaboratives plutôt qu’unilatérales, favorisant une approche plus équilibrée de la réglementation des cryptomonnaies

A new memecoin, Everything is Computer (EIC), has emerged following Trump’s viral comment, recording over $15 million in trading volume in a single day.

La loi sur le bitcoin dévoilée : les États-Unis sont prêts à adopter le bitcoin

Et puis, le moment tant attendu par la communauté crypto est enfin arrivé : une décision cruciale susceptible de redéfinir l’adoption mondiale des cryptomonnaies. La sénatrice Cynthia Lummis a réintroduit le Bitcoin Act, une proposition de loi visant à consolider la place du Bitcoin au sein du système financier américain. Contrairement aux décrets présidentiels qui peuvent être annulés par les administrations suivantes, ce projet de loi vise à établir un cadre juridique permanent pour l’adoption du Bitcoin.

Ce qui rend cette proposition encore plus historique, c’était son mandat audacieux : le gouvernement américain serait tenu d’acheter un million de BTC au cours des cinq prochaines années, un investissement colossal d’environ 80 milliards de dollars au moment de l’annonce. Pour financer cette opération, une partie des bénéfices nets de la Réserve fédérale serait allouée, afin de limiter l’impact sur les contribuables. De plus, tous les bitcoins acquis dans le cadre de ce programme seraient bloqués pendant au moins 20 ans sans possibilité de vente partielle avant ce délai, garantissant ainsi un engagement à long terme, loin de toute logique de spéculation à court terme. Il semble que les États-Unis soient prêts à HODL ! ( « conserver » ses bitcoins à long terme )

Le plan crypto de Trump : rapatrier les entreprises aux États-Unis

Mais ce n’est pas tout, le président Trump a révélé son intention de signer un décret exécutif annulant les mesures prises sous l’administration Biden visant à empêcher les banques de traiter les cryptomonnaies, une décision qui, si elle est adoptée, pourrait profondément bouleverser le paysage réglementaire. Ces mesures ont rendu l’accès aux services bancaires de plus en plus difficile pour les entreprises du secteur des cryptomonnaies, les coupant de fait du système financier traditionnel et poussant de nombreuses sociétés à délocaliser leurs activités à l’étranger.

Si cette annulation est mise en œuvre, elle pourrait avoir de profondes répercussions. En levant ces restrictions bancaires, les États-Unis pourraient devenir une destination attractive pour les entreprises de blockchain, et potentiellement rapatrier celles qui étaient parties à cause de l’incertitude réglementaire. Un accès bancaire facilité offrirait à ces entreprises la stabilité nécessaire, en les affranchissant des solutions risquées qu’elles utilisaient jusque-là, et en renforçant la transparence du secteur.

Pour l’instant, il ne s’agit que d’un projet, mais son annonce a déjà suscité un vif soutien de la part de la communauté crypto, qui y voit une étape cruciale vers le rétablissement du leadership américain en matière d’innovation numérique. La sénatrice Cynthia Lummis a déclaré : «En transformant cette action présidentielle visionnaire en loi pérenne, nous pouvons garantir que notre nation exploitera tout le potentiel de l’innovation numérique pour réduire notre dette nationale tout en conservant notre avantage concurrentiel dans l’économie mondiale.»

Impact mondial : comment les mesures américaines pourraient accélérer l’adoption mondiale des cryptomonnaies

Il ne s’agit pas seulement d’une affaire américaine ; cela a des implications mondiales. Leur portée dépasse largement les frontières des États-Unis. En reconnaissant officiellement le Bitcoin comme un actif stratégique et en assouplissant les politiques bancaires restrictives, les États-Unis donnent l’exemple que d’autres nations pourraient suivre. Si la plus grande économie mondiale commence à accumuler des Bitcoins et à les intégrer dans son architecture financière, cela renforcera la position du Bitcoin en tant qu’actif de réserve mondial. Cela pourrait inciter d’autres pays à reconsidérer leur position, favorisant ainsi une adoption institutionnelle plus large et déclenchant une vague de clarification réglementaire à l’échelle internationale. Par ailleurs, le retour des entreprises crypto aux États-Unis pourrait lancer une course entre pays pour offrir des environnements réglementaires plus favorables, accélérant ainsi l’innovation et l’adoption massive.

Parallèlement, ces mesures envoient un signal fort aux marchés mondiaux : l’incertitude entourant le rôle du Bitcoin dans le système financier diminue. Avec les États-Unis en tête de file, les investisseurs institutionnels qui se montraient jusque-là prudents pourraient retrouver la confiance nécessaire et allouer des fonds substantiels au Bitcoin et à d’autres actifs numériques. Cela ouvrirait la voie à une intégration financière plus large, positionnant le Bitcoin non seulement comme une couverture contre l’inflation ou un investissement spéculatif, mais comme un élément central des futurs systèmes financiers.

Alors que les nations s’affrontent pour définir l’avenir de la monnaie, le véritable test sera de savoir si le monde pourra adopter un système financier décentralisé ou s’il restera finalement attaché aux structures de pouvoir traditionnelles. Une chose est sûre : tout dépendra de qui détiendra le pouvoir dans l’essor des cryptomonnaies, car celles-ci définiront aussi les relations économiques de demain.

FPour plus d’informations sur ces sujets, visitez diplomacy.edu.

L’avenir de la régulation numérique entre l’UE et les États-Unis

Comprendre les réglementations DMA et DSA

La loi sur les marchés numériques (DMA) et la loi sur les services numériques (DSA) sont deux cadres réglementaires majeurs introduits par l’UE afin de créer un environnement numérique plus équitable et plus sûr. Bien qu’elles relèvent toutes deux partie du paquet législatif sur les services numériques, elles ont des objectifs distincts.

La DMA vise à garantir une concurrence loyale en réglementant les grandes plateformes en ligne, appelées « gatekeepers », qui exercent une influence dominante sur les marchés numériques. Elle empêche ces entreprises de se livrer à des pratiques monopolistiques, telles que l’auto-favorisation de leurs propres services, la restriction de l’interopérabilité ou l’utilisation abusive de données commerciales. L’objectif est de créer un environnement plus concurrentiel où les petites entreprises et les consommateurs disposent de davantage de choix.

Par ailleurs, la DSA vise à rendre les espaces en ligne plus sûrs en rendant les plateformes responsables des contenus illicites, de la désinformation et des activités préjudiciables. Elle impose des règles plus strictes en matière de modération des contenus, renforce la transparence de la publicité en ligne et garantit une meilleure protection des droits des utilisateurs. Les grandes plateformes qui comptent un nombre important d’utilisateurs sont soumises à des obligations renforcées dans le cadre de ce texte.

A blue background with yellow stars and dots

La principale différence entre les deux réglementations réside dans le fait que la DMA adopte une approche ex ante, c’est-à-dire qu’elle impose des règles strictes aux gardiens avant que des pratiques déloyales ne se produisent. La DSA adopte une approche ex post, qui oblige les plateformes à surveiller les risques et à prendre des mesures correctives après l’apparition de problèmes. Cela signifie que la DMA veille au respect de la concurrence, tandis que la DSA garantit la sécurité et la responsabilité en ligne.

L’accent mis sur la transparence et les droits des utilisateurs est un élément clé du paquet législatif DSA. Les plateformes doivent expliquer comment leurs algorithmes sélectionnent les contenus, empêchent l’utilisation de données sensibles à des fins de publicité ciblée et interdisent les pratiques de conception manipulatrices telles que les bannières de cookies trompeuses. Les plateformes les plus influentes, classées comme très grandes plateformes en ligne (VLOP) ou très grands moteurs de recherche en ligne (VLOSE), sont également tenues d’évaluer et de signaler les « risques systémiques » liés à leurs services, notamment les menaces à la sécurité publique, au discours démocratique et au bien-être mental. Toutefois, ces rapports manquent souvent de substance réelle, comme l’illustre l’évaluation insuffisante par TikTok de son rôle dans la désinformation liée aux élections.

L’application est essentielle au succès de la DSA. Si la Commission européenne supervise directement les plus grandes plateformes, les régulateurs nationaux, appelés « coordinateurs des services numériques (DSC) », jouent un rôle clé dans le contrôle de la conformité. Cependant, des défis subsistent en matière de conformité, en particulier dans des pays comme l’Allemagne, où le manque de personnel soulève des inquiétudes quant à l’efficacité de la réglementation. Dans l’ensemble de l’UE, plus de 60 mesures coercitives ont déjà été prises à l’encontre de grandes entreprises technologiques, mais les principaux acteurs de la Silicon Valley s’efforcent activement de contourner les règles européennes.

Ensemble, la DMA et la DSA redéfinissent le mode de fonctionnement des grandes entreprises technologiques dans l’UE, favorisant la concurrence et garantissant un écosystème numérique plus sûr et plus transparent pour les utilisateurs.

Trump et la Silicon Valley face aux régulations européennes

Les relations privilégiées entre Donald Trump et l’élite technologique de la Silicon Valley ont considérablement influencé la politique américaine à l’égard des réglementations numériques européennes. Depuis le retour de Trump au pouvoir, les dirigeants des grandes entreprises technologiques ont activement fait pression contre ces réglementations et ont exhorté la nouvelle administration à défendre les entreprises technologiques contre ce qu’il qualifie de « censure » de l’UE.

People, Person, Head, Face, Adult, Male, Man, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Crowd, Clothing, Suit, Bride, Female, Wedding, Woman, Indoors, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Mark Zuckerberg, Laura Sánchez, Sean Duffy, Marco Rubio, Priscilla Chan, Doug Collins

Joel Kaplan, lobbyiste en chef de Meta, est allé jusqu’à qualifier les réglementations européennes de « droits de douane », une position qui s’inscrit dans la stratégie plus large de guerre commerciale menée par l’administration Trump. Cette dernière considère ces réglementations comme des obstacles à la domination technologique des États-Unis, arguant que l’UE cherche à taxer et à contrôler l’innovation américaine plutôt que de favoriser la compétitivité de son propre secteur technologique.

Des personnalités telles qu’Elon Musk et Mark Zuckerberg se sont ralliées à Trump, utilisant leur influence pour s’opposer à la législation européenne telle que la DSA. Les changements controversés apportés à la politique de Meta et l’approche laxiste de la plateforme X de Musk en matière de modération des contenus illustrent la manière dont les grandes entreprises technologiques résistent à la surveillance réglementaire tout en bénéficiant de la position protectionniste de Trump.

La Maison Blanche et la commission judiciaire de la Chambre des représentants ont exprimé leur inquiétude quant au fait que ces lois visent injustement les entreprises technologiques américaines, limitant leur capacité à opérer sur le marché européen.

Brendan Carr, président de la FCC, a fait part récemment de ses vives inquiétudes concernant la DSA, qui, selon lui, pourrait entrer en conflit avec les valeurs américaines en matière de liberté d’expression. S’exprimant lors du Mobile World Congress à Barcelone, M. Carr a averti que l’approche de la modération des contenus pourrait limiter de manière excessive la liberté d’expression. Ses remarques reflètent une critique plus large de la part des responsables américains, le vice-président JD Vance ayant également dénoncé la modération des contenus en Europe lors d’un récent sommet sur l’IA à Paris, la qualifiant de « censure autoritaire ».

Ces responsables affirment que la DMA et la DSA créent des entraves qui limitent l’innovation des entreprises américaines et nuisent au libre-échange. En réponse, la commission judiciaire de la Chambre des représentants a officiellement contesté la décision de la Commission européenne, affirmant que certains produits et services américains pourraient ne plus être disponibles en Europe en raison de ces réglementations. Il convient de rappeler que l’administration Biden a également chargé les départements du commerce et du commerce extérieur d’enquêter sur la question de savoir si ces lois européennes restreignent la liberté d’expression et de recommander des contre-mesures.

Récemment, le président américain Donald Trump a intensifié les tensions avec l’UE en menaçant d’imposer des droits de douane en représailles à ce qu’il qualifie d’« extorsion à l’étranger ». Le mémorandum signé par M. Trump le 21 février 2025 charge l’administration d’examiner les politiques de l’UE et du Royaume-Uni qui pourraient contraindre les entreprises technologiques américaines à développer ou à utiliser des produits qui « portent atteinte à la liberté d’expression ou favorisent la censure ». Le mémorandum vise également les taxes sur les services numériques (DST), affirmant que les gouvernements étrangers taxent injustement les entreprises américaines « simplement parce qu’elles opèrent sur des marchés étrangers ».

Pen, Adult, Male, Man, Person, People, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, donald trump

La réponse de l’UE : la souveraineté numérique en jeu

Néanmoins, la Commission européenne insiste sur le fait que ces taxes sont appliquées de la même manière à toutes les grandes entreprises numériques, quel que soit leur pays d’origine, garantissant ainsi une contribution équitable des entreprises qui réalisent des bénéfices au sein de l’UE. Elle a également défendu ses réglementations, arguant qu’elles favorisent une concurrence loyale et protègent les droits des consommateurs.

Les responsables européens considèrent ces mesures comme essentielles à la souveraineté numérique de l’Europe, garantissant que les puissantes entreprises technologiques opèrent de manière transparente et équitable dans la région. Alors qu’ils s’opposent à ce qu’ils considèrent comme une ingérence des États-Unis et que les tensions s’intensifient, le différend sur la manière de réglementer les géants technologiques pourrait façonner l’avenir des marchés numériques et des relations commerciales transatlantiques.

À terme, ce conflit pourrait entraîner une nouvelle vague de tensions commerciales entre les États-Unis et l’Union européenne, avec des conséquences économiques et géopolitiques possibles pour le secteur technologique mondial. Avec des personnalités telles que JD Vance et Jim Jordan qui s’attaquent également à la DSA et à la DMA, et Donald Trump lui-même qualifiant les réglementations européennes de guerre économique, l’Europe est soumise à une pression croissante pour assouplir ses lois sur les technologies. En outre, le retrait de la directive européenne sur la responsabilité de l’intelligence artificielle (AILD) à la suite du sommet de Paris sur l’IA et le refus de JD Vance de signer une déclaration commune sur l’IA ont suscité de nouvelles inquiétudes quant à la capacité de l’Europe à résister aux pressions extérieures. Le risque que Trump utilise des menaces économiques et sécuritaires, y compris l’implication de l’OTAN, comme moyen de pression contre l’application de la législation européenne souligne l’urgence d’une réponse européenne forte.

La réglementation de l’IA est un autre champ de bataille incontournable. La loi européenne sur l’IA est l’une des premières législations complètes au monde en matière d’IA. Elle fixe des lignes directrices strictes en matière de transparence, d’évaluation des risques et d’utilisation des données. Les États-Unis ont quant à eux adopté une approche davantage axée sur l’industrie, avec une intervention minimale du gouvernement.

A blue flag with yellow stars and a circle of yellow stars

Cette faille réglementaire pourrait accentuer les tensions, alors que les législateurs européens exigent la conformité des entreprises américaines d’IA. Le retrait récent de la directive européenne sur la responsabilité de l’IA (AILD) sous la pression des États-Unis illustre à quel point le lobbying externe peut influencer l’élaboration des politiques européennes

Cependant, si l’UE parvient à faire appliquer efficacement ses règles en matière d’IA, elle pourrait créer un précédent mondial, contraignant les entreprises américaines à se conformer aux normes européennes si elles souhaitent continuer à opérer sur le continent. Ce scénario rappelle ce qui s’est produit avec le RGPD (Règlement général sur la protection des données), qui a entraîné des changements mondiaux dans les politiques de confidentialité.

Pour contrer cette pression croissante, l’UE reste déterminée, à l’heure où nous parlons, à appliquer la DSA, la DMA et la loi sur l’IA, afin de garantir que les cadres réglementaires ne soient pas compromis sous l’influence des États-Unis. Au-delà de la réglementation, l’Europe doit également renforcer ses capacités industrielles numériques pour rester dans la course. L’investissement de 200 milliards d’euros dans l’IA est un premier pas dans la bonne direction, mais l’Europe a besoin d’infrastructures numériques plus résilientes, de technologies back-end plus solides et d’un meilleur soutien à ses entreprises technologiques.

Actuellement, l’UE redouble d’efforts pour promouvoir la souveraineté numérique en investissant dans les domaines suivants :

Infrastructure de cloud computing afin de réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis des fournisseurs américains (par exemple, AWS, Microsoft Azure)
Développement de l’IA et fabrication de semi-conducteurs (grâce à la loi européenne sur les puces électroniques)
Plateformes de réseaux sociaux et moteurs de recherche alternatifs afin de contester la domination américaine

Ces efforts visent à réduire la dépendance de l’Europe vis-à-vis des géants américains de la technologie et à créer un écosystème numérique plus autonome.

L’avenir de la réglementation numérique

Malgré l’escalade des tensions, l’UE et les États-Unis reconnaissent l’importance de la coopération transatlantique dans le domaine technologique. Si leurs approches réglementaires diffèrent considérablement, il existe toutefois des domaines dans lesquels la collaboration pourrait encore prévaloir. La cybersécurité reste une question cruciale, car les deux parties sont confrontées à des menaces croissantes provenant de plusieurs pays. Le renforcement des partenariats en matière de cybersécurité pourrait fournir un cadre commun pour la protection des infrastructures critiques et des écosystèmes numériques. Un autre domaine de collaboration potentiel est l’élaboration de normes communes en matière de sécurité de l’IA, afin de garantir que les technologies émergentes soient réglementées de manière responsable sans freiner l’innovation. En outre, les accords sur le partage des données restent essentiels pour maintenir la fluidité du commerce numérique et des opérations commerciales transfrontalières.

Les accords passés, tels que le cadre de protection des données entre l’UE et les États-Unis, ont démontré que la coopération est possible. Toutefois, il n’est pas certain que des compromis similaires puissent être trouvés concernant la DMA, la DSA et la loi sur l’IA. Des différences fondamentales dans la philosophie réglementaire continuent de créer des obstacles, l’UE donnant la priorité à la protection des consommateurs et à l’équité du marché, tandis que les États-Unis maintiennent une position plus favorable aux entreprises et axée sur l’innovation.

À l’avenir, la réglementation numérique entre l’UE et les États-Unis devrait rester un sujet controversé. L’Union européenne semble déterminée à imposer des règles plus strictes aux géants du numérique, tandis que les États-Unis, en particulier sous l’administration Trump, devraient s’opposer à ce qu’ils considèrent comme une influence réglementaire excessive de l’Europe. À moins que des compromis significatifs ne soient trouvés, l’Internet mondial pourrait se fragmenter davantage en zones réglementaires distinctes. Le modèle européen mettrait l’accent sur une surveillance numérique stricte, une protection renforcée de la vie privée et des politiques visant à garantir une concurrence loyale. Les États-Unis, en revanche, continueraient à privilégier une approche davantage axée sur les entreprises, favorisant l’autorégulation et les politiques axées sur l’innovation.

À mesure que le paysage numérique évolue, les mois et les années à venir seront déterminants pour voir si l’UE et les États-Unis parviendront à trouver un terrain d’entente sur la réglementation technologique ou si leurs divergences conduiront à un fossé plus profond. Les enjeux sont considérables et concernent non seulement les entreprises, mais aussi les consommateurs, les décideurs politiques et l’avenir de l’Internet mondial dans son ensemble. La voie à suivre reste incertaine, mais les décisions prises aujourd’hui façonneront la structure du monde numérique pour les générations à venir.

En fin de compte, l’issue de ce différend transatlantique pourrait avoir des implications considérables, non seulement pour l’avenir de la réglementation numérique, mais aussi pour les relations commerciales mondiales. Alors que le gouvernement américain et l’élite technologique de la Silicon Valley devraient continuer à faire pression, l’UE semble déterminée à faire respecter ses réglementations numériques afin de maintenir un écosystème numérique équitable et sûr pour tous les utilisateurs. À mesure que cette bataille mondiale se déroulera, le monde entier observera comment l’UE et les États-Unis navigueront dans le paysage en pleine évolution de la gouvernance numérique.

DW Weekly #207 – China disagrees with Trump over $54B TikTok deal due to tariffs rise

6 – 14 April 2025

People, Person, Crowd, Face, Head, Audience

Dear readers,

Last week, we saw the TikTok saga unfold as the Chinese government has not agreed to sell the ByteDance daughter company to a US majority TikTok entity, so US President Donald Trump extended the deadline to find a non-Chinese buyer by another 75 days, pushing the cutoff to mid-June after a near-miss on 5 April.

Amid the tariff rise turmoil, President Donald Trump’s administration has granted exemptions from steep tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other electronics, relieving tech giants like Apple and Dell.

The cryptocurrency landscape was waved by a blockchain analytics firm, which has alleged that the team behind the Melania Meme (MELANIA) cryptocurrency moved $30 million worth of tokens, allegedly taken from community reserves without explanation.

In the ever-evolving world of AI, two leading AI systems, OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and Meta’s Llama-3.1, have passed a key milestone by outperforming humans in a modern version of the Turing Test.

On the cybersecurity stage, Oracle Health has reportedly suffered a data breach that compromised sensitive patient information stored by US hospitals.

The European Union has firmly ruled out dismantling its strict digital regulations in a bid to secure a trade deal with Donald Trump. Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s top official for digital policy, said the bloc remained fully committed to its digital rulebook instead of relaxing its standards to satisfy US demands.

Meta’s existence is threatened by a colossal antitrust trial which commenced in Washington, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the company’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were designed to crush competition with monopoly aims instead of fostering innovation.

Elon Musk’s legal saga with OpenAI intensifies, as OpenAI has filed a countersuit accusing the billionaire entrepreneur of a sustained campaign of harassment intended to damage the company and regain control over its AI developments.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 6 – 14 April 2025

Former Facebook executive says Meta misled over China

Wynn-Williams says Meta executives prioritised business growth in China over national security.

Tech stocks rally after Trump halts tariffs

The Nasdaq jumped over 12%, its best day in decades, following a temporary halt on trade tariffs by the Trump administration.

DeepSeek highlights the risk of data misuse

Data stored today could be vulnerable to decryption in the near future.

Meta to block livestreaming for under 16s without parental permission

Instagram users under 16 won’t be able to livestream or view blurred nudity in messages unless approved by a parent, Meta announced.

openAI Sam Altman TED 2025 ChatGPT users

ChatGPT hits 800 million users after viral surge

OpenAI is developing agents that can act autonomously on behalf of users, with safeguards.

Google rolls out AI to improve US power grid connections

Energy connection delays face AI-powered fix through Google’s new initiative.

Google offers steep discounts to US federal agencies

The 71% discount on Google Workspace is part of a cost-cutting initiative under President Trump’s government reform, targeting federal spending efficiency.

Japan’s FSA proposes new framework for regulating crypto assets in Japan

A discussion paper on crypto regulation in Japan highlights issues like market access, insider trading, and classification of assets into funding and non-funding categories.

Microsoft pauses $1 billion data centre project in Ohio

As AI demand shifts, Microsoft has slowed down major data centre projects, including the one in Ohio, and plans to invest $80 billion in AI infrastructure this year.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Navigating the AI maze: How to choose the right AI platform or tool – Diplo

With over 10,000 AI applications available, selecting the right AI tool can be daunting. Diplo advocates starting with a ‘good enough’ tool to avoid paralysis by analysis, tailoring it to specific needs through practical use.

Don’t waste the crisis: How AI can help reinvent International Geneva – Diplo

International Geneva faces significant challenges, including financial constraints, waning multilateralism, and escalating geopolitical tensions. To remain relevant, it must embrace transformative changes, particularly through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Microsoft at 50 – A journey through code, cloud, and AI

Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft grew from a small startup into the world’s largest software company. Through strategic acquisitions, the company expanded into diverse sectors,…

On the origins of ideas – Diplo

Do ideas have origins? From medieval communes to WWI, Aldo Matteucci shows how political thought, like a river, is shaped by experience, institutions, and historical context — not just theory.

www.diplomacy.edu

GITEX Africa 2025 – Diplo Event

GITEX Africa 2025 Jovan Kurbalija will participate at GITEX Africa (14-16 April 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco).

www.diplomacy.edu

Tech attache briefing: WSIS+20 and AI governance negotiations – Updates and next steps – Diplo Event

Tech attache briefing: WSIS+20 and AI governance negotiations – Updates and next steps. The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva

Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for diplomats at permanent missions and delegations in Geneva following digital policy issues. It is an invitation-only event.

23 April 2025

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation?

The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons.

dig.watch

WIPO Conversation 11: AI and IP: Infrastructure for rights holders and innovation

WIPO’s 11th Conversation on IP and AI will take place on April 23-24, 2025, focusing on the role of copyright infrastructure in supporting both rights holders and AI-driven innovation. As…

March 2025 in Retrospect

Dear readers,

March was relatively quiet compared to the first two months of the year, which reshaped global tech geopolitics. The Trump administration’s cyber ceasefire with Russia drew criticism from the EU and its allies. At the UN, countries agreed on the way forward for discussions on AI governance and the future of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

In the business sphere, Google made its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Wiz, an Israeli cloud cybersecurity firm. Meanwhile, Ghibli-style AI-generated images overwhelmed OpenAI’s servers, sparking debates on AI copyright and system resilience.

Trends in the AI field continued, with a steady stream of announcements about new large language models (LLMs) and other AI innovations. At the same time, there are signs of cooling in the AI sector, with Microsoft scaling back investments in AI processing centres and Nvidia’s share price dropping—a key indicator of market interest in AI hardware.

The TikTok saga continued, as the US administration considered potential buyers for the platform. Content governance also came into focus: X (formerly Twitter) banned over 700 accounts in Türkiye, while EU pressure on the platform intensified, with a French prosecutor launching an investigation into potential algorithmic bias.

Diplo’s analysis and reporting in an exceptional time

In a world where history unfolds at breakneck speed, the real challenge isn’t just keeping up—it’s making sense of it all. Every day brings a flood of information, but the bigger picture often gets lost in the noise. How do today’s developments shape long-term trends? How do they impact us as individuals, communities, businesses, and even humanity?

At Diplo, we bridge the gap between real-time updates and deeper insights. Our Digital Watch keeps a pulse on daily developments while connecting them to weekly, monthly, and yearly trends as illustrated bellow.

For example, AI risks have shifted from last year’s alarmist “existential threats” to this year’s more pragmatic “existing risks.”

Meanwhile, the race for more powerful AI has moved beyond simply stacking Nvidia GPUs to a growing emphasis on high-quality data as the true fuel of AI innovation. From cybersecurity to e-commerce to digital governance, we track these shifts from daily fluctuations to long-term industry pivots.

In the March monthly issue, you can follow: AI and tech TRENDS | Developments in GENEVA | Dig.Watch ANALYSIS

Best regards,

DW Team

Trends

Content governance and platform accountability

The year began with a transatlantic tug-of-war, with US tech giants scaling back content moderation efforts, while the EU doubled down on regulatory measures. By March 2025, this tension erupted into high-stakes legal battles, reshaping how platforms navigate free speech, misinformation, and state power.

EU’s Threat of Fine Against X: In March 2025, the EU threatened X with a record 1 billion euro fine under the DSA for alleged “systemic failures” in tackling disinformation and hate speech, particularly around elections. This action stemmed from an investigation launched in 2023, focusing on X’s content moderation practices post-acquisition by Elon Musk. Musk responded by calling it “political censorship” and vowed to fight it in court, highlighting a core controversy over whether platforms should prioritize free speech or societal safety EU Seeking to Fine X $1B for DSA Violations. As of April 2025, the EU is finalizing plans for this penalty, with reports indicating potential demands for product changes alongside the fine X faces $1 billion fine from EU over DSA violations.
German Court Ruling on Data Transparency: In February 2025, a German court ordered X to provide data to researchers studying election-related misinformation ahead of the national election on February 23, 2025. This ruling, seen as a significant step for platform transparency, required X to disclose information such as post reach, shares, and likes, enabling analysis of how misinformation circulates during elections German court orders X to give data access to democracy researchers ahead of federal elections. X challenged this order in February, citing concerns over due process and user privacy rights, indicating ongoing legal battles X challenges German court order granting data access to election researchers.
French Investigation into Algorithmic Bias: French prosecutors initiated an investigation into X in February 2025 over concerns about algorithmic bias, following a complaint from a lawmaker in January 2025. The probe focuses on whether X’s algorithms unfairly prioritize or suppress content, potentially skewing user information exposure French prosecutors probe Musk’s X over alleged algorithmic bias. This investigation, ongoing as of April 2025, adds another layer to the debate on content moderation, raising questions about fairness, equality, and diversity of perspectives on the platform.

Regulatory and Legal Framework

The DSA, effective since November 2022, is a cornerstone of the EU’s approach, requiring large online platforms to mitigate risks of disinformation, remove illegal content, and cooperate with researchers. The EU’s actions against X, including the potential fine and data-sharing orders, are part of formal proceedings opened in December 2023, focusing on risk management, content moderation, and advertising transparency Commission investigating X for alleged violations of EU content moderation rules. These proceedings have intensified in 2025, with the EU requesting further information on X’s algorithms and content moderation resources in January and February European Commission seeks more information from X on algorithms.

These developments open several controversial developments including:

Free Speech vs. Safety: Platforms like X argue that regulatory actions, such as the EU’s fine, constitute political censorship, limiting free expression. Musk’s X post on the matter emphasized this view, framing it as an overreach X post. Conversely, the EU and civil society groups advocate for safety, citing the need to protect users from harmful content, especially during elections.
Transparency vs. Privacy: The German court ruling and French investigation highlight demands for transparency, but X’s resistance, including challenges to the court order, raises privacy concerns for users, creating a delicate balance between public interest research and individual rights.
Regional Divergence: The EU’s approach contrasts with the US, where tech giants have scaled back moderation efforts. This transatlantic divide could lead to tensions, especially if the US government responds to EU actions, potentially affecting international tech policy Enforcement spotlight – Spring 2025.

Global Implications and Future Trajectory

The trend is likely to influence global standards, with the EU’s actions setting a precedent for other nations, who are not comfortable with relaxed content moderation by tech platforms.

The involvement of the US government remains a possibility, given the transatlantic tensions and the potential for reciprocal regulatory actions. This could lead to a broader geopolitical debate on digital governance, with implications for tech companies operating globally.

Time context

To organize the timeline and impact, the following table summarizes the key events and their significance:

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Snapshot: The developments that made waves

TECHNOLOGY

March 2025 has been a month of high-stakes moves, innovative breakthroughs, and growing competition in the technology sector.

Microsoft’s retirement of Skype in favour of Teams marks the final bow of a once-revolutionary communication platform.

Ghibli-style AI-generated images recently overwhelmed OpenAI’s servers, triggering debates on AI copyright and system resilience.

The AI race continued to intensify. China’s DeepSeek launched its V3 model, aiming to directly compete with OpenAI and Anthropic. What’s different about DeepSeek? Its transparent approach to profit and compute cost reporting sets it apart in an industry often criticised for opacity. Meanwhile, Foxconn entered the AI arena with its FoxBrain model, trained on Meta’s Llama 3.1 and tailored for Chinese and Taiwanese users — a strategic regional move that underscores the localisation of generative AI tools.

In what became Google’s largest acquisition ever, Alphabet sealed a $32 billion deal to acquire Wiz, an Israeli cloud cybersecurity firm. This move signals Google’s aggressive push to catch up with Amazon and Microsoft in cloud computing, while simultaneously tightening control over critical cybersecurity assets amid rising US-China tech tensions.

While scaling back the development of new AI data centres worldwide, Microsoft doubled down on Asia, announcing a $2.2 billion cloud investment in Malaysia, including the launch of three new data centres. This reflects an emerging pattern of major Western cloud providers seeking influence in Southeast Asia’s digital infrastructure and AI ecosystem.

GOVERNANCE

AI and digital governance took centre stage on the global stage this month, as international and domestic developments reshaped regulatory discussions.

Global dialogue on AI governance advanced with countries agreeing on the zero draft resolution for the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Led by Costa Rica and Spain, this intergovernmental effort is part of the Global Digital Compact process and aims to anchor AI governance in inclusive, science-driven mechanisms.

In South Korea, industry groups lobbied against the AI Basic Act, arguing that strict EU-style safety regulations could stifle innovation. This reflects a broader trend of regulatory divergence between regions — with some nations favouring innovation-first approaches, while others prioritise safety and accountability.

The Trump administration’s cyber ceasefire with Russia raised eyebrows globally. While pitched as a diplomatic de-escalation, critics warn it could weaken US cyber deterrence and risk exposing allies to unchecked threats. The shift underscores how cyber policy is increasingly entangled with broader diplomatic and security strategies.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Google’s acquisition of Wiz is not just about cybersecurity — it’s also a strategic bet on cloud security infrastructure. With Wiz’s tools compatible across major cloud platforms, the move strengthens Google’s position in securing digital infrastructure against rising threats.

Microsoft’s $2.2 billion investment in Malaysia includes building three data centres in Kuala Lumpur. This expansion boosts telecom infrastructure and cloud capacity in Southeast Asia, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional digital hub.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a national security unit focused on telecom cybersecurity, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and address escalating cyber threats in the sector.

LEGAL

The EU softened its AI copyright enforcement rules, striking a balance between innovation and protection. Meanwhile, Meta faces a lawsuit from authors alleging copyright violations during AI training — highlighting ongoing tensions between creative rights and data scraping.

A German court ordered Elon Musk’s platform X to provide researchers with data to track misinformation ahead of national elections. This decision reinforces the growing expectation that tech platforms cooperate with regulatory and academic oversight.

China announced mandatory AI labelling rules, pushing for greater transparency and user awareness around generative AI outputs — a step that may shape global standards in AI safety and disclosure.

ECONOMY

SoftBank led a major funding round for OpenAI, signalling strong investor confidence as generative AI continues to expand its market dominance.

Alphabet’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz marks a landmark deal in the cybersecurity economy.

The EU ordered Apple to open its technology stack to rivals, introducing new economic pressures on closed-platform business models.

The US-China trade war escalated, with new tariffs impacting the prices of tech components and devices. Apple and Samsung already announced higher smartphone prices as a result.

Cryptocurrency adoption surged globally, with over 824 million people now owning digital assets. Yet, the market saw instability due to a rise in crypto-related crimes, with Bitcoin dropping from $106,000 to $83,000.

The fate of TikTok remains in limbo, as the US administration considers various buyers. President Trump’s suggestion to reduce tariffs to secure a TikTok sale illustrates the blending of economic negotiations with platform geopolitics.

SECURITY

In a bid to enhance national preparedness, Switzerland introduced mandatory cyberattack reporting for critical infrastructure operators, effective from 1 April. This regulation aims to ensure faster responses and improved cyber resilience.

In a highly controversial move, the Trump administration ordered a halt to offensive cyber operations against Russia, shifting from confrontation to cyber-diplomatic engagement. The move has sparked intense debate in Washington and among NATO allies, with critics warning of weakened cyber deterrence and intelligence blind spots.

Elon Musk claimed that platform X was hit by a massive cyberattack, allegedly traced to IPs from the ‘Ukraine area.’ While attribution remains questionable, the incident spotlighted vulnerabilities in high-profile digital infrastructure.

The US indicted Chinese hackers and sanctioned a tech firm involved in espionage and selling stolen data — another sign of escalating cyber tensions in the US-China tech rivalry.

Scale AI secured a Pentagon contract, igniting discussions around the ethics and security implications of AI in military applications. As AI tools become part of national defence strategies, questions of accountability and safety will only grow more urgent.

DEVELOPMENT

Microsoft’s $2.2 billion cloud expansion in Malaysia and Alibaba’s $52.4 billion commitment to AI and cloud infrastructure signal a shift in digital development efforts toward Southeast Asia.

Amgen, a US pharmaceutical giant, is investing $200 million into an AI and data science hub in southern India to support health tech R&D — further blending biotech and digital innovation for development gains.

SOCIO-CULTURAL

In Türkiye, protests erupted after the arrest of opposition figure Ekrem İmamoğlu. Social media platform X faced backlash for suspending over 700 accounts, many of which were sharing protest details. The incident raised serious questions about platform content policy, freedom of speech, and state influence over digital platforms.

Meta, in partnership with UNESCO, launched a new initiative to improve AI language recognition for underserved languages, reinforcing efforts to enhance multilingualism and cultural inclusion online.

A German court ruled that X must share data with researchers studying election-related misinformation — a step toward increased platform transparency and support for democratic processes.

In a separate case, French prosecutors launched an investigation into X over potential algorithmic bias — adding another legal layer to ongoing content moderation debates.

China announced expanded university enrolment in AI-related fields to build a robust STEM workforce, enhancing national capacity for innovation. Similarly, UK teachers embraced AI in classrooms, reflecting global efforts to integrate digital skills into education systems.

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Geneva in March

Dialogues on AI and Global Security

March 2025 was ‘quiet’ in International Geneva compared to the month before or the busy spring ahead of us. The city hosted two important events that drew diplomats, experts, and stakeholders to tackle AI’s growing impact on security and ethics.

From 27 March to 28, the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) held its inaugural Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics 2025 (#AISE25) at the Palais des Nations. This flagship event, open to all, brought together diplomats, military experts, industry leaders, and academics to discuss AI implications in areas such as security and defence. Key sessions included a deep dive on leveraging AI for UN peacekeeping and a panel on trust-building in AI deployment, underscoring Geneva’s pivotal role in shaping responsible AI policies.

On 26 March, Diplo, alongside the Permanent Missions of Kenya, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Switzerland, and France, held a diplomatic dialogue titled ‘AI and International Peace and Security: Key Issues and Relevance for Geneva.’ This was part of a series on AI governance that explored AI’s role in military applications and its broader implications for global security.

These events spotlighted Geneva’s unique position as a hub for multilateral dialogue on AI and international peace and security. There were calls for member states and stakeholders to contribute to the UN Secretary-General’s upcoming report on AI’s opportunities and challenges for peace and security and to contribute to upcoming events such as the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit to be hosted by Spain in September 2025.

dig.watch Analyses

Ghibli trend as proof of global dependence on AI: A phenomenon that overloaded social networks and system

It is rare to find a person in this world (with internet access) who has not, at least once, consulted AI about some dilemma, idea, or a simple question.

The wide range of information and rapid response delivery has led humanity to embrace a ‘comfort zone’, allowing machines to reason for them, and recently, even to create animated photographs.

This brings us to a trend that, within just a few days, managed to spread across the planet through almost all meridians – the Ghibli style emerged spontaneously on social networks. When people realised they could obtain animated versions of their favourite photos within seconds, the entire network became overloaded.

Since there was no brake mechanism, reactions from leading figures were inevitable, with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, speaking out.

He stated that the trend had surpassed all expectations and that servers were ‘strained’, making the Ghibli style available only to ChatGPT users subscribed to Plus, Pro, and Team versions.

Besides admiring AI’s incredible ability to create iconic moments within seconds, this phenomenon also raises the issue of global dependence on AI.

Why are we all so in love with AI?

The answer to this question is rather simple, and here’s why. Imagine being able to finally transform your imagination into something visible and share all your creations with the world. It doesn’t sound bad, does it?

This is precisely where AI has made its breakthrough and changed the world forever. Just as Ghibli films have, for decades, inspired fans with their warmth and nostalgia, AI technology has created something akin to the digital equivalent of those emotions.

People are now creating and experiencing worlds that previously existed only in their minds. However, no matter how comforting it sounds, warnings are often raised about maintaining a sense of reality to avoid ‘falling into the clutches’ of a beautiful virtual world.

Balancing innovation and simplicity

Altman warned about the excessive use of AI tools, stating that even his employees are sometimes overwhelmed by the progress of artificial intelligence and the innovations it releases daily.

As a result, people are unable to adapt as quickly as AI, with information spreading faster than ever before.

However, there are also frequent cases of misuse, raising the question – where is the balance?

The culture of continuous production has led to saturation but also a lack of reflection. Perhaps this very situation will bring about the much-needed pause and encourage people to take a step back and ‘think more with their own heads’.

Ghibli is just one of many: How AI trends became mainstream

AI has been with us for a long time, but it was not as popular until major players like OpenAI, Gemini, Azure, and many others appeared. The Ghibli trend is just one of many that have become part of pop culture in recent years.

Since 2018, we have witnessed deepfake technologies, where various video clips, due to their ability to accurately recreate faces in entirely different contexts, flood social networks almost daily.

AI-generated music and audio recordings have also been among the most popular trends promoted over the past four years because they are ‘easy to use’ and offer users the feeling of creating quality content with just a few clicks.

There are many other trends that have captured the attention of the global public, such as the Avatar trend (Lensa AI), generated comics and stories (StoryAI and ComicGAN), while anime-style generators have actually existed since 2022 (Waifu Labs).

Are we really that lazy or just better organised?

The availability of AI tools at every step has greatly simplified everyday life. From applications that assist in content creation, whether written or in any other format.

For this reason, the question arises – are we lazy, or have we simply decided to better organise our free time?

This is a matter for each individual, and the easiest way to examine is to ask yourself whether you have ever consulted AI about choosing a film or music, or some activity that previously did not take much energy.

AI offers quick and easy solutions, which is certainly an advantage. However, on the other hand, excessive use of technology can lead to a loss of critical thinking and creativity.

Where is the line between efficiency and dependence if we rely on algorithms for everything? That is an answer each of us will have to find at some point.

A view on AI overload: How can we ‘break free from dependence’?

The constant reliance on AI and the comfort it provides after every prompt is appealing, but abusing it leads to a completely different extreme.

The first step towards ‘liberation’ is to admit that there is a certain level of over-reliance, which does not mean abandoning AI altogether.

Understanding the limitations of technology can definitely be the key to returning to essential human values. Digital ‘detox’ implies creative expression without technology.

Can we use technology without it becoming the sole filter through which we see the world? After all, technology is a tool, not a dominant factor in decision-making in our lives.

Ghibli trend enthusiasts – the legendary Hayao Miyazaki does not like AI

The founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, recently reacted to the trend that has overwhelmed the world. The creator of famous works such as Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and many others is vehemently opposed to the use of AI.

Known for his hand-drawn approach and whimsical storytelling, Miyazaki has addressed ethical issues, considering that trends and the mass use of AI tools are trained on large amounts of data, including copyrighted works.

Besides criticising the use of AI in animation, he believes that such tools cannot replace the human touch, authenticity, and emotions conveyed through the traditional creation process.

For Miyazaki, art is not just a product but a reflection of the artist’s soul – something machines, no matter how advanced, cannot truly replicate.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

X’s Türkiye tangle, between freedom of speech, control, and digital defiance

In the streets of Istanbul and beyond, a storm of unrest swept Türkiye in the past week, sparked by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a political figure whose detention has provoked nationwide protests. Amid these events, a digital battlefield has emerged, with X, the social media platform helmed by Elon Musk, thrust into the spotlight.

Global news reveals that X has suspended many accounts linked to activists and opposition voices sharing protest details. Yet, a twist: X has also publicly rebuffed a Turkish government demand to suspend ‘over 700 accounts,’ vowing to defend free speech.

This clash between compliance and defiance offers a vivid example of the controversy around freedom of speech and content policy in the digital age, where global platforms, national power, and individual voices collide like tectonic plates on a restless earth.

The spark: protests and a digital crackdown

The unrest began with İmamoğlu’s arrest, a move many saw as a political jab by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government against a prominent rival. As tear gas clouded the air and chants echoed through Turkish cities, protesters turned to X to organise, share live updates, and amplify their dissent. University students, opposition supporters, and grassroots activists flooded the platform with hashtags and footage: raw, unfiltered glimpses of a nation at odds with itself. But this digital megaphone didn’t go unnoticed. Turkish authorities pinpointed 326 accounts for the takedown, accusing them of ‘inciting hatred’ and destabilising order. X’s response? X has partially fulfilled the Turkish authorities’ alleged requests by ‘likely’ suspending many accounts.

The case isn’t the first where Türkish authorities require platforms to take action. For instance, during the 2013 Gezi Park protests, Twitter (X’s predecessor) faced similar requests. Erdoğan’s administration has long wielded legal provisions like Article 299 of the Penal Code (insulting the president) as a measure of fining platforms that don’t align with the government content policy. Freedom House’s 2024 report labels the country’s internet freedom as ‘not free,’ citing a history of throttling dissent online. Yet, X’s partial obedience here (selectively suspending accounts) hints at a tightrope walk: bowing just enough to keep operating in Türkiye while dodging a complete shutdown that could alienate its user base. For Turks, it’s a bitter pill: a platform they’ve leaned on as a lifeline for free expression now feels like an unreliable ally.

X’s defiant stand: a free speech facade?

Then came the curveball. Posts on X from users like @botella_roberto lit up feeds with news that X had rejected a broader Turkish demand to suspend ‘over 700 accounts,’ calling it ‘illegal’ and doubling down with a statement: ‘X will always defend freedom of speech.’ Such a stance paints X as a guardian of expression, a digital David slinging stones at an authoritarian Goliath.

Either way, one theory, whispered across X posts, is that X faced an ultimatum: suspend the critical accounts or risk a nationwide ban, a fate Twitter suffered in 2014.

By complying with a partial measure, X might be playing a calculated game: preserving its Turkish foothold while burnishing its free-speech credibility globally. Musk, after all, has built X’s brand on unfiltered discourse, a stark pivot from Twitter’s pre-2022 moderation-heavy days. Yet, this defiance rings hollow to some. Amnesty International’s Türkiye researcher noted that the suspended accounts (often young activists) were the very voices X claims to champion.

Freedom of speech: a cultural tug-of-war

This saga isn’t just about X or Türkiye; it is an example reflecting the global tussle over what ‘freedom of speech’ means in 2025. In some countries, it is enshrined in laws and fiercely debated on platforms like X, where Musk’s ‘maximally helpful’ ethos thrives. In others, it’s a fragile thread woven into cultural fabrics that prizes collective stability over individual outcry. In Türkiye, the government frames dissent as a threat to national unity, a stance rooted in decades of political upheaval—think coups in 1960 and 1980. Consequently, protesters saw X as a megaphone to challenge that narrative, but when the platform suspended some of their accounts, it was as if the rug had been yanked out from under their feet, reinforcing an infamous sociocultural norm: speak too loud and you’ll be hushed.

Posts on X echo a split sentiment: some laud X for resisting some of the government’s requests, while others decry its compliance as a betrayal. This duality brings us to the conclusion that digital platforms aren’t neutral arbiters in free cyberspace but chameleons, adapting to local laws while trying to project a universal image.

Content policy: the invisible hand

X’s content policy, or lack thereof, adds another layer to this sociocultural dispute. Unlike Meta or YouTube, which lean on thick rulebooks, X under Musk has slashed moderation, betting on user-driven truth over top-down control. Its 2024 transparency report, cited in X posts, shows a global takedown compliance rate of 80%, but Türkiye’s 86% suggests a higher deference to Ankara’s demands. Why? Reuters points to Türkiye’s 2020 social media law, which mandates that platforms appoint local representatives to comply with takedowns or face bandwidth cuts and fines. X’s Istanbul office opened in 2023, signals its intent to play on Turkish ground, but the alleged refusal of government requests shows a line in the sand: comply, but not blindly.

This policy controversy isn’t unique to Türkiye. In Brazil, X faced a 2024 ban over misinformation, only to backtrack after appointing a local representative. In India, X sues Modi’s government over content removal in the new India censorship fight. In the US, X fights court battles to protect user speech. In Türkiye, it bows (partly) to avoid exile. Each case underscores a sociocultural truth: content policy isn’t unchangeable; it’s a continuous legal dispute between big tech, national power and the voice of the people.

Conclusions

As the protests simmer and X navigates Türkiye’s demands, the world watches a sociocultural experiment unfold. Will X double down on defiance, risking a ban that could cost 20 million Turkish users (per 2024 Statista data)? Or will it bend further, cementing its role as a compliant guest in Ankara’s house? The answer could shape future digital dissents and the global blueprint for free speech online. For now, it is a standoff: X holds a megaphone in one hand, a gag in the other, while protesters shout into the fray.

America’s Bitcoin gamble: A power play for financial dominance

For years, the US government has maintained a cautious stance on cryptocurrency, often treating it as a regulatory challenge rather than an economic opportunity. Recent policy moves under President Donald Trump suggest that a dramatic shift is underway—one that could redefine the nation’s role in the digital asset space. During his pre-election campaign, Trump promised to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a move that generated significant excitement among crypto advocates. In the post-election period, a series of measures have been introduced, reflecting a deeper recognition of cryptocurrency’s growing influence. But are these actions bold steps towards financial innovation, or simply political manoeuvres designed to capture a rising economic trend? The answer may lie in how these policies unfold and whether they translate into real, lasting change for Bitcoin and the broader crypto ecosystem.

Digital Asset Stockpile: Has the promise of Bitcoin as a reserve been betrayed?

The first major step in this shift came on 23 January, when Trump signed an executive order promoting cryptocurrency and paving the way for the establishment of the US Digital Asset Stockpile. At first glance, this move appeared to be a groundbreaking acknowledgement of cryptocurrencies as valuable national assets. However, a closer look revealed that the stockpile was not focused on Bitcoin alone but included a mix of digital assets, all sourced from government seizures in criminal and civil procedures. This raised immediate concerns among Bitcoin advocates, who had expected a more direct commitment to Bitcoin as a reserve asset, as promised. Instead of actively purchasing Bitcoin to build a strategic reserve, the US government chose to rely solely on confiscated funds, raising questions about the long-term sustainability and intent behind the initiative. Was this a step towards financial innovation, or simply a way to repurpose seized assets without committing to a larger crypto strategy?

The ambiguity surrounding the Digital Asset Stockpile led many to doubt whether the US government was serious about adopting Bitcoin as a key financial instrument. If the goal was to establish a meaningful reserve, why not allocate funds to acquire Bitcoin on the open market? By avoiding direct investment, the administration sent mixed signals—recognising digital assets’ importance while hesitating to commit real capital. This move, while significant, seemed to fall short of the expectations set by previous pro-crypto rhetoric.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: A step towards recognising Bitcoin’s unique role

Just when it seemed like the US was betraying its promises to the crypto community, a new executive order emerged, offering a glimmer of hope. Many were initially disillusioned by the creation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which was to be built from confiscated assets instead of fresh, direct investments in Bitcoin. This approach raised doubts about the administration’s true intentions, as it seemed more focused on repurposing seized funds than on committing to Bitcoin’s long-term role in the financial system. However, the following executive order signalled a shift in US policy, opening the door to broader recognition of Bitcoin’s potential. While it might not have met the bold expectations set by early promises, it was still a significant step towards integrating cryptocurrency into national and global financial strategies. More importantly, it signalled a move beyond viewing all cryptocurrencies as the same, recognising Bitcoin’s unique position as a digital asset with transformative potential. This was a step further in acknowledging Bitcoin’s importance, distinct from other cryptos, and marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital finance.

White House Crypto Summit: Bringing legitimacy to the table

As these initiatives unfolded, the White House Crypto Summit added another layer to the evolving policy content. As the first event of its kind, it brought together industry leaders and policymakers in an unprecedented dialogue between government officials and crypto giants. This move was not just about discussing regulations—it was a strategic effort to strengthen the foundation for future pro-crypto actions. Consulting industry insiders provided a crucial opportunity to grasp the true nature of cryptocurrency before finalising legislative measures, ensuring that policies would be informed rather than reactive. By involving key industry players, the administration ensured that upcoming measures would be shaped by those who understand the technology and its potential. It was a calculated step towards framing future policies as collaborative rather than unilateral, fostering a more balanced approach to crypto regulation.

Bitcoin Act Unveiled: America is ready to HODL

And then, the moment the crypto community had been anticipating finally arrived—a decisive move that could reshape global crypto adoption. Senator Cynthia Lummis reintroduced the Bitcoin Act, a proposal to solidify Bitcoin’s place within the US financial system. Unlike executive orders that can be overturned by future administrations, this bill aimed to establish a permanent legal framework for Bitcoin’s adoption.

What made this proposal even more historic was its bold mandate: the US government would be required to purchase one million BTC over the next five years, a colossal investment worth around $80 billion at the time. To finance this, a portion of the Federal Reserve’s net earnings would be allocated, minimising the burden on taxpayers. Additionally, all Bitcoin acquired through the programme would be locked away for at least 20 years before any portion could be sold, ensuring a long-term commitment rather than short-term speculation. It seems like America is ready to HODL!

Trump’s crypto plan: Bringing businesses back to the US

Not just that—President Trump revealed plans to sign an executive order reversing Biden-era crypto debanking policies, a move that could significantly reshape the regulatory landscape if enacted. These policies have made it increasingly difficult for crypto businesses to access banking services, effectively cutting them off from the traditional financial system and driving many firms to relocate offshore.

If implemented, the reversal could have profound repercussions. By removing banking restrictions, the USA could become a more attractive destination for blockchain companies, potentially bringing back businesses that left due to regulatory uncertainty. Easier access to banking would give crypto businesses the stability they need, cutting out the risky loopholes they have had to rely on and making the industry more transparent.

For now, this remains a plan, but its announcement alone has already garnered strong support from the crypto community, which sees it as a critical step towards re-establishing the USA as a leader in digital asset innovation. Senator Cynthia Lummis stated, ‘By transforming the president’s visionary executive action into enduring law, we can ensure that our nation will harness the full potential of digital innovation to address our national debt while maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy.’

Global impact: How US measures could accelerate worldwide crypto adoption

This is not just a story about the USA; it has global implications. The effect of these measures goes beyond American borders. By officially recognising Bitcoin as a strategic asset and rolling back restrictive banking policies, the USA is setting an example that other nations may follow. If the world’s largest economy begins accumulating Bitcoin and incorporating it into its financial framework, it will solidify Bitcoin’s standing as a global reserve asset. This could prompt other countries to rethink their positions, fostering broader institutional adoption and possibly triggering a wave of regulatory clarity worldwide. Moreover, the return of crypto businesses to the USA might spark competition among nations to establish more attractive regulatory environments, speeding up innovation and mainstream adoption.

Simultaneously, these moves send a strong signal to global markets: the uncertainty surrounding the role of Bitcoin in the financial system is decreasing. With the USA taking the lead, institutional investors who were once cautious may gain more confidence to allocate substantial funds to Bitcoin and other digital assets. This could drive broader financial integration, positioning Bitcoin not just as a hedge against inflation or a speculative investment, but also as a central element in the future financial systems.

As nations compete to define the future of money, the true test will be whether the world can embrace a decentralised financial system or whether it will ultimately remain tethered to the traditional power structures. One thing is certain: it all comes down to who holds the power in the rise of cryptocurrency, as it will shape the economic relations of the future.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

The future of digital regulation between the EU and the US

Understanding the DMA and DSA regulations

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) are two major regulatory frameworks introduced by the EU to create a fairer and safer digital environment. While both fall under the broader Digital Services Act package, they serve distinct purposes.

The DMA focuses on ensuring fair competition by regulating large online platforms, known as gatekeepers, which have a dominant influence on digital markets. It prevents these companies from engaging in monopolistic practices, such as self-preferencing their own services, restricting interoperability, or using business data unfairly. The goal is to create a more competitive landscape where smaller businesses and consumers have more choices.

On the other hand, the DSA is designed to make online spaces safer by holding platforms accountable for illegal content, misinformation, and harmful activities. It imposes stricter content moderation rules, enhances transparency in digital advertising, and ensures better user rights protection. Larger platforms with significant user bases face even greater responsibilities under this act.

The key difference in regulation is that the DMA follows an ex-ante approach, meaning it imposes strict rules on gatekeepers before unfair practices occur. The DSA takes an ex-post approach, requiring platforms to monitor risks and take corrective action after problems arise. This means the DMA enforces competition while the DSA ensures online safety and accountability.

A key component of the DSA Act package is its emphasis on transparency and user rights. Platforms must explain how their algorithms curate content, prevent the use of sensitive data for targeted advertising, and prohibit manipulative design practices such as misleading cookie banners. The most powerful platforms, classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) or Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs), are also required to assess and report on ‘systemic risks’ linked to their services, including threats to public safety, democratic discourse, and mental well-being. However, these reports often lack meaningful detail, as illustrated by TikTok’s inadequate assessment of its role in election-related misinformation.

Enforcement is critical to the success of the DSA. While the European Commission directly oversees the largest platforms, national regulators, known as Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs), play a key role in monitoring compliance. However, enforcement challenges remain, particularly in countries like Germany, where understaffing raises concerns about effective regulation. Across the EU, over 60 enforcement actions have already been launched against major tech firms, yet Silicon Valley’s biggest players are actively working to undermine European rules.

Together, the DMA and the DSA reshape how Big Tech companies operate in the EU, fostering competition and ensuring a safer and more transparent digital ecosystem for users.

Trump and Silicon Valley’s fight against EU regulations

The close relationship between Donald Trump and the Silicon Valley tech elite has significantly influenced US policy towards European digital regulations. Since Trump’s return to office, Big Tech executives have actively lobbied against these regulations and have urged the new administration to defend tech firms from what he calls EU ‘censorship.’

Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief lobbyist, has gone as far as to equate EU regulations with tariffs, a stance that aligns with the Trump administration’s broader trade war strategy. The administration sees these regulations as barriers to US technological dominance, arguing that the EU is trying to tax and control American innovation rather than foster its own competitive tech sector.

Figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have aligned themselves with Trump, leveraging their influence to oppose EU legislation such as the DSA. Meta’s controversial policy changes and Musk’s X platform’s lax approach to content moderation illustrate how major tech firms are resisting regulatory oversight while benefiting from Trump’s protectionist stance.

The White House and the House Judiciary Committee have raised concerns that these laws unfairly target American technology companies, restricting their ability to operate in the European market.

Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC, has recently voiced strong concerns regarding the DSA, which he argues could clash with America’s free speech values. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Carr warned that its approach to content moderation might excessively limit freedom of expression. His remarks reflect a broader criticism from US officials, as Vice President JD Vance had also denounced European content moderation at a recent AI summit in Paris, labelling it as ‘authoritarian censorship.’

These officials argue that the DMA and the DSA create barriers that limit American companies’ innovations and undermine free trade. In response, the House Judiciary Committee has formally challenged the European Commission, stating that certain US products and services may no longer be available in Europe due to these regulations. Keep in mind that the Biden administration also directed its trade and commerce departments to investigate whether these EU laws restrict free speech and recommend countermeasures.

Recently, US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with the EU threatening tariffs in retaliation for what he calls ‘overseas extortion.’ The memorandum signed by Trump on 21 February 2025, directs the administration to review EU and UK policies that might force US tech companies to develop or use products that ‘undermine free speech or foster censorship.’ The memo also aims at Digital Services Taxes (DSTs), claiming that foreign governments unfairly tax US firms ‘simply because they operate in foreign markets.’

EU’s response: Digital sovereignty at stake

However, the European Commission insists that these taxes are applied equally to all large digital companies, regardless of their country of origin, ensuring fair contributions from businesses profiting within the EU. It has also defended its regulations, arguing that they promote fair competition and protect consumer rights.

EU officials see these policies as fundamental to Europe’s digital sovereignty, ensuring that powerful tech firms operate transparently and fairly in the region. As they push back against what they see as US interference and tensions rise, the dispute over how to regulate Big Tech could shape the future of digital markets and transatlantic trade relations.

Eventually, this clash could lead to a new wave of trade conflicts between the USA and the EU, with potential economic and geopolitical consequences for the global tech industry. With figures like JD Vance and Jim Jordan also attacking the DSA and the DMA, and Trump himself framing EU regulations as economic warfare, Europe faces mounting pressure to weaken its tech laws. Additionally, the withdrawal of the EU Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive (AILD) following the Paris AI Summit and JD Vance’s refusal to sign a joint AI statement raised more concerns about Europe’s ability to resist external pushback. The risk that Trump will use economic and security threats, including NATO involvement, as leverage against EU enforcement underscores the urgency of a strong European response.

Another major battleground is the AI regulation. The EU’s AI Act is one of the world’s first comprehensive AI laws, setting strict guidelines for AI transparency, risk assessment, and data usage. Meanwhile, the USA has taken a more industry-led approach, with minimal government intervention.

This regulatory gap could create further tensions as European lawmakers demand compliance from American AI firms. The recent withdrawal of the EU Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive (AILD) under US pressure highlights how external lobbying can influence European policymaking.

However, if the EU successfully enforces its AI rules, it could set a global precedent, forcing US firms to comply with European standards if they want to operate in the region. This scenario mirrors what happened with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which led to global changes in privacy policies.

To counter the growing pressure, the EU remains steadfast – as we speak – in enforcing the DSA, the DMA, and the AI Act, ensuring that regulatory frameworks are not compromised under US influence. Beyond regulation, Europe must also bolster its digital industrial capabilities to keep pace. The EUR 200 billion AI investment is a step in the right direction, but Europe requires more resilient digital infrastructures, stronger back-end technologies, and better support for its tech companies.

Currently, the EU is doubling down on its push for digital sovereignty by investing in:

Cloud computing infrastructure to reduce reliance on US providers (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure)
AI development and semiconductor manufacturing (through the European Chips Act)
Alternative social media platforms and search engines to challenge US dominance

These efforts aim to lessen European dependence on US Big Tech and create a more self-sufficient digital ecosystem.

The future of digital regulations

Despite the escalating tensions, both the EU and the USA recognise the importance of transatlantic tech cooperation. While their regulatory approaches differ significantly, there are areas where collaboration could still prevail. Cybersecurity remains a crucial issue, as both sides face growing threats from several countries. Strengthening cybersecurity partnerships could provide a shared framework for protecting critical infrastructure and digital ecosystems. Another potential area for collaboration is the development of joint AI safety standards, ensuring that emerging technologies are regulated responsibly without stifling innovation. Additionally, data-sharing agreements remain essential to maintaining smooth digital trade and cross-border business operations.

Past agreements, such as the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, have demonstrated that cooperation is possible. However, whether similar compromises can be reached regarding the DMA, the DSA, and the AI Act remains uncertain. Fundamental differences in regulatory philosophy continue to create obstacles, with the EU prioritising consumer protection and market fairness while the USA maintains a more business-friendly, innovation-driven stance.

Looking ahead, the future of digital regulations between the EU and the USA is likely to remain contentious. The European Union appears determined to enforce stricter rules on Big Tech, while the United States—particularly under the Trump administration—is expected to push back against what it perceives as excessive European regulatory influence. Unless meaningful compromises are reached, the global internet may further fragment into distinct regulatory zones. The European model would emphasise strict digital oversight, strong privacy protections, and policies designed to ensure fair competition. The USA, in contrast, would continue to prioritise a more business-led approach, favouring self-regulation and innovation-driven policies.

As the digital landscape evolves, the coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether the EU and the USA can find common ground on tech regulation or whether their differences will lead to deeper division. The stakes are high, affecting not only businesses but also consumers, policymakers, and the broader future of the global internet. The path forward remains uncertain, but the decisions made today will shape the structure of the digital world for generations to come.

Ultimately, the outcome of this ongoing transatlanti c dispute could have wide-reaching implications, not only for the future of digital regulation but also for global trade relations. While the US government and the Silicon Valley tech elite are likely to continue their pushback, the EU appears steadfast in its determination to ensure that its digital regulations are enforced to maintain a fair and safe digital ecosystem for all users. As this global battle unfolds, the world will be watching as the EU and USA navigate the evolving landscape of digital governance.

DW Weekly #206 – Impact of Trump’s tariffs on tech industry

Campaigns 97

Dear readers,

Last week brought tectonic shifts in the global economy following the US tariffs dismantling the existing trade order. So far, the tech and digital sectors have been indirectly affected mainly by the price increase of hardware components, including semiconductors and servers, imported from China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Apple and Samsung already announced a rise in the prices of smartphones.

However, the impact on the US tech sector and the global digital economy can worsen if the trade war escalates. In such a scenario, the European Union and other countries will likely introduce digital services taxes and stricter regulations of the US tech giants, as analysed by Jovan Kurbalija in Algorithms confront tariffs: A hidden digital front in an emerging trade war.

Forthcoming economic uncertainty may lead to a rise in the value of Bitcoin as a safer than other options for saving wealth and investment.

TikTok bidding war intensified as Amazon entered the fray with Trump’s last call to resolve TikTok’s future. However, the TikTok deal stalled amid US-China trade tensions.

Amid geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity has risen in relevance. The UK and Japan passed new cybersecurity bills that protect critical infrastructure. As of 1 April, Switzerland requires critical infrastructure operators to report cyberattacks within 24 hours to the National Cybersecurity Center.

The pushback against strict AI safety regulations continues as the industry has lobbied South Korea for a less strict AI Basic Act than the European Union.

Microsoft is scaling down the development of new AI data centres as a sign of lower dynamism in this field and precautionary measures against AI bubble.

Ghibli-style images overwhelmed OpenAI servers and OpenAI layers as they opened the question of copyright breaches. The EU AI Act’s Code of Practice clarified the regulation of using copyrighted materials to develop AI models.

For the main updates and reflections, consult the Radar and Reading Corner below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 28 March – 4 April 2025

EU regulators seek common approach on DSA

Coimisiún na Meán, leading DSA enforcement in Ireland, faces varying interpretations of the law among EU members, making a unified approach crucial to regulation.

Authors in London protest Meta’s copyright violations

Notable authors such as Kate Mosse and Tracy Chevalier are participating, with the demonstration organised by the Society of Authors (SoA).

The US House Committee passes a bill to strengthen stablecoin oversight

US lawmakers are advancing stablecoin legislation aimed at increasing transparency, securing reserves, and strengthening the dollar’s role in digital payments.

The overlooked legacy of the Lwów–Warsaw school in shaping modern AI

The logical and analytical foundations laid by the Lwów–Warsaw School significantly support both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI transformation.

TikTok bidding war intensifies as Amazon enters the fray

Key interested parties now include Amazon too, expressing its interest in line with its social media expansion ambitions, and a consortium led by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, proposing a model…

Japan passes landmark cyber defence bill

The Active Cyber Defence Bill would enable pre-emptive and active cyber measures by military and law enforcement, mandating incident reporting from critical infrastructure, and allowing limited data collection to monitor…

Studio Ghibli AI trend overwhelms OpenAI

What started as a fun artistic trend has quickly turned into a technical nightmare for OpenAI, with its CEO pleading for a break as servers buckle under pressure.

TikTok deal stalled amid US-China trade tensions

Talks about spinning off TikTok’s US operations have hit a wall after China signalled disapproval following President Trump’s new tariff hikes.

AI’s energy hunger drives nuclear energy resurgence

Big Tech’s energy needs are pushing the nuclear renaissance as AI models become increasingly power-hungry.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Algorithms confront tariffs: A hidden digital front in an emerging trade war – Diplo

President Trump’s tariffs on goods have intensified global trade tensions, notably with the EU. However, they largely ignore the critical sector of digital services, where the US holds a strong advantage. In response, European nations have proposed digital services taxes (DSTs) aimed at American tech giants, framing them as necessary for fiscal fairness. The collapse of OECD negotiations has prompted unilateral digital taxes across various countries, escalating the trade conflict. This shift towards digital taxation could redefine international trade diplomacy, posing challenges for US tech dominance and potentially leading to retaliation that affects both goods and digital markets.

Digital sovereignty p1 blog featured image

Digital sovereignty: The end of the open internet as we know it? (Part 1) – Diplo

The concept of digital sovereignty has gained prominence. This discussion examines the tension between territorial politics and transborder digital operations, highlighting how demands for autonomy reflect a desire to navigate external influences within an interconnected digital landscape. As sovereignty claims become entwined with security narratives, the necessity to socially anchor digital sovereignty policies is emphasized.

The Hidden Influence: How Lwów–Warsaw School shaped AI developments – Diplo

The Lwów–Warsaw School of Philosophy, a pioneering movement in Polish thought, has made lasting contributions to philosophy highly relevant to modern AI. The school’s work in logic and semantics provides essential tools for AI, while its analytical approach offers insights into ethical challenges.

The strategy of provocation – Diplo

An ermine plays peek-a-boo from a rotting tree. Cute? Maybe. But it might also be a calculated survival tactic. Aldo Matteucci explores provocation in the wild – and its unsettling parallel in human behaviour.

Ghibli trend as proof of global dependence on AI: A phenomenon that overloaded social networks and systems

How Ghibli-inspired AI art went viral, exploring mainstream AI trends, creativity impact, and ethical concerns raised by Hayao Miyazaki.

UPCOMING EVENTS

commission on science technology and development

7-11 April 2025

28th Session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development

The twenty-eighth session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will take place from 7 to 11 April 2025.

4 A visual representation of structured digital governance

9 April 2025

Briefing on digital governance for Armenian CSOs

The briefing will discuss the role of civil society organisations in digital governance and AI developments.

15 April 2025

GITEX Africa 2025

Jovan Kurbalija will discuss how AI can help African development and preservation of local knowledge and traditions.

23 April 2025

Demystifying AI: How to prepare international organisations for AI transformation?

The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons.

Dear readers,

In this week’s edition, we untangle the clash of free speech, power, and platforms, during the mass protests in Türkiye, where many X accounts have been suspended, digging into what it means for global diplomacy, content policy, and the future of online speech.

IN FOCUS: Turkish protests – Freedom of speech has taken centre stage this week, with Türkiye’s streets erupting in mass protests and Elon Musk’s platform X again under fire. With account suspensions, government requests, and a tech giant caught between free expression and compliance, all eyes are on how X navigates this storm.

RADAR: UN General Assembly adopts resolution on WSIS+20 review modalities; Trump weighs tariff cuts to secure TikTok deal; EU softens AI copyright rules; SoftBank leads massive investment in OpenAI.

READING CORNER:

EXPLORE…

IN FOCUS

Turkish protests

The recent suspension of many accounts on X (formerly Twitter) amid Türkiye’s civil unrest has provoked a complex debate surrounding freedom of speech and content moderation policies. Another case in the row shows the complex balance social media platforms must maintain between upholding free expression and adhering to governmental regulations, particularly in politically volatile environments.

THE CONTEXT: What’s happening in Türkiye?

The turmoil in Türkiye was sparked by the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a potential candidate in the Turkish presidential election on behalf of an opposition party. Charged with alleged corruption and ties to terrorism, İmamoğlu’s detention led to widespread protests across major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. Demonstrators viewed the arrest as a politically motivated attempt to sideline a key opposition figure ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The government’s response was swift, resulting in over 1,100 arrests, including several journalists.

Amid the escalating protests, the Turkish Information and Communication Technologies Authority reportedly requested X to block more than 700 accounts, including those of news organisations, journalists, and political figures. These accounts primarily shared information about protest locations and organised demonstrations. Yusuf Can, the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program coordinator, noted that many suspended accounts were ‘university-associated activist accounts, basically sharing protest information, locations for students to go.’

However, X’s actions were inconsistent. While it allegedly suspended some accounts selectively, the platform publicly rejected the broader demand to block over 700 accounts, labelling the request as ‘illegal’ and asserting:

‘X will always defend freedom of speech everywhere we operate.’

X’s partial compliance with these requests has been criticised, especially given Elon Musk’s previous assertions of championing free speech on the platform. Despite Musk’s stance, X generally does respond to governmental content removal requests, with the company’s transparency report indicating an 86% compliance rate during the second half of 2024 in Türkiye.

Either way, the suspension of accounts during the Turkish protests raises critical questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms. While platforms like X operate globally, they must navigate a complex web of local laws and regulations. In Türkiye, laws mandate that social media companies appoint local representatives and comply with content removal requests under threat of fines or bandwidth reductions. This legal framework places platforms in a challenging position, balancing governmental compliance while trying to preserve user rights and freedom of expression.

To conclude:

The measures taken by X amid Türkiye’s protests underscore a constant challenge: content policy isn’t unchangeable; it’s a continuous legal dispute between big tech, national power and the voice of the people. Therefore, as social media platforms play an integral role in political discourse and activism, their content moderation policies and responses to governmental requests will remain under intense scrutiny. However, these common controversies demand transparent policies enabling companies to uphold the principles of free expression while curbing harmful content and being mindful of the complex landscape of content policies and political dynamics.

Find the full dig.watch analysis he r e or in our READING CORNER!

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

SEC lawsuit against Elon Musk sparks political debate

Legal experts are divided over whether the SEC’s lawsuit against Musk is justified or politically motivated.

RADAR:

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on WSIS+20 review modalities

On 25 March 2025, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution defining the modalities for the overall review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (the WSIS+20 review).

Trump weighs tariff cuts to secure TikTok deal

US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to reduce tariffs on China as part of a deal with ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the popular short-video app.

Other topics and updates

Visit dig.watch now for the latest updates and other topics!

Marko and the Digital Watch team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 21-28 March 2025

Does Section 230 of the US Communication Decency Act protect users or tech platforms?

By allowing platforms to govern their digital spaces, Section 230 supports freedom of expression and guards against excessive censorship.

eu artificial intelligence act 415652543

EU softens AI copyright rules

Amid European legal shifts, developers of general-purpose AI models are finding clearer ground, as the latest draft of the EU AI Act’s copyright guidelines embraces practicality and proportionate enforcement.

SoftBank leads massive investment in OpenAI

As ChatGPT’s features continue to capture the public’s imagination, OpenAI is close to sealing a colossal funding deal led by SoftBank that would double its valuation within months.

malaysia exports semiconductors to china

Malaysia under scrutiny over semiconductor exports to China

The US is investigating whether banned AI chips reached Chinese firm DeepSeek.

Russian Central Bank renews push for nationwide crypto ban

Financial authorities are split on crypto regulation, with the Central Bank pushing for a ban and the Ministry of Finance considering limited access for top investors.

EU regulators to drop Apple probe after compliance changes

Apple has avoided penalties as the EU concludes its inquiry into iPhone browser options, following regulatory adjustments by the company.

China faces Nvidia chip shortages

Demand for Nvidia’s H20 chips is surging as Chinese tech giants, including Tencent and Alibaba, rush to adopt AI models, straining already limited supplies.

DeepSeek launches V3 to challenge OpenAI

The V3 model from DeepSeek offers enhanced performance metrics and positions the Chinese startup as a growing rival to major AI players like OpenAI and Anthropic.

US report highlights China’s growing military capabilities

China rejected US accusations in the intelligence report, accusing Washington of using outdated Cold War thinking and hyping the ‘China threat’ to maintain military dominance.

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Crypto crime surge triggers market instability

Bitcoin has dropped from $106,000 to $83,000 amid rising crypto crime, with analysts predicting further declines in the coming weeks.

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X’s Türkiye tangle, between freedom of speech, control, and digital defiance

Freedom of speech has taken centre stage this week, with Türkiye’s streets erupting in mass protests and Elon Musk’s platform X again under fire. With account suspensions, government requests, and a tech giant caught between free expression and compliance, all eyes are on how X navigates this storm.

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Yellow Rain: Natural dust, scientific truth, and diplomatic tool – Diplo

Every March, yellow rain coats European cities, tinting cars and sidewalks with a golden hue. This striking phenomenon occurs when Saharan dust, carried by wind, travels thousands of kilometres and is washed down by rain. I learnt about it through conversations at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), where my office is located. In 2021, when 180,000 tonnes of dust swept across Europe, a webinar with Dr Slobodan Nickovic, creator of the ‘dust model’, deepened my understanding of this interplay between nature, science, and diplomacy, leading to reflections you can read in the original blog.

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Do we have a moral obligation to save wild bees? – Diplo

Only 2% of wild bees do 80% of the pollination. Should we still save the other 700 species? The debate is not just ecological – it’s moral vs economic.

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Part 6: Governing the metaverse through standards – Diplo

No system works without standards – not cities, not cyberspace. As the metaverse grows, it needs rules that go beyond code. Read Part 6 of the new metaverse blog series: UN 2.0 and the Metaverse: Are We Seeing What Is Possible?

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Is AI the key to nuclear renaissance? – Diplo

As AI’s energy demands surge, nuclear power is emerging as a key solution to sustain its growth while minimising carbon emissions. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are investing heavily in nuclear energy to power AI-driven data centres, signalling a potential nuclear renaissance in the age of AI.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Global AI Summit on Africa

The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, will host the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa…

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Training for the Republic of Serbia Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection – Diplo Event

Training for the Republic of Serbia Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection The representatives of the Commissioner for

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Digital Sovereignty and the open internet: Can they coexist? – Diplo Event

Digital Sovereignty and the open internet: Can they coexist? The Internet Governance Project (IGP) in collaboration with the Quello Center will gather

DW Weekly #204 – Alphabet’s $32 billion grab: Wiz joins Google’s cybersecurity army

Dear readers,

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has sealed a $32 billion deal to acquire Wiz, an Israeli cybersecurity powerhouse, marking the largest acquisition in Google’s history. Announced on 18 March 2025, this deal did not just happen overnight; it is a tale of persistence, political shifts, and a fierce battle for dominance in the cloud security landscape. Let’s dive into what this means for cybersecurity, the tech industry, and the broader US-China tech rivalry to focus on what truly matters.

Accelerated negotiations under the Trump administration

The story starts nearly a year ago when Google first tried to snag Wiz for $23 billion in July 2024, but the deal fell through, spooked by fears of harsh antitrust scrutiny under the Biden administration. Fast forward to Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, and the circumstances shifted. Trump’s inauguration was the game changer. His appointees, Andrew Ferguson of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Gail Slater overseeing antitrust at the Justice Department, signalled a friendlier stance toward big mergers. For Wiz and Google executives, this was the green light they had been waiting for. Talks that had sputtered since last fall suddenly kicked into high gear, culminating in a deal sweetened by a hefty $9 billion bump and a massive $3.2 billion breakup fee, over 10% of the deal’s value, if regulators block it.

Background on Wiz

Why the rush for Wiz? It is all about cloud security, a field growing more critical by the day as businesses shift online and cyber threats multiply. Wiz, founded in 2020 by ex-Israeli military tech experts, has soared to a $700 million annual revenue stream, with a 70% growth rate that is the industry’s envy. Its tech helps companies spot and fix risks across cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and, yes, Google Cloud. For Google, which trails Amazon and Microsoft in the cloud race, Wiz is a golden ticket to beef up its offerings.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a nice-to-have. Last year’s CrowdStrike outage showed how one glitch can cripple industries worldwide. Google’s cloud boss, Thomas Kurian, has relentlessly chased this prize, seeing Wiz as key to closing the gap with rivals.

But this deal is not without controversy. At $32 billion, it is a colossal bet, dwarfing Google’s previous big buy, Motorola Mobility, at $12.5 billion in 2012. The price tag reflects Wiz’s value, sure, but also the risk. Google is already tangled in two Justice Department lawsuits over its search and adtech dominance, and a deal this size could still draw a stern look, even under Trump’s lighter touch. Wiz executives, burned by watching Adobe’s $20 billion Figma bid crash in 2023 over antitrust woes, demanded that sky-high breakup fee as insurance. It is a rare move, most US deals hover around 4-7% for such fees, per a 2023 Fenwick and West study—but it shows how jittery both sides are about regulatory hurdles.

Implications for the cybersecurity landscape

Zoom out, and this acquisition fits into a larger chess game: the USA versus China in tech supremacy. On 17 March, the US Department of Commerce banned China’s DeepSeek AI from government devices, citing fears it could funnel data to Beijing. Wiz’s rise contrasts sharply with DeepSeek’s struggles; while the Chinese firm dazzles with cheap, clever AI models, it is hitting a wall of US restrictions. Google snapping up Wiz is not just about market share; it is a strategic grab to keep cutting-edge cybersecurity tech in Western hands. Israel’s knack for producing security stars—think Siemplify (bought by Google in 2022) or Adallom (snagged by Microsoft in 2015)—only amplifies this angle.

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Looking ahead

Here is the takeaway: our online life is more vulnerable than ever, and companies like Google are racing to lock it down. Wiz’s tools will stay platform-agnostic, meaning they will work across clouds, not just Google’s, a nod to keeping customers happy and regulators at bay. However, the $32 billion question is whether this merger will spark a wave of innovation or just tighten Big Tech’s grip. Experts, like Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf from EMARKETER, warn it will face ‘too much scrutiny to go through completely unimpeded’, given Google’s legal baggage. Others see it as a shot in the arm for startups, with Wiz’s early backers like Sequoia and Index Ventures willing to cash out billions, per PitchBook data.

The cybersecurity world is watching as the deal heads toward a 2026 close. Will Google turn Wiz into a juggernaut that shields us from digital chaos, or will it stumble under its weight, burdened by regulators or rivalries? One thing is clear: Alphabet has made a bold move in the high-stakes game of tech and security, and the board is far from settled.

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Microsoft invests $2.2 billion in Malaysian cloud expansion

The launch of three data centres in Kuala Lumpur is part of Microsoft’s ongoing investment in Malaysia, aiming to turn the country into a hub for cloud and AI innovation.

In other news:

Zero draft resolution for Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance published

As part of the intergovernmental process dedicated to defining terms of reference and modalities for the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance (whose creation was agreed in the context of the Global Digital Compact), the co-facilitators, Costa Rica and Spain, made available a zero draft resolution on 19 March 2025.

Apple faces EU crackdown over closed technology

The European Commission has ordered Apple to grant rival smartphone, headphone, and virtual reality companies access to its technology and mobile operating system.

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Marko and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 14-21 March 2025

US bans Chinese AI LLM DeepSeek from government devices

Several states, including Virginia, Texas, and New York, have already enacted prohibitions.

Pavel Durov granted temporary leave from France in legal case

French prosecutors suspect Telegram’s founder of enabling illegal activities on the platform.

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EU delays ETIAS launch until late 2026

Travellers from 60 non-EU countries, including the UK, will need to apply for the ETIAS starting in late 2026. The application will include personal details, security questions, and a €7…

BMW to equip cars with Huawei HiCar system

The German company aims to deepen collaboration with Chinese suppliers, integrating them into its global innovation network to drive long-term technological advancements and smarter vehicle systems.

Europe’s tech giants push for sovereign fund

A coalition of European companies proposes a “buy European” policy to stimulate demand and encourage local investment in key technology sectors.

Turkey investigates Netflix, Disney, and Amazon for competition law violations

The local Competition Board is evaluating the business practices of global streaming giants as part of its efforts to ensure fair competition within the local digital entertainment market.

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UK teachers embrace AI for future education

In a recent event in Stoke-on-Trent, teachers gathered to explore how AI could be used in classrooms.

China announces mandatory AI labelling requirements

Global discussions on AI regulation are intensifying, with China setting a precedent for stricter oversight.

US administration in talks with multiple buyers for TikTok

Vice President JD Vance says negotiations aim to create an independent American TikTok.

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US launches national security unit to combat cyberattacks on telecom sector

The FCC has established a national security unit to strengthen the resilience of the US telecom sector, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and address cyber threats, espionage, and strategic…

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America’s Bitcoin gamble: A power play for financial dominance

The US is leading a Bitcoin charge—will the world follow, or is this just another high-stakes power move?

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The complexity of history: Beyond cause and effect – Diplo

History isn’t just a chain of causes and effects – it’s a web of infinite necessities, chance encounters, and transformative experiences. The American Revolution wasn’t inevitable, but it became so. Aldo Matteucci examines.

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Ethics and AI | Part 6 – Diplo

UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence sets a global standard for AI governance. It provides a framework for policymakers to ensure AI development aligns with ethical and inclusive principles.

DW Weekly #203 – Musk under siege: X cyberattack, Tesla crisis, and Trump ties inspire conspiracy theories

Dear readers,

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, experienced evident disruptions on Monday, 10 March 2025, affecting tens of thousands of users worldwide. The outages began around 6 a.m. Eastern Time, peaking at approximately 10 a.m. with over 41,000 reported issues, according to Downdetector. Users reported difficulties accessing the platform on mobile devices and computers worldwide, with services gradually returning to normal later in the day.

Elon Musk attributed these disruptions to a ‘massive cyberattack’, suggesting that a large, coordinated group or possibly a nation-state was involved. He said, ‘We get attacked every day, but this was done with many resources. Either a large, coordinated group and/or a country is involved.’ However, cybersecurity experts have expressed scepticism regarding Musk’s claims. They note that Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm servers with excessive traffic, can be executed by relatively small groups or even individuals without the backing of a nation-state.

Musk further elaborated in an interview with Fox Business’ Larry Kudlow, asserting that the attack originated from IP addresses in the ‘Ukraine area’. This claim has raised eyebrows among cybersecurity professionals, as attributing cyberattacks based solely on IP addresses is notoriously unreliable. Attackers often use proxy servers and botnets across various countries to mask their true location, making definitive attribution challenging.

Either way, the timing of this cyberattack coincides with a tumultuous period for Musk’s business ventures, notably Tesla. Shares of Tesla have plummeted 15.4% to $222.15, their lowest since October. This decline is attributed to waning investor confidence due to the company’s declining global sales. Namely, Tesla experienced its first annual global sales decline last year, with significant drops in key markets such as California, Europe, and China. Analysts foresee a further 5% drop in US deliveries for 2025.

Person, People, Book, Comics, Publication, Animal, Reptile, Sea Life, Turtle, Face, Head, Juggling

Compounding these financial challenges is Musk’s public alliance with President Donald Trump. Musk has been a prominent supporter of the Trump administration, contributing $277 million to Trump’s campaign and allied Republicans, making him the largest individual political donor in the 2024 election. This alliance has sparked a backlash from Tesla’s predominantly environmentally conscious customer base, leading to protests at Tesla showrooms and acts of vandalism against vehicles.

Furthermore, Musk has been appointed by President Trump to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to streamline federal operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures. Musk’s unconventional approach to this role, including setting up a gaming PC in the Secretary of War Suite at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, has drawn both attention and criticism. His methods have been described as radical, openly dismissing traditional roles and respect for federal employees and their work.

Conclusions:

First, the convergence of these events—the cyberattack on X, Tesla’s market challenges, and Musk’s deepening political engagements—paints a complex picture of the current landscape surrounding Musk’s enterprises. The cyberattack raises questions about X’s security infrastructure and the potential motives behind such an attack. If a nation-state were indeed involved, it could signify a targeted effort to disrupt a platform influential in global communications.

Secondly, Tesla’s declining stock value means broader concerns about the company’s future performance amid increasing competition in the electric vehicle market. Companies like China’s BYD are emerging as formidable competitors, challenging Tesla’s market share. Musk’s political affiliations may also alienate a segment of Tesla’s customer base, further impacting sales.

Lastly, Musk’s alliance with President Trump positions him at a crucial intersection of business and politics. While this relationship significantly influences policies that could benefit his ventures, it also subjects him to heightened scrutiny and potential backlash. Public perception of Musk is becoming increasingly polarised, which could have additional and lasting implications for his businesses.

For more information on cybersecurity, digital policies, AI governance and other related topics, visit diplomacy.edu.

Musk blames ‘major cyberattack’ for X outage, points to Ukraine

Musk suggested the attack was backed by significant resources, possibly indicating involvement by a large group or nation-state.

In other news:

Tusk warns against arrogance after US-Poland social media clash

In a recent post on X, Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has urged allies to show respect and avoid arrogance, following a heated social media exchange between Polish and US officials.

Trump’s viral ‘Everything is computer’ sparks new meme coin frenzy

A new meme coin, Everything is Computer (EIC), has taken the crypto market by storm after a viral comment from US President Donald Trump.

Other topics and updates

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Marko and the Digital Watch team

Highlights from the week of 7-14 March 2025

Trump administration ends support for cybersecurity projects

Funding cuts to key cybersecurity initiatives under the Trump administration raise concerns about potential vulnerabilities in future US elections.

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Switzerland mandates cyberattack reporting for critical infrastructure from 1 April 2025

Switzerland will require operators of critical infrastructure to report cyberattacks to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) within 24 hours from 1 April 2025, with fines for non-compliance taking effect…

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Poland pushes ahead with tech tax despite US criticism

The tax aims to target the profits of major tech companies to support local tech development, though its timing has sparked internal government debate.

Telegram faces regional ban in Russia amid security fears

The decision comes after Telegram was allegedly used to coordinate the October 2023 anti-Israel riot at Makhachkala airport.

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Authors challenge Meta’s use of their books in AI training

The lawsuit claims Meta violated intellectual property rights by using the authors’ works without permission and removing copyright information to cover up the infringement.

ECB plans digital euro launch by 2028

The ECB is also addressing privacy concerns and exploring blockchain technologies amid competitive pressure from global digital currencies like China’s digital yuan and US stablecoins.

Trump eyes TikTok sale: Four buyers in play

The situation has attracted potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, with analysts estimating TikTok’s value at up to $50 billion.

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China expands university enrolment to boost AI talent

This initiative is part of the country’s effort to strengthen its STEM workforce to meet national and international demands.

Foxconn unveils ‘FoxBrain’ AI model, steps into AI race

Developed using 120 Nvidia H100 GPUs in four weeks, the model is based on Meta’s Llama 3.1 architecture and is optimised for traditional Chinese and Taiwanese language styles.