Home | Newsletters & Shorts | DW Weekly #147 – 16 February 2024

DW Weekly #147 – 16 February 2024

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Dear readers,

The UN negotiations to establish a cybercrime treaty faced challenges, with no consensus reached during the Ad Hoc Committee’s concluding session. Microsoft and OpenAI revealed the nefarious use of AI tools by threat actors, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity. The 2024 Munich Security Report ranked cyberattacks as the second major global threat, following extreme weather. 

In the dynamic landscape of AI, OpenAI’s CEO suggested the UAE be a global AI regulatory sandbox, fostering responsible development. Nvidia’s CEO emphasised national autonomy in AI infrastructure, urging countries to build their capabilities for technological sovereignty. 

As the 2024 elections approach, AI firms are proactively planning guardrails to prevent the misuse of political images. Google announced an anti-misinformation campaign for the EU elections, aiming to combat false information.

Influencers in the EU face scrutiny over transparency issues, while NYC tok legal action, suing social media companies for exploiting the mental health of young users. 

Portugal implemented a law for equal access to communication services, and the UAE initiated a tech fund to support technological development in developing nations.

Let’s get started, 

Andrijana and the Digital Watch team


Highlights from the week of 9-16 February 2024

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No consensus for the UN Cybercrime Treaty | The Concluding Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime 2024
The concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime ended, but an additional session awaits as consensus has not been reached. Read more.
8N6ikeWA un flag blue
No consensus for the UN Cybercrime Treaty | The Concluding Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime 2024
The concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime ended, but an additional session awaits as consensus has not been reached. Read more.
Microsoft, OpenAI reveal how threat actors use AI
The research indicates a trend where attackers treat AI as an additional productivity tool in their offensive strategies.  Read more.
Microsoft, OpenAI reveal how threat actors use AI
The research indicates a trend where attackers treat AI as an additional productivity tool in their offensive strategies.  Read more.
computer security data security protection concept
2024 Munich Security Report: G7 countries rank cyberattacks second only to extreme weather
The report’s findings showcase a heightened awareness of cyber threats amid technological advancements. Read more.
computer security data security protection concept
2024 Munich Security Report: G7 countries rank cyberattacks second only to extreme weather
The report’s findings showcase a heightened awareness of cyber threats amid technological advancements. Read more.

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OpenAI’s CEO suggests UAE as global AI regulatory sandbox
Sam Altman sees the UAE as a potential leader in AI regulation, capable of serving as a controlled environment for testing and developing AI technologies, which could inform and shape future global regulations. Read more.
desktop photo laptop with ai hologram interface chat concept ai artificial intelligence
OpenAI’s CEO suggests UAE as global AI regulatory sandbox
Sam Altman sees the UAE as a potential leader in AI regulation, capable of serving as a controlled environment for testing and developing AI technologies, which could inform and shape future global regulations. Read more.
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Nvidia’s CEO: Countries need to build their own AI infrastructure
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang stated that it is essential for countries to harness the economic potential of AI while safeguarding their own culture. Huang also urged governments to take the initiative in building AI infrastructure and not rely on others for this technology. Read more.
nvidia dgx 2 open chassis YS
Nvidia’s CEO: Countries need to build their own AI infrastructure
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang stated that it is essential for countries to harness the economic potential of AI while safeguarding their own culture. Huang also urged governments to take the initiative in building AI infrastructure and not rely on others for this technology. Read more.

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AI firms plan guardrails to prevent misuse of political images ahead of 2024 elections
AI and social media companies are actively considering and implementing steps to reduce the possible misuse of the technology in developing and sharing political images and material ahead of the 2024 elections. Read more.
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AI firms plan guardrails to prevent misuse of political images ahead of 2024 elections
AI and social media companies are actively considering and implementing steps to reduce the possible misuse of the technology in developing and sharing political images and material ahead of the 2024 elections. Read more.
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Google will launch campaign to fight misinformation ahead of EU elections
EU citizens will vote for a new European Parliament in June 2024. Read more.
fact fake wordplay banner headline
Google will launch campaign to fight misinformation ahead of EU elections
EU citizens will vote for a new European Parliament in June 2024. Read more.

woman influencer selling clothes online
Influencers face scrutiny as EU sweep exposes transparency issues
Just one out of every five influencers reveals that their content is actually advertising. Read more.
woman influencer selling clothes online
Influencers face scrutiny as EU sweep exposes transparency issues
Just one out of every five influencers reveals that their content is actually advertising. Read more.

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Portugal has implemented a law to promote equal access to communication services
Portugal mandates telecom companies to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, requiring tailored equipment, software, and tariffs effective from June 28, 2025, aligning with EU accessibility directives to enhance digital inclusivity and equal opportunities. Read more.
man hold tablet phone pc flag portugal country background
Portugal has implemented a law to promote equal access to communication services
Portugal mandates telecom companies to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, requiring tailored equipment, software, and tariffs effective from June 28, 2025, aligning with EU accessibility directives to enhance digital inclusivity and equal opportunities. Read more.
little boy with a mobile phone on the street a child and gadgets
NYC sues social media companies for exploiting mental health of young users
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city is the first major American city to take such significant steps. Read more.
little boy with a mobile phone on the street a child and gadgets
NYC sues social media companies for exploiting mental health of young users
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city is the first major American city to take such significant steps. Read more.

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UAE starts tech fund for developing nations
The fund—announced at this year’s World Governments Summit hosted by the UAE—’serves as a channel for countries worldwide to tap into the UAE’s technological expertise to address their unique challenges.’ Read more.
2024%2F02%2Frpa concept with blurry hand touching screen
UAE starts tech fund for developing nations
The fund—announced at this year’s World Governments Summit hosted by the UAE—’serves as a channel for countries worldwide to tap into the UAE’s technological expertise to address their unique challenges.’ Read more.


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New Germany’s digital foreign policy strategy: Between continuity and change
Diplo’s Executive Director, Jovan Kurbalija, takes a look at Germany’s first digital policy strategy, a document that is set to serve as a framework that promotes more proactive policymaking on digital issues while being attentive to the protection of human rights and access to free internet.
shutterstock 2308365389 1
New Germany’s digital foreign policy strategy: Between continuity and change
Diplo’s Executive Director, Jovan Kurbalija, takes a look at Germany’s first digital policy strategy, a document that is set to serve as a framework that promotes more proactive policymaking on digital issues while being attentive to the protection of human rights and access to free internet.