
Dear readers,
Donald Trump’s return to the White House probably signals a relevant shift in tech policy, given his strategic alignment with influential figures in Silicon Valley, most notably Elon Musk. Musk, a vocal supporter and one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, invested approximately $120 million into Trump’s campaign, clearly showing his commitment to Trump’s vision for a tech-forward, market-driven America. Trump has vowed to appoint Musk to head a government efficiency commission, suggesting an unprecedented partnership between the government and private tech giants.
Trump’s ambitions in the tech arena are sweeping. He has promised a regulatory environment that would ‘set free’ companies burdened by government intervention. By rolling back regulations on AI, social media, and cryptocurrency sectors, Trump aims to foster innovation by reducing oversight and promoting a more liberal market. This policy stance starkly contrasts the Biden administration’s regulatory approach, particularly in Big Tech antitrust and AI oversight, which Trump’s team views as stifling growth and innovation.
A key part of Trump’s tech agenda is his stance on digital freedom. He has consistently criticised social media platforms for what he claims is censorship of conservative voices, a sentiment echoed by Musk, especially since his acquisition of Twitter (now X). Under Trump’s leadership, there are likely to be pushes to reform Section 230, the law that protects platforms from liability for user-generated content, aiming to curb what Trump views as ‘biased censorship’ against his supporters. This approach aligns with Trump’s free-market ethos and reflects his desire to reshape the digital public square to favour unrestricted speech.
Moreover, the Government Efficiency Commission would conduct a complete financial and performance audit of the federal government. Trump also pledged to cut corporate tax rates for domestically manufactured companies, establish ‘low-tax’ zones on federal lands, encourage construction companies to build new homes and start a sovereign wealth fund. Trump’s proposal drew criticism from Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, who accused Trump and Musk of wanting to weaken the nonpartisan civil service.
As Trump reclaims his influence over tech policy, his administration is expected to reassess past conflicts with Silicon Valley. Despite his previous clashes with leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Trump’s recent statements have indicated a willingness to mend fences, especially with executives prioritising business over political engagement. For instance, Zuckerberg’s current stance of neutrality has met with Trump’s approval, signifying a potential thaw in relations that could lead to an era of cooperation rather than confrontation.
In this new chapter, Trump’s alliance with Musk and other tech elites underscores his ambition to create a tech policy that minimises governmental control while encouraging private innovation. Together, Trump and Musk represent a fusion of populism and technology, a partnership that could reshape America’s role in the global tech landscape, steering it towards a future where corporate influence on policy is stronger than ever.
Follow the ‘Highlights from the week’ in its section below…
EU unveils new transparency rules under DSA for intermediary service providers
The European Commission has introduced an Implementing Regulation that standardises transparency reporting for providers of intermediary services under the Digital Services Act (DSA). That regulation aims to ensure consistency and comparability of data shared with the public by requiring providers to disclose specific information about their content moderation practices.
Apple faces first EU fine under Digital Markets Act
Apple is set to face its first fine under the European Union‘s Digital Markets Act (DMA) for breaching the bloc’s antitrust regulations. The case comes after EU regulators charged Apple in June for violating the new tech rules designed to curb the dominance of big tech companies.
Marko and the Digital Watch team
Highlights from the week of 01-08 November 2024
The new president favouring moderate reforms over drastic measures.
A landmark initiative in regulating children’s access to social media.
The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has adopted a resolution to protect civilians and essential infrastructure from the risks of cyber activities in armed conflicts,…
An alleged harmful impact on teenagers’ mental health.
A manufacturing shift to Southeast Asia.
A decentralised finance (DeFi) crypto project linked to former President Donald Trump and his sons, plans to restrict its token sales to $30 million within the United States.
GlobalFoundries, a major US chipmaker, faces a hefty fine for shipping chips to a sanctioned Chinese affiliate.
Economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti argues higher cryptocurrency taxes are needed, citing their risk and disconnection from tangible assets.
The NHDR will benchmark Bahrain’s digital landscape against regional and international standards, offering insights and recommendations to enhance digital inclusion and infrastructure.
Critics question Meta’s choice to use Llama AI for military applications.
ICYMI
Reading corner
The major role that technology industry leaders might play in influencing the election outcome.
How do AI’s cognitive mechanisms actually work? Just like human cognition, AI relies on schemas to process and interpret data – yet it lacks the depth and context that human understanding brings. Dr Anita Lamprecht explores.
Valencia, recognised as advanced smart city, failed to effectively warn residents of imminent floods, resulting in devastating consequences. Despite advanced technology, the local authorities sent emergency alerts eight hours late, after severe rainfall caused substantial destruction and over 200 fatalities in the region.
On November 8, Sorina Teleanu will launch her book, “Unpacking Global Digital Compact,” a crucial resource for understanding the newly adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC). Published shortly after the GDC’s approval at the UN Summit, it offers in-depth analysis of its negotiations, clarity on complex language, and insights into broader digital governance. The book emphasizes public interest and aims to bridge gaps in digital policy discussions, particularly for underrepresented nations.
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