DW Weekly #210 – Trump’s tech stability, UN funding cuts, and global AI shifts

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25 April – 2 May 2025


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Dear readers,

In the week behind us, we focused on Trump’s first 100 days of digital governance. Dr Jovan Kurbalija, in his blog ‘Tech continuity in President Trump’s first 100 days’, deems that Trump’s approach to technology remained remarkably stable despite political turbulence in trade and environmental policy.

Connected to Trump’s foreign policy is the UN situation. Namely, the UN faces renewed financial uncertainty as Donald Trump’s administration reviews all US support for international organisations.

The US president has instead proposed substantial reductions or even the elimination of federal income taxes once the full impact of import tariffs is realised. In a 27 April post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that the plan would primarily benefit individuals earning less than $200,000 annually. Trump has also signed executive orders easing his controversial 25% tariffs on automobiles and parts to relieve pressure on carmakers struggling with rising costs.

The European Commission faces growing criticism after a joint investigation revealed that Big Tech companies had disproportionate influence over drafting the EU’s Code of Practice on General Purpose AI.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, may soon be forced to split into separate entities, with its Chrome browser emerging as a desirable target.

The UAE has announced the launch of its AI Academy, aiming to strengthen the country’s position in AI innovation both regionally and globally.

The United Kingdom and the United States are set to strengthen their collaboration in advancing cryptocurrency adoption.

Microsoft has unveiled a set of five digital commitments aimed at supporting Europe’s technological and economic future.

Intel is witnessing strong demand for its older Raptor Lake and Alder Lake processors, as buyers shy away from newer AI-enhanced chips like Meteor and Lunar Lake.

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

DW Team


RADAR

Highlights from the week of 25 – 2 May 2025

the white house

As digital tensions rise globally, President Trump’s early tech agenda signals a strategic gamble that bets on tradition while the rest of the world pushes for transformation.

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The US government opposes the new AI Code, calling it anti-innovation. Critics say Big Tech had too much access.

UNHQ

As the UN braces for possible funding upheavals, the future of global cooperation could hinge on decisions unfolding quietly behind closed doors in Washington.

US tariffs Trump Samsung Apple

Ford, GM, and Stellantis welcome Trump’s tariff rollback as a step forward, though supply chain challenges remain.

US department of justice google chrome antitrust lawsuit

With a 65% market share, Chrome could reshape the tech landscape if sold. OpenAI, Yahoo and others are circling.

sam altman

Following backlash, OpenAI restores GPT-4o’s previous version and vows to avoid disingenuous praise in future.

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International cooperation is essential for success, with both countries aiming to set groundbreaking regulatory standards for the crypto industry.

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New data centre growth will double Microsoft’s European capacity between 2023 and 2027.

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As global powers invest in shaping the next generation of AI innovators, classrooms emerge as unexpected arenas where technology, diplomacy, and geopolitics converge.

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ChatGPT and Meta AI still lead in total user base.

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The PPP aims to overhaul digital asset laws, allowing non-profits to trade crypto and institutionalising corporate participation by Q2 of this year.


READING CORNER
BLOG From geopolitics to classrooms featured image

The competition between the US and China in AI education is emerging as a vital battleground amidst geopolitical tensions. Both nations prioritise AI education to prepare future generations for a transformative technological landscape.

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During President Trump’s first 100 days, technology policy exhibited continuity rather than disruption, focusing on AI and digital regulation characterised by incremental adjustments. 

meta ai

What happens when one of the world’s biggest tech giants bets its future not on control, but on giving its most powerful AI tools away for free?

post Weapons of Emotional Destruction

What if the internet’s true legacy isn’t connection, but emotional warfare? In 2015, Aldo Matteucci asked whether we’ve unleashed a fire that even Shiva could not contain.

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Swiss Plateforme Tripartite: Meeting on WSIS+20 On 6 May, the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) will host a virtual meeting on the WSIS+20

Big Tech accused of undue influence over EU AI Code

The European Commission is facing growing criticism after a joint investigation revealed that Big Tech companies had disproportionate influence over the drafting of the EU’s Code of Practice on General Purpose AI.

The report, published by Corporate Europe Observatory and LobbyControl, claims firms such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI were granted privileged access to shaping the voluntary code, which aims to help companies comply with the upcoming AI Act.

While 13 Commission-appointed experts led the process and over 1,000 participants were involved in feedback workshops, civil society groups and smaller stakeholders were largely side-lined.

Their input was often limited to reacting through emojis on an online platform instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, the report found.

The US government also waded into the debate, sending a letter to the Commission opposing the Code. The Trump administration argued the EU’s digital regulations would stifle innovation.

Critics meanwhile say the EU’s current approach opens the door to Big Tech lobbying, potentially weakening the Code’s effectiveness just as it nears finalisation.

Although the Code was due in early May, it is now expected by June or July, just before new rules on general-purpose AI tools come into force in August.

The Commission has yet to confirm the revised timeline.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU criticised for secretive security AI plans

A new report by Statewatch has revealed that the European Union is quietly laying the groundwork for the widespread use of experimental AI technologies in policing, border control, and criminal justice.

The report warns that these developments pose serious threats to transparency, accountability, and fundamental rights.

Despite the adoption of the EU AI Act in 2024, broad exemptions allow law enforcement and migration agencies to bypass safeguards, including a full exemption for certain high-risk systems until 2031.

Institutions like Europol and eu-LISA are involved in building technical infrastructure for security-focused AI, often without public knowledge or oversight.

The study also highlights how secretive working groups, such as the European Clearing Board, have influenced legislation to favour police interests.

Critics argue that these moves risk entrenching discrimination and reducing democratic control, especially at a time of rising authoritarian influence within EU institutions.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

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

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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 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

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…

cluely AI tool seed funding

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

us cisa logo

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…

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

donald trump bitcoin 051224

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

Adyen outage cyberattack DDOS servers payments

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

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

openai GPT

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

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

russians hack italian bank websites

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


READING CORNER
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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

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.

BLOG Politeness in 2025 featured image

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.

BLOG featured image 2025 59

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.

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

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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.

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dig.watch

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…

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

White House condemns EU fines on Apple and Meta

The White House has strongly criticised the EU after landmark fines were imposed on Apple and Meta Platforms, describing the penalties as a ‘novel form of economic extortion’ that the US would not tolerate.

The European Commission fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new law designed to rein in the power of dominant tech giants.

Rather than viewing the DMA as a fair attempt to promote market competition, US officials called it ‘discriminatory’ and claimed it unfairly targets American firms, undermines innovation, and restricts civil liberties.

The White House warned that such extraterritorial measures would be treated as trade barriers and hinted at retaliation.

At the same time, tensions were mounting on another front, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledging that tariffs between the US and China were unsustainable.

He said both sides must lower their tariffs, currently as high as 145 per cent, instead of expecting unilateral moves, suggesting a potential thaw in the ongoing trade war.

President Trump, while indicating openness to cutting Chinese import duties, also threatened to raise the existing 25 per cent tariff on Canadian car imports. He said the US should focus on building its own vehicles instead of relying on foreign manufacturers.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Ubisoft under fire for forcing online connection in offline games

French video game publisher Ubisoft is facing a formal privacy complaint from European advocacy group noyb for requiring players to stay online even when enjoying single-player games.

The complaint, lodged with Austria’s data protection authority, accuses Ubisoft of violating EU privacy laws by collecting personal data without consent.

Noyb argues that Ubisoft makes players connect to the internet and log into a Ubisoft account unnecessarily, even when they are not interacting with other users.

Instead of limiting data collection to essential functions, noyb claims the company contacts external servers, including Google and Amazon, over 150 times during gameplay. This, they say, reveals a broader surveillance practice hidden beneath the surface.

Ubisoft, known for blockbuster titles like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has not yet explained why such data collection is needed for offline play.

The complainant who examined the traffic found that Ubisoft gathers login and browsing data and uses third-party tools, practices that, under GDPR rules, require explicit user permission. Instead of offering transparency, Ubisoft reportedly failed to justify these invasive practices.

Noyb is calling on regulators to demand deletion of all data collected without a clear legal basis and to fine Ubisoft €92 million. They argue that consumers, who already pay steep prices for video games, should not have to sacrifice their privacy in the process.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

India deepens ties with Finland and Denmark

India is intensifying its strategic ties with Finland and Denmark as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation with key Nordic countries.

In recent high-level conversations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in advanced technologies such as quantum computing, 5G and 6G, AI, and cybersecurity, instead of limiting collaboration to traditional sectors. Sustainability, mobility, and digital transformation also featured prominently.

Modi and Stubb underlined the importance of India-Finland cooperation within the wider context of EU relations. Both leaders expressed hope for a timely conclusion of an India-EU free trade agreement, a sentiment echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The collaboration aims to bolster efforts in AI for disaster response and climate resilience, secure telecommunications, and semiconductor development, especially given ongoing geopolitical shifts and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In parallel, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership during talks with Frederiksen.

The alliance prioritises environmentally responsible maritime practices instead of relying on conventional methods, and promotes innovation in green technologies and anti-piracy cooperation.

With the third India-Nordic Summit scheduled for later this year in Norway, the focus will be on expanding trade, climate action, and peace efforts with all five Nordic nations.

Meanwhile, India has overtaken Finland as the ‘World’s Happiest Country’ according to the latest Ipsos survey, with 88% of Indian respondents reporting happiness.

A milestone like this reflects a broader sense of national optimism and self-assurance as India continues to strengthen its global partnerships and expand its strategic influence across key sectors.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

The EU Commission hits Apple and Meta with draconian fines

The European Commission has fined tech giants Apple and Meta a combined €700 million, marking the first penalties under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)

The act, designed to rein in the dominance of the world’s largest online platforms, targets practices that the EU considers harmful to consumer choice and digital competition.

Apple case

Apple received a €500 million fine for its App Store’s restrictive ‘steering terms,’ which the Commission found fail to allow users to discover better offers on other marketplaces. 

Apple defended its position, calling the EU’s decision an unfair attack on its business model and pledging to appeal.

Meta case

Meta was fined €200 million for its controversial ‘pay or consent’ model introduced on Facebook and Instagram in the EU in late 2023

The Commission argued that Meta’s practice of forcing users to accept the combination of their data for targeted advertising breaches privacy rights under the DMA

Meta responded sharply, accusing the EU of targeting successful American firms while giving a pass to their European and Chinese counterparts.

Larger context:

The fines come when transatlantic tensions over trade and regulation escalate. 

Although the European Commission insists the sanctions are unrelated to US-EU trade disputes, the White House has previously warned that such actions would face scrutiny and could prompt retaliatory tariffs. 

Both Apple and Meta now have 60 days to comply with the rulings or face additional penalty payments.

Despite the regulatory significance of the decision, the announcement was delivered via press release, with key EU officials overseeing the DMA absent. 

Their absence sparked questions about political coordination and timing, especially given recent US visits by EU leaders and ongoing diplomatic friction over digital regulation.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

ChatGPT search grows rapidly in Europe

ChatGPT search, the web-accessing feature within OpenAI’s chatbot, has seen rapid growth across Europe, attracting an average of 41.3 million monthly active users in the six months leading up to March 31.

It marks a sharp rise from 11.2 million in the previous six-month period, according to a regulatory filing by OpenAI Ireland Limited.

Instead of operating unnoticed, the service must now report this data under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which defines monthly recipients as users who actively view or interact with the platform.

Should usage cross 45 million, ChatGPT search could be classified as a ‘very large’ online platform and face stricter rules, including transparency obligations, user opt-outs from personalised recommendations, and regular audits.

Failure to follow DSA regulations could lead to serious penalties, up to 6% of OpenAI’s global revenue, or even a temporary ban in the EU for ongoing violations. The law aims to ensure online platforms operate more responsibly and with better oversight in the digital space.

Despite gaining ground, ChatGPT search still lags far behind Google, which handles hundreds of times more queries.

Studies have also raised concerns about the accuracy of AI search tools, with ChatGPT found to misidentify a majority of news articles and occasionally misrepresent licensed content from publishers.

Instead of fully replacing traditional search, these AI tools may still need improvement to become reliable alternatives.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

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

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12 – 18 April 2025


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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

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

deepseek AI China research innovation

Community gains from DeepSeek’s open-source contributions.

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

beijing blames usa for cyberattack

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

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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

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

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

Meta hub in London

AI developers question Meta’s transparency after benchmark controversy.

nato flag north atlantic treaty organization flag waving

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

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

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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.


READING CORNER
analiza featured image

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?

BLOG featured image 2025 56

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS
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23 April 2025
The event will provide a timely discussion on methods, approaches, and solutions for AI transformation of International Organisaitons. 
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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.

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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.