Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
A 2024 citizen initiative and growing public concern have driven Denmark’s push to restrict youth access to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
She called digital recreations of her father ‘disturbing’ and ‘disrespectful’.
VARA issued cease-and-desist orders and financial penalties to firms operating outside its regulatory perimeter.
AI chatbots like ‘Text With Jesus’ are drawing thousands of users, but many religious leaders warn they cannot replace human connection or spiritual depth.
Utility investment is set to surge, driven by data centres and AI, putting unprecedented strain on the US power grid.
MIT researchers have combined machine learning and physics to predict plasma behaviour, helping to safely shut down fusion reactors.
Researchers used AI to reveal how a new antibiotic selectively targets disease-causing gut bacteria.
AI Mode in Search is now available in more than 200 countries and territories, including 35 new languages.
Google’s latest Gemini AI model blends visual reasoning, web control and multi-layer safety features to power next-generation autonomous agents for real-world applications.
Must read
Analysis
The global struggle to regulate children’s social media use
From Australia to Greece and China, policymakers are exploring how to balance safety, freedom and accountability in children’s use of social media.
Analysis
The quantum internet is closer than it seems
Quantum internet is emerging not only as a scientific milestone but as a transformative force that could redefine how governments, healthcare systems, and citizens interact in the digital age.
Analysis
Hidden psychological risks and AI psychosis in human-AI relationships
AI is no longer just a tool. Humans are forming deep emotional bonds with artificial intelligence, impacting behaviour, decision-making, and the very way we perceive connection.
Analysis
Techno(demo)cracy in action: How a five-day app blackout lit a Gen Z online movement in Nepal
Nepal’s five-day block on 26 social platforms sparked a youth-led mobilization shifted to VPNs, Discord and TikTok. Within days the ban ended and a leadership change opened the door to revisiting the social-media bill.
Analysis
UN OEWG concludes, paving way for permanent cybersecurity mechanism
The OEWG on ICT security has adopted its Final Report after intense negotiations on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. We unpack key takeaways, highlight key changes across drafts, and explore how a narrow path to agreement finally emerged.
DW monthly
Digital Watch newsletter – Issue 103 – September 2025
Issue 103: In our September 2025 issue, we unpack how AI and digital issues took centre stage at UNGA80, and explore the strategic importance of open-source AI, the rise of AI-generated 'slop' on social media, and TikTok’s American makeover. We examined how the global chip race is reshaping notions of sovereignty, and how Nepal’s “Discord democracy” turned a banned platform into a ballot box. We also looked at growing calls to limit children’s online access and recapped key Geneva events shaping the future of international digital governance.
DW WEEKLY
Weekly #232 The rise of AI slop: When social media turns more artificial
UNGA80 turns the spotlight on digital issues and AI governance, Chips and sovereignty: the shift from globalisation to guarded autonomy, From code to court: xAI sues OpenAI and Apple.
DW at a glance
TRENDING
The process towards a Global Digital Compact
How will the Global Digital Compact be developed and what will it focus on?
Explore the Observatory
Digital Technologies
From internet applications to quantum computing, we focus on advanced and emerging digital technologies which are increasingly reshaping our economies and societies.
Clusters of Policy topics
We unpack digital policy by exploring over 50 topics – from access and sustainable development to network security and the future of work – classified in 7 clusters.
Processes
Follow some of the most important digital policy processes, from the EU's work on the Digital Services Act/Digital Markets Act to the UN Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee.