October Digital Matters

This month’s Digital Matters—our monthly round-up of news, research, events, and notable uses of tech— focuses on the intricate entanglement of technology with crises underlined by the internet's double-edged sword. The digital realm, especially social media platforms, unravel a complex narrative, particularly in the face of violence, terrorism, and war. The invasion of Ukraine and terrorist attacks in Israel demonstrate the power of social media in fostering communities, sharing perspectives, and mobilizing resources and support. They also demonstrate that the same platforms can be manipulated as weapons to sow discord, perpetuate falsehoods, and spur violence.

This dichotomy catapults us into a realm of needed and robust dialogues, encompassing diverse perspectives and lived experiences. This discourse stretches across the spectrum of ethics, trust, governance, and human rights, touching the very core of public interest technology. The pieces featured in the October Digital Matters point to polarization and the need for governance and guardrails. This duality is underscored by policy initiatives, ethical AI governance, combating misinformation, and concerted efforts towards digital equity and inclusivity.

How is tech impacted by crises and vice-versa?

As global crises unfold, our digital ecosystem continues to play a pivotal role in shaping narratives and policy directions. The Israel-Hamas conflict spotlights the potency and pitfalls of social media in geopolitical discourse, while a widening digital divide and digital access challenges threatens to marginalize developing nations in the technological march forward. Meanwhile, the dialogue on governing artificial intelligence, spearheaded by thought leaders like Rumman Chowdhury, emphasizes human-centric policies to ensure that the transformative power of AI aligns with societal well-being. These instances underscore the urgency of nuanced digital governance and inclusivity to leverage technology as a tool for global resilience rather than a catalyst for crises.

Misinformation about the Israel-Hamas war is flooding social media by AP News (Oct 26, 2023)

In a recent expose, AP News highlighted the intricacies of a misinformation skirmish between Israel and Hamas, showcasing the power of digital platforms in modern geopolitical discourse. By leveraging social media to help shape global perceptions in real-time, there is a real challenge to accurately fact-check amidst the barrage of misleading content. This cyber-arena, though a testament to the digital age's influence, also serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for robust verification mechanisms to uphold truth in an era where narratives can be too easily manipulated to serve varying agendas. Several other news outlets such as Vox and the Washington Post have run stories on the rampant misinformation and we expect more coverage of this real challenge in the coming weeks.

Widening Digital Gap between Developed, Developing States Threatening to Exclude World’s Poorest from Next Industrial Revolution, Speakers Tell Second Committee, United Nations (Oct 6, 2023)

The digital divide between developed and developing countries is widening, posing a threat to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite 63% of the global population having internet access, only 27% in the least developed countries are connected. This digital gap hinders advancements in poverty alleviation, gender equality, and climate change. The dialogue in the UN emphasized transferring technologies and financial resources to bridge this divide and serves as a call towards inclusive digital transformation, vital for harnessing the benefits of the upcoming industrial revolution globally. The link includes statements made from representatives of several middle-income States that comprise half of UN membership, accounting for about 30  percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 75 percent of the world’s population — underscoring the significance of including them in global efforts to achieve the SDGs and collectively address digital transformation challenges.

Governing Artificial Intelligence: A Conversation with Rumman Chowdhury by Kat Duffy, and Kyle Fendorf, Council on Foreign Relations (Oct 25, 2023)

In a dialogue featured on the Council on Foreign Relations, Rumman Chowdhury, a strong voice in the AI ethics sphere, delves into the governance nuances surrounding artificial intelligence. Through a thought-provoking conversation, Chowdhury underscores the imperative of human-centric policies in steering the AI discourse towards societal well-being. This engaging discussion not only enriches the ongoing dialogue around AI governance but also nudges policymakers and tech aficionados alike towards envisioning a more accountable and equitable digital realm.

How is the United States addressing the threats that emergent technology poses to society?

The U.S. Government is actively stepping into the ring to mitigate the societal risks posed by emerging technologies. With a recent executive order from the White House, lawsuits targeting tech giants like Meta, and bipartisan bills in the Senate, the government is striving to regulate the digital domain. These measures reflect a broader endeavor to safeguard consumers, ensure national security, and foster a responsible tech landscape. Through legislative scrutiny and industry accountability, the focus is steadily shifting towards a safe, secure, and trustworthy technological future.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence by the White House (Oct 30, 2023)

In a recent stride towards mitigating the risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the White House rolled out a comprehensive action plan. Spearheaded by President Joe Biden, the initiative aims at shielding consumers, workers, and national security from potential AI-induced hazards. By mandating pre-release safety test disclosures for certain AI systems and advocating for new standards, the initiative paves the way for a more regulated AI domain. This move, reflecting a wider global sentiment, underscores the critical need for governing AI technologies amidst their burgeoning capabilities and popularity. The discourse surrounding this development illuminates the complex interplay between innovation, regulation, and the quest for a safer digital realm.

State Attorneys General Sue Meta Over Harms to Children and Teens by Gabby Miller at Technology Policy Press (Oct 25, 2023)

A coalition of 33 state attorneys general has filed a federal lawsuit against Meta, the tech behemoth, alleging the nefarious design and deployment of features on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, which spurred addictive behaviors known to be detrimental to the young users' mental and physical well-being. The lawsuit, touted as a significant move in the realm of online child safety, underscores the deceptive practices by Meta, reflecting a sinister quest for financial gain at the expense of the vulnerable youth, thereby altering the psychological fabric of an entire generation. Amidst a tide of legislative efforts aimed at bolstering online safety, this lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding tech giants' accountability and the imperativeness of stringent regulatory frameworks to safeguard the well-being of young digital denizens​

Senators Propose Bipartisan Federal Legislation Targeting AI Use by Government Technology (Oct 6, 2023)

Earlier this month, two bipartisan bills were introduced in the Senate that aimed at regulating AI applications, tackling identity fraud, and advancing military use of AI. The POST ID Act, backed by Senators Ron Wyden and Bill Cassidy, proposes leveraging the USPS for ID verification services to counter identity fraud. Meanwhile, Senators Joe Manchin and Mike Rounds spearheaded a bill to foster military AI adoption through a governing council overseeing DoD's AI initiatives. These legislative strides underline a growing recognition of AI's potential and the need for robust frameworks to mitigate misuse while harnessing its benefits for national security and public safety. Although it is unclear what the Senate will ultimately take up and win, engagement on AI governance issues is essential. Senator Schumer continues to push urgently forward on AI legislation through. Legislation is needed to cement AI guardrails. Schumer expects bipartisan legislation to be ready in months (not weeks). [Listen to Schumer’s 10/30 remarks on the Executive Order on AI, here].

How are international organizations tackling technology harms and building for a better future?

International organizations are actively confronting technology's harms while envisioning a better digital future. From Access Now's innovative Digital ID Toolkit aiding rights activists, to the Freedom Online Coalition and Freedom House rallying for human-centric digital and AI governance, there's a concerted effort to navigate technology's challenges. Furthermore, the discourse in Forbes India about leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies, highlights a global stride towards inclusive digital ecosystems. These endeavors not only address imminent digital threats but also pave the way for a resilient, equitable digital realm, underscoring a collective resolve to harness technology for the greater good.

The digital identity toolkit by Access Now (Oct 8, 2023)

Access Now launched an innovative choose your own adventure style Digital ID Toolkit to help digital rights activists better understand the complexities of digital identification systems and effectively advocate for the interests of people. The Digital ID Toolkit enables activists to delve into the intricacies of digital ID systems. Designed akin to a "choose your own adventure" game, it allows for a personalized exploration of digital ID systems, evaluating them through varying lenses such as System, Harm, and Mitigation. The toolkit's unique approach, grounded in real-world scenarios, fosters a nuanced understanding and engagement with digital ID systems, thereby empowering activists to advocate effectively for digital rights.

Donor Principles for Human Rights in the Digital Age by Freedom Online Coalition (Oct, 2023)

The Freedom Online Coalition recently unveiled its "Donor Principles for Human Rights in the Digital Age" report, underscoring the necessity of safeguarding human rights amidst rapid digital advancements. The report delineates guiding principles for donors, fostering a human-centric approach to digital innovation. By advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, it aims to bridge the digital divide while promoting rights-respecting digital ecosystems. This initiative underscores a collective endeavor to navigate the digital age with a human rights lens, thereby contributing to a more equitable digital future. The DIGI team is proud to have shared recommendations during the drafting process of the principles.

Freedom on the Net 2023 by Freedom House (Oct, 2023)

The recent publication of Freedom House's "Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence", The report delineates the perils, calling on the global community to usher in a rights-centered regulatory framework to curb AI-enabled repression. The examination provided in the report not only highlights the urgent need for robust governance measures but also propels a global dialogue towards safeguarding digital freedoms in the AI era, marking a significant stride towards a more inclusive and secure digital future.

Importance of digital public infrastructure-driven platforms in achieving social impact at scale by Suchit Ahuja, Yolande E. Chan and Umesh Rathod, Forbes India (Oct 18, 2023)

The Forbes India article emphasizes the critical role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in bridging the digital divide, especially in emerging economies. It advocates for a Public Interest Technology framework aimed at prioritizing marginalized communities while designing tech solutions. The authors praise India's DPI initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI for significantly advancing financial inclusion while also acknowledging the need to address social and environmental impacts, exclusionary practices, the risks of digital colonialism, and challenges around surveillance capabilities. But all of this is to say, to truly be effective, DPI must be accompanied by the right policy initiatives to foster a more equitable digital future​.