Digital Policy

From AI and cybersecurity to closing digital divides, this dossier delves into risks, opportunities, and the role of the Global Majority in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What the policies behind domestic technology production and controls in the U.S. and EU mean for the fight against climate change, the transatlantic relationship, and the Global South

Data and digital technologies can support the transition to greener and more equitable urban transportation systems. This transatlantic project looks at how public-private data-sharing and seamless mobility across transportation modes can support cities in reaching their climate and inclusion goals – across very different regulatory systems.

Speculative audio fiction explaining the importance of data privacy

In Latin America's largest country, does democracy accept terms and conditions? Our office in Rio de Janeiro provides valuable insight into politics with algorithms before Brazil's elections

A satellite image-based investigation by Vertical52 reveals the extent of child labor in illegal mines in India that produce mica, a critical mineral for the tech industry. HBF DC and CSIS hosted a high-level transatlantic policy discussion on how to protect human rights in supply chains.

Closing the digital divide has become a core objective of development policy. Digital infrastructure and technology features large in emerging connectivity and digital transformation strategies, from the EU’s Global Gateway to the U.S.-led Build Back Better World. This dossier discusses pathways to a needs- and values-based approach to working with partner countries. This approach does not stop at providing hardware but enables a digital life that’s good for people and the planet.

The arrival of Artificial Intelligence is causing unprecedented disruptions to our economies and societies. Algorithms tell us how to get from A to B, they calculate ways to save energy and they may soon drive our cars. Which countries and industries are ready for this shift - can Europe catch up to the U.S. and China? How should we regulate AI and where should we draw lines – do facial recognition or social scoring represent unacceptable risks? Our dossier provides some guidance through this ethical labyrinth.