Digital trade rules: Big Tech’s end run around domestic regulations Study Trade agreements have become an important battleground for tech companies to fight the regulatory pressure they are finally facing in the Global North. But allowing tech companies to capture digital trade talks to defang domestic regulation creates serious risks for privacy, fundamental rights, competition, social and economic justice, and sustainable development. By Burcu Kilic
Towards Secure, Sustainable, and Values-Based Supply Chains: A Transatlantic Conversation Event Recording of the event “Towards Secure, Sustainable, and Values-Based Supply Chains: A Transatlantic Conversation” on March 18, 2021
Coding for a Better World Transatlantic Media Fellowship A new alliance of programmers, wealthy tech companies, and NGOs is forming to tackle global problems such as poverty, hunger, and climate change. But making a difference in people’s real lives is not quite that simple. By Marc Winkelmann
Data and the Global South: Key Issues for Inclusive Digital Development Publication This paper lays out the predominant debates on data as a development issue. The authors discuss issues of access and connectivity as well as digital governance, and they sketch policy pathways for a fair, just and inclusive digital transformation. pdf
Digital Self-Empowerment, not Digital Colonialism Conference Report The data revolution can support inclusive development and sustainable growth in the Global South as long as national policies and global rules protect vulnerable citizens and societies from abuse by technology companies and authoritarian governments. By Felix Dengg
Is Data the New Oil? Examining the Promise of Data for Development Commentary The promise of measuring everything and everyone with the help of digital technologies has triggered the interest of the development community as well as governments across the Global South. But in countries like Kenya, the excessive collection or personal data creates risks of monetary and political exploitation, not to mention compounding existing discrimination, without improving the delivery of aid and public services. By Nanjala Nyabola
Boris Johnson’s Bad Bet on China Transatlantic Media Fellowship The controversy around Huawei shows you can’t benefit from the Chinese economy without acquiescing to Chinese politics. By Isaac Stone Fish