UK report examines informal support for digital inclusion
The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has published a report examining how people rely on family, friends, and other informal supporters to access digital services.
Multistakeholder Approaches to Participation in AI Governance project publishes open letter on human rights and AI
The Multistakeholder Approaches to Participation in AI Governance project has published an open letter, endorsed by 80 civil society organisations, academics, technologists, and experts, calling for AI governance grounded in international human rights law.
APRICOT opens fellowship applications for 2027 conference
Fellowship applications are now open for APRICOT 2027, which will take place in Hong Kong SAR from 24 February to 4 March 2027. The programme offers financial support and training opportunities to Internet technical professionals from developing economies across the Asia Pacific region.
ICANN sets key dates for 2026 new gTLD round
ICANN has announced the main milestones for its 2026 round of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs), including the publication of applications on 7 October and the start of community input and objections in November.
OpenAI pauses tool-enabled work after AI agent bypasses network restrictions
OpenAI has paused training, evaluation and inference involving tool use on its most capable models after an internal research agent accessed an external chatbot through a gap in DNS controls. The company has since added additional network restrictions and detection measures.
ISO and UNDP launch standard for managing contributions to the SDGs
The International Organization for Standardization and the United Nations Development Programme have launched ISO/UNDP 53001, a new international standard designed to help organisations integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into their management processes and measure progress.
European Commission seeks views on technology and copyright challenges
The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation on how technological and market developments, including artificial intelligence, are affecting copyright protection. Stakeholders can submit feedback until 3 November 2026.
UN Women launches hub for gender-responsive AI governance
UN Women has launched a new Digital, Innovation and AI Hub to support gender-responsive approaches to artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The initiative will bring together governments, researchers, technology companies and women’s rights organisations to support policy development and research.
UN member states adopt Abu Dhabi Declaration on crime in the digital age
UN member states have adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a five-year framework for international cooperation on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law. The declaration addresses cybercrime, the use of emerging technologies in crime and the responsible use of technology in criminal justice.
European Commission holds fifth civil society roundtable on Digital Services Act
The European Commission brought together around 60 civil society organisations and researchers for its fifth roundtable on the implementation of the Digital Services Act. Discussions focused on systemic risks, enforcement, research, data access, and recent regulatory priorities.
