Crossing the Regulatory Rubicon: The Future of Digital Regulation is Being Defined in Europe

Brussels, June 7, 2024 — Europe is positioning itself at the forefront of digital regulation with significant initiatives impacting technology and information sectors. Tom Wheeler, a key policy figure, elucidates how the European Union (EU) is venturing into uncharted territories by setting new regulatory benchmarks aimed at defining digital governance globally. These efforts are driven by the EU’s desire to shape a digital landscape that balances innovation, security, and ethical considerations.

Simultaneously, Brussels continues to tighten its grip on major tech firms, ensuring compliance with privacy norms and data protection. By establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework, Europe aims to lead by example, potentially altering the global regulatory environment for digital technologies and AI.

Campaigns & Elections

How the Electoral College Increases Disinformation Risks

Washington, June 5, 2024 — The structure of the U.S. Electoral College is identified as a catalyst for disinformation campaigns, according to Elaine Kamarck and Darrell M. West. They highlight that the Electoral College, by emphasizing a few battleground states, creates ripe opportunities for disinformation. This narrow focus allows foreign and domestic actors to target specific areas intensely with misleading or false information, thereby distorting electoral outcomes. The report suggests a need for electoral reforms to mitigate these risks and enhance the integrity of democratic processes.

Artificial Intelligence

Strengthening Our Understanding of AI’s Potential Risks and Rewards

San Francisco, June 5, 2024 — Aaron Klein and Sandra Lee stress the dual nature of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the balance between its transformative potential and inherent risks. AI’s capabilities in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and innovation are juxtaposed with concerns over ethical implications, biases, and employment impacts. The conversation calls for a structured approach to AI governance, advocating for policies that maximize benefits while minimizing risks. They underline the importance of continuous research, transparent practices, and international cooperation to navigate the complexities of AI deployment effectively.

Technology & Information

Webinar: Public Health Surveillance, AI Bias, and Risks to Privacy in the Fight Against COVID-19

Online, April 21, 2020 — A past event focused on critical issues at the intersection of AI, public health, and privacy. The webinar, attended by experts including Cameron F. Kerry and Alex Engler, delved into the challenges of using AI for public health surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions centered on balancing the benefits of AI in tracking disease spread with safeguarding individual privacy and addressing algorithmic biases that could exacerbate inequalities.

Health and Healthcare Systems

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

São Paulo, December 2022 — AI technologies are revolutionizing healthcare, aiding in diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. Deep learning and machine learning algorithms are enhancing medical imaging, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans. Despite substantial advancements, challenges persist in ensuring data quality, addressing ethical concerns, and securing regulatory compliance. Initiatives such as AlphaFold have shown promise in protein structure prediction, potentially accelerating drug discovery and understanding diseases at a molecular level.

These diverse discussions underscore the multifaceted impact of AI and digital technologies across various sectors, highlighting the urgent need for coherent and forward-thinking regulatory frameworks.