Digital Policy

The increasing digitization of transnational commerce and innovation has raised new concerns about the existing frameworks on issues such as data protection, privacy, freedom of speech, artificial intelligence, taxation, trade, intellectual property, and competition. Digital issues touch much of day-to-day life and have the potential to cause disputes with major consequences, as domestic legislation now has far-reaching international effects. In an era of great power competition, governments are competing to create a model of digitalization that can become the global “gold standard.” The Atlantic Council aims to position itself as a critical facilitator of dialogue for the coordination of common standards for advancement in the digital realm.

Content

Issue Brief

Dec 18, 2025

Engaging generative artificial intelligence in African development

By William Yancey Brown

From classrooms to farming communities, generative artificial intelligence holds great potential for Africa. The question is whether its promise of abundance will reach everyone—or only those already well-connected.

Africa Artificial Intelligence

Issue Brief

Dec 4, 2025

Improving transatlantic cooperation on digital competition

By Zach Meyers

Greater dialogue between US and EU regulators would reveal similar priorities on digital competition, mergers, and antitrust issues, and could lead to greater alignment on key digital competition issues.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Report

Oct 27, 2025

Authoritarian reach and democratic response: A tactical framework to counter and prevent transnational repression

By Marcus Kolga, Sze-Fung Lee, Iria Puyosa, Kenton Thibaut, and Lisandra Novo

When foreign governments conduct surveillance, intimidation, or enforcement actions—including through the exercise of extraterritorial police power by authoritarian regimes inside the nations they target—they undermine state sovereignty and threaten to erode public trust in institutions, representing a significant national security threat.  

Digital Policy

GeoTech Cues

Oct 21, 2025

For aging populations to benefit from advances in healthcare technology, countries must promote digital health literacy

By Vijeth Iyengar, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Héctor Pourtalé, Frank Krueger

As world leaders gather for the World Social Summit in Doha, empowering older adults with digital and AI literacy emerges as a critical priority for advancing social inclusion, health equity, and global digital transformation.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2025

What drives the divide in transatlantic AI strategy?

By Alisha Chhangani, Ananya Kumar

The US and EU share AI ambitions but diverge on regulation, risking a fractured Western front. Nowhere is this tension sharper than in financial services, where details matter most.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy

GeoTech Cues

Sep 24, 2025

Global perspectives on AI and digital trust ahead of the Swiss e-ID referendum

By Coley Felt

Both artificial intelligence and digital identity systems are increasingly shaping the future of how governments approach inclusion, equity, security, and interoperability in the digital age.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy

Issue Brief

Sep 12, 2025

Trustworthy digital identities can set the standards for secure benefits provision in the US

By Ananya Kumar

The proliferation of online services necessitates verifiable digital IDs globally. While they can improve convenience and reduce fraud in benefits provision, they raise privacy concerns and surveillance risks. This paper examines US digital identity challenges, analyzes EU and Japan implementations, and provides policy recommendations for responsible digital ID development in the US.

Cybersecurity Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2025

IMEC must be more than a trade route. Digital integration should be a priority.

By Afaq Hussain

The India-UAE virtual trade corridor should be the starting point for an expanded digital trade ecosystem among India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor partner countries.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

In the News

Aug 18, 2025

CBDC Tracker cited by VISA on the status of CBDC development across the world

Read the full report here

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

GeoTech Cues

Aug 18, 2025

How the Chip Security Act could usher in an era of ‘trusted trade’ with US partners

By Kit Conklin

If implemented effectively, a bipartisan bill could help counter the illicit transshipment and diversion of artificial intelligence chips to US adversaries.

Artificial Intelligence Digital Policy

Experts

Events