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

Transcript

Dec 6, 2021

Behind the scenes of the newest hot job in diplomacy: Tech ambassador

By Atlantic Council

Countries have begun appointing tech ambassadors in different forms to elevate technology as a national-security and foreign-policy priority. Here's what their roles mean not just for democracy and human rights in the digital age.

Digital Policy Internet

AfricaSource

Nov 29, 2021

Africa’s digital infrastructure is the next playing field for great-power competition

By Aubrey Hruby

US-China competition will be shaped by efforts to support Africa's digital infrastructure.

Africa Digital Currencies

Issue Brief

Nov 23, 2021

Competing data governance models threaten the free flow of information and hamper world trade

By Hung Tran

The EU framework is comprehensive and puts a strong emphasis on the protection of personal data both from the government and private companies. It also establishes that EU citizens’ data can be transferred only to countries with an adequate privacy protection regime (adequacy to be determined by the European Commission).

China Cybersecurity

Issue Brief

Nov 23, 2021

Generational dynamics of economic crisis and recovery: Prospects for younger and older persons

By Nicole Goldin

Economic shocks affect young and older age groups disproportionately and highlight the insecurity of the youth labor market and volatility of older people’s savings. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated youth labor market challenges and caused young people to either lose jobs or work fewer hours.

Coronavirus Digital Policy

Report

Nov 15, 2021

Data rules for machine learning: How Europe can unlock the potential while mitigating the risks

By Blanka Soulava, Hamish Cameron and Victoria Ying

Artificial intelligence (AI) will increasingly shape societies and the global economy. Machine learning—which is responsible for the vast majority of AI advancements—is enhancing the way businesses and governments make decisions, develop products, and deliver services. How will the European Union unlock the potential of AI, while mitigating the risks?

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Fast Thinking

Nov 6, 2021

FAST THINKING: What will the infrastructure bill actually do?

By Atlantic Council

What does this soon-to-be law mean for the US economy and its place in the world? Our crack economics team is here to break down what matters.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 19, 2021

Burwell joins Brussels Sprouts podcast on the Trade and Technology Council

Distinguished fellow Frances G. Burwell joins the “Brussels Sprouts” podcast by the Center for New American Security for a discussion on transatlantic tech following the first meeting of the US-EU Trade and Technology Council and areas of cooperation between the United States and the European Union on digital policy.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Oct 15, 2021

Designing decentralized finance for financial inclusion

By Nikhil Raghuveera

The next iteration of DeFi must be developed toward an intentional vision for financial inclusion. Financial inclusion means that everyone has the tools to not only meet their daily needs, but to also build wealth for themselves, their families, and their communities. And in turn, greater financial inclusion supports more resilient and robust economies.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Report

Oct 14, 2021

Standardizing the future: How can the United States navigate the geopolitics of international technology standards?

By Giulia Neaher, David Bray, Julian Mueller-Kaler, and Benjamin Schatz

Standards for data and technology represent a key part of the world’s digital ecosystem, and as such, they can have significant implications for geopolitics. This report, published in partnership with the American Edge Project, endeavors to study the geopolitical dynamics surrounding technology standards setting to better inform related US policy.

China Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Oct 5, 2021

Kishidanomics: Investing in Japan’s green, digital future

By Alexis Crow

Newly minted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is hoping to kickstart a "virtuous cycle of growth" with public and private investment.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Experts

Events