1. A Normative Framework for Sharing Information Online (Article by Emily SullivanMark Alfano)
This chapter develops a normative epistemic framework for sharing information online. This framework takes into account both ethical and epistemic considerations that are intertwined in typical cases of online testimony. The authors argue that, while the current state of affairs is not entirely novel, recent technological developments call for a rethinking of the norms of testimony, as well as the articulation of a set of virtuous dispositions that people would do well to cultivate in their capacity as conduits (not just sources or receivers) of information.
3. Fake News: Rebuilding the Epistemic Landscape (Article by Neil Levy)
The blame for fake news obviously lies with the producers. It is plausible, nevertheless, that consumers have a responsibility to avoid fake news, to engage in fact-checking, or to seek multiple sources, including sources with different ideologies. This chapter argues that these strategies have limited utility and if the problem of fake news is to be effectively addressed, we need responses at the supply end, not the consumption end. Since suppliers, who are often ill motivated, cannot be expected to offer or consent to these responses, we need effective regulation or control of sources. The author sketches proposals compatible with maintaining the rights of everyone to free speech.
4. Summit on Digital Diplomacy and Governance|17.-19.11.2022 (DiploFoundation)
Technology is having a profound impact on the core functions of diplomacy. The role of diplomacy in the digital era is changing: from geopolitical and societal changes in the environment where diplomacy operates to new issues on diplomatic agendas, to new digital tools aiding the work of diplomats.
The Summit on Digital Diplomacy and Governance, organised by DiploFoundation in cooperation with Malta’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will look ahead at the future of diplomacy by reflecting on the past decades, marked by the use of technology in and for diplomacy.
5. EU Policy Update – Summer 2022 (Council of European National Top-Level Domain Registries – CENTR)
The Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the ‘Path to the Digital Decade’ 2030 policy programme. The Council of the EU released its Conclusions on EU Digital Diplomacy. The European Parliament issued a Study on internet fragmentation and on Europe’s PegasusGate. The Council of the EU issued its compromise text on the EUID proposal, while ITRE’s Draft Report received numerous amendments. Further information was provided on the political agreement on the CER Directive.
6. The Soft Power & Cultural Diplomacy Study Group (Edward R. Murrow Center for a Digital World)
This group is designed for anyone interested in learning more about cultural diplomacy and soft power in addressing foreign relations. Over the course of four sessions per semester, participants will become familiar with the history of cultural diplomacy and will better understand how the power of the arts has repeatedly been deployed by governments to help achieve foreign policy objectives. The group will analyze historical examples and hear from current practitioners. Furthermore, the group will be asked to envision future uses of cultural diplomacy as a tactic for addressing current foreign policy challenges.
At this difficult moment, the EU should speed up its plan to become a global technology player. It is now time to put all the union’s technological and digital capabilities behind one vision and devise a joint strategy to deploy them. This paper sets out how the EU might accomplish that critical task. In the first section, its lays out the vision and the goals of such a strategy. Section two takes stock of EU technology and external digital policy initiatives so far. The next three sections look at what the EU should do along three digital diplomacy dimensions (values, security, and markets). Finally, the paper proposes a series of policy recommendations to help the EU bridge its current gap and move from its current stance to the status of a fully committed and capable global technology actor.
Connectivity is instrumental to ensuring geopolitical stability, economic and energy security, and a successful digital and green transformation. It is now a geostrategic imperative to do business with trusted partners according to our common interests, our democratic values, and our highest standards—the essence of trusted connectivity.
These themes underline this year’s Tallinn Digital Summit, an annual event hosted by the Estonian Prime Minister that gathers together leaders of like-minded and digitally-advanced countries, international organizations, and the private sector to address the most pressing issues on our road toward a connected digital future.