ICT4Peace Foundation

29/06/2024

The ICT4Peace Foundation is delighted to release the Fourth episode of Digital Distortions, a podcast series looking at the role, reach, and relevance of disinformation, and truth decay in contemporary democracies, hosted by the Foundation’s Special Advisor Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, and supported by the Daniel Gablinger Foundation.

This podcast features an in-depth conversation with Sophie Achermann who studies public discourse online. She is the co-founder, and managing director of the Public Discourse Foundation, a Swiss-based foundation that aims to research, and strengthen public discourse on the Internet. Achermann brings a wealth of experience from her work in Switzerland and beyond, tackling online harassment and promoting safer digital spaces. Throughout their conversation, Hattotuwa and Achermann explore the multifaceted challenges of combating online hate, from algorithmic solutions to the power of empathy in counter-speech. They discuss the real-world impacts of digital harassment, particularly on women in politics and public life, and examine the delicate balance between free speech and content moderation. The dialogue also touches on the potential of AI, both as a challenge and a tool, in addressing these issues.

Digital Distortions: Sophie Achermann on online harms, and gendered violence on social media ICT4Peace Podcasts, Digital Distortions, Activities share this page

26/05/2024

The ICT4Peace Foundation is delighted to release the third episode of Digital Distortions, a podcast series looking at the role, reach, and relevance of disinformation, and truth decay in contemporary democracies, hosted by the Foundation’s Special Advisor Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, and supported by the Daniel Gablinger Foundation.

This podcast features an in-depth conversation with the award-winning journalist Marie-Astrid Langer, who is the US correspondent for the venerable Swiss newspaper, Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ). First published as the Zürcher Zeitung (Zurich Journal) in January 1780, the newspaper was renamed as the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, or the NZZ for short, in 1821. It has been published without interruption since, making the NZZ the oldest newspaper in Switzerland and one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the world. Langer has an MBA from University of Tübingen, and is alumna of the Henri-Nannen-Journalism School. Her beat involves reporting all technology related news, and developments in the US.

The conversation between Langer, and Hattotuwa highlighted the crucial role tech journalists play in bridging the gap between the insular world of Silicon Valley innovation and the broader societal implications and public understanding of these technologies. But it also underscored the immense challenges involved in reporting on an industry of such consolidated power and a culture often lacking in diversity, ethics and self-reflection.

Digital Distortions: Marie-Astrid Langer on reporting technology, and life in Silicon Valley ICT4Peace Podcasts, Digital Distortions, Activities share this page

02/04/2024

The ICT4Peace Foundation is delighted to release the second episode of Digital Distortions, a podcast series looking at the role, reach, and relevance of disinformation, and truth decay in contemporary democracies, hosted by the Foundation’s Special Advisor Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, and supported by the Daniel Gablinger Foundation.

This podcast features an in-depth conversation with Karsten Donnay, Assistant Professor of Political Behavior and Digital Media in the Department of Political Science and part of the Digital Society Initiative of the University of Zurich as a DSI professor.

In this thought-provoking episode of the ICT4Peace Foundation’s Digital Distortions podcast, the second in the series, host Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa engages in a wide-ranging conversation with Assistant Professor Karsten Donnay from the University of Zurich about the complex challenges posed by the rapid digitalisation of politics and society. Professor Donnay shares insights from his research on how digital platforms are changing political behaviour, news consumption, and perceptions of reality. The discussion delves into the lack of understanding and action from policymakers, particularly in Switzerland, regarding pressing issues like misinformation, hate speech, and the impacts of generative AI. Donnay, and Hattotuwa also examine the potential dangers of social media fragmenting into smaller, more ideologically homogeneous platforms, and the increasing barriers researchers face in studying these phenomena as companies restrict data access. They reflect on how the nature of online discourse seems to have deteriorated since the COVID-19 pandemic and the worrying trend of people losing interest in objective truth in favour of simpler explanations. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hattotuwa and Professor Donnay grapple with the difficulty of finding solutions to these complex problems, but emphasise the importance of promoting a nuanced understanding of the world in the face of simplistic narratives.

This episode offers a fascinating window into some of the most critical challenges we face in the digital age.

https://ict4peace.org/activities/ai-and-misinformation/digital-distortions-karsten-donnay/

10/02/2024

The ICT4Peace Foundation is delighted to release the first episode of Digital Distortions, a podcast series looking at the role, reach, and relevance of disinformation, and truth decay in contemporary democracies, hosted by the Foundation’s Special Advisor Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, and supported by the Daniel Gablinger Foundation.

This podcast features an in-depth converastion with veteran open source intelligence expert Eoghan Sweeney. Sweeney, and Hattotuwa explore the dramatic changes that have unfolded in the online information landscape over the past decade. Their conversation comes in the aftermath of the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas that has resulted in unprecedented volumes of disinformation flooding social media channels.

Sweeney shares insights from his over 15 years of experience investigating content and verifying sources to battle deception. He traces the evolution of techniques like fact checking, while also warning of excessive faith being placed in these approaches alone to combat false narratives. Both speakers grapple with the extreme, affect-charged polarisation propagated via social platforms in conflict situations and the difficulty of establishing truth. Looking ahead, concerns get raised about the potential for artificial intelligence like generative text models to manufacture fake accounts, documents, and multimedia at staggering scales. With human creators already overmatched, such technologies risk further confusing and manipulating information consumers. Sweeney urges societies to prioritise awareness, media literacy efforts, and teaching healthy skepticism. The podcast also examines the crossroads where information technology, mass deception, and human psychology collide. Based on this, Sweeney highlights grave threats but also pathways to hope if ordinary citizens exercise discernment and if democracies invest in knowledge over propaganda.

29/12/2023

In this new report and submission to the United Nations, ICT4Peace considers the ad-revenue models of social media platforms that amplify misinformation and generate externality costs and proposes innovative solutions to mitigate these effects.

The UN is developing a Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms. It seeks to provide a concerted global response to information threats that is firmly rooted in human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and opinion and access to information.

The voluntary Code will help guide Member States, digital platforms and other groups in their efforts to make the digital space more inclusive and safer for all.

As part of the UN’s consultation process on the Code of Conduct for information security on digital platforms, ICT4Peace submitted the following input, written by Anne-Marie Buzatu, Executive Director, ICT4Peace.

Addressing Externality Costs of Misinformation in the Digital AgeBy Anne-Marie Buzatu, Executive Director of ICT4Peace UN, United Nations Department of Global Communications (DPI), ICT4Peace Commentary, UN Security Council, UN First Committee - Disarmament and International Security, AI, disinformat...

29/12/2023

While wars are fought between armies or militant groups, conflicts have their keyboard warriors too. It is estimated that more than half of the world uses social media, and many people do not go to traditional media as a source of information at all. As social media use increases, unease has grown among EU decision-makers about the power of these platforms to potentially distort people's view of the world. The EU has tried to regulate on disinformation through the Digital Services Act (DSA), but how successful has that effort been? Our panellists assess the impact of the DSA and raise other issues that are connected to disinformation, such as spyware and election interference.

While wars are fought between armies or militant groups, conflicts have their keyboard warriors too. It is estimated that more than half of the world uses social media, and many people do not go to traditional…

20/12/2023

From 10 to 12 December 2003 the UN held the first World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, where Heads of States and Governments approved the Geneva Declaration of Principles and the Geneva Plan of Action for the Information Society.

20th Anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in GenevaFrom 10 to 12 December 2003 the First UN World Summit on the Information Society was held in Geneva. Heads of States and Governments approved the Geneva Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action for the Information So...

20/12/2023

In cooperation with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), ICT4Peace Executive Director Anne-Marie Buzatu, recently moderated an expert panel discussion focused on the multifaceted approach required to address the unique needs of Francophone Africa with regard to digital competency. She was joined by an imminent group of experts, Ms. Florence Brillouin, Director of Economic and Digital Francophonie at the International Organization of La Francophonie, Mr. Juan Bang Edu Mangue, Director of Information Systems and Telecommunications at the Central African Development Bank, Mr. Charles Tontama Millongo, Digital Economy Manager at the West African Development Bank, Mr. Juan Martin Lataix, Digitalization Expert at ILO, and, Ms. Samia Melhem, a Senior Policy Officer at the World Bank.Together, these experts presented a multifaceted approach to digital capacity building that is critical for the economic transformation of Francophone Africa.

ICT4Peace is pleased to continue its important collaboration with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), building on its earlier work to develop concrete recommendations for implementing the 2022-2026 digital strategy of the Francophonie.

Digital Empowerment in Francophone Africa: Paving the Way for Economic Growth through Capacity BuildingICT4Peace Executive Director Anne-Marie Buzatu moderates expert panel discussion at CNUCED/UNCTAD eWeek 2023 Activities share this page

20/12/2023

Statement by Anne-Marie Buzatu, ICT4Peace Executive Director to the OEWG Informal Stakeholder Consultations, 6 December 2023

Thank you to the chair and secretariat for this opportunity to present in the Informal OEWG Stakeholder Consultations, an opportunity that we very much appreciate.

Today, my brief remarks will address three critical areas:

First, the necessity of addressing mis/disinformation within the OEWG’s focus on Emerging Threats.

Second, the crucial need to enhance meaningful stakeholder participation in Institutional Dialogue.

And third, the imperative of consistently expanding the knowledge base of law and policymakers, as well as of other stakeholders, through Capacity and Confidence Building Measures to enable informed decisions and effective regulation
in the realm of ICTs, with a special emphasis on AI.

Statement by ICT4Peace to the OEWG Informal Stakeholder Consultations, 6 December 2023Statement by Anne-Marie Buzatu, ICT4Peace Executive Director to the OEWG Informal Stakeholder Consultations, 6 December 2023 UN First Committee - Disarmament and International Security, Activities, ICT4Peace Suppor...

20/12/2023

Dr Patrick Meier invented the concept of using crisis mapping in humanitarian emergencies. He is currently Lead, Strategy & Engagement at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (Swiss Institute of Technology).

Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, Special Advisor at ICT4Peace, engaged in a conversation with Meier recently, tracing over two decades of both knowing each other, and the origins, evolution, and philosophical dimensions of digital humanitarianism.

Meier, who helped spawn the field of crisis mapping through mass crowd-sourcing after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, explains the importance of volunteer technical communities in early digital response efforts. According to Meier, the accumulation of knowledge and standard operating procedures within these networks helped drive innovation. However, he emphasises the primacy of human values over tools, noting that technologies change but collective action remains constant.

Two decades of humanitarian innovation: In conversation with Patrick Meier Podcasts, Activities, Policy Research ICT, New media for crisis management and peacebuilding, Strategic input into and participation in UAviators.net, Support to crisis mapping and ICCM share this page

04/12/2023

Elon Musk's social media platform X has fueled far-right disinformation in Ireland and played a key role in riots last month in the country's capital Dublin, experts tell CBS News. The violent clashes erupted on Nov. 23 between about 200 civilians and riot police in central Dublin as demonstrators vented rage after a stabbing incident that left multiple people wounded earlier in the day, including a 5-year-old girl who was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Elon Musk's X platform has fueled far-right disinformation in Ireland and played a key role in last month's riots in Dublin, experts say.

17/11/2023

Dr Patrick Meier invented the concept of using crisis mapping in humanitarian emergencies. He is currently Lead, Strategy & Engagement at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (Swiss Institute of Technology).

Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, Special Advisor at ICT4Peace, engaged in a conversation with Meier recently, tracing over two decades of both knowing each other, and the origins, evolution, and philosophical dimensions of digital humanitarianism.

Meier, who helped spawn the field of crisis mapping through mass crowd-sourcing after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, explains the importance of volunteer technical communities in early digital response efforts. According to Meier, the accumulation of knowledge and standard operating procedures within these networks helped drive innovation. However, he emphasises the primacy of human values over tools, noting that technologies change but collective action remains constant.

As they discuss the transition from manual mapping to AI-enabled data processing, Meier stresses the need for ethical guidelines and codes of conduct around new technologies like drones. He outlines the broader opportunities in robotics, from medical applications to autonomous boats, while underscoring the importance of engaging young engineers on issues of responsible innovation.

Offering perspectives from his extensive experience, Meier advocates learning from robotics expertise in the Global South, rather than assuming Western knowledge is most advanced. He argues for focusing first on developing shared human values and ethics to guide technological progress.

This wide ranging conversation between Meier and Hattotuwa offers insights into steering future technologies towards justice, with Meier providing wisdom forged on the frontlines of humanitarian technology to champion moral frameworks over profit-seeking motives.

Dr Patrick Meier invented the concept of using crisis mapping in humanitarian emergencies. He is currently Lead, Strategy & Engagement at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (Swiss Institu…

23/10/2023

Digital dilemmas surrounding internet connectivity, artificial intelligence, and data surveillance are becoming more ubiquitous in our everyday lives as technology advances. It’s difficult to keep pace with those changes. But now picture yourself with one of these digital dilemmas in the midst of an armed conflict or other situation of violence anywhere in the world. This week on the podcast, how do technologies affect our choices and options in a crisis? And, what is the International Committee of the Red Cross doing to alleviate some of these issues? We walk through a hypothetical scenario based on real-life stories with our senior advisor on digital technology and data protection, Laura Walker McDonald, and then interview Philippe Marc Stoll, ICRC’s senior techplomacy delegate in Geneva.

 Digital dilemmas surrounding internet connectivity, artificial intelligence, and data surveillance are becoming more ubiquitous in our everyday lives as technology advances. It’s difficult to keep pace with those changes. But now picture yourself with one of these digital dilemmas in the midst...

16/10/2023

ICT4Peace is deeply mourning the loss of President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari.

Martti was a great friend, mentor and leader for all of us at ICT4Peace. He was a great humanitarian, a strong believer in fairness and convinced that conflicts can be overcome and peace be built. He was one of the great peacemakers and mediators of our times.

ICT4Peace is deeply mourning the loss of President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari. Martti was a great friend, mentor and leader for all of us at ICT4Peace. He was a great humanitar…

11/10/2023

Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, Special Advisor, has created 1st WhatsApp channel on disinformation. Join 'Disinformation Dispatches' on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB0QKPGk1FyqfWzrL0D for essential articles & timely updates on disinformation, truth decay, and information disorders.

27/09/2023

The 5th ASEAN Cybersecurity & Diplomacy Course just wrapped up, thanks to a dream team collaboration between ICT4Peace & the Lao PDR's Department for Cybersecurity! 🌏

🎙️Kicked off by top experts from Lao PDR, Australia, Cambodia, and ICT4Peace, the event even saw online participation from Vietnam!

👩‍🏫Co-led by ICT4Peace's Anne-Marie Buzatu & Prof. Przemek Roguski, the course was made possible by generous support from Switzerland & Australia. 🇨🇭🇦🇺

🗓️Mark your calendars: The next course is set for Siem Reap, Cambodia on Sept 25-26!

🔙 Since 2017, these courses have been shaping the future of cybersecurity in the ASEAN region. Don't miss out!

📚 Full course history ➡️ https://ict4peace.org/activities/cyber-diplomacy-law-and-norms-capacity-building-for-policymakers-and-cyberdiplomats-from-the-lao-pdr-kingdom-of-cambodia-and-vietnam-2/

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ICT4Peace in cooperation with the Department for Cybersecurity of the Lao PDR organised the 5th Cybersecurity Policy and Diplomacy Course for the CLV ASEAN Countries. The Course was opened by Mr. K…

21/09/2023

🌍 Navigating the Digital Future: A Call to Action for Swiss International Cooperation 🇨🇭

👉 Insights from ICT4Peace Foundation: Bridging the Digital Gap in Global Sustainability 🌱🛠️

Today, the ICT4Peace Foundation unveiled critical comments and recommendations for the Swiss International Cooperation's new Strategy for 2025-2028. Spearheaded by Martin Dahinden, Anne-Marie Buzatu, and Daniel Stauffacher, the call to action emphasises the profound impact digitalisation has on our planet, particularly for developing nations and vulnerable populations.

Key Highlights:

🔹 Digitalisation as a Game-Changer: As digitalisation sweeps across the globe, its implications are far-reaching—transforming the economy, society, and ecology. For nations in the Global South, immediate attention to digital access, cybersecurity, and capacity building is crucial.

🔹 Digital Access is Paramount: Internet connectivity is a foundational requirement for utilising digital technologies. Yet, many developing countries struggle with inadequate and costly internet coverage, as evidenced during the Covid pandemic.

🔹 Capacity Building and Human Capital: Developing countries require significant resources in cultivating the abilities of their people—from parliamentarians to public sector workers. Leveraging Swiss expertise could be invaluable in this endeavour.

🔹 Cybersecurity: A focus on cybersecurity is not just about guarding against cyber attacks. It also encompasses fighting disinformation and hate speech online, which have tangible impacts on social cohesion and can even escalate conflicts.

🔹 Private Sector and International Collaboration: The Swiss private sector, particularly in ICT, offers robust capabilities that can be harnessed for sustainable development. Additionally, Geneva's role as a global hub for digital governance should be leveraged to fortify Switzerland's efforts in international cooperation.

ICT4Peace Foundation’s Recommendations:
1️⃣ Amplify the role of digitalisation and new technologies within the IC 2025-2028 strategy.
2️⃣ Strengthen collaboration at multiple levels and with various stakeholders.
3️⃣ Enhance the Confederation's own competencies in digitalisation.

📄 Read the full report for an in-depth understanding: ICT4Peace Foundation's Complete Analysis: https://ict4peace.org/activities/ict4peace-comments-on-the-proposed-new-swiss-international-cooperation-ic-strategy-2025-2028/

Let's work together to ensure that the digital revolution becomes an inclusive and constructive force for all, rather than a divider. 🌐

Comments and recommendations from the ICT4Peace Foundation on the new proposed Strategy for the Swiss International Cooperation 2025 – 2028 (IC Message 25 – 28) The proposed IC Strategy…

26/08/2023

New technologies are briefly mentioned in the consultation draft of the IC Dispatch 25 – 28 (section 3.5.4). However, they play no particular role either in the analysis or in the thematic priorities. The important reference to international Geneva, to the strong ICT capacities of the Swiss private sector and to research in Switzerland is also missing, although it is a declared goal of the IC strategy to better bring Swiss expertise to bear.

Comments and recommendations from the ICT4Peace Foundation on the new proposed Strategy for the Swiss International Cooperation 2025 – 2028 (IC Message 25 – 28) The proposed IC Strategy…