Tech Policy Design Centre

🗞️ Interested in the impact of populism on good tech policy? Check out #TPDC Head of Policy, Zoe Jay Hawkins, latest piece in the Tech Policy Press "It is tempting to describe the policy narrative in terms of two battling groups: the people vs. big tech. But if taken to extremes, it risks serious harm by prioritizing headline-grabbing measures over considered systemic reforms." Using Australia's recent social media age restriction legislation as an example, the article identifies four symptoms of tech policy populism: 1️⃣ The political race to “do something” quickly 2️⃣ Focusing only on parents and ignoring other important stakeholders 3️⃣ Sound bites over systemic change 4️⃣ Performative consultation and pre-determined outcomes 🤷🏼♀️ Why does it matter? As Zoe writes "We need to be bold and ambitious in reimagining how we govern technology. Policy and regulation are powerful tools to drive accountability and safety in the tech sector. And policymakers should work hard to translate complex tech policy issues for voters. But, when policy is rushed and focused exclusively on political point scoring, it weakens the legitimate push to hold big tech to higher standards. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in every element of our lives, the consequences of poorly designed tech policy will only grow more severe and far-reaching. Policymakers must avoid falling into the trap of online safety populism and instead aim for best-practice tech policy design. This means taking the necessary time, engaging all stakeholders in meaningful consultation, and crafting systemic, well-informed solutions. Only then will technology be governed in a way that truly serves society." https://lnkd.in/e4cQSTnn

🎉Last week we held the final of three stakeholder workshops on the future of undersea cables in the Indo-Pacific region in Melbourne.  Industry, government and civil society representatives from 11 countries across the Pacific came together to discuss:   🌟how the cable network ecosystem might unfold over the next 20 years   🌟key challenges of connectivity in the region  🌟identify ways we could plan for the best possible digital connectivity in the future.   Undersea cables are vital to digital connectivity, carrying 99% of the international data traffic that makes our daily internet-driven business and social connections possible. Without them, our digitally-dependent lives would grind to a halt 📵 It was fantastic to hear such vibrant and productive discussions about the key challenges faced in the Pacific, and how we might better prepare for the future. These discussions, together with two previous in-region workshops held in Singapore and Delhi, will inform our research project aimed at identifying practical points of intervention, engagement, and collaboration for government and industry.  Our research project would not be possible without the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre, and collaboration with our partners the Tech for Good Institute and the National Security College Futures Hub. 🙏 🚀 Stay tuned for the project report, to be released in 2025. #TechPolicy #Pacific #Connectivity #DigitalInfrastructure #Resilience #DFAT #TPDC #CablesNetwork #Innovation #Australia 

🚨 🎙 #TechMirror: New Episode Alert: Liability is NOT a Dirty Word 🎙 🚨 Ever thought about how legal liability could empower innovation instead of stifling it? 🤔 In the latest episode of Tech Mirror, our Director Johanna Weaver sits down with Casey Mock, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the Center for Humane Technology, to discuss: ✨ Designing tech platforms that prioritise people over profit ✨ Realigning incentives in the tech industry using the concept of legal liability ✨ Insights on tech policy under a Trump administration ✨ Creative solutions for overcoming legal logjams ✨Australia’s under-16 social media ban and how other countries are addressing similar challenges ✨ Australia’s growing reputation as a global leader in tech legislation. 🎙 Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional thinking about risk-based AI regulation and explores how we can create safer, more humane technology for everyone.

The US has just announced another round of restrictions on the export of semiconductor chips & equipment to China. Our Director, Johanna Weaver, is in Taiwan & spoke to @Gemma Vaness from ABC News this morning.

The US has just announced another round of restrictions on the export of semiconductor chips & equipment to China. Our Director, Johanna Weaver, is in Taiwan & spoke to @Gemma Vaness from ABC News this morning.

The blue cable or the pink? Our Director, Johanna Weaver, spoke about the importance of digital resilience at the Tech Council of Australia Summit with Andrew Charlton (the Government's special envoy for cyber security and digital resilience), Dino Georgiou from Telstra InfraCo - ably chaired by David Swan (tech editor the Age and SMH). Dino won the show and tell: bringing Telstra InfraCo's new fibre cables: the pink fibre is the express fibre (high capacity, low latency), and the blue is foundation fibre (also really fast, but will support breakout points into regions) - any outfit colour coordination was purely coincidental! When asked what emerging tech would most impact Australia’s digital resilience, Johanna suggested analog switches + copper cables. What do you think? Digital resilience means many things to different people. One key decision we at #TPDC think Australia needs to make is whether digital resilience is the ability to recover quickly when digital disruptions inevitably happen, or whether it is ensuring continuity of service (especially of essential infrastructure) during digital disruption. The answer to this question will necessitate different policy responses and drive very different investment decisions…which way do you think Australia should go?

🇺🇸 America vs China 🇨🇳: who controls Asia’s cloud? Big thanks to The Economist for citing our research collaboration with Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford in recent coverage of digital infrastructure power in Asia. "Of a panel of 12 Asian countries, seven have a majority of Chinese-run cloud clusters. At the other end of the spectrum Australia, India and South Korea have largely American-run systems, according to a 2023 study by Vili Lehdonvirta and colleagues at the Oxford Internet Institute." "As Asia’s digital build-out accelerates, countries’ allegiance is being baked into their cables and data centres whether they realise it or not." The twin accelerating trajectories of the AI race and climate crisis means that the location, ownership, and governance of AI compute and cloud computing infrastructure will be of growing importance around the world. ⬇️ Check out the article in the link below 🔍 Watch this space for more data-driven contributions from Vili Lehdonvirta, Bóxī Wú and Zoe Jay Hawkins #TechGeopolitics #AI

What advice would you give those considering a career in Tech Policy? The Responsible Tech Guide is a flagship resource by the powerhouse team at All Tech Is Human designed to help you navigate the people, organizations, and ideas that makeup the rapidly-evolving Responsible Tech movement. This year's guide is jam packed with inspiration, with profile interviews by Afua Bruce, Audrey Tang, Baroness Beeban Kidron, Camille François, Cansu Canca, Eugenio V Garcia, Gemma Galdon Clavell, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, June Okal, Lyel Lacoff Resner, Navrina Singh, Oumou Ly, Sean Litton, Sinead Bovell, Sonia Livingstone, Stéphane Dugin, Trisha Prabhu, and our very own Director, Johanna Weaver. Most importantly the guide enables readers to learn more about the Responsible Tech ecosystem and to find actionable ways to get involved. Download it for yourself (link in comments). Congratulations to David Ryan Polgar and the team at All Tech Is Human - looking forward to deepening our partnership in 2025 🤝

Australia’s digital ecosystem is comprised of innovative local companies, as well as multinationals like Amazon. So, what does that mean for Australian tech policy? TPDC was pleased to convene a roundtable with Amazon SVP Public Policy & General Counsel David Zapolsky. With 25 years' experience at the company, David has a fascinating perspective on global tech policy trends. The robust Chatham house discussion covered a broad range of issues from: 🛒 Grocery competition 🤖 AI safety 💰 International tax 🌐 Data centres and compute 🇦🇺 Australian regulatory culture Dialogue and exchanging perspectives are an essential part of designing good tech policy. Thanks to Amazon and all attendees for participating!

What is Australia’s unique value-add when it comes to #AISafety? This was one of the core provocations at the inaugural #AISafetyForum in Sydney last week. While Australia may not have Frontier AI research labs (at the “frontier” of technological development), we still have a critical role in advancing global AI Safety. In her presentation, our Director Johanna Weaver suggested one area in which Australia is uniquely well-positioned is to contribute to international AI safety efforts: 🎲 Balanced Perspective: We don’t have the same “skin in the game” as some other major players—this neutrality can be an asset. 🤖 Technical Credibility: Australia has solid technical expertise, which is essential if we are to advance meaningful agreements that survive contact with the real world. 🌍 Scalable approach: Many countries look to Australia’s policies as a model; we aren't as big as the EU or US, this makes our approach more transferable. 🕊️ Multilateral Respect: we are known as trusted brokers, and most nations engage with us—whether publicly or behind the scenes. 📜 Proven Track Record: Australia has a strong history of negotiating tech-focused international agreements, whether in standards bodies like ISO/IEC 42001:2023, or in settings like the UN (on issues such as cybercrime and IHL). 🔬 Research Excellence: We boast a depth of expertise in both fundamental and applied AI governance research, some of which was on display at the Forum. It was fantastic to see the Department of Industry, Science and Resources leaning into this with a new section dedicated to AI Safety. Director Dr. Chelle Adamson gave a briefing on their work, including steps to bring to life Australia’s commitments at Bletchley Park and Seoul Declarations. 👩💻 Particularly inspiring was the strong community of women in AI Safety— we are excited to watch this community expand as we look ahead to future forums. 📸 Tania S., Jocelinn K, Sarah Vallee, Kimberlee Weatherall, Mariam Nadeem, Jiamin Lim, Lily Stelling, Katherine Biewer, Kate White, 👏 Congratulations to the Forum's organizing committee Tiberio Caetano, Kimberlee Weatherall, Liam C., Daniel Murfet, Greg Sadler, and @Geordie Williamson for an outstanding event. Looking forward to the next iteration!