Inside the digital society

David Souter writes a weekly column for APC, looking at different aspects of the information society, development and rights. David’s pieces take a fresh look at many of the issues that concern APC and its members, with the aim of provoking discussion and debate. Issues covered include internet governance and sustainable development, human rights and the environment, policy, practice and the use of ICTs by individuals and communities.

Inside the Digital Society: Children’s rights in the digital society
Inside the Digital Society: Children’s rights in the digital society 05 April 2021 David Souter

Debate on children’s rights online has focused most on child protection, to some extent on education, not enough on the general digital experience of children.

Inside the Digital Society: The Sustainable Development Goals, the environment and the digital society
Inside the Digital Society: The Sustainable Development Goals, the environment and the digital society 29 March 2021 David Souter

This week’s blog’s a ‘sneak peek’ of the chapter I’ve written for this year’s Global Information Society Watch (GISWatch) report by APC. It’s an overview of the main issues around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the environment and the digital society. 

Inside the Digital Society: COVID-19 and e-commerce
Inside the Digital Society: COVID-19 and e-commerce 22 March 2021 David Souter and Anri van der Spuy

The accelerated growth of e-commerce, especially e-shopping, has been one of the themes of COVID-19’s relationship with digital. What’s been happening, what’s the likely impact and, as always, who are likely to be winners and losers in this part of the digital ecosystem?

Inside the Digital Society: Digital and human ways of thinking
Inside the Digital Society: Digital and human ways of thinking 15 March 2021 David Souter

What can AI do that humans can’t? What can humans do that AI can’t?

Inside the Digital Society: Technological disruption and complex societies
Inside the Digital Society: Technological disruption and complex societies 08 March 2021 David Souter

Technological disruption is complex. It shouldn’t just be understood as progress or as threat. There will be winners and losers from it.

Inside the Digital Society: Where should we put our data?
Inside the Digital Society: Where should we put our data? 01 March 2021 David Souter

Last week I wrote about digitalisation and geopolitics. This week, a closer look at one aspect of that: the tussle between global data management and national sovereignty.

Inside the Digital Society: Digital geopolitics
Inside the Digital Society: Digital geopolitics 22 February 2021 David Souter

And what do we think the internet is made from, anyway? It is technology or is it people? Is it data moving through the ether (between bits of kit and data centres) or is it those who generate and use the data?

Inside the Digital Society: It’s the digital SOCIETY…
Inside the Digital Society: It’s the digital SOCIETY… 08 February 2021 David Souter

When people talk about the digital society, what’s their priority?

Inside the Digital Society: COVID-19, the Information Society and ways ahead from WSIS
Inside the Digital Society: COVID-19, the Information Society and ways ahead from WSIS 25 January 2021 David Souter

This week’s blog, the first of 2021, is a keynote presentation to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)’s review of progress towards the Information Society since the World Summit (WSIS) of 2003/2005. It reviews last year and looks forward to recovery.

Inside the Digital Society: Building (digital) back better?
Inside the Digital Society: Building (digital) back better? 16 December 2020 David Souter

The last blog post of the year. Last week I reflected on the (digital) year gone by; this week some thoughts – and hopes – for the (digital) year to come.

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