ITU-led summit outlines measures to protect global submarine cables
Leaders and experts say stronger international cooperation is needed to support the world's digital infrastructure.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. The organization includes all of the U.N.'s 193 member nations and more than 1,000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. Headquartered in Geneva and with regional offices on every continent, ITU is the oldest in the U.N. system, connecting the world since the telegraph era in 1865.
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As the digital economy advances, its progress on climate goals suffers
Some 1.9% of electricity globally was consumed by 148 digital companies, including 10 big users in Asia and the U.S.
'Everything has changed' since last year's AI for Good Global Summit
Equitable models of AI governance rooted in comprehensive and inclusive approaches are needed more than ever.
When the 'technological is political.' The future of AI, for better or worse.
Equating the pursuit of 'good' with the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 isn't as simple as it may seem.
Recycling rates falling behind the pace of e-waste generated globally
Just 22.3% of all the e-waste - any product that has a plug or battery - was properly collected and recycled in 2022.
Nations pushing for AI governance around issues of access and privacy
A top U.N. official cites strong concerns about mental privacy, which is 'a line that we should not cross at all' as AI develops.
Diplomats examine AI risks to peace and potential for global oversight
British diplomats are leading a push at the U.N. that could be a starting point for a multilateral approach to regulating AI.
AI robots say they won't rebel but can run world better than humans
Nine social robots, flanked by their creators, offered mixed responses to reporters' questions about their future role in society and how strictly they should be regulated.
American elected as successor to Chinese head of U.N. telecom agency
ITU's next secretary-general will take over a key agency that regulates and sets standards for global telecommunications.
U.N. inspectors find promise and hype with blockchain technology
Ten U.N. agencies use blockchain and most others plan to despite environmental issues, data privacy, and cyber risks.
Global e-waste rises 21% in 5 years and is predicted to double by 2030
A big problem, the organizations say, is that collection and recycling programs don't keep pace with the rising pollution.
ITU seeks to counter online pandemic risks with new guidelines
The U.N. telecom agency says the pandemic raised the risks to countless kids who spend hours glued to tablets or computers.
U.N. telecom agency's deal on 5G worries global weather experts
Negotiators announced a deal on new radio frequency standards for 5G, despite worries about forecasting impacts.
Commission shows digital dangers for kids from global connectivity
Internet users extend to half the world, including 1.15 billion children who can benefit only if they can safely navigate it.
U.S. military officials are bracing for withdrawal from U.N. postal agency
The military delivered more than 88,000 tons of packages and letters last year and must now plan for a possible disruption.
Organizations lose 46 staff in Ethiopian Airlines jet crash
The U.N. reported losing 21 staff who worked for its agencies; other international organizations reported losing 25 staff.