In a Keynote address at NATO CCDCOE’s CyCon22, Professor Weaver reflects on her role in United Nations negotiations that culminated with recognition of the application of International Humanitarian Law to state conduct in cyberspace, and what this means in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.   Professor Weaver shared hard truths about the rules-based international order, and dives into what should be done to make a more persuasive case for the order, especially in the context of NATO cyber operations. Her message is simple: the rules-based international order is ours to lose; and if we lose it, we won’t get it back.

Australia needs a new model to drive better technology regulation, according to a new report launched by The Australian National University’s Tech Policy Design Centre.   The report ‘Tending the Tech-Ecosystem: who should be the tech-regulator(s)?’ comes as governments the world over are stepping in to regulate technology, including measures to protect children online, address the proliferation of mis/disinformation, foster competition, drive innovation and strengthen cyber security.

The Australian National University’s Tech Policy Design Centre (TPDC) is set to develop a Tech Policy Design Kit, in collaboration with the Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and the Digital Technology Taskforce in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC).   The Design Kit will establish a baseline for best practice tech policy design. It will comprise tech policy design principles and processes, as well as modules for government, industry and civil society.

Johanna Weaver, Director of the Tech Policy Design Centre at ANU, sits down with The Hon Paul Fletcher MP, (then) Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts.   The pair discuss the state of Aussie tech policy, including measures the Australian government has implemented ranging from online trolling and adult cyberbullying to encryption, the Media Bargaining Code, and knowledge gaps in the tech policymaking space.

Strengthening Australia’s democracy and positioning our economy to reap the full benefits of digital technology will be two of the key issues tackled by a new centre at The Australian National University (ANU).   The Tech Policy Design Centre will address some of the biggest challenges we face with the increasing integration of digital technology in our daily lives.   Reimagined, tech-policy can be a powerful tool that complements tech innovation and delivers positive social, economic and security outcomes.