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11911. Fintech for Good: Governance Mechanisms for Sustainable Development

Author:
Olaf Weber and Sep Pashang
Publication Date:
09-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
Financial technology (fintech) for good can help to achieve sustainable development through environmental, social and governance investing, and through financial inclusion initiatives to address the needs of underbanked and unbanked individuals. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated greater dependence on digital banking technologies, the lack of cohesive governance and regulatory mechanisms around fintech in Canada and abroad is an obstacle toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The authors of this paper argue that better governance and regulatory frameworks are needed to minimize the risks associated with fintech for good while maximizing its benefits.
Topic:
Development, Science and Technology, United Nations, Governance, Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

11912. Listening to Users and Other Ideas for Building Trust in Digital Trade

Author:
Susan Ariel Aaronson
Publication Date:
09-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
This paper argues that if trade policy makers truly want to achieve data free flow with trust, they must address user concerns beyond privacy. Survey data reveals that users are also anxious about online harassment, malware, censorship and disinformation. The paper focuses on three such problems, specifically, internet shutdowns, censorship and ransomware (a form of malware), each of which can distort trade and make users feel less secure online. Finally, the author concludes that trade policy makers will need to rethink how they involve the broad public in digital trade policy making if they want digital trade agreements to facilitate trust.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Digital Economy, Innovation, and Trade
Political Geography:
Global Focus

11913. Policing the Dark Web: Legal Challenges in the 2015 Playpen Case

Author:
Michael Chertoff and Eric Jardine
Publication Date:
11-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
The dark web is now a common platform for criminal activity, especially in liberal democratic regimes. The anonymity of the system gives rise to emergent use as a host of terrorist sites, gun marketplaces, drug bazaars, malicious software fora and pernicious child abuse content boards. Law enforcement can effectively police the dark web through a number of techniques, but the most technologically intensive approaches — known more euphemistically as “network investigative techniques”— raise a number of legal quandaries as their use collides with long-standing legal principles in liberal democratic regimes. Finding ways to minimize the excesses of the dark web through active law enforcement engagement, while also preserving the legal bedrock of liberal democratic societies, is key. The authors explore these issues using the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2015 closure of the darknet Playpen child pornography site as a case study.
Topic:
Law Enforcement, Internet, Digital Culture, and Dark Web
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

11914. Non-binary TikTokers in Latin America: Sharing Debates and Circumventing Censorship

Author:
Florencia Goldsman
Publication Date:
11-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
This paper presents the findings of a research project carried out focusing on the #nonbinary community on TikTok in Latin America. The project was interested in exploring how gender violence and censorship impact their content in this space. A semantic analysis of their posts seeks to establish some topics that appear to be the main issues for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and other sexualities on this platform. The findings suggest that they use the platform in different ways to avoid censorship and reinforce the search for freedom of expression online. On November 25, 2021, join CIGI for a virtual discussion, Gender-Based Censorship: The Silencing of Voices in Digital Spaces, moderated by Suzie Dunn and featuring the paper’s author, Florencia Goldsman.
Topic:
Social Media, LGBT+, Censorship, Identity, and TikTok
Political Geography:
South America, Latin America, and North America

11915. Scoping AI Governance: A Smarter Tool Kit for Beneficial Applications

Author:
Maroussia Levesque
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems can be used to promote equality and non-discrimination, but without the right AI governance strategies, they can have the opposite effect. This paper aims to provide policy makers with the tools they need to build beneficial AI systems. Harmful biases in AI systems often disproportionately affect racialized, low-income and minority groups. For example, algorithms that over- or underestimate scores create false-positive and false-negative results that can perpetuate systemic discrimination. Policy makers can address these concerns through interventions and regulations that promote AI fairness.
Topic:
Governance, Minorities, Discrimination, and Artificial Intelligence
Political Geography:
Global Focus

11916. Accounting for the Digital Economy: Time for a Fresh Approach

Author:
Patricia Meredith
Publication Date:
02-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
Accounting standards that are used for tangible assets are not suitable for today’s digital economy, which is fuelled by intangible assets. These standards need to reflect the shift in focus from tangible to intangible assets in order for the digital economy to thrive. Intangible assets such as design branding and software are not recognized by current accounting standards unless they are purchased from a third party. Without a shift in mindset that recognizes intangible assets and reflects the new economic reality, challenges will arise in making loans and investments and in taxing value creation. The accounting profession cannot act alone in making the shift and will need support from policy makers and regulators, investors, creditors and directors to make the necessary changes.
Topic:
Finance, Digital Economy, Investment, and Digitization
Political Geography:
Global Focus

11917. The Digital Decide: How to Agree on WTO Rules for Digital Trade

Author:
James Bacchus
Publication Date:
08-2021
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
After more than 20 years of unsuccessful negotiations, WTO member countries may be able to agree on global digital trade rules if they look to the new Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) among Chile, New Zealand and Singapore as a model. As the first “digital only” trade agreement, the DEPA offers a modular approach that allows members to pick and choose which modules work best for them today while enabling them to adopt more legal commitments on digital trade in the future. As cross-border trade becomes increasingly digital, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the free movement of goods and services is essential to the global economy.
Topic:
International Cooperation, International Trade and Finance, World Trade Organization, and Digital Economy
Political Geography:
Global Focus

11918. Reimagining a Canadian National Security Strategy

Author:
Aaron Shull and Wesley Wark
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
This CIGI special report is a "cri de cœur" arguing for a new approach to national security strategy and honest, transparent engagement with the reality of the threats we face as a country. It outlines the key threats that we now confront: a vastly altered geopolitical environment with the rising power of China at its core, ongoing and future pandemic threats, climate change security impacts, uncontrolled technological change and the undermining of economic security. Meeting these threats requires a sovereign, made-in-Canada response that protects Canada’s democracy and national interest and that operates within an environment of informed public understanding. Canada must pivot to face looming global threats and can and must do so from a position of knowledge and strength. This special report is the culmination of a project unprecedented in scale and scope in Canada. Beginning in the fall of 2020, CIGI set out to mobilize a large and diverse set of Canadian and international experts to examine Canada’s national security landscape. The CIGI project, Reimagining a Canadian National Security Strategy, features the publication of this capstone report, authored by the project’s co-directors, alongside 10 thematic reports allowing for deeper dives into critical, present-day national security issues. This report makes a series of key policy recommendations to assist the Government of Canada in addressing the challenges of a new security environment.
Topic:
Security, National Security, Governance, and Leadership
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

11919. Protecting Freedom of Thought in the Digital Age

Author:
Susie Alegre
Publication Date:
05-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
As digital technology plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, the need for regulations to protect our rights to freedom of thought and opinion is becoming more apparent, especially with regard to social media platforms’ relentless mission to get inside people’s heads using their personal data. International human rights law protects our right to freedom of thought, which includes the right to keep our thoughts and opinions private, the right not to have our thoughts and opinions manipulated, and the right not to be penalized for our thoughts and opinions. This policy brief will explore strategies to protect these rights in digital spaces.
Topic:
Human Rights, Science and Technology, Privacy, and Digitalization
Political Geography:
Global Focus

11920. An Emerging Opportunity for Recovery: “Modern Markets for All”

Author:
Wingham Rowan
Publication Date:
06-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation
Abstract:
The growth and modernization of online labour markets have often come at the expense of workers. The platforms that cater to the gig economy aim to maximize profits while undermining worker benefits. For example, some labour platforms have been known to extract up to 30 percent of their workers’ earnings. In this policy brief, Wingham Rowan discusses how to make labour markets more equitable through a collaborative effort between government agencies and tech companies to maximize growth, opportunity and inclusion, creating “modern markets for all.”
Topic:
Science and Technology, Income Inequality, Labor Market, and Public-Private Partnership
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America