US democracy summit ends with move to confront repressive nations’ ‘misuse’ of technology
- The initiative aims to develop a policy governing the export of technologies that help autocratic states spread cyber disinformation and surveil their citizens
- ‘We need to make sure technology that enables so much of our lives is used to advanced democracies to lift people up, not to hold them down’
“We’re committed to working with all who share those values, to shape the rules of the road that are going to govern our progress in the 21st century, including on issues of cybersecurity and emerging technologies.”
The online gathering of more than 100 heads of state was organised to counter the rise of authoritarians at a time when democracy is on the defensive worldwide. In recent weeks, Beijing has sent record numbers of military jets into Taiwan airspace and Moscow has dispatched some 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine.
But the jury is out on what the summit accomplished, analysts said, adding that its unwieldy size, diffuse messaging and the questionable democratic credentials of some invitees may have undercut its effectiveness.
Facing criticism that the virtual meeting was little more than a bloated video-chat call – and in a bid to lead by example in laying out concrete goals – the Biden administration on Friday announced an Export Controls and Human Rights Initiative.