Asian countries increasingly play a leading role in the development of digital technologies and their practical application for large populations, but policy-making and regulation often remains inadequate. Dev Lewis, the Program Lead of Digital Asia Hub, a think tank based in China and South East Asia, talks about major challenges faced in the region: fake news, intrusive technologies violating privacy, and a continuing digital divide that makes access for segments of the population still difficult even in rich countries. Social media platforms continue to struggle with adequate content moderation. India provides numerous examples for exciting and dynamic development of digital technologies, but shows a plethora of problems as well, including one of the longest internet shutdowns worldwide, in Kashmir. Exciting new opportunities are on the horizon, especially the growth of a creative economy encouraging broad user participation, new applications in the area of financial technology, and a growing popular awareness for the relevance of privacy protection.
Dev Lewis was interviewed by Lucia Siu, 25 June, 2021

Digital Challenges in Asia

Creating green connections between Asia and Europe, debating today's most transformative trends.

Digital Challenges in Asia

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Asia Global Dialogue

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