As we step into 2025, Data for Policy CIC continues to drive meaningful discussions on AI, data governance, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies. This year promises significant advancements as we work together towards fostering sustainable and inclusive data-driven policymaking. In this first newsletter of 2025, we are excited to share key updates, achievements, and opportunities shaping the global dialogue on AI, data science and policy.
Key Global Developments in AI and Policy
- UK AI Opportunities Action Plan: Unveiled on January 13 by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, this initiative positions the UK as a global AI leader through job creation, innovation, and ethical AI deployment, supported by Matt Clifford CBE as AI Opportunities Adviser.
- U.S. Bipartisan House Task Force: Released a comprehensive report with 66 findings and 89 recommendations to guide AI policy development.
- South Korea’s Landmark AI Legislation: Sets a precedent for governance frameworks to steer AI’s future impact.
- Meta’s Updated Fact-Checking Policy: Reflects the growing global commitment to responsible AI practices.
Recent Insights from Data for Policy CIC
- Global Collaboration: In 2025, major global events, including the World Economic Forum, the G7 Summit, and AI Action Summit, will focus on urgent challenges such as climate change, AI governance, and sustainable development. Data for Policy CIC will actively engage in these discussions, advocating for inclusive, data-driven policies and empowering the Global South in digital transformation. To explore key events and stay informed, visit this page.
- Empowering Global Policy Through Data and AI: Key Developments from Data for Policy CIC : Data for Policy continues to lead the charge in fostering international collaboration in the fields of AI, data science, and public policy. Key initiatives such as the release of the 2024 Conference Proceedings, the formation of new committees, and the launch of the Sub-Saharan Africa Engagement Programme are at the forefront of our efforts. Looking ahead to Data for Policy 2025, we invite you to engage with us in the ongoing evolution of data-driven policymaking, helping shape the future of global policy where technology and governance intersect. For more Information, visit this page.
- Data for Policy 2025 (DfP’25) – Europe Edition: We are now accepting abstracts, full papers, and panel proposals for the Data for Policy 2025 (DfP’25) – Europe Edition, taking place at Leiden University, The Hague, Netherlands. This year’s theme, “Twin Transitions in Data and Policy for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future,” encourages submissions on topics such as data-driven policymaking, sustainable development, digital transformation, and the role of emerging technologies in creating inclusive and resilient societies. For detailed submission guidelines, deadlines, and the review process, visit the conference page.
News from Our Community
- Dr. Zeynep Engin, Chair and Director of Data for Policy CIC, will speak at Camp Digital on 3 July in Manchester, discussing the responsible use of data and AI in public decision-making.
- Prof. Jon Crowcroft is featured in ACM’s “People of ACM” series for his pioneering work in computer networking.
- Dr. Jude Kong, Area 2 Editor, was appointed Canada Research Chair in Community-Oriented AI and Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases.
- Prof. Carsten Maple, new Editorial Board member, will speak at the AI Regulation Summit on January 27.
On Our Radar: Key developments in AI and data governance include the UK’s AI sector attracting over £14 billion in private investment since July 2024, with major contributions from CoreWeave and Synthesia. Meanwhile, Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority has ordered X. Corp to suspend training data from minors for generative AI models. The EU is gearing up for the application of its AI Act in 2025 to enforce accountability and mitigate AI risks while the US Bureau of Industry and Security announced new regulatory frameworks for AI technology diffusion. Additionally, Thailand will host UNESCO’s Third Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in June 2025, marking the first time this event takes place in Asia. Stay updated on the latest developments by following this page.
Reports in Focus: Recent reports spotlight key trends in AI policy and innovation. The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan Government Response outlines strategies for accelerating AI adoption, while the OECD’s 2024 report on Global Trends in Government Innovation highlights critical developments in modernising government. OpenAI has released an Economic Blueprint focusing on AI’s potential to boost global economic growth. The EU’s new report on AI’s role in policymaking emphasises the need for transparency, accountability, and effective governance frameworks. Additionally, the Tony Blair Institute has published a report on AI in the Global South, exploring the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in emerging economies. To discover more timely reports, visit this page.
Recent Articles cover topics like memory-centric computing, sufficient context in retrieval augmented generation systems, and the collaborative potential of large language models in physics. Other highlights include progress on sustainable development goals in India, and addressing vulnerabilities of medical language models to data poisoning. Read more.
Opportunities: Exciting opportunities include the Advanced AI Leadership Executive Education Program at Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, and a Senior Advisor position with the Tony Blair Institute for Digital Transformation & AI. For those interested in government positions, the UK Government Office for Science is hiring. These opportunities align with the growing demand for expertise in AI governance and digital transformation. We encourage our community members to share their latest academic achievements and developments from their regions or countries for inclusion in future newsletters.
To explore the full content of the January newsletter, click here.
Stay updated on the latest news and insights in data and AI policy by subscribing to our newsletter here.