Digital Policy Hub

A collaborative space for emerging scholars and innovative thinkers to share and develop research on the evolution and governance of transformative technologies.

Toward Actionable Policy for the Use of AI in Canada’s Housing Crisis

Most artificial intelligence (AI) governance guidance in Canada focuses on high-level, principle-based approaches, emphasizing “responsible,” “safe” and “ethical” AI. However, these approaches leave governance gaps in many sectors, including housing. As the second part of a two-part working paper series, this paper offers five policy recommendations to close this gap and mitigate AI-related harm in housing.

Natahlie DiBerardino Photo

Nathalie DiBerardino

Winter 2025 term

The Military’s Crisis of Analytics: Modernizing Misconduct Data

Systemic sexual violence in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is rooted in a deeply entrenched and continuously reinforced organizational culture of gendered power structures, hypersexualization and extreme pressures for conformity. Despite a decade of formal data collection on sexual misconduct, the CAF today cannot accurately determine its prevalence and associated trends or the effectiveness of prevention initiatives.

Headshot Caleigh Wong

Caleigh Wong

Winter 2025 term

Economic Models and Growth Trajectories of BRICS+ and G7: A Comparison

With the expansion of BRICS+ in January 2024, the bloc has been increasingly depicted as a rapidly growing counterweight to the G7 by politicians and academics alike and is often projected to overtake the G7 by 2050. This paper provides its own prediction of both groups’ future growth trajectories, and concludes that while the robust growth of BRICS+ is likely to continue, it will not be as substantial as many experts forecast.

Sean Yi Xuan Tan

CIGI Reseach Intern
Fall 2024 term

Are Large Language Models Actually Getting Safer?

Each new release of large language models (LLMs) often comes with claims of both improved performance and enhanced safety. However, there is a lack of standardized safety assessments and a gap in studying these metrics over time. This working paper aims to address this gap by analyzing performance on various standardized safety benchmarks across various LLMs released in the last three years to gauge if they are becoming safer.

Ashley Ferreira Picture

Ashley Ferreira

Fall 2024 term

Robust Digital Governance Frameworks in Africa

Growing interest in Africa’s digital transformation is being driven by the continent’s youth bulge, its potential as a partner trading on an equal footing and its role in tech geopolitical rivalries. Regional approaches to data governance help enhance interoperability and harmonization of national data regulations, providing African states with more leverage and market share in the digital economy.

Badriyya Yusuf - Headshot

Badriyya Yusuf

Fall 2024 term

Exploring the Future of Generative AI in Public Health Practice

Public health plays an important role in the broader health system by promoting and protecting citizens’ health, often under challenging circumstances, including declining trust, limited resources and complex information ecosystems. Generative artificial intelligence offers potential opportunities for public health to tailor health information to diverse populations at scale, a current challenge of public health programs and service delivery.

Headshot Melissa MacKay

Melissa MacKay

Fall 2024 term

Understanding Consumer Perceptions of Fintech Banking in Canada

In Canada, the potential of financial technology to enhance accessibility, diversify offerings and bring new competition to its oligopolistic banking sector is still in its early stages. Consumer adoption of financial technology (fintech) products and services remains relatively low compared with other advanced economies, despite a generally positive perception of fintech services among consumers. New participants in the banking sector offer innovative, competitively priced services, but they face significant barriers.

Rafael_Morales-Guzman.UPDATED2

Rafael Morales-Guzman

Fall 2024 term

Blurred Lines: Civilian Oversight at Canada’s Digital Borders

Since its formation in 2003, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been the only major federal law enforcement organization in the country without an arms-length watchdog agency. The recent passage of the Public Complaints and Review Commission Act addresses this gap in accountability by extending the oversight model of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to the CBSA.

Headshot Jamie Duncan

Jamie Duncan

Fall 2024 term

Canada as a Norm Entrepreneur in Quantum Science and Technology

Countries pursuing liberal internationalist norms can engage with international institutions to promote their interests through norm entrepreneurship. With its established research community in the domain of quantum science and technology (S&T) and a seat at the table in many international institutions, Canada has an opportunity to promote norms of responsible use and international equality in the domains of quantum S&T.

Michael Murphy - Headshot

Michael P. A. Murphy

Fall 2024 term

Black Myth, Digital Soft Power and Counter-National Narratives in China

China has been exporting digital cultural products that function as non-state actors, including video games such as Black Myth: Wukong, which incorporates Chinese localized narratives, mythologies and traditional cultures. Through an examination of China’s digital soft power and the underlying tensions between grassroots counter-narratives and state-driven propaganda, this paper attempts to address gaps in Canada’s digital governance related to the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Xiao Han Photo

Xiao Han

Fall 2024 term

How Do Current AI Regulations Shape the Global Governance Framework?

It is crucial to have an agile model of AI governance anchored in risk-based, rights-based and rules-based principles. Proposed solutions include a universal AI convention enforced by a High Commission for AI and Human Rights, an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-like panel for rigorous research and policy guidance and a global research consortium inspired by the European Organization for Nuclear Research to ensure inclusive, transparent AI development and equitable benefit sharing.

Maral Niazi PhD (7)

Maral Niazi

Summer 2024 term

Data Governance Avenues for Military Cultural Transformation

The Canadian Armed Forces is not able to accurately quantify the rate of sexual misconduct in the organization, nor the trends associated with it, despite several cycles of institutional reform in recent decades. Data fragmentation, poor data management, data not fit for purpose and a lack of accountability have obscured organizational knowledge on sexual misconduct, contributing to the “policy graveyard” phenomenon seen in recent attempts for military reform.

Headshot Caleigh Wong

Caleigh Wong

Fall 2024 term

Examining Canada’s AI Policy Network: Where Does the Power Lie?

Civil society organizations should play a larger role in the artificial intelligence (AI) policy-making process because they offer valuable insights into the societal and ethical implications of AI. These organizations can be empowered by enacting various institutional changes, specifically by connecting them with AI governance bodies such as the Advisory Council on AI, the Office of the AI and Data Commissioner and the AI Safety Institute.

Elia Rasky - Headshot

Elia Rasky

Fall 2024 term

Pathways to the Sound Use of Border Security Technologies in North America

North American nations are expanding the digitalization and incorporation of artificial intelligence at and around their borders amid record numbers of displaced people worldwide. A delicate balance is essential for policy makers, as they conduct cost-benefit analyses of employing sophisticated border technologies, to ensure that internationally protected human rights are upheld, while prioritizing state security and public safety.

Reanne Cayenne

Reanne Cayenne

Program Manager
Summer 2024 term

Locating Canada in Industry 4.0: Barriers and Opportunities

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, is introducing rapid technological advancements that will fundamentally alter wealth distribution, labour automation and the creation or reinforcement of monopolies. While it is not as internationally prominent as those of other Industry 4.0 leaders, Canada is making significant advancements to improve and develop its advanced manufacturing industry, which has the potential to actively participate in developing critical Industry 4.0 technologies and processes.

Madison Lee - Photo

Madison Lee

Summer 2024 term

Balancing Stakeholder Interests in Bill C-27

The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), one part of the Digital Charter Implementation Act or Bill C-27, aims to regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence systems by companies operating in Canada. Another part of the bill, the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA), aims to regulate the collection and use of Canadians’ personal information by these companies. Both AIDA and the CPPA can be modified to better reflect the interests, and satisfy the demands, of non-governmental actors.

Elia Rasky - Headshot

Elia Rasky

Summer 2024 term

Digital Regulatory Networks and Evolving Internet Governance Spaces

Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have all devised digital regulators forums. These forums increase regulators’ capacity for evolving digital regulations by bringing competition, privacy and communications regulators together to share insights, data and policy approaches toward the regulation of online platforms. The emergence of digital regulators forums can allow for comprehensive digital policy; however, with these forums in early stages, there are questions as to how they will achieve this comprehension.

Dana Cramer

Dana Cramer

Summer 2024 term

Standards as a Basis for the Global Governance of AI in Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) risk in the research sector will require international governance to ensure the preservation of an independent and reliable global research sector. While many types of governance and safety tools will be necessary, the use of international standardization would be a useful initial phase that could allow for rapid and inclusive governance on which other frameworks could build. International standardization for AI implementation in research institutions could help to build global consensus on preserving and protecting research institutions and their information from AI risk and could help to support other efforts at global AI governance outside of the sector.

Matt Photo

Matthew da Mota

Senior Research Associate and Program Manager, Global AI Risks Initiative
Summer 2024 term

Canada’s Alliance Politics and the Revolution in Quantum Military Affairs

Canada has recognized the importance of the next generation of quantum technologies for a variety of applications; however, Canada’s level of public investment remains somewhat modest compared to other leading nations. Increased public investment in quantum science and technology can help secure Canada’s position within its alliance politics, not only because general investment will alleviate allies’ concerns about budgetary allocations, but also because specific quantum technologies are poised to address the unique challenges facing Canada’s key alliances.

Michael Murphy - Headshot

Michael P. A. Murphy

Summer 2024 term

Generative AI’s Copyright Challenges in Agricultural Extension

Generative AI can be applied in various agricultural extension and advisory services, including farm mechanization, food processing, water management, crop monitoring and livestock management. Most training data sets contain copyrighted works, raising legal questions about their use, especially in agricultural extension services, where training data includes copyrighted images of soil, climate and plant conditions.

Mahatab Headshot

Mahatab Uddin

Summer 2024 term

Assessing Satellite Internet Potential in Rural Kenya

This working paper explores the intricate factors affecting the adoption and diffusion of satellite internet technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Kenya. With a digital divide focus, this paper seeks to understand why rural Kenyans, who constitute 75 per cent of the population, prefer older, less cost-effective broadband technologies over newer, more affordable satellite internet options.

Fred-Okello_Photo

Frederick (Fred) Okello

Winter 2024 term

Technology, Bodies and Emotions: Researching Gendered Gig Work

This working paper demonstrates how the Gig Economies Living Lab (GELL) model can be applied as a framework to conduct policy research through a critical feminist approach that centres the micro-level everyday experiences of workers in the gig economy. The author examines the intersection of technology with individuals’ daily work and life practices in relation to their bodies and emotions.

Laila Mourad - Photo

Laila Mourad

Summer 2024 term

From Central Banks to Governments and Standards: CBDC Governance in Canada

When it comes to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), this working paper offers a novel perspective by shifting focus from central banks to the crucial role played by governments. It explores the democratic governance required to make an informed decision on whether to issue a CBDC and, if one is to be issued, how to develop and implement it responsibly.

Ori Freiman - Headshot Mac

Ori Freiman

Summer 2024 term

Digitalization in Korea, Sweden and Canada: Examining Governance

Korea and Sweden have shown significant progress in adopting digital technologies as well as in reckoning with the challenges that digitalization brings. In the case of Canada, while progress has been made in some domains, governance of digitalization has been characterized by more jagged priority setting. Overall, there is a distinct lack of policy durability and targeted focus on digital priorities. As Canada confronts digital transformation, there are policy lessons it can learn from the Korean and Swedish experiences.

Shirley Anne Scharf - Headshot

Shirley Anne Scharf

Winter 2024 term

Farm Data Ownership and Intellectual Property Laws

Expanding climate-smart agriculture relies on deploying artificial intelligence- (AI-) driven digital technologies, such as big data, machine learning and deep learning. Farmers are concerned about sharing their data because they fear it may be mishandled by untrustworthy parties and used against them, particularly as they typically encounter two primary legal challenges in AI-enabled climate-smart agriculture: data ownership and privacy.

Mahatab Headshot

Mahatab Uddin

Winter 2024 term

University of Toronto Libraries: A Case Study for AI Governance

Existing governance structures for data and information in Canada-based research institutions are varied and often overlapping. The sector requires binding standards for machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) deployment, alongside broad strategic planning, the promotion of safe experimentation with ML/AI tools and the development of frameworks for institutions to mobilize and exchange their data.

Matt Photo

Matthew da Mota

Senior Research Associate and Program Manager, Global AI Risks Initiative
Winter 2024 term

Countering Climate Disinformation in Africa

Climate change is a particularly acute issue for Africa, as the continent’s already fragile environment has been severely impacted. Climate disinformation is an existential risk for many on the continent: misinformation can decrease support for effective mitigation policies and also significantly limit effective adaptation measures.

Andrew Heffernan

Andrew Heffernan

Winter 2024 term

Universal Convention on Artificial Intelligence for Humanity

The fast-paced integration of large language models into societal facets such as finance and security introduces a new set of complex ethical, legal and rights challenges, emphasizing the need for a unified international governance framework for artificial intelligence (AI). Such a framework underscores the call for a universal convention protecting humanity’s most fundamental rights and values against unethical and unsafe AI systems.

Maral Niazi PhD (7)

Maral Niazi

Winter 2024 term

Generative AI Policy in Higher Education: A Preliminary Survey

The world of higher education is being transformed by generative artificial intelligence (AI), as instructors, researchers and students begin using this technology for various purposes. If used ethically and responsibly, this technology can enhance teaching, research and learning practices. If used recklessly and unscrupulously, however, it can undermine academic integrity and produce negative educational outcomes.

Elia Rasky - Headshot

Elia Rasky

Winter 2024 term

Improving Canadian Digital Defences: A National Security Priority

This working paper uses open-source reporting from organizations that experienced cyberattacks, government agency reporting and quantitative analysis using eSentire’s internal data set on cyberattacks detected and responded to in customer environments in North America. This data set demonstrates the value of managed detection and response firms and how they have helped to reduce the cost of cyberattacks to North American organizations by preventing attacks before they have serious financial consequences.

Ryan Westman - Bio

Ryan Westman

Winter 2024 term

Assessing the Near Future of Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance

Against the backdrop of a more regulated internet and enhanced digitalization, the United Nations is proposing both a Global Digital Compact and a Digital Cooperation Forum ahead of the Summit of the Future. These have the potential to upend much multi-stakeholder internet governance work, shifting how the internet has been governed since its public release in the 1990s.

Dana Cramer

Dana Cramer

Winter 2024 term

Forgotten Web3 and Metaversal Technologies in the Wake of AI

Big tech corporations play a significant role in developing and maintaining emerging technologies, such as Web3 and metaversal tech, by providing cloud infrastructure services that enable developers to create and deploy these technologies. Effective regulation requires analyzing the behaviour of entities controlling emerging tech, particularly their political andeconomic motives.

Madison Lee - Photo

Madison Lee

Winter 2024 term

AI Governance Needs a Climate Change Strategy

With increasing investments in Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) computing capacity, little attention has been paid to the growing environmental harms that emerge from scaled-up AI developments. To address those harms, this working paper proposes including environmental impact assessments and corresponding limitations on environmentally degrading developments.

Christelle Tessono - Headshot

Christelle Tessono

Winter 2024 term

Toward an AI Policy Framework for Research Institutions

Research institutions, for example, research libraries, archives and universities, are an essential part of society that are at high risk for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within basic systems such as search and cataloguing functions. This working paper surveys existing policies for AI in universities, ethical frameworks for library and archive associations, and existing international and national policies that are relevant to helping to construct a policy framework based on existing norms, practices and values.

Matt Photo

Matthew da Mota

Senior Research Associate and Program Manager, Global AI Risks Initiative
Fall 2023 term

Language Power-Up: Are LLMs a Fair Play for International Students?

Large language models through generative artificial intelligence (AI) offer a unique opportunity to bridge linguistic gaps for international students, assisting non-native English speakers while minimizing universities’ costs. This paper also explores the ethical considerations of their usage and suggests a university policy framework for responsible generative AI use in academic settings.

Daria Bielik

Daria Bielik

Fall 2023 term

No results