Global Push for Internet Regulation and Digital Currencies: Balancing Innovation and Safety

The global internet landscape is facing increasing scrutiny as nations grapple with balancing innovation and safety. Alexandre Pupo, Secretary-General of the International Youth Organization for Ibero-America (OIJ), advocates for regulating online platforms to combat extremism, mirroring similar discussions in Europe. He emphasizes the need for societal involvement in crafting these regulations to address issues like cyberbullying and mental health. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea is pioneering the 'Digital Kina,' a central bank digital currency (CBDC) built on blockchain technology. This initiative, supported by JICA and Soramitsu, aims to modernize PNG's financial system, promote inclusion, and improve payment efficiency. Similar CBDC projects are underway in countries like China and Sweden, signaling a global trend towards digital currencies. Furthermore, the introduction of 5G technology is progressing globally, with countries planning deployments to enhance connectivity and user experiences. These developments collectively highlight the ongoing efforts to shape the future of the internet and digital finance, balancing technological advancements with societal well-being and regulatory oversight.