九龍華仁書院 - studying abroad and an IT careerCharles Mok
1) The document discusses the benefits of studying abroad such as cultural exposure, independence, and work opportunities as well as factors to consider when choosing whether to study locally, abroad, or in mainland China.
2) It provides advice on choosing a career in information technology, noting it is important and diverse, covering industries like hardware, software, and various user industries.
3) The author shares their experience studying in the US and working in the US and Hong Kong before returning to Hong Kong in 1994 to work in information technology.
The document discusses the rise of social media and citizen participation in politics through Web 2.0 technologies. It notes how Barack Obama's 2008 US presidential campaign was the first to leverage these technologies, allowing supporters to directly participate in the campaign through sites like YouTube and Facebook. Examples are given of political videos and campaigns in Taiwan and Hong Kong using these new media. The conclusion emphasizes how these tools can empower citizens and participation if politicians think boldly and creatively.
Achieving Social and Business Potentials in the Web 2.0 WorldCharles Mok
The document discusses the evolution of Web 2.0 and how it has changed politics and campaigns. It provides examples of how politicians like Obama used social media and the internet to engage supporters and raise money online. Specifically, it discusses how Obama created an effective long term internet strategy from his initial campaign website to his transition and presidential sites. The document also discusses how consumers have changed with the rise of digital technologies and how companies can leverage tools like social media to gain insights into customers.
The document discusses trends in web development including Web 2.0, Web 3.0 and cloud computing. It notes that Web 2.0 is characterized by interactivity, sharing and free access. Cloud computing has always existed in various forms like mainframes and internet data centers. The document also discusses the rise of eReaders and their impact on publishing, and how advertising is increasingly being integrated with online media and IT. It concludes by identifying cloud computing, eReaders, and advertising/marketing as key web trends to watch going forward.
The document discusses the impact of the internet after the review of Hong Kong's Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance. It analyzes the issue from multiple perspectives including technology, business, law, society, ethics and religion. It also discusses the government's consultation process, principles related to media law, issues regarding new media technologies, media freedom, and strategies for responding to the consultation. It references debates around balancing internet regulation and freedom.
九龍華仁書院 - studying abroad and an IT careerCharles Mok
1) The document discusses the benefits of studying abroad such as cultural exposure, independence, and work opportunities as well as factors to consider when choosing whether to study locally, abroad, or in mainland China.
2) It provides advice on choosing a career in information technology, noting it is important and diverse, covering industries like hardware, software, and various user industries.
3) The author shares their experience studying in the US and working in the US and Hong Kong before returning to Hong Kong in 1994 to work in information technology.
The document discusses the rise of social media and citizen participation in politics through Web 2.0 technologies. It notes how Barack Obama's 2008 US presidential campaign was the first to leverage these technologies, allowing supporters to directly participate in the campaign through sites like YouTube and Facebook. Examples are given of political videos and campaigns in Taiwan and Hong Kong using these new media. The conclusion emphasizes how these tools can empower citizens and participation if politicians think boldly and creatively.
Achieving Social and Business Potentials in the Web 2.0 WorldCharles Mok
The document discusses the evolution of Web 2.0 and how it has changed politics and campaigns. It provides examples of how politicians like Obama used social media and the internet to engage supporters and raise money online. Specifically, it discusses how Obama created an effective long term internet strategy from his initial campaign website to his transition and presidential sites. The document also discusses how consumers have changed with the rise of digital technologies and how companies can leverage tools like social media to gain insights into customers.
The document discusses trends in web development including Web 2.0, Web 3.0 and cloud computing. It notes that Web 2.0 is characterized by interactivity, sharing and free access. Cloud computing has always existed in various forms like mainframes and internet data centers. The document also discusses the rise of eReaders and their impact on publishing, and how advertising is increasingly being integrated with online media and IT. It concludes by identifying cloud computing, eReaders, and advertising/marketing as key web trends to watch going forward.
The document discusses the impact of the internet after the review of Hong Kong's Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance. It analyzes the issue from multiple perspectives including technology, business, law, society, ethics and religion. It also discusses the government's consultation process, principles related to media law, issues regarding new media technologies, media freedom, and strategies for responding to the consultation. It references debates around balancing internet regulation and freedom.
Charles Mok discusses various threats facing the internet, including digital repression, surveillance, misinformation, internet shutdowns, and data/cyber sovereignty. He notes that data, standards, infrastructure, and values are fragmenting. Regulatory fragmentation is also occurring as democracies seek backdoors, while authoritarians view cybersecurity as a means of regime security and push for more government control over internet governance through conferences like the World Internet Conference. Overall, Mok argues the vision of "One World, One Internet" is under threat from increasing fragmentation across many areas.
This document summarizes cyber risks in Hong Kong following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. It discusses how internet freedom has declined, with increased censorship and surveillance powers. New laws and proposals aim to further control the internet, such as requiring SIM card registration, strengthening anti-doxxing laws, and proposals to regulate crowdfunding and criminalize broad cybercrimes. Civil society has retreated amid arrests for online posts, media closures, and website blocking. Overall internet freedom has sharply declined and more restrictions are planned.
ICANN TWNIC TWIGF 2023: Compliance through CompulsionCharles Mok
This document discusses the trend of governments using access restrictions as a policy tool for compliance. It notes that censorship has existed as long as the internet, through methods like the Great Firewall of China. The document examines perspectives from 2011 that viewed access restrictions as minor inconveniences rather than censorship. It analyzes how the UK uses a protective DNS service to block malware while maintaining it is not censorship. Examples from Hong Kong and predictions for other Asian countries show how access restrictions have become mandated under national security laws. The document raises the question of whether similar trends could occur in other countries like the US and Taiwan.
全球數位威權趨勢及對台灣的挑戰和機遇
Digital Authoritarianism: Global Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Taiwan
Keynote for Open Culture Foundation
April 8 2023
Taipei, Taiwan
This document summarizes Charles Mok's discussion from a 2023 technology conference on issues related to AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, data governance, and internet fragmentation. Key topics included the rapid advancement of AI models from ChatGPT to GPT-4, the collapse of FTX shaking confidence in cryptocurrency and blockchain applications, ongoing debates around internet standards-setting and regulatory approaches, and increasing geopolitical tensions contributing to fragmentation across digital technologies, infrastructure, and values. Mok concluded by questioning if collaboration on these issues can overcome growing divisions.
Technology4democracy: The Potential of Web3 and Blockchain for DemocracyCharles Mok
- Web3 aims to decentralize the internet using blockchain technology, removing centralized intermediaries and allowing users to own their own data. This could enable new forms of direct participation like immutable voting. However, others are skeptical that people want to manage their own servers or infrastructure. There are also concerns that Web3 platforms could become controlled by venture capitalists like previous iterations. Some countries and organizations are experimenting with blockchain applications for areas like elections, funding, and transparency. Ensuring governance models are inclusive and address potential threats will be important as Web3 develops.
APAC Data Center Infrastructure ObservationsCharles Mok
Regulations in the APAC region are expected to favor edge data centers over solely cloud-based infrastructure due to data sovereignty requirements. Increased bandwidth availability in more APAC markets beyond major hubs could lead to greater data center distribution. While green data centers are important, regulations promoting them may not be top national priorities in all APAC countries at this time.
Charles Mok discusses China's repressive digital practices, including the Great Firewall that censors the internet, massive government surveillance through tools like facial recognition, and the social credit system. He notes that China is exporting this model of digital control through projects like the Digital Silk Road and by providing technologies to other countries. However, China faces pushback in some Western nations and its efforts to influence global technology standards have met resistance from organizations like IETF and IEEE. Overall, China is actively working to spread its model of internet governance and fragment the global internet while facing challenges to its vision from advocates of multistakeholder governance.
The document discusses issues around technology, data, and ethics for both the public and private sectors. It notes fragmentation of trust, truth, the internet, and data issues that regulators face. It argues regulations alone cannot solve most problems and that putting the pieces together requires data literacy for all stakeholders and joint data governance that empowers users, is consent-based, transparent, and holds organizations accountable. The document was presented by Charles Mok at an ISKO conference on data governance designed with user empowerment, consent, transparency, and accountability at its core.
Censorship, Surveillance and Cyber Threats in Hong Kong.pdfCharles Mok
This document summarizes the decline of internet freedom in Hong Kong over recent years. It describes how censorship was previously non-existent but increased after the national security law was passed in 2020. This allowed authorities to order taking down of online content and surveillance. Many websites and apps were blocked or self-censored in response. Real name registration for SIM cards was also introduced, tightening government control over online activities. The future may include further pressure on global internet platforms to censor in Hong Kong as well as local legislation increasing government powers over online speech.
Charles Mok looks at the impacts of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the metaverse. He discusses both benefits and concerns, such as privacy issues with facial recognition, mounting ethical concerns with the industrialization of AI, and debates around decentralization. He also examines implications of the Ukraine conflict, including hacker activity and big tech's response, as well as what the future internet may look like in regards to issues like social credit, censorship, and online freedom.
Why open and interoperable Internet infrastructure is key to the Internet's c...Charles Mok
The document discusses why an open and interoperable Internet infrastructure is key to the continued success of the Internet. It notes issues like fragmentation, misinformation, censorship and surveillance that have arisen and questions how to re-empower users through technology and multistakeholderism while ensuring regulations lead to an improved Internet.
Misinformation, Fake News and Harmful Content Laws in the WorldCharles Mok
Charles Mok discusses the challenges with laws around misinformation, fake news, and harmful content globally. He notes that determining what is fake news or misinformation is difficult, as is deciding who should make that judgment. Laws introduced in Germany to stop hate speech have been copied by authoritarian regimes to censor dissent. Similarly, India's new IT rules give the government broad powers to censor content deemed unlawful on social media. Attempts to regulate disinformation raise issues around freedom of expression and the risk of increased censorship. Overall, the presentation cautions that establishing authorities to determine disinformation is problematic and enforcing such rules is not straightforward.
From Re-Opening to Recovery: Post-COVID Security and Privacy Issues and TrendsCharles Mok
The document discusses post-COVID security and privacy issues and trends as countries move from pandemic response to recovery. It summarizes contact tracing and exposure notification apps used in various countries and debates around balancing privacy and public health. Issues around vaccine passports and digital identity are also examined, including standards, privacy, inequality and implications. Emerging technologies could advance vaccine tracing but also enable health surveillance. Overall balances in these issues will be important for societies post-pandemic.
Charles Mok discusses the potentials and limitations of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI shows promise in areas like diagnosing diseases, fighting climate change, and translating languages, it also faces limitations. AI may struggle with tasks requiring "System 2" thinking like abstract reasoning, planning, and understanding cause and effect. It can also replicate and even amplify the biases of its human creators. To realize AI's full potentials, Mok argues we must know its limitations, impose proper oversight and controls, ensure ethics and equality are incorporated, and take a realistic approach focused on specific tasks rather than assuming it can solve all problems.