In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Samit D'Cunha, a legal advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), about the innovative Digital Emblem Project.
For over 160 years, the Red Cross emblem has symbolized protection in conflict zones, designating medical and humanitarian organizations as safe from attack. Now, as warfare increasingly extends into cyberspace, the ICRC is developing a digital version of this emblem to provide the same legal protections for online infrastructure.
We examine the increasing frequency of cyberattacks on hospitals and aid organizations during armed conflict, and why the Digital Emblem is more crucial now than ever. Samit explains the technical side of the project, including the use of cryptographic certificates and DNS systems to ensure global, decentralized protection. He also discusses the importance of legal recognition and trust-building across governments, tech companies, and humanitarian sectors.
As the digital battleground expands, this emblem could play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and ensuring that humanitarian operations continue uninterrupted. We also explore the challenges of implementing this system without increasing organizations' vulnerability, and why support from over 100 tech companies and states is crucial for its success.
If you’re interested in the intersection of cybersecurity, law, and humanitarian efforts, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Popular Podcasts
True Crime Tonight
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.