The European Commission oversees various responsibilities within the European Union, focusing on internet governance and digital policies, including the creation of a digital single market and promoting a multistakeholder approach internationally. They engage in global discussions on internet governance through various organizations and initiatives, such as the Global Internet Policy Observatory, with a goal to foster growth and ensure online safety and access across member states and worldwide.
The International Electrotechnical Commission is a global organization that sets international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies, ensuring safety, performance, and interoperability. They work to support digital transformation, including artificial intelligence applications and the Internet of Things, while addressing cybersecurity challenges, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure. Through collaboration with stakeholders worldwide, the IEC aims to build trust in technologies and promote ethical deployment. The Commission also provides conformity assessment systems to ensure standards are correctly implemented and offers resources to enhance cybersecurity in various sectors.
The Federal Communications Commission is a government agency overseeing communications laws and regulations for various platforms like radio, television, and the internet. It focuses on promoting competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services while ensuring fair practices, like net neutrality rules adopted in 2015 to protect an open Internet.
The Commission aims to support policy and norms coherence related to the security and stability in and of cyberspace.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development, a subsidiary of the Economic and Social Council, advises the General Assembly on science and technology issues, focusing on digital activities and policy issues. It reviews progress and drafts resolutions on topics like artificial intelligence and sustainable development goals. The Commission addresses the digital divide, emphasizing the need for policies to improve access to technologies. It also explores the impact of digital technologies on sustainable development and advocates for capacity development. Additionally, the Commission examines interdisciplinary approaches to internet governance and utilizes digital tools for its functions.
The Global Commission on Internet Governance, launched in 2014, focuses on shaping the future of internet governance. It provides policy recommendations for a safe, open, and inclusive internet, addressing issues like privacy, cybersecurity, and access. With 29 members from various backgrounds, the Commission collaborates on research with a global network, aiming to maintain a healthy internet through recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development is a public-private partnership aiming to promote digital cooperation for achieving universal meaningful connectivity. Established in 2010, it advocates for broadband access globally, develops policy recommendations, and supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Commission engages with various stakeholders, publishes annual reports, and organizes Working Groups to address issues such as infrastructure deployment, access, and sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary approaches and global initiatives, the Commission works towards closing the digital divide and promoting digital cooperation for a connected, inclusive, and sustainable world.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa focuses on promoting development in member states, fostering integration, and providing technical advisory services. It supports industrialization, macroeconomic policy, development planning, mineral resource negotiations, and natural resource management. Additionally, it assists with technology and innovation policies to accelerate development. The Commission plays a key role in the African Internet Governance Forum.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, part of the Organization of American States, focuses on promoting and protecting human rights in the Americas. Its seven independent members investigate violations, monitor human rights, raise awareness, make recommendations to member states, present cases to the Inter-American Court, and address digital rights issues like freedom of expression and privacy. An example is the 2013 report by the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression on freedom of expression and the Internet.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights was established in 1987 to safeguard human and peoples’ rights in Africa. It operates from Banjul, The Gambia, with a focus on protection, promotion, and interpretation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Commission also addresses human rights in the digital realm.
