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DR Congo sues Apple subsidiaries over alleged use of conflict minerals, challenges ethical sourcing claims

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of indirectly benefiting from conflict minerals sourced from the region. The DRC, a major supplier of tin, tantalum, and tungsten — essential components in electronic devices — alleges that minerals smuggled through its conflict zones fuel violence and atrocities, including mass rapes and killings, often perpetrated by armed groups.

While Apple claims to audit suppliers and maintain a transparent supply chain, international lawyers representing the Congolese government argue the company relies on minerals pillaged from Congo. The legal filings accuse Apple of covering up war crimes, handling stolen goods, and misleading consumers about the integrity of its supply chain. The complaints also criticise the industry-funded ITSCI certification scheme, claiming it falsely legitimises minerals sourced from conflict zones.

Belgium’s historical role in the exploitation of Congo’s resources was highlighted by Congolese lawyers, who called on Belgium to support their legal efforts. Both France and Belgium are seen as jurisdictions that emphasise corporate accountability. Judicial authorities in these countries will decide whether to pursue criminal investigations against Apple and its subsidiaries.

This legal action reflects Congo’s broader struggle to end the illicit trade of its resources, which has contributed to decades of violence. Millions have died or been displaced due to conflicts linked to mineral exploitation, underscoring the urgent need for stricter enforcement of ethical supply chain practices.

Amazon’s Kuiper may help Taiwan strengthen internet resilience

Taiwan is in discussions with Amazon to potentially collaborate on the company’s Kuiper satellite broadband system, according to Technology Minister Wu Cheng-wen. The Kuiper project, designed to deploy a constellation of over 3,000 satellites, is seen as a crucial step for Taiwan to ensure robust communication infrastructure amid escalating tensions with China. The island has been exploring satellite internet solutions to maintain connectivity in the event of a conflict, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s use of Starlink during wartime.

Minister Wu noted that Taiwan’s existing satellite bandwidth is limited and described Amazon’s Kuiper as the most advanced option currently under development. While Taiwan is considering partnerships with other Western providers, Amazon’s readiness makes it a leading candidate. Amazon has not yet commented on the discussions.

Taiwan has also been launching its own satellites using foreign rockets but aims to establish a domestic launch pad by 2029. A location in the southeast of the island is being evaluated, with a decision expected by March. This initiative underscores Taiwan’s commitment to building self-reliant space capabilities while safeguarding its communication networks in an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate.

EU begins work on major satellite network

The European Union has officially launched the development of its IRIS² satellite constellation, a €10.6 billion initiative designed to enhance secure governmental communications and secure Europe’s digital independence. The project, involving over 280 satellites, is set to provide encrypted services for EU governments while also supporting new commercial opportunities.

Amid rising concerns about digital sovereignty and the rapid expansion of competing networks like Elon Musk’s Starlink, IRIS² marks the EU’s third major space programme after Galileo and Copernicus. Despite initial setbacks, including disputes over costs and industrial work shares, the European Space Agency expects the first launch by mid-2029 and full deployment by the end of 2030.

The project’s development has not been without challenges. Europe’s leading satellite manufacturers, Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, withdrew from the main consortium due to financial concerns but remain involved as suppliers. IRIS² aims to position Europe as a competitive force in a market currently dominated by Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper network.

Balancing digital sovereignty and growth in Africa discussed at IGF 2024

At the IGF 2024 preparatory session, stakeholders discussed the critical challenges surrounding digital sovereignty in developing countries, particularly in Africa. The dialogue, led by AFICTA and global experts, explored balancing data localisation with economic growth, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory policies.

Jimson Olufuye and Ulandi Exner highlighted the financial and technical hurdles of establishing local data centres, including unreliable electricity supplies and limited expertise. Nigeria‘s Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stressed the importance of data classification, advocating for clear regulations that differentiate sensitive government data from less critical commercial information.

The conversation extended to renewable energy’s role in powering local infrastructure. Jimson Olufuye pointed to successful solar-powered centres in Nigeria, while Kossi Amessinou noted the need for governments to utilise data effectively for economic development. Participants, including Martin Koyabe and Mary Uduma, underscored the importance of harmonised regional policies to streamline cross-border data flows without compromising security.

Speakers like Melissa Sassi and Dr Toshikazu Sakano argued for public-private partnerships to foster skills development and job creation. The call for capacity building remained a recurring theme, with Rachael Shitanda and Melissa Sassi urging governments to prioritise technical training while retaining talent in their countries.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, acknowledging that solutions, such as renewable energy integration and smart regulations, can help achieve digital sovereignty. Speakers emphasised the need for continued collaboration to overcome economic, technical, and policy challenges while fostering innovation and growth.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Dynamic Coalitions: Bridging digital divides and shaping equitable online governance

The session ‘Dynamic Coalitions and the Global Digital Compact’ at IGF 2024 in Riyadh highlighted the significant role of Dynamic Coalitions (DCs) in advancing the Global Digital Compact’s (GDC) objectives. Moderated by Jutta Croll, the discussion served as a platform to illustrate the alignment of DC efforts with the GDC’s goals, emphasising the need for broader collaboration and inclusion.

One of the pressing topics addressed was bridging digital divides, as emphasised by June Paris, an experienced nurse engaged in research on nutrition in pregnant women and a business development expert. She underscored the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting their increased vulnerability to digital marginalisation. Paris called on DCs to prioritise policies that combat polarisation and promote equitable internet access for underrepresented regions.

The conversation also delved into expanding the benefits of the digital economy. Muhammad Shabbir, a member of the Internet Society’s Accessibility Special Interest Group, a member of the Pakistan ISOC chapter, and a member of the Digital Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), detailed the contributions of coalitions like the DC on Financial Inclusion, which advocates for accessible financial services, and the DC on Open Education, which focuses on enhancing learning opportunities. Shabbir also highlighted the DC on Accessibility’s work towards digital inclusivity for persons with disabilities and the DC on Environment’s initiatives to address the environmental impacts of digitalisation.

Founder and investor of the WAF lifestyle app and chair of Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values, Olivier Crepin-Leblond, provided insights on fostering safe and inclusive digital spaces, stressing the pivotal work of DCs like the DC on Internet Rights and Principles, which champions human rights online, and the DC on Child Online Safety, which ensures the protection of children in the digital realm. He highlighted the significant proportion of under-18 internet users, linking their rights to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Data governance and AI regulation also featured prominently. Tatevik Grigoryan, co-chair of Dynamic Coalition on Interoperability, Equitable and Interoperable Data Governance and Internet Universality Indicators, discussed frameworks for responsible data management. At the same time, Yao Amevi Amnessinou Sossou, a research fellow for innovation and entrepreneurship, spotlighted AI-related initiatives. These included tackling gender biases through the DC on Gender and Internet Governance and exploring AI’s potential in healthcare and connected devices through other coalitions. Their contributions underscored the need for ethical and inclusive governance of emerging technologies.

The session’s open dialogue further enriched its value. The lead of three dynamic coalitions – Digital Economy, Digital Health and Environment, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, highlighted the urgency of job creation and digital inclusion, while audience members raised critical points on data integrity and the transformative potential of gamification. Mark Carvell’s (co-moderator of the session) mention of the WSIS+20 Review added a forward-looking perspective, inviting DCs to contribute their expertise to this landmark evaluation.

By showcasing the diverse initiatives of Dynamic Coalitions, the session reinforced their essential role in shaping global internet governance. The call for greater inclusion, tangible outcomes, and multistakeholder collaboration resonated throughout, marking a clear path forward for advancing the GDC’s objectives.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Youth integration in digital governance at the IGF 2024

Youth leaders took the stage at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in one of the most dynamic dialogues with global parliamentarians about the critical role of young people in digital governance. Titled ‘Leading the digital transformation journey: dialogue with youth leaders,’ the session reflected the need for genuine youth engagement in policymaking to shape an inclusive, equitable digital future.

Youth leaders echoed these appeals, demanding concrete action. Ihita Gangavarapu, coordinator of India’s Youth IGF, stressed the need for ‘real participation, not tokenism.’ She argued for institutionalised mechanisms to consult young people, particularly when crafting context-specific legislation on digital access, rights, and cybersecurity. Duaa Albalawi, representing Saudi Arabia at the Y20 summit, pushed for an ethical global framework for AI, urging policymakers to include youth perspectives while addressing fairness, worker transitions, and data sovereignty. ‘Youth participation is not a privilege; it’s a right,’ she declared.

Egyptian MP Sahar Albazar emphasised the importance of nurturing political participation early through initiatives like youth parliaments, mentorship programs, and lowering candidacy ages. ‘If you’re wise enough to vote, you’re wise enough to run,’ she asserted, calling for structural changes to empower young voices in decision-making. Similarly, Guinea’s Parliament President Dansa Kourouma highlighted the paradox of Africa’s demographics, where 70% of the population is under 40 but remains underrepresented in parliaments. ‘Participation is vital, but so is responsibility,’ he said, advocating for digital education to balance engagement with accountability.

German MP Tobias Bacherle added an insightful perspective on generational shifts: ‘We grew up with technology; it’s our reality,’ he noted, advocating for open communication channels and leveraging digital tools to bridge divides. However, a note of caution was also underlined, stressing the need to align youthful enthusiasm with national security priorities.

The session also explored innovative approaches to collaboration, from broadcasting parliamentary debates on social media to creating local youth councils that mirror national parliaments. As an engaged audience pressed for measurable strategies, the consensus emerged: youth must be seen as partners, not beneficiaries, with the resources and platforms to contribute meaningfully.

IGF 2024 panellists highlight infrastructure, literacy, and fair digital access

The Internet Governance Forum 2024 (IGF) brought together global stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), aiming to address digital inequalities and foster cross-sector partnerships. The session spotlighted key challenges such as funding gaps, cultural adaptation of digital initiatives, and sustainability concerns in infrastructure development.

Isabel De Sola from the Office of the Tech Envoy emphasised stakeholder collaboration and revealed plans for an upcoming GDC implementation roadmap. Roy Eriksson, Finland‘s Ambassador for Global Gateway, shared successes from AI strategy projects in African nations, illustrating how capacity-building partnerships can close technology gaps. Kevin Hernandez of the Universal Postal Union presented the Connect.Post programme, which aims to connect global post offices to digital networks by 2030.

Discussions also underscored energy efficiency and sustainability in digital infrastructure. Nandipha Ntshalbu highlighted the need to balance technological growth with environmental considerations. Data governance and cybersecurity frameworks were identified as critical, with Shamsher Mavin Chowdhury stressing the importance of inclusive frameworks to protect the interests of developing countries.

Innovative projects demonstrated local impact, such as Damilare Oydele’s Library Tracker for African libraries and Patricia Ainembabazi’s efforts promoting regional knowledge-sharing platforms. However, Alisa Heaver of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs raised concerns about aligning GDC objectives with existing frameworks to avoid redundancy.

The IGF session concluded with a unified call for continued collaboration. Despite challenges, there was optimism that effective partnerships and targeted initiatives can ensure secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital progress worldwide.

Inclusive digital innovation: global experts call for action and collaboration

The ‘Fostering Inclusive Digital Innovation and Transformation‘ session at Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 brought together representatives from the UNDP, Italy’s Digital Agency, and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) to share insights and solutions for a more connected, equitable world. Global leaders and experts explored strategies to foster inclusive digital innovation, underscoring the urgency to close digital divides and empower underserved communities.

Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of the UNDP, set the stage by emphasising capacity development as a critical foundation for digital transformation. ‘We need digital roads and bridges; public infrastructures that serve as enablers for innovation,’ he explained, highlighting the UNDP’s initiatives in 125 countries, including training civil servants in AI and digital skills in Kenya. Opp also advocated for a unified global framework, pointing to the Global Digital Compact as a guidepost for ensuring human rights and ethical governance in the digital age.

Italy’s progress in building robust digital public infrastructure provided a case study. Mario Nobile, Director of Italy’s Digital Agency, outlined achievements such as 36 million digital identity users and 2 billion e-invoices annually. Nobile stressed the importance of digital literacy by summarising that ‘Technology evolves faster than we can legislate. Empowering citizens with knowledge is key to ensuring inclusion, not exclusion.’

The role of engineering capacity in digital innovation emerged as a focal point. Gong Ke, President of the WFEO, highlighted a decade-long initiative to train 100,000 African engineers in AI. ‘Inclusive digital transformation requires tailored solutions that reflect local needs—whether cultural, linguistic, or economic,’ he said, adding that human oversight remains vital in managing AI’s ethical and factual risks.

Audience members raised pressing concerns, including the need for a UN declaration on AI ethics and strategies for unifying global digital literacy and inclusion efforts. Addressing these, Opp noted the UN’s commitment to ethical AI governance while calling on nations to back their commitments with resources.

At the end of the session, the panellists made clear that bridging the digital divide requires global cooperation, inclusive policies, and educational investment. As Gong summarised, ‘We must combine innovation with responsibility. Only then can digital transformation truly benefit all.’

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions and insightful session reports can be found on dig.watch.

Experts at the IGF explore strategies for closing digital divides and enhancing meaningful connectivity

Experts from various sectors gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategies for achieving meaningful connectivity worldwide, focusing on closing digital divides and ensuring internet access leads to tangible benefits. Vint Cerf, a member of the IGF Leadership Panel, emphasised the evolving definition of meaningful access, highlighting the need for safe, productive, and affordable online experiences.

Martin Schaaper from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shared data showing 67% global internet usage but noted that high broadband costs in some regions still exclude many, particularly underserved populations.

The digital divide remains a significant challenge, with gaps across gender, geography, and socioeconomic lines. Director of the Pakistan Telecom Authority, Syeda Shafaq Karim, highlighted Pakistan’s Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, addressing the disparity in mobile broadband usage among women.

Meanwhile, Lina Viltrakiene, Ambassador-at-Large for Economic and Digital Diplomacy from Lithuania, showcased the ‘No One Left Behind’ initiative, providing free digital literacy courses to over 500,000 elderly citizens. These efforts illustrate the importance of targeted interventions alongside broader infrastructure development and skills training.

Panelists also explored innovative solutions to expand access. Mohamed Slim Alouini, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and chair of Education on Connected at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, discussed using non-terrestrial networks to improve rural connectivity, while Talant Sultanov, Chair and Co-Founder of the Internet Society ISOC Assistance Chapter, shared how IoT technologies are advancing climate monitoring in Central Asia.

Public-private partnerships and government investments were repeatedly cited as essential, with Alhagie Mbow, co-moderator of the session and a member of the African Union Parliament, stressing their effectiveness in bridging gaps. At the same time, Bobby Bedi from Content Follow Studios, LLC argued that entertainment and cultural engagement play a crucial role in driving internet adoption, expanding the conversation beyond purely functional uses.

The session concluded with calls for continued collaboration, data collection, and policy development to ensure inclusive and adaptive connectivity efforts. Vint Cerf stressed the need for accessibility features and ongoing initiatives like the IGF, while online moderator Judith Hellerstein highlighted concerns about data protection for vulnerable groups. Achieving meaningful connectivity, the panel agreed, requires a multifaceted approach that balances technological innovation with social and cultural considerations.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Challenges and opportunities in Africa’s digital transformation: Data governance and sharing under scrutiny

The ongoing digital transformation across Africa has put data governance and sharing at the forefront of economic growth and innovation. In an Internet Governance Forum session titled ‘Data Without Borders? Navigating Policy Impacts in Africa’, experts emphasised the importance of harmonised data policies to support the African Union’s (AU) Data Policy Framework.

Souhila Amazouz from the African Union Commission highlighted the framework’s principles of transparency and cooperation, while Thelma Quaye of Smart Africa stressed the urgency of aligning national policies to ensure seamless cross-border data flows. Lillian Nalwoga noted the need for robust national data strategies, noting that two-thirds of African countries have data protection laws, though challenges remain in unifying national and continental interests.

The conversation revealed critical hurdles to effective data governance, including gaps in legal frameworks, limited institutional capacities, inadequate infrastructure, and cybersecurity risks. Souhila Amazouz discussed efforts to address these gaps through regional data centres and capacity-building initiatives.

Meanwhile, the concept of data localisation sparked debate. Vincent Olatunji from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission argued for practical data categorisation over full localisation, which Paul Baker (International Economics Consulting Limited) warned could burden businesses with high costs.

The balance between localisation and cross-border data sharing remains a contentious issue, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aiming to boost trade and integration across the continent.

The panellists also highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration between governments and businesses. Transparent data practices and inclusive policy development were essential to fostering confidence in data-sharing initiatives. Paul Baker noted the vital role of cross-border data flows for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), though an audience member pointed out that many countries still rely on manual systems, hampering digital progress.

Ultimately, the discussion underscored the need for a unified approach to data governance, with capacity development, infrastructure investment, and multistakeholder collaboration as key priorities. While challenges like the digital divide and data fragmentation persist, the dialogue demonstrated a collective commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation through effective data governance strategies.  

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.