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Shaping the future of the IGF: Reflections and aspirations

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, the session ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’ provided a platform to reflect on the forum’s 19-year history and envision its future role. Amid preparations for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plus 20 review and the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), participants emphasised the IGF’s continued relevance as a multistakeholder platform for global internet governance.

A legacy of dialogue and collaboration

Speakers hailed the IGF’s unique role in fostering inclusive dialogue on digital policy. Timea Suto of the International Chamber of Commerce praised its vibrant ecosystem for addressing critical internet governance issues, while Valeria Betancourt from the Association for Progressive Communications highlighted its capacity to bring diverse stakeholders together for meaningful debates.

ICANN’s Göran Marby underscored the IGF’s centrality within the WSIS framework, describing it as a space for shaping narratives and informing policy through open discussion. Juan Fernandez from the Ministry of Communications of Cuba raised a critical point about representation, urging for more consistent and diverse attendance to ensure the forum remains truly inclusive. Other participants echoed this call and highlighted the importance of engaging voices from underrepresented regions and communities.

Evolving for greater impact

As the IGF approaches its 20th anniversary, there is broad consensus on the need to evolve its structure and mandate to enhance its effectiveness. Proposals included integrating the WSIS framework and GDC implementation into its work and making the IGF a permanent institution within the UN system.

‘Strengthening the IGF’s institutional foundation is crucial for its long-term impact,’ argued Vint Cerf, a founding father of the internet.

Speakers also stressed the importance of producing tangible outcomes. Valeria Betancourt and Göran Marby called for actionable recommendations and systematic progress tracking, while Lesotho’s ICT Minister, Nthati Moorosi, suggested special forums with private sector leaders to tackle connectivity challenges. These measures, they argued, would enhance the IGF’s relevance in addressing pressing digital issues.

Inclusivity and grassroots engagement

Enhancing inclusivity remained a recurring theme. Carol Roach, MAG Chair for IGF 2024, and Christine Arida, Board Member of the Strategic Advisory to the Executive President of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt, highlighted the need to amplify voices from the Global South and engage underserved communities.

Leveraging national and regional IGFs (NRIs) was identified as a key strategy for grassroots engagement. ‘The IGF’s strength lies in its ability to facilitate conversations that reach the margins,’ noted Valeria Betancourt.

Balancing innovation with privacy and accessibility

Emerging technologies, particularly AI, featured prominently in discussions. Participants stressed the IGF’s role in addressing the governance challenges posed by rapid innovation while safeguarding privacy and inclusivity.

‘Multistakeholder processes must move beyond handshakes to deeper collaboration,’ remarked one speaker, capturing the need for cohesive efforts in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Looking ahead

The session concluded with a collective vision for the IGF’s future. As it approaches its 20th year, the forum is tasked with balancing its role as a space for open dialogue with the need for concrete outcomes.

Strengthened partnerships, a clearer institutional framework, and an inclusive approach will be essential in ensuring the IGF remains a cornerstone of global internet governance. The journey forward will be defined by its ability to adapt and address the complex challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

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

Democratising AI: the promise and pitfalls of open-source LLMs

At the Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh, the session Democratising Access to AI with Open-Source LLMs explored a transformative vision: a world where open-source large language models (LLMs) democratise AI, making it accessible, equitable, and responsive to local needs. However, this vision remains a double-edged sword, revealing immense promise and critical challenges.

Panelists, including global experts from India, Brazil, Africa, and the Dominican Republic, championed open-source AI to prevent monopolisation by large tech companies. Melissa Muñoz Suro, Director of Innovation in the Dominican Republic, showcased Taina, an AI project designed to reflect the nation’s culture and language. ‘Open-source means breaking the domino effect of big tech reliance,’ she noted, emphasising that smaller economies could customise AI to serve their unique priorities and populations.

Yet, as Muñoz Suro underscored, resource constraints are a significant obstacle. Training open-source models require computational power, infrastructure, and expertise, which are luxuries many Global South nations lack. A Global South AI expert, Abraham Fifi Selby echoed this, calling for ‘public-private partnerships and investment in localised data infrastructure’ to bridge the gap. He highlighted the significance of African linguistic representation, emphasising that AI trained in local dialects is essential to addressing regional challenges.

The debate also brought ethical and governance concerns into sharp focus. Bianca Kremer, a researcher and activist from Brazil, argued that regulation is indispensable to combat monopolies and ensure AI fairness. She cited Brazil’s experience with algorithmic bias, pointing to an incident where generative AI stereotypically portrayed a Brazilian woman from a favela (urban slum) as holding a gun. ‘Open-source offers the power to fix these biases,’ Kremer explained but insisted that burdensome regulation must accompany technological optimism.

Despite its potential, open-source AI risks misuse and dwindling incentives for large-scale investments. Daniele Turra from ISA Digital Consulting proposed redistributing computational resources—suggesting mechanisms like a ‘computing tax’ or infrastructure sharing by cloud giants to ensure equitable access. The session’s audience also pushed for practical solutions, including open datasets and global collaboration to make AI development truly inclusive.

While challenges persist, trust, collaboration, and local capacity-building remain critical to open-source AI’s success. As Muñoz Suro stated, ‘Technology should make life simpler, happier, and inclusive, and open-source AI if done right, is the key to unlocking this vision.’

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

African parliamentarians discuss digital transformation at IGF 2024

A networking session at IGF 2024 in Riyadh examined the vital role of African parliamentarians in shaping inclusive digital policies. Discussions revolved around creating legislation that keeps pace with technological evolution, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and addressing Africa’s unique challenges in the digital age.

Participants called for stronger engagement between parliamentarians, technologists, and scientists to craft practical and forward-looking digital frameworks.

Speakers, including Catherine Mumma from Kenya and Millennium Anthony from Tanzania, underscored the need to improve digital infrastructure and internet access, particularly in rural regions. Challenges such as expensive data costs, insufficient digital skills, and a lack of dedicated parliamentary committees for science and technology were highlighted. Susan Dossi from Malawi and Daniel Molokele from Zimbabwe stressed the importance of public participation in the legislative process to ensure policies reflect citizens’ needs.

The session addressed the borderless nature of the internet and the importance of regional and global collaboration to tackle cybercrime and cross-border governance issues. Ayoban Ngao from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lekhotsa Mafatle from Lesotho emphasised the need to update educational curricula to align with digital needs while investing in digital skills and infrastructure. Ke Gong from China contributed insights on leveraging international best practices to guide Africa’s digital transformation.

Concluding discussions focused on the critical role of parliamentarians in driving digital growth through informed policymaking. Participants advocated for greater cooperation across sectors to ensure Africa capitalises on digital opportunities while addressing its unique challenges. The session underscored a collaborative approach as key to fostering inclusive digital development across the continent.

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

New carbon removal tech targets paper mills and sewage

Major firms including Google, Stripe, and Shopify have pledged $80 million to support innovative carbon capture technologies, targeting emissions from paper mills and sewage plants in the US. This investment is part of the Frontier coalition’s strategy to develop cost-effective solutions for reducing atmospheric carbon.

Two start-ups, CO280 and CREW, will benefit from the funding. CO280 plans to deploy carbon capture technology adapted from the oil industry to trap emissions from paper mills. Meanwhile, CREW will enhance wastewater treatment processes with limestone to absorb carbon dioxide, leveraging rocks’ natural CO2-attracting properties.

The coalition’s aim is to drive down the cost of carbon removal to $100 per metric ton in the US, a significant reduction from current prices. Frontier’s head of deployment, Hannah Bebbington, highlighted the potential to integrate these technologies into older industries, paving the way for large-scale, affordable carbon removal in the near future.

Parliamentarians gather at IGF 2024 to shape a prosperous digital future

Parliamentarians from across the globe convened at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh to explore their pivotal role in shaping inclusive and secure digital governance frameworks. The ‘Parliamentary Track Roundtable: A Powerful Collective Force for Change’ session underscored the necessity of international collaboration and the harmonisation of digital legislation to address shared challenges and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, presented his country’s ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative, aimed at fostering connectivity across regions by reopening blocked roads and railways. He highlighted Armenia’s strides in digitalisation and stressed the importance of seamless cross-border legislation to unlock the full potential of digital public services and unified governance platforms.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Sigbjørn Gjelsvik championed the principles of inclusivity and accessibility, announcing Norway’s upcoming hosting of the IGF in June 2025 and reiterating the commitment to an open internet. The digital divide, particularly in rural regions, took centre stage as Namibia’s Maria Ilago detailed her nation’s efforts to enhance digital literacy and connectivity.

She emphasised the significance of localised digital content to ensure inclusivity. Issa Al-Otaibi, a member of the Shura Council from Saudi Arabia, mirrored these sentiments, sharing Saudi Arabia’s bold investments in AI, smart cities, and capacity development for legislators to balance governance with technological innovation.

Human-centred governance and safeguarding rights in the digital sphere were key themes for Argentina’s member of parliament, Pamela Calletti. She addressed concerns over disinformation and manipulation, advocating for robust regulations to protect individuals online. Pakistani senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan underscored the role of youth in driving digital transformation, calling for regional cooperation to bolster cybersecurity and infrastructure.

Across these varied perspectives, common themes emerged: the pressing need for international collaboration, bridging digital divides, and the importance of fostering cybersecurity and data privacy. Speakers also emphasised engaging youth in policy-making and equipping legislators with technical expertise to navigate complex digital landscapes.

The roundtable illustrated the power of collective action in shaping a global digital future. As countries grapple with rapid technological advances, the insights and commitments from IGF 2024 call for parliaments worldwide to lead with vision and unity in the digital age.

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

Empowering civil society: Overcoming barriers in digital governance

In the rapidly evolving realm of digital governance, civil society organisations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in championing inclusion, accountability, and grassroots perspectives. A recent panel discussion, moderated by Kenneth Harry Msiska and featuring voices from KICTANet, DiploFoundation, and Sarvodaya Fusion, delved into the unique challenges CSOs face and explored strategies to amplify their influence in shaping digital policies.

The challenges of representation

Despite their critical contributions, CSOs often face systemic barriers in global governance forums like ICANN, IETF, and ITU. As Stephanie Borg Psaila, DiploFoundation’s Director of Digital Policy highlighted, financial constraints are a recurring theme, particularly for Global South organisations.

Additionally, technical jargon and language barriers alienate many CSOs, a concern underscored by Msiska. Visa challenges and structural imbalances further limit participation, with African representatives facing disproportionate hurdles, as Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu from KICTANet noted.

Moreover, power imbalances within governance bodies, such as ICANN, reveal an outsized influence of the private sector, leaving CSOs underrepresented and sidelined.

CSOs as catalysts for change

Amid these obstacles, CSOs remain indispensable to internet governance. They amplify marginalised voices, balance stakeholder interests, and infuse grassroots perspectives into global discussions.

‘CSOs bring local knowledge and community insights to the table,’ emphasised one audience member, while Koech-Kimwatu described them as innovators and keen observers, offering forward-thinking practices. Despite financial struggles, CSOs often act as pipelines for tech policy talent, underscoring their enduring value.

Empowering civil society

To strengthen their role, panellists proposed targeted strategies. As Msiska suggested, regional collaborations could enhance collective influence and voting power. Engaging in research and becoming trusted policy advisors were also highlighted as priorities.

Koech-Kimwatu championed hybrid meeting formats and digital tools to improve accessibility, noting their post-pandemic success in fostering participation. Expanding youth-focused initiatives, such as those seen in the East Africa IGF, was deemed essential for ensuring a dynamic and diverse future workforce.

Funding emerged as a central theme, with Wachako advocating unrestricted support to boost CSO capacity and effectiveness. Institutional backing, including travel and digital participation aid, was also critical for levelling the playing field.

A call for structural reforms

The panel underscored the need for governance structures to evolve. As Paolo from Malawi suggested, clearly recognising CSOs as distinct constituencies within frameworks like ICANN is a step toward equitable representation. Leveraging local knowledge and creating mechanisms to address power disparities were also stressed as essential reforms.

Looking ahead

While initiatives like the CARDI project and KICTANet’s case study on African CSO participation are promising, unresolved issues persist. Power imbalances, talent retention, and harmonising diverse CSO interests remain pressing concerns.

As Msiska concluded, empowering CSOs requires capacity-building, sustainable funding, and structural changes. By addressing these challenges, the digital governance landscape can become more inclusive, ensuring that civil society perspectives shape policies for a more equitable digital future.

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

Inclusive AI governance: Perspectives from the Global South

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, the Data and AI Governance coalition convened a panel to explore the challenges and opportunities of AI governance from the perspective of the Global South. The discussion delved into AI’s impacts on human rights, democracy, and economic development, emphasising the need for inclusive and region-specific frameworks.

Towards inclusive frameworks

Ahmad Bhinder, representing the Digital Cooperation Organization, stressed the importance of regional AI strategies. He highlighted the development of a self-assessment tool for AI readiness, designed to guide member states in governance and capacity development.

Similarly, Melody Musoni, Policy Officer at ECDPM, pointed to the African Union’s continental strategy as a promising example of unified AI governance. Elise Racine’s (Doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford) proposal for reparative algorithmic impact assessments underscored the need to address historical inequities, providing a blueprint for more equitable AI systems.

Ethics, rights, and regional challenges

The ethical dimensions of AI took centre stage, with Bianca Kremer, a member of the board of CGI.br and a professor at FGV Law School Rio, highlighting algorithmic bias in Brazil, where ‘90.5% of those arrested through facial recognition technologies are black and brown.’ This stark statistic underscored the urgent need to mitigate AI-driven discrimination.

Guangyu Qiao Franco from Radboud University emphasised the underrepresentation of Global South nations in AI arms control discussions, advocating for an inclusive approach to global AI governance.

Labour, economy, and sustainability

The panel explored AI’s economic and environmental ramifications. Avantika Tewari, PhD candidate at the Center for Comparative Politics and Political Theory at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, discussed the exploitation of digital labour in AI development, urging fair compensation for workers in the Global South.

Rachel Leach raised concerns about the environmental costs of AI technologies, including embodied carbon, and criticised the lack of sustainability measures in current AI development paradigms.

Regional and global collaboration

Speakers highlighted the necessity of cross-border cooperation. Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze and Rocco Saverino, PhD candidate at the Free University of Brussels, examined region-specific approaches in Africa and Latin America, stressing the importance of tailored frameworks.

Luca Belli’s (Professor at Vilo School, Director of the Center for Technology and Society) observations on Brazil revealed gaps between AI regulation and implementation, emphasising the need for pragmatic, context-sensitive policies.

Actionable pathways forward

The discussion concluded with several actionable recommendations: fostering inclusive AI governance frameworks, implementing reparative assessments, addressing environmental and labour impacts, and prioritising digital literacy and regional collaboration.

‘Inclusive governance is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity,’ Bhinder remarked, encapsulating the panel’s call to action. The session underscored the critical need for global cooperation to ensure AI serves humanity equitably.

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

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.

US grants $406 million to boost GlobalWafers production

The US Commerce Department has finalised $406 million in grants to Taiwan’s GlobalWafers to boost silicon wafer production in Texas and Missouri. These funds will support the first large-scale US production of 300-mm wafers, critical components in advanced semiconductors. This initiative is part of the Biden administration’s effort to strengthen the domestic supply chain for chips.

The grant will aid GlobalWafers’ nearly $4 billion investment in building new manufacturing facilities, creating 1,700 construction jobs and 880 permanent manufacturing positions. The company plans to produce wafers for cutting-edge, mature-node, and memory chips in Sherman, Texas, and wafers for defence and aerospace chips in St. Peters, Missouri.

GlobalWafers’ CEO Doris Hsu expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with US-based customers for years to come. Currently, over 80% of the global 300-mm silicon wafer market is controlled by just five companies, with most production concentrated in East Asia.

This funding is part of the $52.7 billion CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at expanding domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Recent grants include $6.165 billion for Micron Technology and significant subsidies for Intel, TSMC, and GlobalFoundries.

Monad aims to expand the ecosystem with a new Foundation

The Monad blockchain project, compatible with Ethereum’s virtual machine, has introduced the Monad Foundation to advance the network’s growth and decentralisation. The Foundation will focus on validator-led governance, community improvement proposals, and ecosystem expansion, providing essential resources to developers while promoting adoption.

Amid speculation of a potential token launch, the Monad Foundation aims to ensure transparency in governance processes. Leadership includes Keone Hon and Eunice Giarta, alongside team members from Monad Labs, now renamed Category Labs, which will concentrate on software development and research under new CEO James Hunsaker.

This restructuring mirrors trends in blockchain projects, dividing governance and ecosystem efforts from technical development. With EVM compatibility, Monad is positioned to attract developers familiar with Ethereum tools, accelerating innovation and adoption.