Critical internet resources

Kurbalija’s book on internet governance turns 20 with new life at IGF

At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, Jovan Kurbalija launched the eighth edition of his seminal textbook ‘Introduction to Internet Governance’, marking a return to writing after a nine-year pause. Moderated by Sorina Teleanu of the Diplo, the session unpacked not just the content of the new edition but also the reasoning behind retaining its original title in an era buzzing with buzzwords like ‘AI governance’ and ‘digital governance.’

Kurbalija defended the choice, arguing that most so-called digital issues—from content regulation to cybersecurity—ultimately operate over internet infrastructure, making ‘Internet governance’ the most precise term available.

The updated edition reflects both continuity and adaptation. He introduced ‘Kaizen publishing,’ a new model that replaces the traditional static book cycle with a continuously updated digital platform. Driven by the fast pace of technological change and aided by AI tools trained on his own writing style, the new format ensures the book evolves in real-time with policy and technological developments.

Jovan book launch

The new edition is structured as a seven-floor pyramid tackling 50 key issues rooted in history and future internet governance trajectories. The book also traces digital policy’s deep historical roots.

Kurbalija highlighted how key global internet governance frameworks—such as ICANN, the WTO e-commerce moratorium, and UN cyber initiatives—emerged within months of each other in 1998, a pivotal moment he calls foundational to today’s landscape. He contrasted this historical consistency with recent transformations, identifying four key shifts since 2016: mass data migration to the cloud, COVID-19’s digital acceleration, the move from CPUs to GPUs, and the rise of AI.

Finally, the session tackled the evolving discourse around AI governance. Kurbalija emphasised the need to weigh long-term existential risks against more immediate challenges like educational disruption and concentrated knowledge power. He also critiqued the shift in global policy language—from knowledge-centric to data-driven frameworks—and warned that this transformation might obscure AI’s true nature as a knowledge-based phenomenon.

As geopolitics reasserts itself in digital governance debates, Kurbalija’s updated book aims to ground readers in the enduring principles shaping an increasingly complex landscape.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

IGF panel urges rethinking internet governance amid rising geopolitical tensions

At the 2025 Internet Governance Forum in Lillestrøm, Norway, a session led by the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation spotlighted a bold foresight exercise imagining how global internet governance could evolve by 2040. Co-led by researcher Julia Pohler, the initiative involved a diverse 15-member German task force and interviews with international experts, including Anriette Esterhuysen and Gbenga Sesan.

Their work yielded four starkly different future scenarios, ranging from intensified geopolitical rivalry and internet fragmentation to overregulation and a transformative turn toward treating the internet as a public good. A central takeaway was the resurgence of state power as a dominant force shaping digital futures.

According to Pohler, geopolitical dynamics—especially the actions of the US, China, Russia, and the EU—emerged as the primary drivers across nearly all scenarios. That marked a shift from previous foresight efforts that had emphasised civil society or corporate actors.

The panellists underscored that today’s real-world developments are already outpacing the scenarios’ predictions, with multistakeholder models appearing increasingly hollow or overly institutionalised. While the scenarios themselves might not predict the exact future, the process of creating them was widely praised.

Panellists described the interviews and collaborative exercises as intellectually enriching and essential for thinking beyond conventional governance paradigms. Yet, they also acknowledged practical concerns: the abstract nature of such exercises, the lack of direct implementation, and the need to involve government actors more directly to bridge analysis and policy action.

Looking ahead, participants called for bolder and more inclusive approaches to internet governance. They urged forums like the IGF to embrace participatory methods—such as scenario games—and to address complex issues without requiring full consensus.

The session concluded with a sense of urgency: the internet we want may still be possible, but only if we confront uncomfortable realities and make space for more courageous, creative policymaking.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

World gathers in Norway to shape digital future

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 opened in Lillestrøm, Norway, marking its 20th anniversary and coinciding with the World Summit on the Information Society Plus 20 (WSIS+20) review.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a video message, underscored that digital cooperation has shifted from aspiration to necessity. He highlighted global challenges such as the digital divide, online hate speech, and concentrated tech power, calling for immediate action to ensure a more equitable digital future.

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Norwegian leaders, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Digitisation Minister Karianne Tung, reaffirmed their country’s commitment to democratic digital governance and human rights, echoing broader forum themes of openness, transparency, and multilateral cooperation. They emphasised the importance of protecting the internet as a public good in an era marked by fragmentation, misinformation, and increasing geopolitical tension.

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The ceremony brought together diverse voices—from small island states and the EU to civil society and the private sector. Mauritius’ President Dharambeer Gokhool advocated for a citizen-centered digital transformation, while European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen introduced a new EU international digital strategy rooted in human rights and sustainability.

Actor and digital rights activist Joseph Gordon-Levitt cautioned against unregulated AI development, arguing for governance frameworks that protect human agency and economic fairness.

Why does it matter?

Echoing across speeches was a shared call to action: to strengthen the multistakeholder model of internet governance, bridge the still-massive digital divide, and develop ethical, inclusive digital policies. As stakeholders prepare to delve into deeper dialogues during the forum, the opening ceremony made clear that the next chapter of digital governance must be collaborative, human-centered, and urgently enacted.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

Global South pushes for digital inclusion

At the 2025 Internet Governance Forum in Lillestrøm, Norway, global leaders, youth delegates, and digital policymakers convened to confront one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age: bridging the digital divide in the Global South. UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua highlighted that while connectivity has improved since 2015, 2.6 billion people—primarily in the least developed countries—remain offline.

The issue, however, is no longer just about cables and coverage. It now includes access to affordable devices, digital literacy, and the skills needed to navigate the internet safely and meaningfully.

A recurring concern throughout the session was the alarming decline in development funding—expected to drop by 38%—just as AI surges forward. Francis Gurry, former head of WIPO, warned that the rapid deployment of AI could deepen global inequalities if developing nations are left without the necessary support to build infrastructure or acquire technical expertise.

Several speakers, including ICANN co-chair Tripti Sinha, emphasised that beyond access, true digital inclusion hinges on governance models that prioritise openness, multistakeholder collaboration, and localised technical capacity, especially as state-led approaches risk fragmenting the global internet. In response, countries shared concrete initiatives.

China detailed its AI training workshops and digital cooperation programs with Global South nations. Malaysia showcased its nationwide digital literacy centres and grassroots AI training under its NADI initiative. Ghana’s Dr Nii Quaynor spotlighted Africa’s progress but underscored enduring gaps in infrastructure and capacity. All speakers agreed: the divide cannot be closed without coordinated global action, inclusive policies, and strategic investments.

The forum concluded with a united call for bottom-up solutions, cross-border cooperation, and sustained support for community-driven digital development. As the world prepares for the WSIS+20 review, there is cautious optimism that the commitments made in Lillestrøm will catalyse real progress in making digital inclusion a global reality.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

WGIG reunion sparks calls for reform at IGF 2025 in Norway

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, a reunion of the original Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) marked a significant reflection and reckoning moment for global digital governance. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of WGIG’s formation, the session brought together pioneers of the multistakeholder model that reshaped internet policy discussions during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Moderated by Markus Kummer and organised by William J. Drake, the panel featured original WGIG members, including Ayesha Hassan, Raul Echeberria, Wolfgang Kleinwächter, Avri Doria, Juan Fernandez, and Jovan Kurbalija, with remote contributions from Alejandro Pisanty, Carlos Afonso, Vittorio Bertola, Baher Esmat, and others. While celebrating their achievements, speakers did not shy away from blunt assessments of the IGF’s present state and future direction.

Speakers universally praised WGIG’s groundbreaking work in legitimising multi-stakeholderism within the UN system. The group’s broad, inclusive definition of internet governance—encompassing technical infrastructure and social and economic policies—was credited for transforming how global internet issues are addressed.

Participants emphasised the group’s unique working methodology, prioritising transparency, pluralism, and consensus-building without erasing legitimate disagreements. Many argue that these practices remain instructive amid today’s fragmented digital governance landscape.

However, as the conversation shifted from legacy to present-day performance, participants voiced deep concerns about the IGF’s limitations. Despite successes in capacity-building and agenda-setting, the forum was criticised for its failure to tackle controversial issues like surveillance, monopolies, and platform accountability.

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Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of Diplo

Speakers such as Vittorio Bertola and Avri Doria lamented its increasingly top-down character. At the same time, Nandini Chami and Ariette Esterhuizen raised questions about the IGF’s relevance and inclusiveness in the face of growing power imbalances. Some, including Bertrand de la Chapelle and Jovan Kurbalija, proposed bold reforms, including establishing a new working group to address the interlinked challenges of AI, data governance, and digital justice.

The session closed on a forward-looking note, urging the IGF community to recapture WGIG’s original spirit of collaborative innovation. As emerging technologies raise the stakes for global cooperation, participants agreed that internet governance must evolve—not only to reflect new realities but to stay true to the inclusive, democratic ideals that defined its founding two decades ago.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

IGF 2025 opens in Norway with focus on inclusive digital governance

Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from 23 to 27 June 2025 in a hybrid format, with the main venue set at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm, just outside Oslo.

This milestone event marks two decades of the UN-backed forum that brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss how the internet should be governed for the benefit of all.

The overarching theme, Building Governance Together, strongly emphasises inclusivity, democratic values, and sustainable digital cooperation.

With participation expected from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international organisations, IGF 2025 will continue to promote multistakeholder dialogue on critical topics, including digital trust, cybersecurity, AI, and internet access.

A key feature will be the IGF Village, where companies and organisations will showcase technologies and products aligned with global internet development and governance.

Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Oldernes Tung, underlined the significance of this gathering in light of current geopolitical tensions and the forthcoming WSIS+20 review later in 2025.

Reaffirming Norway’s support for the renewal of the IGF mandate at the UN General Assembly, Minister Tung called for unity and collaborative action to uphold an open, secure, and inclusive internet. The forum aims to assess progress and help shape the next era of digital policy.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

Denmark moves to replace Microsoft software as part of digital sovereignty strategy

Prior to the Danish government’s formal decision, the cities of Copenhagen and Aarhus had already announced plans to reduce reliance on Microsoft software and cloud services. The national government has now followed suit.

Caroline Stage, Denmark’s Minister of Digitalisation, confirmed that the government will begin transitioning from Microsoft Office to the open-source alternative, LibreOffice. The decision aligns with broader European Union efforts to enhance digital sovereignty—a concept referring to the ability of states to maintain control over their digital infrastructure, data, and technologies.

EU member states have increasingly prioritised digital sovereignty in response to a range of concerns, including security, economic resilience, regulatory control, and the geopolitical implications of dependency on non-European technology providers.

Among the considerations are questions about data governance, operational autonomy, and the risks associated with potential service disruptions in times of political tension. For example, reports following US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) suggest that Microsoft temporarily restricted access to email services for the ICC’s Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities linked to foreign service providers.

Denmark’s move is part of a wider trend within the EU aimed at diversifying digital service providers and strengthening domestic or European alternatives. LibreOffice is developed by The Document Foundation (TDF), an independent, non-profit organisation based in Germany.

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RIPE NCC and Czech regulator partner to strengthen internet coordination

The RIPE NCC and the Czech Telecommunication Office (CTU) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in internet coordination and share technical expertise within the Czech Republic. The partnership focuses on training internet operators, collaborating on network measurements, and managing internet number resources.

It is part of a broader initiative by RIPE NCC to establish similar agreements with national regulators in countries like Georgia and Saudi Arabia, reflecting their commitment to closer regional cooperation. The Czech Republic is strategically positioned in European internet infrastructure, hosting several major data centres and internet exchange points (IXPs).

By facilitating collaboration between public and private sectors, the MoU aims to ensure that internet policies are developed with broad input and expertise. The CTU benefits from access to valuable data and technical knowledge that support national digital policy objectives.

Additionally, in a region where geopolitical tensions may affect internet infrastructure, this agreement promotes transparency and cooperation that help stabilise internet operations and build stakeholder trust. Overall, the RIPE NCC continues to evolve as a key technical partner in digital policy discussions across Europe and beyond.

The agreement highlights the need for close cooperation between technical bodies and regulators as digital infrastructure grows more complex, emphasising multistakeholder governance to improve stability and efficiency in Central and Eastern Europe.

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OQC outlines bold 50,000 qubit quantum computing vision

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) has revealed plans to develop a 50,000 qubit fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2034, using its proprietary ‘Dimon’ superconducting transmon technology.

Achieving such scale would require millions of physical qubits but promises to outperform global rivals, including Google and IBM, with real-world applications ranging from cyber threat detection to drug discovery.

The roadmap includes a significant push to reduce error rates and optimise chip materials, with recent breakthroughs enabling error detection at the hardware level. OQC claims it achieves a 99.8% gate fidelity in just 25 nanoseconds and a tenfold improvement in qubit efficiency compared to competitors.

Interim CEO Gerald Mullally said the roadmap marks a turning point, calling on finance and national security organisations to prepare for a quantum-driven future.

Now seeking $100 million in Series B funding, the firm plans to install its first quantum system in New York, later this year.

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How AI could quietly sabotage critical software

When Google’s Jules AI agent added a new feature to a live codebase in under ten minutes, it initially seemed like a breakthrough. But the same capabilities that allow AI tools to scan, modify, and deploy code rapidly also introduce new, troubling possibilities—particularly in the hands of malicious actors.

Experts are now voicing concern over the risks posed by hostile agents deploying AI tools with coding capabilities. If weaponised by rogue states or cybercriminals, the tools could be used to quietly embed harmful code into public or private repositories, potentially affecting millions of lines of critical software.

Even a single unnoticed line among hundreds of thousands could trigger back doors, logic bombs, or data leaks. The risk lies in how AI can slip past human vigilance.

From modifying update mechanisms to exfiltrating sensitive data or weakening cryptographic routines, the threat is both technical and psychological.

Developers must catch every mistake; an AI only needs to succeed once. As such tools become more advanced and publicly available, the conversation around safeguards, oversight, and secure-by-design principles is becoming urgent.

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