Freedom of expression

TikTok appeals to Supreme Court to block looming US ban

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have asked the Supreme Court to halt a US law that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok by 19 January or face a nationwide ban. The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment, as it targets one of the most widely used social media platforms in the United States, which currently has 170 million American users. A group of TikTok users also submitted a similar request to prevent the shutdown.

The law, passed by Congress in April, reflects concerns over national security. The Justice Department claims TikTok poses a threat due to its access to vast user data and potential for content manipulation by a Chinese-owned company. A lower court in December upheld the law, rejecting TikTok’s argument that it infringes on free speech rights. TikTok maintains that users should be free to decide for themselves whether to use the app and that shutting it down for even a month could cause massive losses in users and advertisers.

With the ban set to take effect the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, TikTok has urged the Supreme Court to decide by 6 January. Trump, who once supported banning TikTok, has since reversed his position and expressed willingness to reconsider. The case highlights rising trade tensions between the US and China and could set a precedent for other foreign-owned apps operating in America.

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.

Diplo Foundation explores AI’s ethical and philosophical challenges at IGF 2024

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, a session featuring experts from DiploFoundation, addressed AI’s deep philosophical and ethical implications. The discussion moved beyond surface-level concerns about bias and ethics, focusing instead on more profound questions about human identity and agency in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

Jovan Kurbalija, Director of the Diplo Foundation, emphasised the need to critically examine AI’s impact on human knowledge and identity. He introduced the idea of a ‘right to be humanly imperfect,’ advocating for preserving human flaws and agency in an AI-dominated world.

That concept was echoed by other speakers, who expressed concern that the pursuit of AI-driven optimisation could erode essential human qualities. Sorina Teleanu, Diplo Foundation’s Director of Knowledge, raised important questions about the tendency to anthropomorphise AI, warning against attributing human traits to machines and urging a broader consideration of non-human forms of intelligence.

The panel also delved into the philosophical dimensions of AI, with Teleanu pointing out the lack of privacy protections surrounding brain data processing and the potential risks of attributing personhood to advanced AI. The discussion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) brought up the provocative idea that if AI becomes indistinguishable from humans, it could potentially deserve human rights, challenging our traditional notions of consciousness and personhood.

Addressing AI governance, Kurbalija focused on practical, immediate issues, such as AI’s impact on education, employment, and daily life, rather than speculative long-term concerns. He called for a decentralised approach to AI development that preserves diverse knowledge sources and prevents the centralisation of power by large tech companies. Henri-Jean Pollet from ISPA Belgium added to the conversation by advocating for open-source models and data licensing to ensure AI reliability and prevent inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

The conversation also explored the evolving dynamics of human-AI interaction. Teleanu highlighted the potential changes in human communication as AI-generated text becomes more prevalent, while Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum, stressed the need for AI ethics education, particularly in developing countries. Kurbalija shared a revealing anecdote about AI-generated speeches at conferences, illustrating how AI could influence professional communication in the future.

As the session concluded, Kurbalija highlighted the Diplo Foundation’s approach to AI development, focusing on tools that support diplomats and policymakers by enhancing human knowledge without replacing human decision-making. The discussion wrapped up with a demonstration of these AI tools in action, emphasising their potential to augment human capabilities in specialised fields. The speakers left the audience with an invitation for continued philosophical exploration of AI’s role in shaping humanity’s future.

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

Messaging app Viber blocked in Russia

Russian authorities have blocked access to the Viber messaging app, citing violations of rules aimed at curbing terrorism, extremism, and drug-related activities. The decision was announced by Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications regulator, marking the latest action in a series of restrictions on social media platforms.

Viber, owned by Japan’s Rakuten Group, had been a vocal opponent of Russian disinformation. Hiroshi Mikitani, Rakuten’s chief executive, previously described the app as a tool to combat propaganda, stating that the platform took a firm stance against fake news. However, Rakuten has yet to respond to the block.

This development comes amidst an ongoing digital crackdown in Russia, which has targeted various platforms perceived as threats to state narratives. Critics argue that such measures stifle free communication and independent information sharing. Viber now joins the list of restricted apps as Russia intensifies its grip on online spaces.

Ethiopian content moderators claim neglect by Meta

Former moderators for Facebook’s parent company, Meta, have accused the tech giant of disregarding threats from Ethiopian rebels after their removal of inflammatory content. According to court documents filed in Kenya, members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) targeted moderators reviewing Facebook posts, threatening dire consequences unless the posts were reinstated. Contractors hired by Meta allegedly dismissed these concerns, claiming the threats were fabricated, before later offering limited support, such as moving one exposed moderator to a safehouse.

The dispute stems from a lawsuit by 185 former moderators against Meta and two contractors, Sama and Majorel, alleging wrongful termination and blacklisting after they attempted to unionise. Moderators focusing on Ethiopia faced particularly acute risks, receiving threats that detailed their names and addresses, yet their complaints were reportedly met with inaction or suspicion. One moderator, fearing for his life, described living in constant terror of visiting family in Ethiopia.

The case has broader implications for Meta’s content moderation policies, as the company relies on third-party firms worldwide to handle disturbing and often dangerous material. In a related Kenyan lawsuit, Meta stands accused of allowing violent and hateful posts to flourish on its platform, exacerbating Ethiopia’s ongoing civil strife. While Meta, Sama, and the OLA have not commented, the allegations raise serious questions about the accountability of global tech firms in safeguarding their workers and addressing hate speech.

Parliamentarians urged to bridge the global digital divide

At the ‘IGF Parliamentary Track – Session 1’ session in Riyadh, parliamentarians, diplomats, and digital experts gathered to address persistent gaps in global digital governance. The session spotlighted two critical UN-led initiatives: the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Global Digital Compact (GDC), underscoring their complementary roles in bridging the digital divide and addressing emerging digital challenges like AI and data governance.

Ambassador Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Chair of the Commission for Science and Technology for Development, stressed the urgency of digital inclusion. ‘Digital technologies are transforming our world at a remarkable pace, but we must confront the persistent divide,’ he said, remembering that twenty years after WSIS first set out a vision for an inclusive digital society, one-third of the world’s population remains unconnected, with inequalities deepening between urban and rural areas, genders, and socioeconomic groups.

The Global Digital Compact, introduced as a ‘refresh’ of WSIS priorities, emerged as a key focus of the discussion. From the UN Tech Envoy’s Office, Isabel de Sola presented the GDC’s five pillars: affordable internet access, tackling misinformation, data governance, fostering inclusive digital economies, and ensuring safe AI implementation. De Sola emphasised, ‘We need a holistic approach. Data governance, AI, and connectivity are deeply interconnected and must work in tandem to serve society fairly.’

Sorina Teleanu, the session’s moderator and Head of knowledge at Diplo, highlighted the need for urgent action, stating: ‘We have the Global Digital Compact, but what’s next? It’s about implementation—how we take global commitments and turn them into real, practical solutions at national and local levels,’ she urged parliamentarians to exercise their oversight role and push for meaningful progress.

The session exposed a growing disconnect between governments and parliaments on digital policy. Several parliamentarians voiced concerns about exclusion from international processes that shape national legislation and budgets. ‘We cannot act effectively if we are not included or informed,’ a delegate from South Africa noted, calling for better integration of lawmakers into global frameworks like the GDC and WSIS.

To close these gaps, speakers proposed practical solutions, including capacity-building programs, toolkits for mapping GDC priorities locally, and stronger regional parliamentary networks. ‘Parliamentarians are closest to the people’ Ambassador Kah reminded attendees, ‘they play a crucial role in translating global commitments into meaningful local action’

The discussion ended with a renewed call for collaboration: greater inclusion of lawmakers, better alignment of international frameworks with local needs, and stronger efforts to bridge the digital divide. As the world approaches WSIS’ 20-year review in 2025, the path forward requires a unified, inclusive effort to ensure digital advancements reach all corners of society.

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

Reimagining WSIS: a digital future for all

As the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) nears its 20-year milestone, global leaders gathered at IGF 2024 in Riyadh to reflect on achievements and lay the ground for a unified, inclusive digital future. Amid optimism over growing connectivity—from 1 billion internet users in 2005 to 5.5 billion today—discussions underlined the pressing need to address unresolved challenges, from digital divides to the ethical governance of emerging technologies like AI.

A key takeaway was WSIS’s enduring success in fostering multistakeholder collaboration. Stefan Schnorr, Germany’s State Secretary, lauded the summit for championing inclusivity by saying that ‘WSIS pioneered a framework where governments, private sectors, and civil society shaped digital cooperation together.’ The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a cornerstone WSIS achievement, was celebrated for evolving into a platform addressing critical issues, including AI, misinformation, and connectivity gaps.

However, speakers stressed that progress remains uneven. Nthati Moorosi, Lesotho’s Minister of Information, told a sobering story of disparity: ‘We still have students sitting under trees to learn. Connecting schools is still a long journey for us.’ In other words, connectivity issues are exacerbated by affordability, skills deficits, and energy infrastructure gaps, particularly in the Global South. Thus, addressing such divides is central to aligning WSIS priorities with the recently adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Environmental sustainability emerged as another important discussion, with concerns about the digital sector’s carbon footprint and e-waste. Robert Opp from UNDP emphasised that balancing digital innovation with ecological responsibility must guide the next phase: ‘Data centres alone emit as much carbon as entire nations.’

The discussions also spotlighted inclusivity, particularly in AI and data governance. Many speakers, including Angel González Sanz (UNCTAD), warned of a widening imbalance: ‘118 countries are excluded from AI governance discussions, risking further global inequality.’ A call for greater representation of the Global South resonated again across panellists, marking the necessity for equitable participation in shaping global digital frameworks.

Looking ahead, WSIS+20 will focus on adapting governance frameworks to address emerging technologies while keeping human rights, trust, and digital inclusion at the forefront. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, offered a rallying appeal by saying: ‘The digital future isn’t written yet, but we can write it together with inclusivity, security, and sustainability at its core.’

As the WSIS process evolves, stakeholders emphasise learning from the past while crafting forward-looking strategies, and IGF remains the crossroads platform for dialogue and a catalyst for solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the ongoing digital era.

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

Digital futures at a crossroads: aligning WSIS and the Global Digital Compact

The path toward a cohesive digital future was the central theme at the ‘From WSIS to GDC: Harmonising Strategies Towards Coordination‘ session held at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh. Experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives converged to address how the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) framework and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) can work in unison. At the heart of the debate lay two critical imperatives: coordination and avoiding fragmentation.

Panelists, including Jorge Cancio of the Swiss Government and David Fairchild of Canada, underscored the IGF’s central role as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue. However, concerns about its diminishing mandate and inadequate funding surfaced repeatedly. Fairchild warned of ‘a centralisation of digital governance processes,’ hinting at geopolitical forces that could undermine inclusive, global cooperation. Cancio urged an updated ‘Swiss Army knife’ approach to WSIS, where existing mechanisms, like the IGF, are strengthened rather than duplicated.

The session also highlighted emerging challenges since WSIS’s 2005 inception. Amrita Choudhury from MAG and Anita Gurumurthy of IT for Change emphasised that AI, data governance, and widening digital divides demand urgent attention. Gurumurthy lamented that ‘neo-illiberalism,’ characterised by corporate greed and authoritarian politics, threatens the vision of a people-centred information society. Meanwhile, Gitanjali Sah of ITU reaffirmed WSIS’s achievements, pointing to successes like digital inclusion through telecentres and distance learning.

Amid these reflections, the IGF emerged as an essential event for harmonising WSIS and GDC goals. Panellists, including Nigel Cassimire from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, proposed that the IGF develop performance targets to implement GDC commitments effectively. Yet, as Jason Pielemeier of the Global Network Initiative cautioned, the IGF faces threats of co-optation in settings hostile to open dialogue, which ‘weakens its strength.’

Despite these tensions, hope remained for creative solutions and renewed international solidarity. The session concluded with a call to refocus on WSIS’s original principles—ensuring no one is left behind in the digital future. As Anita Gurumurthy aptly summarised: ‘We reject bad politics and poor economics. What we need is a solidarity vision of interdependence and mutual reciprocity.’

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

Advancing gender equality in the digital age: UN Women and ITU outline strategies for the GDC

Global digital policies and initiatives addressing gender equality were the focus of a recent forum on the Global Digital Compact (GDC). Participants examined strategies to close gender gaps in AI, digital access, and technology leadership, with an emphasis on mainstreaming gender perspectives into digital strategies. The conversation highlighted the urgency of tackling barriers faced by women in accessing and benefiting from technology.

Speakers pointed to the persistent digital gender divide, noting that 189 million more men than women use the internet globally. Papa Seck from UN Women stressed the importance of collecting gender-disaggregated data to guide policy decisions and track progress. Discussions also emphasised the need for safer online spaces for women and measures to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Promoting women’s digital skills and representation in STEM fields emerged as key priorities. Helene Molinier, representing UN Women’s Action Coalition, called for targeted investments in digital education for women and girls. Roy Eriksson, Finland’s Global Gateway Ambassador, highlighted the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in implementing gender-responsive initiatives. Radka Sibille of the EU delegation advocated for inclusive policies to ensure women are not left behind in the digital economy.

The role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in fostering gender equality was also discussed. Hajjar El Haddaou of the Digital Cooperation Organization emphasised the importance of designing DPI solutions with a gender-responsive approach. Participants agreed that collaboration among governments, private sector actors, and civil society is essential to achieve these goals.

Looking forward, participants proposed integrating gender considerations into global initiatives such as the Beijing+30 review and establishing a dedicated gender action line within the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Caitlin Kraft-Buchman from Women at the Table urged sustained efforts across UN processes to ensure gender equality remains a central focus in digital policy-making.

The forum concluded with optimism about the potential of technology to empower women and drive progress. However, participants underscored the need for continued cooperation and investment to bridge the digital gender divide and build an inclusive digital future for all.

Innovation and inclusion drive IGF talks on Global Digital Compact

The discussion at the Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh on implementing the Global Digital Compact (GDC) delved into the challenges and opportunities surrounding digital transformation, emphasising the need for inclusive and locally grounded strategies. Speakers from UN agencies, governments, and civil society stressed the importance of addressing the worldwide multifaceted digital divides.

An audience member underscored this point, urging attention not only to infrastructural gaps but also to divides in policy, gender, age, and rural-urban access: ‘We’re not just talking about digital divides; we must look at the digital policy divides, digital gender divides, digital rural and urban divides, and digital age divides.’

The discussion also highlighted the need for local action to make global initiatives effective. Olaf Kolkman of the Internet Society captured this sentiment, stating, ‘Think global with the GDC, but really, the action has to be local.’ That approach was echoed by other panellists, who called for integrating GDC implementation with established frameworks such as the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Cynthia Lesufi from South Africa’s Mission to the UN emphasised aligning the GDC with WSIS+20 to streamline efforts, while Henriette from the Alliance for Progressive Communications advocated for leveraging the review process to assess progress and set future directions.

Capacity development and governance of emerging technologies also emerged as central themes. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer of UNDP, stressed the importance of skills development and creating frameworks for technologies like AI and data governance.

Isabel De Sola from the Office of the Tech Envoy added that promoting content diversity in digital spaces is crucial. As noted by Cynthia Lesufi, public-private partnerships are essential to achieving these goals, particularly in bridging the digital divides in the Global South.

Why does it matter?

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain, such as reaching marginalised communities, balancing global initiatives with local needs, and measuring the success of digital transformation. However, the discussion concluded on a hopeful note, emphasising the need to combine global coherence with grassroots efforts. As Kolkman put it, the path forward is ensuring that ‘global frameworks translate into meaningful local action.’

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