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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.

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.

Serbian spyware targets activists and journalists, Amnesty says

Serbia has been accused of using spyware to target journalists and activists, according to a new Amnesty International report. Investigations revealed that ‘NoviSpy,’ a homegrown spyware, extracted private data from devices and uploaded it to a government-controlled server. Some cases also involved the use of technology provided by Israeli firm Cellebrite to unlock phones before infecting them.

Activists reported unusual phone activity following meetings with Serbian authorities. Forensic experts confirmed NoviSpy exported contact lists and private photos to state-controlled servers. The Serbian government has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these allegations.

Cellebrite, whose phone-cracking devices are widely used by law enforcement worldwide, stated it is investigating the claims. The company’s representative noted that misuse of their technology could violate end-user agreements, potentially leading to a suspension of use by Serbian officials.

Concerns over these practices are heightened due to Serbia’s EU integration programme, partially funded by Norway and administered by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Norway expressed alarm over the findings and plans to meet with Serbian authorities and UNOPS for clarification.

UN Cybercrime Convention raises human rights concerns in the Arab region

The imminent adoption of a new UN cybercrime convention by the General Assembly has sparked significant concerns over its implications for global digital rights, particularly in the Arab region. Critics argue that the convention, as currently drafted, lacks sufficient human rights safeguards, potentially empowering authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent both domestically and internationally.

In the Arab region, existing cybercrime laws often serve as tools to curb freedom of expression, with vague terms criminalising online speech that might undermine state prestige or harm public morals. These restrictions contravene Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which requires limitations on expression to be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.

Such ambiguity in legal language fosters an environment of self-censorship, as individuals remain uncertain about the legal interpretation of their online content. The convention’s broad scope further alarms international cooperation in cases potentially infringing human rights. It allows for the collection of electronic evidence for ‘serious crimes,’ which are vaguely defined and could include acts like defamation or expressions of sexual orientation—punishable by severe penalties in some countries.

That provision risks enabling extensive surveillance and data-sharing among nations with weak human rights records. In the Arab region, existing cybercrime laws already permit intrusive surveillance and mass data collection without adequate safeguards, threatening individuals’ privacy rights. Countries like Tunisia and Palestine lack mechanisms to notify individuals after surveillance, removing their ability to seek redress for legal violations and exacerbating privacy concerns.

In light of these issues, Access Now and civil society organisations are urging UN member states to critically evaluate the convention and resist voting for its adoption in its current form. They recommend thorough national discussions to assess its human rights impacts and call for stronger safeguards in future negotiations.

Why does it matter?

Arab states are encouraged to align their cybercrime laws with international standards and engage civil society in discussions to demonstrate a genuine commitment to human rights. The overarching message is clear: without comprehensive reforms, the convention risks further eroding digital rights and undermining freedom of expression worldwide. It is imperative to ensure that any international treaty robustly protects human rights rather than enabling their violation under the guise of combating cybercrime.

Perplexity partners with global media outlets

AI startup Perplexity has expanded its publisher partnerships, adding media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and The Independent. These new partners will benefit from a program that shares ad revenue when their content is referenced on the platform. The initiative also provides publishers with access to Perplexity’s API and analytics tools, enabling them to track content performance and trends.

The program, launched in July, has attracted notable partners from Japan, Spain, and Latin America, including Prisa Media and Newspicks. Existing collaborators include TIME, Der Spiegel, and Fortune. Perplexity highlighted the importance of diverse media representation, stating that the partnerships enhance the accuracy and depth of its AI-powered responses.

Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidia, Perplexity aims to challenge Google’s dominance in the search engine market. The company has also begun testing advertising on its platform, seeking to monetise its AI search capabilities.

Perplexity’s growth has not been without challenges. It faces lawsuits from News Corp-owned publishers, including Dow Jones and New York Post, over alleged copyright violations. The New York Times has also issued a cease-and-desist notice, demanding the removal of its content from Perplexity’s generative AI tools.

La Vanguardia cuts ties with X over toxic content

Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia has announced it will stop posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing growing concerns over hate speech, disinformation, and toxic content. The paper, Spain’s fourth most-read publication, criticised the platform’s moderation failures under Elon Musk, claiming it has become an “echo chamber” for conspiracy theories and bots.

The decision follows similar moves by Britain’s The Guardian and highlights growing alarm about X’s role in amplifying harmful narratives, especially amid sensitive events such as Spain’s recent floods. La Vanguardia editor Jordi Juan suspended his personal account, calling the platform’s content increasingly manipulative and profit-driven.

Since Musk’s acquisition of X in 2022, the platform has faced criticism for tolerating misinformation and hate, allegedly to boost ad revenue. The paper noted that X has left key European Union disinformation programs, further eroding trust. While journalists will retain personal accounts, the newspaper itself will suspend activity, preserving its 1.7M-follower archive for historical purposes.

Russian court fines Apple for failing to remove two podcasts, RIA reports

A Moscow court has fined Apple 3.6 million roubles ($36,889) for refusing to remove two podcasts that were reportedly aimed at destabilising Russia’s political landscape, according to the RIA news agency. The court’s decision is part of a larger pattern of the Russian government targeting foreign technology companies for not complying with content removal requests. This action is seen as part of the Kremlin’s broader strategy to exert control over the digital space and reduce the influence of Western tech giants.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government has intensified its crackdown on foreign tech companies, accusing them of spreading content that undermines Russian authority and sovereignty. The Kremlin has already imposed similar fines on companies like Google and Meta, demanding the removal of content deemed harmful to national security or political stability. Critics argue that these moves are part of an orchestrated effort to suppress dissenting voices and maintain control over information, particularly in the face of growing international scrutiny.

Apple, like other Western companies, has faced mounting pressure to comply with Russia’s increasingly stringent regulations. While the company has largely resisted political content restrictions in other regions, the fine highlights the challenges it faces in operating within Russia’s tightly controlled media environment. Apple has not yet publicly commented on the ruling, but the decision reflects the growing risks for tech firms doing business in Russia as the country tightens its grip on digital platforms.