Human rights principles Archives | Page 146 of 157

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.

Global fight against ransomware: collaboration is the key to resilience

Diplo is actively reporting from the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, while the forum’s day one is still, and another essential panel of international experts shed light on the relentless rise of ransomware attacks and the global efforts to counter this growing cyber threat. Moderated by Jennifer Bachus of the US State Department, the session featured cybersecurity leaders Elizabeth Vish, Daniel Onyanyai, and Nils Steinhoff, who highlighted the scale of the crisis and the collaborative response through the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI).

Ransomware, described as ‘cybercrime as a service,’ has evolved from simple data encryption to complex extortion schemes targeting critical infrastructure worldwide. ‘Emerging markets are now increasingly in the crosshairs,’ noted Elizabeth Vish, pointing to growing vulnerabilities in developing economies that lack robust cybersecurity resources. With over $1.1 billion in crypto payments extracted by attackers in 2023 alone, ransomware continues to prove profitable, its impacts often crippling public services like hospitals and government institutions.

Established in 2021, the CRI is a coalition of nearly 70 nations dedicated to building collective cyber resilience. Operating under four pillars—policy development, capacity development, public-private partnerships, and the International Counter-Ransomware Task Force—the CRI offers platforms for real-time threat sharing, technical support, and global cooperation. Onyanyai emphasised the initiative’s mentorship model: ‘Advanced nations can guide less-prepared countries, ensuring no one faces this threat alone.’

Public-private cooperation emerged as a cornerstone of the fight. Vish stressed that private companies, often the first to detect attacks, ‘own critical infrastructure and can contribute threat intelligence and resilience strategies.’ Additionally, the role of cyber insurance was discussed as a tool for incentivising better cybersecurity hygiene while facilitating incident recovery.

The panellists underscored the need for collective preparation, emphasising proactive measures like multi-factor authentication and data backups. Vish coined the mantra: ‘Prepare, don’t pay.’ While CRI officially advocates a ‘no ransom’ stance, some countries still grapple with policies on payments.

The session concluded with a stark reminder: no country is immune to ransomware. Whether through emerging AI capabilities or evolving tactics, ransomware remains a persistent, global threat. As Jennifer Bachus aptly summarised: ‘Only through cooperation, capacity building, and resilience will we turn the tide against these cybercriminals.

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.

IGF 2024 panel tackles global digital identity challenges

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought together a distinguished panel to address global challenges and opportunities in developing trusted digital identity systems. Moderated by Shivani Thapa, the session featured insights from Bandar Al-Mashari, Emma Theofelus, Siim Sikkut, Sangbo Kim, Kurt Lindqvist, and other notable speakers.

The discussion focused on building frameworks for trusted digital identities, emphasising their role as critical infrastructure for digital transformation. Bandar Al-Mashari, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs, highlighted the Kingdom’s innovative efforts, while Namibia’s Minister of Information, Emma Theofelus, stressed the importance of inclusivity and addressing regional needs.

The panellists examined the balance between enhanced security and privacy protection. Siim Sikkut, Managing Partner of Digital Nations, underscored the value of independent oversight and core principles to maintain trust. Emerging technologies like blockchain, biometrics, and artificial intelligence were recognised for their potential impact, though caution was urged against uncritical adoption.

Barriers to international cooperation, including the digital divide, infrastructure gaps, and the complexity of global systems, were addressed. Sangbo Kim of the World Bank shared insights on fostering collaboration across regions, while Kurt Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, highlighted the need for a shared vision in navigating differing national priorities.

Speakers advocated for a phased approach to implementation, allowing countries to progress at their own pace while drawing lessons from successful initiatives, such as those in international travel and telecommunications. The call for collaboration was echoed by Prince Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari, who emphasised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global solutions.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note. Fatma, briefly mentioned as a participant, contributed to a shared vision of digital identity as a tool for accelerating inclusion and fostering global trust. The panellists agreed that a unified approach, guided by innovation and respect for privacy, is vital to building secure and effective digital identity systems worldwide.

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

Ethical AI governance highlighted at the IGF: Developing tools for human rights-focused solutions

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and Access Partnership discussed advancing ethical AI governance. Chris Martin, Head of Policy Innovation at Access Partnership, emphasised the societal stakes of AI, stating, ‘Every decision that AI systems make…will shape our lives, how we work, and how we interact.’

Ahmad Bhinder of the DCO underscored the importance of aligning AI governance with human rights, explaining, ‘We identified which human rights are most impacted by AI and examined global approaches to regulation.’ The DCO introduced its six ethical principles for AI governance: accountability, transparency, fairness, privacy protection, sustainability, and human-centeredness.

Matthew Sharp of Access Partnership detailed a new AI ethics evaluation tool designed to help developers and deployers assess and mitigate human rights risks. The tool features risk assessments, interactive radar graphs, and actionable recommendations, making it a practical resource for ethical AI development. ‘The tool aims to be comprehensive and interactive, addressing diverse industries and applications,’ Sharp said.

An interactive exercise led by Thiago tested the tool’s application in real-world scenarios, such as using AI to diagnose diseases or perform job screenings. Alaa Abdulaal, DCO’s Chief of Digital Economy Foresight, highlighted the importance of collaboration in AI governance, stating that a multistakeholder approach is essential to ensure global and practical solutions. Martin also noted the uneven adoption of AI worldwide, with opportunities for growth in the Middle East and North Africa.

Why does it matter?

The session underscored DCO’s commitment to creating actionable tools for responsible AI deployment while protecting human rights. Feedback gathered from participants aims to refine these efforts further, demonstrating a collective push towards ethical AI in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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

Apple sued over worker monitoring claims

A new lawsuit accuses Apple of illegally surveilling employees’ personal devices and iCloud accounts while restricting discussions about pay and workplace conditions. Filed in California by Amar Bhakta, a digital advertising employee, the suit claims Apple mandates software installations on personal devices used for work, enabling access to private data such as emails, photos, and health information. The lawsuit also alleges Apple enforces confidentiality policies that hinder whistleblowing and discussions about working conditions.

Bhakta asserts he was instructed to avoid discussing his work on podcasts and remove job-related details from LinkedIn. The complaint argues these practices suppress employee rights, including whistleblowing and job market mobility. Apple denies the claims, stating they lack merit and emphasising its commitment to employee training on workplace rights.

This case joins other legal challenges faced by Apple, including allegations of underpaying female employees and discouraging discussions about workplace bias and pay disparity. Filed under a California law allowing workers to sue on behalf of the state, the lawsuit could lead to penalties, with a portion allocated to employees bringing the claims.

Denmark faces backlash over AI welfare surveillance

Concerns are mounting over Denmark’s use of AI in welfare fraud detection, with Amnesty International condemning the system for violating privacy and risking discrimination. Algorithms developed by Udbetaling Danmark (UDK) and ATP flag individuals suspected of benefit fraud, potentially breaching EU laws. Amnesty argues these tools classify citizens unfairly, resembling prohibited social scoring practices.

The AI models process extensive personal data, including residency, citizenship, and sensitive information that may act as proxies for ethnicity or migration status. Critics highlight the disproportionate targeting of marginalised groups, such as migrants and low-income individuals. Amnesty accuses the algorithms of fostering systemic discrimination while exacerbating existing inequalities within Denmark’s social structure.

Experts warn that the system undermines trust, with many recipients reporting stress and depression linked to invasive investigations. Specific algorithms like ‘Really Single’ scrutinise family dynamics and living arrangements, often without clear criteria, leading to arbitrary decisions. Amnesty’s findings suggest these practices compromise human dignity and fail to uphold transparency.

Amnesty is urging Danish authorities to halt the system’s use and for the EU to clarify AI regulations. The organisation emphasises the need for oversight and bans on discriminatory data use. Danish authorities dispute Amnesty’s findings but have yet to offer transparency on their algorithmic processes.

EU Human Rights Commissioner focuses on Ukraine and AI

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s new Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that failing to defend Ukraine would be an ‘existential loss’ for Europe. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, O’Flaherty emphasised the critical need for Europe to stand firm in supporting Ukraine amid growing authoritarianism and human rights abuses. He also highlighted the risks posed by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and stressed the importance of human rights safeguards in tech regulation.

O’Flaherty, in his first year as commissioner, underscored the enormous potential of AI to improve lives but also warned of its dangers, such as discrimination and misuse in warfare. He called for stronger regulations to ensure AI advancements align with human rights commitments. His focus on Ukraine comes at a time when the country’s challenges and human rights violations continue to dominate global discussions, with high-profile figures like Yulia Navalnaya and Olena Zelenska also speaking out on human rights issues at the summit.

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, O’Flaherty stressed the need for better communication between the tech sector and human rights advocates, aiming to create a more unified approach to solving global challenges. He also advocated for holding perpetrators of atrocities, like those in Ukraine, criminally accountable, reinforcing the preventive role of justice.