Interdisciplinary approaches Archives | Page 167 of 190

IGF 2024 closing ceremony: Shaping the future of internet governance

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh concluded with a forward-looking ceremony that reflected on its achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. The forum, a key platform for global discussions on internet governance, highlighted the importance of inclusivity, digital equality, and adapting to emerging technological challenges.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasised the enduring relevance of the WSIS principles and the ethical considerations essential in navigating digital innovation. Vint Cerf, chair of the IGF leadership panel, proposed elevating the IGF to a permanent status within the UN structure to secure stable funding and expand its impact.

‘The IGF must evolve to deliver tangible results,’ Cerf remarked, suggesting a focus on measurable metrics and concrete outputs, including revisiting foundational documents and preparing for the next IGF in Oslo. Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society reinforced the need for continuous self-assessment, urging the IGF to enhance its processes for greater stakeholder benefits.

Inclusivity was a dominant theme, with speakers advocating for broader representation in digital policymaking. Ghanaian physician Dr. Angela Sulemana underscored the transformative power of digital tools in healthcare, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives, especially from young professionals.

Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim, member of the Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, called for legislative innovation to address digital challenges, emphasising collaboration, inclusivity, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children and the environment. Senior advisor in the Ministry of Communications of Cuba, Juan Fernandez, stressed the urgent need to bridge digital inequalities, particularly between developed and developing nations.

The forum also addressed pressing global issues, such as the digital divide and governance of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. The session closed with a call for stronger global digital cooperation and a shared commitment to implementing the Global Digital Compact.

As participants look to the IGF 2025 in Oslo, the focus remains on turning discussions into actionable outcomes, ensuring the internet remains a safe, inclusive, and transformative tool for all.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum 2024 sessions can be found on dig.watch.

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.

Tackling internet fragmentation: A global challenge at IGF 2024

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, the main session ‘Policy Network on Internet Fragmentation’ delved into implementing Article 29C of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which seeks to prevent internet fragmentation. A diverse panel comprising government officials, technical experts, and civil society representatives highlighted the multifaceted nature of this issue and proposed actionable strategies to address it.

The scope of internet fragmentation

Panellists underscored that internet fragmentation manifests on technical, governance, and user experience levels. While the global network of over 70,000 systems remains technically unified, fragmentation is evident in user experiences. Anriette Esterhuysen from the Association for Progressive Communications pointed out, ‘How you view the internet as fragmented or not depends on whose internet you think it is.’ She stressed that billions face access and content restrictions, fragmenting their digital experience.

Gbenga Sesan of Paradigm Initiative echoed this concern, noting that fragmentation undermines the goal of universal connectivity by 2030. The tension between a seamless technical infrastructure and fractured user realities loomed large in the discussion.

Operationalising the GDC commitment

Alisa Heaver from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate highlighted the critical role of Article 29C as a blueprint for preventing fragmentation. She called for a measurable framework to track progress by the GDC’s 2027 review, emphasising that research on the economic impacts of fragmentation must be prioritised. ‘We need to start measuring internet fragmentation now more than ever,’ Heaver urged.

Strategies for collaboration and progress

Multistakeholder cooperation emerged as a cornerstone for addressing fragmentation. Wim Degezelle, a consultant with the IGF Secretariat, presented the Policy Network on Internet Fragmentation (PNIF) framework, while Amitabh Singhal of ICANN highlighted the IGF’s unique position in bridging technical and policy divides. Singhal also pointed to the potential renewal of the IGF’s mandate as pivotal in continuing these essential discussions.

The session emphasised inclusivity in technical standard-setting processes, with Sesan advocating for civil society’s role and audience members calling for stronger private sector engagement. Sheetal Kumar, co-facilitator of the session, stressed the importance of leveraging national and regional IGFs to foster localised dialogues on fragmentation.

Next steps and future outlook

The panel identified key actions, including developing measurable frameworks, conducting economic research, and utilising national and regional IGFs to sustain discussions. The upcoming IGF in 2025 was flagged as a milestone for assessing progress. Despite the issue’s complexity, the panellists were united in their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and seamless internet.

As Esterhuysen aptly summarised, addressing internet fragmentation requires a concerted effort to view the digital landscape through diverse lenses. This session reaffirmed that preventing fragmentation is not just a technical challenge but a deeply human one, demanding collaboration, research, and sustained dialogue.

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

Basis lands $34 million to revolutionise accounting

Basis, an AI startup, has secured $34 million in a Series A funding round to develop its AI-powered accounting automation product. The round, led by Khosla Ventures, attracted a diverse group of investors, including NFDG (the AI-focused fund managed by former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and ex-Apple executive Daniel Gross), OpenAI board members Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo, and Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean.

The New York-based company is part of a growing group of AI startups creating autonomous agents—systems capable of performing tasks independently. Basis’ product, designed specifically for accounting firms, can handle various workflows such as entering transactions, verifying data accuracy, and integrating with popular ledger systems like QuickBooks and Xero. The product has already shown promising results, with large firms like Wiss reporting a 30% reduction in time spent on manual accounting tasks. Basis functions similarly to a junior accountant, allowing staff to focus on reviewing the AI’s work rather than completing tasks themselves.

Basis also aims to address the critical shortage of accountants in the US, exacerbated by retiring baby boomers and a decline in younger generations entering the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting sector employs over 3 million people, but the number of candidates sitting for the CPA exam has fallen by 33% between 2016 and 2021. The shortage has led many firms to outsource work to countries like India. Moreover, with AI’s potential to automate tasks traditionally performed by accountants, the sector is expected to experience significant disruption. A 2023 OpenAI paper suggested that automation powered by large language models could eventually impact all accountant and auditor roles.

Partnership aims to advance AI in electric vehicles

Synopsys and SiMa.ai, two Silicon Valley-based companies, have announced a partnership to accelerate the development of energy-efficient AI chips designed for automotive applications. Synopsys, a leader in chip-design software, will collaborate with SiMa.ai, a startup known for its low-power hardware and software tailored for diverse AI functions.

The collaboration aims to meet the increasing demand for advanced AI technologies in electric vehicles, where efficient energy use is critical. SiMa.ai’s technology supports a range of applications, from driver-assistance systems that improve safety to voice assistants enabling hands-free commands. These tools often require different types of hardware, and the partnership allows automakers to simulate and select the best combinations for their needs.

The companies see this as a step towards integrating features like voice assistants into cars within the next three years. SiMa.ai’s CEO, Krishna Rangasayee, highlighted the importance of adapting data centre-level AI performance into power-efficient solutions for vehicles, ensuring both high performance and minimal energy consumption.

Protecting critical infrastructure in a fragile cyberspace

‘Securing Critical Infrastructure in Cyber: Who and How?‘ is the name of one of the main panels at IGF 2024 in Riyadh, where participants discussed the complexities of identifying, securing, and cooperating to protect critical systems from cyber threats. The session, part of the Geneva Dialogue project, focused on safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats and implementing international cyber norms.

The dialogue highlighted the elusive nature of defining critical infrastructure, as interpretations vary widely across nations. ‘Understanding critical infrastructure begins with impact analysis, but what happens if these systems fail?’ noted Nicolas Grunder from ABB, underscoring the need for clarity. Regional interdependencies further complicate matters, as cascading failures in energy, transportation, or cloud services can cripple interconnected sectors, a scenario brought to life through a fictional cyberattack simulation on a cloud provider.

Baseline cybersecurity measures emerged as a priority, focusing on asset inventories, supply chain security, and resilience planning. Kazuo Noguchi of Hitachi America emphasised the mantra of ‘backup, backup, backup’, advocating for distributed systems across regions to mitigate single points of failure. Practical measures like incident response plans, vulnerability management, and operator awareness training were cited as essential components of any security framework.

The role of international cyber norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) sparked debate. While voluntary, norms such as avoiding attacks on critical infrastructure during peacetime provide a foundation for responsible state behaviour. Yet, as Kaleem Usmani of CERT Mauritius pointed out, ‘Norms reduce risks and foster cooperation, but accountability remains a challenge.’ Regional collaboration, such as harmonised security certifications, was proposed as a pragmatic solution to bridge gaps in global standards.

Amid growing geopolitical complexities, participants called for greater transparency and cooperation. Bushra AlBlooshi from the Dubai Electronic Security Center showcased Dubai’s approach, where interdependencies between sectors like power and transportation are mapped to preempt disruptions. However, securing systems reliant on foreign service providers adds another layer of vulnerability, prompting calls for international agreements to establish untouchable ‘red lines’ for critical infrastructure in peace and war.

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.