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Internet governance in Croatia encompasses a comprehensive regulatory framework, policies, and practices that oversee the use and development of the internet within the country. The primary legal framework regulating internet services is the Electronic Communications Act, which ensures compliance with EU directives and promotes competition and consumer protection. The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) oversees the telecommunications sector, including internet services, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding consumer rights.

The key players in Croatian internet governance include government bodies, ISPs, tech companies, and civil society organizations. The Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure is responsible for formulating and implementing internet policies.

Croatian stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Croatian stakeholders participate in the annual South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEE+) and Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Croatia is a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Croatian also has a national internet governance initiative called Croatian IGF, which was established as a bottom-up, multistakeholder platform for discussing internet-related public policy issues.

Croatia has adopted several digital strategies in recent years to guide its digital transformation process.

• The Digital Croatia Strategy 2032 aims to drive Croatia’s digital transformation over the coming decade, focusing on enhancing the nation’s digital economy, digitizing public administration and justice systems, improving digital connectivity, and fostering digital skill development and employment opportunities. This strategy seeks to increase the share of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Croatia’s gross domestic product (GDP). The strategy aligns with the broader European Union’s vision for the digital decade and includes specific objectives such as reaching the EU average Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) rating by 2030. It also emphasizes the importance of digital skills training for all citizens.
• Croatia adopted the National Plan for Broadband Development 2021-2027 in 2021. The plan responds to the European Gigabit Society objectives 2025, partially the 2030 digital targets and the 5G for Europe Action Plan. The Croatian plan aims to provide connectivity with download speeds of at least 100 Mbps to all households while providing government offices and public buildings, such as schools and health facilities, with symmetric connections of at least 1 Gbps. It also seeks 5G networks in all main cities and towns and along major highways.
• The National Development Strategy is the national strategic action plan for 2018 to 2030, which aims to support the twin digital and green transitions of Croatian society and economy.

Croatia has taken several steps to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and resilience in recent years.

• In Croatia, the Information Systems Security Bureau (ZSIS) serves as the national authority for network and information security. The country has two computer emergency response teams (CERTs): CARNet, and ZSIS CERT. ZSIS CERT is responsible for coordinating security and incident response for entities using a Croatian IP address or .hr domain. Additionally, the ZSIS CSI has jurisdiction over security matters in Croatian government institutions.
• On 15 February 2024, a new law on CYBERSECURITY LAW came into force. This law regulates procedures and measures to achieve a high common level of cybersecurity, criteria for categorizing key and important entities, cybersecurity requirements for key and important entities, specific requirements for managing domain name registration data and monitoring their implementation, voluntary mechanisms for cybersecurity, competent authorities in the field of cybersecurity and their tasks and powers, expert supervision over the implementation of cybersecurity requirements, penalty provisions, monitoring the implementation of this law, and other issues of importance to the field of cybersecurity.
• In 2015 the Government of Croatia adopted the National Cyber Security Strategy and the Action plan for the implementation of the Strategy. The strategy outlines several key objectives, including enhancing the security, resilience, and reliability of cyberspace, improving overall safety through a coordinated approach, strengthening the capacity to prevent and recover from cyber-attacks, promoting harmonized education programs and research in e-services, establishing effective information-sharing mechanisms, raising awareness among cyberspace users, fostering collaboration among institutions, developing a robust legal framework for the cyber dimension, and encouraging international cooperation in cybersecurity.
• Croatia has ratified the CoE Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention).

Croatia has been working towards developing a national AI strategy. As of the available information, the final version of the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence of Croatia has not been completed.

Croatia has a growing AI industry, with the Croatian Artificial Intelligence Association (CroAI) being founded in 2019. CroAI brings together leading companies and startups in the field of AI in Croatia and seeks to position Croatia as a country of unique opportunities for the development of human-centric AI through a culture of dialogue between entrepreneurs and decision-makers at the national and European levels.

As of February 2020, CroAI had approximately 30 tech companies involved in the development of solutions based on AI technology, including Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, and A1.

Internet governance in Italy involves a combination of policies, regulations, and collaborative efforts aimed at managing the internet’s growth, ensuring security, and promoting digital inclusivity. Here are some key elements and recent developments in Italy’s approach to internet governance:

Regulatory Framework

Italy’s internet governance framework is shaped by both national regulations and European Union directives. The country adheres to the principles set out by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring the protection of personal data and privacy for individuals. Additionally, Italian authorities work to implement the EU’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which aim to create a safer and more open digital space.

The Role of the Ministry for Technological Innovation and Digitalization

The Ministry for Technological Innovation and Digitalization spearheads many initiatives related to internet governance. It focuses on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and the promotion of digital skills among the population. The ministry’s strategies aim to create a cohesive and secure digital environment, fostering innovation and economic growth.

AgID (Agency for Digital Italy)

AgID plays a significant role in overseeing internet governance in Italy. The agency is responsible for promoting digital innovation, enhancing cybersecurity, and ensuring the effective implementation of digital policies. AgID also works on developing standards and guidelines to improve internet infrastructure and services.

Open Data and Transparency

Italy promotes open data policies to enhance transparency and accountability in public administration. The national open data portal provides access to a wealth of government data, fostering innovation and enabling citizens to engage more actively with public institutions.

Internet Governance Debate

Italian stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Italian stakeholders also participate in the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Italy is a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Italy also has a national internet governance initiative called IGF Italy, which was established as a bottom-up, multistakeholder platform for discussing internet-related public policy issues within the country.

Digital governance in Italy has been steadily evolving, with a strong focus on enhancing public administration efficiency, improving citizen services, and fostering a robust digital economy. Here are the key aspects of digital governance in Italy:

Digital Transformation

Italy’s digital transformation is driven by the Italia Digitale 2026 strategy. The strategy is a comprehensive strategy within Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), launched to support the country’s recovery post-pandemic and address issues such as low growth and high unemployment. It aims to achieve its goals faster than the European Commission’s Digital Compass 2030, leveraging substantial PNRR funds.

The strategy focuses on ensuring nationwide ultra-broadband connectivity, enabling high-speed internet access across Italy. It aims to connect all schools and healthcare facilities with ultra-broadband, providing widespread access to educational content and healthcare services. Both private and public sectors will transition to secure and efficient cloud technologies to enhance the security and reliability of digital services. Fully digitized and interconnected public service platforms will be developed, minimizing the need for citizens to provide information to public authorities repeatedly.

Another important initiative is the ‘Three-Year Plan for Information Technology in Public Administration,’ which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for modernizing the public sector. This plan emphasizes integrating digital technologies to improve public services, enhance transparency, and reduce administrative burdens.

Digital Healthcare

Italy has made significant strides in digitizing its healthcare system. The Electronic Health Record (Fascicolo Sanitario Elettronico) allows citizens to access their medical records online, facilitating better coordination of care and more efficient health services.

Digital Education and Skills

Italy recognizes the importance of digital literacy and skills in driving its digital transformation. Initiatives such as the National Plan for Digital Education aim to integrate digital technologies into the education system, preparing students and the workforce for the demands of the digital economy.

Internet Infrastructure

Italy has invested significantly in expanding and upgrading its internet infrastructure. The country is working towards achieving widespread broadband coverage, including in rural and underserved areas. Initiatives like the National Ultra-Broadband Plan aim to provide high-speed internet access to all citizens, reducing the digital divide and fostering economic development.

In recent years, Italy has been actively enhancing its cybersecurity landscape to address the evolving nature of cyber threats. The country has seen a significant increase in cyberattacks, particularly ransomware incidents targeting critical infrastructure and businesses.

Regulatory and Strategic Development

National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN): Established by Decree-Law No. 82 in 2021, the ACN plays a central role in Italy’s cybersecurity strategy. The agency is tasked with protecting national interests in cyberspace and has recently been granted additional responsibilities, including promoting AI-driven cybersecurity initiatives and ensuring coordination between the ACN and judiciary in cases of cyberattacks.

National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2026: This strategy aims to bolster national cyber resilience and foster innovative cybersecurity solutions. It includes measures for public administrations and significant entities to enhance their cyber defenses, mandating the appointment of cybersecurity liaisons and establishing stringent incident reporting requirements.

Legislative Measures: Italy has incorporated the EU’s NIS 2 Directive, which imposes strict cybersecurity requirements on essential service operators and digital service providers. Additionally, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs data protection, with Italy being one of the most active enforcers in terms of issuing fines for non-compliance.

CoE Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention): Italy has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention, which provides a comprehensive framework for international cooperation in combating cybercrime.

In June 2022, Italy adopted the National Strategic Programme on Artificial Intelligence for 2022-2024. This comprehensive plan, developed by the Italian Government, is aimed at fostering a robust national AI ecosystem. The programme’s primary goals are to strengthen and attract AI talent, expand funding for advanced AI research, and encourage the adoption of AI technologies in both public administration and the broader Italian economy.

The programme is built around six key objectives designed to drive AI development across various sectors. These objectives include advancing frontier research in AI, fostering collaboration to reduce research fragmentation, and ensuring that AI solutions are human-centred, trustworthy, and compliant with ethical standards. Additionally, the programme aims to boost AI-driven innovation in industries, enhance the efficiency of public administration through AI, and attract and retain top AI talent by promoting comprehensive educational initiatives.

Italy’s AI strategy identifies eleven priority sectors where the country intends to focus its investments. These sectors include industry and manufacturing, the education system, agri-food, culture and tourism, health and wellbeing, the environment and infrastructure, banking and finance, public administration, smart cities and communities, national security, and information technologies. By targeting these areas, the programme seeks to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and address societal challenges.

The strategic programme outlines three main areas of intervention to achieve its objectives. The first area focuses on strengthening and attracting the talents and competencies necessary for an AI-driven economy. This involves initiatives to promote AI education at all levels, from primary schools to advanced PhD programmes, as well as measures to attract foreign AI professionals to Italy. The second area of intervention is expanding funding for advanced AI research. This includes supporting fundamental and applied research projects, fostering collaborations between research institutions and industry, and developing cutting-edge AI research infrastructures. The third area of intervention aims to favor the adoption of AI applications in public administration and the Italian economy at large. This involves encouraging public and private sectors to integrate AI solutions into their operations, thereby enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.

To support these areas, the Strategic Programme sets forth 24 policy initiatives that Italy should embrace. These initiatives are designed to create a conducive environment for AI innovation, ensure ethical AI practices, and promote the widespread adoption of AI technologies. By implementing these initiatives, Italy aims to position itself as a leader in AI, driving technological advancements and economic growth while ensuring that AI development benefits society as a whole.

G7 presidency 2024

During its G7 presidency in 2024, Italy is prioritising AI governance. The country is working on international guiding principles and a code of conduct for AI, focusing on ethical boundaries, transparency, and human-centred development. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has emphasized the need for international cooperation to address the challenges of AI and digital transformation.

Internet governance in Burundi is heavily influenced by the country’s political landscape, which is marked by restrictive controls and limited freedoms. The regulatory framework and bodies responsible for overseeing the internet and telecommunications sector face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of comprehensive digital policies.

Regulatory Bodies and Their Functions

1. Ministry of Communication, Information Technologies and Media: This ministry is the primary governmental body responsible for overseeing the telecommunications sector, including internet governance. It sets policies and regulations for the development and management of telecommunications and information technologies in Burundi.
2. Burundi Agency for Regulation and Control of Telecommunications (ARCT): ARCT is the key regulatory authority that implements policies and regulations formulated by the ministry. Its responsibilities include licensing service providers, managing the frequency spectrum, and ensuring compliance with national and international standards. However, ARCT operates under significant political pressure, which often influences its regulatory actions and undermines its independence and effectiveness.
3. National Communication Council (CNC): The CNC oversees media regulation, including online content. It has the authority to monitor and control media activities, ensuring they align with government policies. This body often faces criticism for stifling freedom of expression and imposing stringent controls on media outlets, including those operating online​.

Burundi’s National Information and Communication Technologies Development Policy (PNDTIC) 2010-2025 is a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting digital transformation and enhancing the country’s ICT capabilities. This policy sets out several strategic objectives to advance digital infrastructure, improve digital literacy, and foster economic growth through technology.

Key Objectives and Initiatives of PNDTIC 2010-2025

1. Enhancing Digital Infrastructure:
   • The policy aims to expand broadband networks and improve internet connectivity across the country, particularly focusing on rural and underserved areas. This involves the deployment of fiber-optic cables and the establishment of public Wi-Fi zones to ensure wider access to digital service.
2. Promoting Digital Literacy and Education:
   • PNDTIC emphasizes integrating digital skills training into the education system. Schools are being equipped with computers and internet access to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the digital economy. Workshops and training sessions for ICT focal points in public institutions have been organized to build capacity and improve digital literacy among government employees​.
3. Fostering Digital Governance and E-Government:
   • The policy supports the digitalization of public services to increase efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. This includes the development of e-government platforms to facilitate online service delivery and improve the interaction between the government and citizens.
4. Economic Intelligence and Data Security:
   • Through partnerships with private sector companies like N-Soft, the policy aims to enhance digital sovereignty and economic intelligence. This involves the use of advanced data processing tools to monitor and regulate economic activities, ensuring data security and supporting informed policy decisions​.
5. International Collaboration and Support:
   • The policy aligns with international best practices and frameworks, benefiting from collaborations with organizations like the World Bank and OECD. These collaborations help Burundi access funding, technical expertise, and policy guidance to support its digital transformation initiatives.

Cybersecurity in Burundi

Cybersecurity in Burundi is an emerging field that is gaining increasing importance as the country continues to integrate digital technologies into its governmental, economic, and social frameworks. The nation’s efforts in cybersecurity are geared towards protecting critical information infrastructure, securing digital services, and ensuring the safety of its citizens online.

1. Infrastructure and Capability Development: Burundi is at a nascent stage in developing its cybersecurity infrastructure. The government is focused on building foundational capabilities, including establishing regulatory frameworks, improving technical infrastructure, and fostering cybersecurity awareness among the population.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework: The legal framework for cybersecurity in Burundi is evolving. The government has been working on drafting and implementing laws and regulations to address cyber threats and crimes. This includes efforts to align with international standards and best practices, although comprehensive legislation is still under development.

3. Institutional Setup: The country is in the process of setting up dedicated institutions to oversee and manage cybersecurity. ANATIC is responsible for the development and implementation of ICT policies, including those related to cybersecurity. It coordinates efforts across various sectors to enhance digital security.This agency conducts awareness programs, offers technical support, and collaborates with international partners to strengthen Burundi’s cybersecurity capabilities.

4. Public Awareness and Capacity Building: Raising public awareness about cybersecurity risks and best practices is a priority for Burundi. Initiatives aimed at educating citizens, businesses, and government employees about the importance of cybersecurity are underway. Capacity-building programs are also being implemented to train professionals in the field of cybersecurity.

The artificial intelligence (AI) landscape in Burundi is in its early stages, characterized by growing interest and incremental developments across various sectors. The country is beginning to explore AI’s potential to drive economic growth, improve public services, and address social challenges.

• Researchers in Burundi are embracing AI to tackle challenges in agriculture. A project aimed to develop an AI-based banana disease and pest detection system using deep learning to support farmers.
• EON Reality is expanding its rollout in Burundi, targeting a national rollout with 10,000 tailored AI-driven learning courses and launching a Spatial AI Center and EON AI Autonomous Agents.