Countries

The Czech Republic has a strong regulatory framework managed by the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ), which oversees internet services and ensures compliance with both national and European Union regulations. One of the Czech Republic’s most notable achievements is its high internet penetration rate, which is among the highest in Central Europe. According to data from ITU and other internet monitoring sources, the Czech Republic consistently ranks above the average in Europe for both broadband and mobile internet access. Additionally, the country boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, aided by widespread fibre-optic and high-speed mobile networks. The Czech government has prioritized digital governance through initiatives like the ‘Digital Czechia‘ strategy. This strategy aims to enhance public administration and services using digital technologies, focusing on areas such as e-Identification, electronic public procurement, and the systematic improvement of eGovernment services.

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Germany has a strong commitment to internet governance and digitalization, with a focus on open, interoperable, and fair digital infrastructure. The country has a well-developed digital infrastructure, with high internet penetration. Germany has one of the highest internet penetration rates in Europe, with over 90% of the population having access to the internet. This high penetration rate is due to a combination of factors, including a well-developed broadband infrastructure and government policies that have promoted digital inclusion.

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Brunei Darussalam is actively advancing its digital landscape, guided by the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025. This strategic plan aims to transform the nation into a Smart Nation, focusing on a vibrant and sustainable economy, a digitally conducive ecosystem, and a future-ready society. Key initiatives include the expansion of fibre-optic networks, deployment of 5G technology, and the promotion of emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and the internet of things. The government has also established the Brunei Innovation Lab to foster innovation and support tech startups. In the realm of cybersecurity, the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act (Chapter 272) in 2024 underscores the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure. Collectively, these efforts position Brunei as a proactive participant in the global digital economy, striving to enhance the quality of life for its citizens through technological advancement.

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Several laws form the foundation of internet governance in Bulgaria. The Electronic Communications Act (ECA) of 2007 (as amended) is the primary law regulating telecommunications and internet services. It aligns with EU telecom rules and establishes the legal framework for electronic communications networks and services​. Oversight of the telecom sector (including internet service providers, or ISPs) is vested in the independent Communications Regulation Commission (CRC), Bulgaria’s national regulatory authority. The CRC oversees licensing/registration of providers and enforces sector regulations; as of recent years, hundreds of ISPs operate under its supervision (845 active providers in 2022)​. Complementing the ECA is the Electronic Commerce Act, which implemented EU e-commerce rules (liability of online intermediaries, e-contracts, etc.), now largely superseded by newer EU regulations.

Bulgaria is party to key international agreements that shape internet governance norms. It was an early signatory of the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (one of the first international treaties on internet crime)​ , and it actively participates in the Convention’s Committee meetings to update protocols for electronic evidence. In the Council of Europe context, Bulgaria also engages in broader digital policy initiatives (such as the development of guidelines on AI and human rights, and the ongoing work on a potential treaty on AI). Moreover, Bulgaria engages with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), having joined ITU conventions and contributed to discussions on internet connectivity and telecom standards. The country supports the multistakeholder model of internet governance, wherein governments, private sector, technical community, and civil society share dialogue. This stance was evident during the UN’s WSIS+10 review, where Bulgaria backed the continued involvement of all stakeholders in governing the internet.

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Internet governance in Saudi Arabia involves a structured approach to regulating digital activities, promoting infrastructure growth, and aligning with international standards. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission play crucial roles in overseeing policies, maintaining regulations, and advancing digital transformation in line with the government program Vision 2030. The country is also recognised for its advancements in digital government services, currently ranking 6th on the UN’s E-Government Development Index (EGDI). This ranking reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness and reach of government digital services.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 19th the IGF in Riyadh from December 15-19, 2024. This global forum, organised by the UN, highlights the Kingdom’s role in shaping international discussions on internet governance and digital policy. It will bring together thousands of participants from various sectors to discuss emerging challenges and best practices.​ The conference will be held under the overarching theme of ‘Building our multistakeholder digital future‘ and organised around four main themes:

• Harnessing innovation and balancing risks in the digital space. 
• Enhancing the digital contribution to peace, development, and sustainability. 
• Advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age. 
• Improving digital governance for the Internet We Want. 

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The Micronesian government recognises the importance of digital connectivity for economic and social development. The Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (DTCI) is the primary regulatory body overseeing telecommunications and internet infrastructure. Internet access remains limited and costly for many residents. Micronesia’s geography poses a logistical challenge for internet infrastructure development. FSM relies mainly on satellite connections, which can be costly and less reliable compared to fibre optic systems. However, some progress has been made through projects for the contraction of undersea fibre optic cables. Efforts to increase affordability and accessibility are ongoing, with support from international organisations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which have provided financial and technical assistance to expand infrastructure.

Micronesia is part of broader regional initiatives aimed at improving internet access and governance across the Pacific. Organisations such as the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) and the Pacific Community (SPC) work closely with FSM to develop policies, share best practices, and provide technical assistance. These collaborations help address challenges related to internet infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building.

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Internet governance and regulation in Cambodia involve multiple stakeholders, including government authorities, private sector entities, and civil society, who play roles in shaping the policies and practices affecting the internet within the country. The main regulatory body overseeing telecommunications and Internet-related issues is the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia. The government has been actively promoting the expansion of internet access across the country through various initiatives. Efforts include enhancing broadband infrastructure and encouraging investment in mobile networks. As of 2024, internet penetration in Cambodia has seen significant growth with approximately 9.66 million internet users, representing a penetration rate of 56.7% of the total population. Despite the strides in internet access, Cambodia’s e-government services are still evolving. The country’s ranking in the UN E-Government Survey is relatively low compared to other nations in the region.

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The Senegalese government has developed various strategies to kick-start digital transformation in the public sector, aiming to extend the benefits of digitalization to rural and disadvantaged population groups. Despite these efforts, the pace of digitalization in Senegal remains slow, and the country’s digital strategy lacks green approaches for the simultaneous promotion of digital transformation and sustainability, known as the ‘twin transition’.

To address these challenges, the Digital Transformation Center Senegal has been established to ensure sustainable and human-centered development, enabling self-determined digital transformation. The center focuses on improving access to online public services, developing interoperable and inclusive digital administrative services, and bridging the digital skills divide by supporting inclusive digital offerings and providing training, particularly for women in rural areas.

In terms of internet connectivity, as of 2024, approximately 60% of the population had access to the internet, with a significant portion utilising mobile broadband services. However, challenges such as the high cost of mobile broadband subscriptions persist, limiting broader access.

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At the core of Samoa’s digital transformation is the Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2030, supported by the World Bank, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap to enhance broadband access, promote e-government services, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. The strategy complements the ICT Sector Plan 2022–2027, which prioritises infrastructure upgrades, digital inclusion programs, and the establishment of a national Internet Exchange Point to reduce latency and improve the efficiency of internet services. These efforts are reinforced by the Digitally Connected and Resilient Samoa Project, designed to expand access to high-quality digital services and secure connectivity across the country.

Samoa’s legal and regulatory framework for data protection is anchored by the Privacy Act 2013, supported by the Data Protection Guidelines 2020, the Crimes Act 2013, and recent legislation such as the National Digital Identification Act 2024. These instruments collectively safeguard citizens’ rights to privacy and regulate how personal data is managed, shared, and stored. Telecommunications providers are also bound by confidentiality obligations under the Telecommunications Act 2005. While there is no dedicated data protection authority, multiple institutions are tasked with enforcement and compliance oversight.

Cybersecurity is another priority area, reflected in Samoa’s National Cybersecurity Strategy (2016–2021), which laid the foundation for developing secure infrastructure and aligning national laws with international standards. The Samoa Computer Emergency Response Team (SamCERT), established in 2019, plays a central role in detecting, responding to, and preventing cyber incidents.

Samoa’s digital infrastructure is underpinned by two key submarine cable systems: the Tui-Samoa Cable and the Manatua One Polynesia Fibre Cable. These cables provide high-speed international connectivity and are managed by the Samoa Submarine Cable Company (SSCC), which also participates in regional infrastructure projects such as the planned Central Pacific Cable and Google’s Bulikula and Halaihai subsea cables.

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