NRIs MAIN SESSION: DATA GOVERNANCE

12 Oct 2023 02:30h - 04:00h UTC

Event report

Speakers and Moderators

Speakers

  • Alison Gilward, South Africa | African IGF
  • Lucien Castex, France | French IGF
  • Raul Echeberria, Uruguay | LACIGF
  • Charles Shaaban, Jordan | Arab IGF
  • Liu Chuang, Editor-in-Chief of Global Change Research Data Publishing & Repository| China

Moderators

  • Onsite moderator: Ms. Zanyiwe Nthatisi-Asare, South Africa | African IGF
  • Online moderator: Ms. Judith Hellerstein, USA | IGF-USA and DCAD; and Ms. Karen Cruz, Costa Rica | Youth LACIGF

 

Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the IGF session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the IGF's official website.

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Audience

The speakers in the analysis discuss various aspects of data governance and highlight its importance in the current digital era. They emphasize the need for collaboration between countries to improve data infrastructure. The speakers argue that countries should work together with their internet exchange points to enhance data infrastructure. They stress the potential replicable model of data consolidation in Europe, as discussed by Lucien. This model could address the issue of data concentration in few companies, which raises concerns about compatibility with data sovereignty policies.

One of the concerns raised is the potential loss of valuable data due to changes in internet standards. The alterations in internet standards may lead to the loss of traffic trend data, identification of malicious activities, and interoperability of messaging platforms. This emphasizes the need for careful consideration and planning when making changes to internet standards.

The speakers highlight the importance of engagement of data governance and trust bodies in standards organizations. They argue that these entities are usually absent from standards bodies, which are predominantly dominated by technical communities. By participating in standards organizations, data governance and trust bodies can ensure that their perspectives and considerations are integrated into the decision-making process.

The concept and scope of data governance are changing rapidly. More than 100 economies have published their data rules, indicating a shift in how data governance is being approached. The speakers stress the need for international frameworks or norms on data governance and the importance of reaching a consensus on this issue. They argue that global issues require global-level solutions.

Various international platforms and organizations are actively discussing data and data governance, such as IGF, OECD, APEC, and the World Internet Conference. The speakers suggest that regularly collecting outputs from these platforms would be beneficial. This would allow stakeholders to build upon previous discussions and prevent starting from scratch in each new initiative.

The speakers acknowledge the potential risks associated with data governance frameworks. They caution that these frameworks could potentially become tools for censorship and surveillance. It is important to ensure that data governance frameworks uphold individual rights and freedoms while addressing global challenges.

Stakeholder engagement is crucial for effective data governance. The speakers emphasize the need to support civil society organizations and encourage their participation in data governance initiatives. They argue that a diverse range of perspectives is essential for creating inclusive and responsible data governance frameworks.

Trust in the data governance process is vital. The speakers highlight the importance of using data for the benefit of everyone and ensuring responsible data use. They argue that education, awareness, and the development of human-centric technologies are necessary for responsible data governance. They cite examples of countries strengthening data protection laws and regulations and previous discussions on this topic in the IGF and Brazilian IGF.

The development of international data governance standards should follow a multistakeholder approach. The speakers argue that involving various stakeholders in the decision-making process ensures that the standards are comprehensive and inclusive.

Lastly, the speakers address the importance of protecting personal data while maintaining anonymity on the internet. They advocate for a dialogue to find a balance between the need to protect personal data and the value of anonymous data. Understanding who is contacting or possibly attacking is seen as crucial in this context.

In conclusion, the analysis of the speakers’ discussions on data governance highlights the need for collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and trust in creating effective and responsible data governance frameworks. The discussions emphasize the changing nature of data governance, the significance of international frameworks, and the role of education and awareness in achieving responsible data use. The analysis also reveals the potential risks associated with data governance frameworks and the need for a balanced approach to personal data protection and anonymity on the internet.

Liu Chuang

The analysis highlights several key points from the speakers’ discussions on data management and quality. One of the main points emphasized is the importance of data security, accuracy, and timely access. The speakers argue that these factors are crucial for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of data for various purposes. They highlight the efforts made by China in establishing data centers and making over 10 million accessible data globally in over 100 countries.

Another significant point discussed is the positive impact of open data on local development and society. The speakers present evidence that more than 600,000 village people have benefited from data-driven methodologies and that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has collaborated with China to transfer Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to the FAO OCOP program. This underscores the potential of open data in driving sustainable development and empowering communities.

The analysis recognizes the challenges and opportunities presented by the era of data-driven technology. While the increasing amount of data available poses challenges, the speakers also highlight the positive potential of this technology. They mention that several countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea, have already incorporated data-driven technology into their national strategies for agricultural development. This suggests that the widespread adoption of this technology can lead to significant advancements in various sectors and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The speakers also stress the need for quality data control, professional teams for data management, and public feedback to improve data quality. They discuss the use of frameworks, guidelines, standards, and procedures for quality control and the importance of training programs to address challenges that arise with new data. Additionally, they advocate for public forums to provide opportunities for users to give feedback, thus enhancing data quality.

The analysis further highlights the importance of joint partnerships and collaboration for effective data quality management. The speakers present evidence of collaborations with scientific academies, central governments, and international organizations like the World Data System. They also refer to workshops held in Nairobi to establish data sharing principles, suggesting that managing data quality requires collective efforts and cooperation.

The speakers argue that guidelines, regulations, and international collaborations have proven to be effective in ensuring data control. They mention that a comprehensive set of guidelines and regulations has been established to check data integrity and evaluate different types of data. Additionally, they discuss collaborations with universities in South Africa and Asian countries, as well as their work in developing countries for over 20 years, suggesting that international collaboration can help in creating suitable operational procedures for data control.

Notably, the analysis discusses the role of data platforms as accelerators for data-related projects. It acknowledges that different organizations have different platforms for their projects, and while some projects are short-term, there is a risk of data loss when the project ends. This highlights the need to find solutions to ensure data continuity and accessibility even after the projects are completed.

The analysis further explores the importance of data preservation and availability. It highlights the requirement for members of the International Science Council’s World Data System to keep data long-term, preserved, and protected, and make it available to everyone. This underscores the significance of preserving valuable data and making it accessible for research and decision-making purposes.

The analysis also touches upon the support for data sharing between the government and private sectors, as well as universities. It mentions policies in China that promote data sharing between the government and private sectors, further indicating the recognition of the benefits of collaboration in leveraging data for societal and economic growth.

Finally, the analysis mentions the benefits of increased public data availability for socioeconomic development. While no specific evidence is provided in the analysis, the implication is that making public data more readily accessible can contribute to informed decision-making and foster economic and social progress.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights several important points regarding data management and quality. It stresses the significance of data security, accuracy, and timely access, the positive impact of open data on local development and society, and the challenges and opportunities presented by data-driven technology. It emphasizes the need for quality data control, professional teams for data management, and public feedback for data improvement. It also highlights the importance of joint partnerships, guidelines, and regulations, and international collaboration for effective data quality management. The analysis further acknowledges the role of data platforms as accelerators and explores the importance of data preservation and availability. It supports data sharing between the government and private sectors as well as universities and recognizes the benefits of increased public data availability for socioeconomic development. Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities and potential of data management and quality in the context of achieving the SDGs.

Zanyiwe Nthatisi-Asare

The importance of innovative solutions in building trustworthiness on a global scale in the internet has been emphasized. This is due to the complexities involved in addressing the challenges surrounding data security, data protection, and privacy in the digital ecosystem. The discussion acknowledges the difficulties in thinking outside the box and moving the conversation forward to find effective solutions.

On the other hand, it is pointed out that multilateral approaches and government interventions have proven ineffective in achieving substantial results in this area. Despite attempts by the United Nations system to explore these interventions, minimal success has been achieved. This criticism of unsuccessful government interventions and multilateral approaches reveals a gap between the complexities of the issues and the capacity to foster a robust and trusted internet globally.

It is noteworthy that the sentiment in these arguments is neutral to negative. This suggests a level of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs regarding trustworthiness in the internet and the efforts made by governments and multilateral institutions. The lack of concrete results and the difficulties in finding innovative solutions highlight the urgency of addressing these challenges and the need for alternative approaches.

The analysis provides insights into the ongoing discussions around the trustworthiness of the internet and the complexities and difficulties faced in achieving a secure and trusted digital ecosystem. It calls for a reevaluation of strategies and the exploration of different approaches to effectively address the widening gap between the challenges faced and the desired outcomes.

Lucien Castex

The analysis of the various statements made by the speakers reveals several important points regarding internet and data governance. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the terms in which internet and data governance exist. This includes understanding the concepts of data and trust. The governance of data and the understanding of trust are identified as significant objectives that need to be achieved.

Another key point highlighted in the analysis is the need to strike a balance between cyberspace security and the protection of fundamental liberties and rights. The speakers emphasise that although achieving this equilibrium is often difficult, it is essential.

There is strong support for the legislation in France and the European Union (EU) regarding data protection. The importance of protecting data and the impact of existing legislation, such as the RDoDP (Regulation for Data Protection), are underscored. The speakers also mention emerging technological regulation, specifically in relation to artificial intelligence and new digital services.

Education about the internet and data is identified as a key factor in understanding and taking future actions. Strategies to involve internet and data education in primary, secondary, and lifelong education are emphasised. The importance of understanding these concepts is deemed necessary to be able to effectively respond and engage with the evolving digital landscape.

Transparency and the role of data are strongly supported. The speakers argue that ensuring transparency and the circulation of data are of utmost importance. They highlight the need for legislation against the manipulation of data and the ongoing discussions regarding protecting children online and countering racial hatred.

Legal security and transparency are identified as crucial elements in governing data. The analysis emphasises the need for a legal framework that allows users to understand how their data is being used. It is also noted that a multi-stakeholder approach, allowing for diversity of opinions, is essential for internet governance.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is considered important for ensuring clear transparency in digital resources. The analysis supports the idea of having a liability framework with different stakeholders within the digital value chain.

The analysis also calls for the development of international legal frameworks that are accessible to everyone. The speakers argue that international law should be accessible and that no one should be above the law. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of the digital age and raises important questions regarding the International Digital Pact.

The integration of data governance and AI governance is seen as significant. The speakers highlight that data and artificial intelligence are interconnected, and data plays a crucial role in AI. The need to effectively govern and regulate AI is underscored.

The analysis reveals the importance of global cooperation and partnerships in the digital era. The Global Digital Pact is seen as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, which is vital for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital landscape.

A human-centered approach for AI and emerging technologies is supported. The EU’s search for a human-centered approach for AI and emerging technologies is recognized as a positive step towards ensuring that these technologies align with human values and serve the common good.

Finally, the importance of awareness-raising education and understanding data is highlighted. The speakers stress the need for education on data understanding, digital literacy, and AI education. This education is crucial for individuals to navigate the complex digital environment and make informed decisions.

In conclusion, the analysis of the speakers’ statements on internet and data governance reveals several key points. It highlights the need to understand the terms in which internet and data governance exist and achieve a balance between cyberspace security and the protection of fundamental liberties and rights. The support for legislation, the importance of education about the internet and data, and the emphasis on transparency, legal security, and the role of data are also notable. The analysis further underscores the importance of an open, neutral, and trustworthy internet, a multi-stakeholder approach to governance, the integration of data governance and AI governance, and the development of international legal frameworks. Additionally, the call for a human-centered approach, awareness-raising education, and global cooperation are noteworthy observations.

Judith Hellerstein

The importance of data integrity and governance is highlighted in the discussions. Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data, while data governance is essential for ensuring reliable data. These aspects are often overlooked in discussions about data quality but are vital for upholding trustworthy and reliable data.

The discussions also emphasize the complexities surrounding data security and protection. Storing data in the cloud and various locations is considered a best practice to prevent data loss. This approach enhances data security and resilience by providing multiple backup copies and reducing the risk of information loss in accidents or hardware failures.

Additionally, there is an advocacy for appropriate data protection legislation and policies. Data is subject to the laws of the country it originates from, regardless of where it is stored. Robust data protection policy and legislation are crucial for safeguarding data sovereignty and individuals’ privacy rights.

The discussions further stress the importance of secure and diverse data storage practices. In-house data storage poses risks, as accidents or incidents can lead to data loss. On the other hand, cloud storage offers features that handle corruptions and downtimes, providing a more secure storage option.

Overall, the points raised in the discussions underscore the significance of data integrity, governance, and protection in maintaining a trustworthy internet and secure data storage practices. They highlight the need for organizations and governments to prioritize these aspects to ensure the availability, authenticity, and security of data. Additionally, the discussions shed light on the need for proper legislation and policies to govern data protection, ensuring that individuals’ data is treated respectfully and in accordance with established laws.

Charles Shaaban

The analysis reveals that data governance and privacy laws are being implemented in various countries, particularly in the Arab region. Inspired by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), many countries in this region have introduced their own data protection laws. These laws are quite similar to the GDPR, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for robust data governance measures.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the increasing importance of data in the economy. Organizations now measure their wealth and value based on the data they collect and own. This data is not only crucial for engagement, growth, and monetization purposes but also plays a significant role in shaping the vertical economy of data itself.

Regarding data privacy, it is emphasised that individuals should have rights over their data. This includes knowing what data is being collected, how it is used, manipulated, analyzed, viewed, reviewed, disputed, and providing consent for its use. Data collected goes beyond bio-data to include habits, behavior, and demographics. To ensure fair usage and balance between the rights of organizations and individuals, data privacy and governance are highlighted as focal areas.

In relation to the Domain Name System (DNS), it is argued that balanced laws and treaties should be established to preserve privacy. The analysis mentions recent developments in Jordan, where a new data privacy law has been issued. The importance of preserving privacy on the DNS is emphasized, while also positing the need for a clear mechanism to address those who infringe on privacy.

Another point raised is the need for a broad definition of DNS abuse. The analysis argues that DNS abuse should not only be limited to cybersquatting but should also encompass deceptive, malicious, or illegal activities. It references the International Trademark Association’s broad definition of DNS abuse, which has been approved by the Inter Board.

The analysis also highlights the significance of balanced privacy laws for artificial intelligence (AI). As AI systems rely on data, it is crucial to ensure a balanced approach that respects privacy. The analysis mentions that many companies are currently prohibited from using meta-tags due to privacy laws.

Furthermore, it is noted that support for data systems should not be limited to the private sector. The analysis suggests that a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that data systems benefit the broader society and public sector as well.

Data safety and backup are also identified as crucial considerations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of keeping data safe from natural disasters and implementing backup systems to prevent data loss.

The analysis points out that both local and international laws have a significant impact on data location. Certain countries’ laws may prevent data from being stored overseas, highlighting the importance of understanding and complying with legal requirements. The decision to trust organizations with data is compared to trusting banks to hold money.

In terms of misinformation, the analysis suggests that it can be more dangerous than ignorance. A quote from George Bernard Shaw is referenced to support this argument. The importance of balance and avoiding the dissemination of misinformation is emphasized, particularly in the context of education and promoting peace and justice.

Finally, the analysis underscores the crucial role of consent when it comes to personal information being available on the internet. It argues that user consent should dictate what personal information is shared and made accessible online.

Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into the importance of data governance and privacy laws, highlighting the need for balanced approaches that protect individual rights while also fostering innovation and economic growth. It underscores the significance of data in the modern world and the need to establish frameworks that ensure fair and responsible data practices.

Alison Gilward

The African Union Data Policy Framework is a comprehensive document that takes a rights-based approach to data governance. It addresses both personal and non-personal data and recognizes the importance of balancing privacy rights with economic and broader human rights. The framework also acknowledges the uneven development in access to data-related technologies and aims to bridge these gaps over time.

Trust is a crucial aspect of data governance, and it requires data protection, a secure internet, and legitimacy in the rules and regulations governing data practices. However, trust is difficult to establish in Africa due to limited internet connectivity, which excludes a large portion of the population from participating in the data environment.

In addition to data protection and trust-building, the African Union Data Policy Framework covers various other dimensions of data governance. It emphasizes data access control, quality, and open data, aiming to ensure responsible and beneficial data usage.

Data access and shifting from narrow notions of national sovereignty are important considerations in African data governance. Currently, most of Africa’s data traffic flows outside of the continent, emphasizing the need for increased access to data and collaborative approaches to data sovereignty.

The African Union plays a vital role in implementing a trusted and harmonized data protection framework. It provides training and capacity-building tools for governments, supporting them in adopting and effectively implementing the framework.

The analysis highlights the need to redress the unequal distribution of opportunities posed by data-driven technologies. It calls for a shift from focusing solely on harm mitigation to addressing the inequalities generated by these technologies.

Foundational infrastructures such as broadband, digital, and data infrastructure are essential for establishing a trusted data environment. These infrastructures ensure secure and efficient storage, processing, and sharing of data.

The concept of data sovereignty needs to be reevaluated, considering the practicality and efficiency of each country building its own data warehouses. Collaborative approaches and the use of cloud services can help uphold data sovereignty while promoting efficient data management.

Global collaboration is necessary to enforce data protection and address challenges posed by big tech. This collaboration is especially important in addressing issues such as misinformation and the power of large tech companies.

The analysis argues for a shift from a rights framework to a data justice framework to reduce inequalities and foster an inclusive data environment. It is important to include voices outside of government in the legislation process to ensure public interest and accountability.

Legislation for digital services safety must be carefully crafted to avoid repressive or surveillance controls on freedom of expression. Clear data protection and cybersecurity laws are needed, with safeguards against illegitimate state surveillance.

In conclusion, the African Union Data Policy Framework provides a comprehensive approach to data governance, addressing various dimensions such as data protection, trust-building, access control, and data sovereignty. It emphasizes the role of the African Union in implementing a harmonized data protection framework and calls for a shift to a data justice framework. Foundational infrastructures, global collaboration, and inclusive legislation processes are vital for establishing a trusted and equitable data environment in Africa.

Raul Echeberria

The analysis reveals that Latin American countries have their own data protection laws, which have been influenced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These laws aim to protect personal data and ensure its privacy and security. It is important to note that most data protection authorities in Latin America operate independently and exhibit a high level of coordination among themselves. This coordination ensures consistency in the enforcement of data protection laws throughout the region.

Additionally, the analysis highlights the significance of the free flow of data in Latin America. Unlike other regions, Latin America does not impose significant restrictions on the movement of information. This unrestricted flow of data is considered essential for supporting various services, facilitating transactions, and promoting economic development. It is argued that legal certainty in data transfer benefits all stakeholders, including businesses, individuals, and governments.

The analysis also emphasizes the need for more inclusive and transparent policy-making in Latin America. With over 30 different jurisdictions, policy-making in the region poses a significant challenge. To address this, the establishment of national and regional Internet Governance Forums (IGFs) is seen as crucial for promoting open dialogue and considering diverse perspectives.

In terms of legal frameworks, the analysis cautions against blindly adopting policies from other regions. Instead, it advocates for tailoring data protection laws to the specific needs of Latin American countries, including considerations for social, economic, and human development. This approach avoids any potential trade-offs between development and rights.

The analysis further underscores the importance of coordination and dialogue among different countries in Latin America when it comes to data protection. Collaboration is seen as essential for effective implementation and enforcement of data protection laws and regulations throughout the region.

Regarding data localization, the analysis takes a negative stance. It argues against the idea of data localization, highlighting its detrimental effects, particularly for smaller companies and developing nations. Data localization is seen as hindering the free flow of information and impeding economic growth.

An important point raised in the analysis is the call for policymakers to enhance their understanding of how the internet works. This understanding is deemed necessary for informed decision-making and the formulation of effective data protection and trust policies.

Finally, the analysis emphasizes that governments have a responsibility to respect and adhere to laws regarding data management. Governments are expected to set an example by upholding these laws and ensuring that data transfers from the government to private companies comply strictly with the legal frameworks established in their respective countries.

In summary, the analysis highlights the presence of data protection laws in Latin American countries, influenced by the GDPR. It advocates for the free flow of data, inclusive and transparent policy-making, and tailored legal frameworks that consider regional needs. The importance of coordination and dialogue among countries, the negative impact of data localization, the need for policymakers to understand the internet, and the responsibility of governments in data management are all key points emphasized in the analysis.

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