Scoping Civil Society engagement in Digital Cooperation | IGF 2023

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Bruna Santos

Bruna Santos is an advocate for the Global Digital Compact (GDC) process and aims to help participants understand its various aspects. She emphasizes the importance of collaborative discussions and information sharing in order to facilitate a comprehensive understanding and effective implementation of the GDC. Santos supports stakeholder engagement and stresses the need for involvement from key players such as Big Tech companies and civil society.

To promote dialogue and knowledge exchange, Santos has scheduled two main sessions that focus on the GDC and the future of digital governance. These sessions are considered vital, as they are closely connected to the GDC and offer insights into the direction of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and digital governance as a whole. Santos believes in gathering inputs and perspectives from civil society during these sessions to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive approach.

Discussions within the GDC could have a significant impact on the future of the IGF and the progress of digital governance and cooperation. The GDC has the potential to influence the decision-making process and shape digital governance strategies. However, there are concerns about the roles and implications of the GDC, IGF, and the proposed Digital Cooperation Forum. It is crucial to carefully consider these aspects to ensure the effectiveness and success of these initiatives.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the GDC process, there is a noticeable discrepancy between information and uncertainties. This lack of clarity can create discomfort and hinder the progress of the GDC. Additionally, engaging with certain member states who are less engaged or knowledgeable poses challenges. Santos highlights the difficulties faced when trying to engage with delegations from countries like Brazil or Chile.

Santos emphasizes the importance of expanded civil society engagement, both within the GDC process and in digital governance more broadly. She believes that civil society’s active participation and unrestricted engagement are crucial for the process to genuinely work. Santos also stresses the need for governments to foster the participation of civil society groups, including making them part of national delegations.

There are questions regarding how Global Majority Countries will connect the GDC with their G20 commitments. Santos highlights India’s advancements in the Digital Public Infrastructure debate within the G20 and Brazil’s focus on Information Integrity, showcasing the relevance of these countries’ commitments to the GDC.

Stakeholder engagement, particularly with Big Tech companies and civil society, is essential for the success of the GDC. Santos raises concerns about the potential exclusion of civil society from these conversations. She advocates for their inclusion to ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive approach in the development and implementation of the GDC.

Another noteworthy observation is the potential shift from a multi-stakeholder model to a mostly multilateral system. Santos expresses concern about this shift and its potential implications for the future of the IGF and the Digital Cooperation Framework (DCF).

To guide the GDC process, Santos proposes utilizing past multi-stakeholder processes and collective knowledge gained from initiatives such as the WCAG, NetMundial, IANA Stewardship Transition, WSIS, ICANN, and more. These examples serve as valuable templates for creating effective mechanisms and decision-making processes in future initiatives.

Santos also highlights the importance of fine-tuning the agenda and consolidating meeting notes into a coherent document with sign-ons. This approach promotes transparency, accountability, and collective ownership of ideas and decisions within the GDC process.

In conclusion, Bruna Santos is a passionate advocate for the Global Digital Compact (GDC) process and aims to enhance participants’ understanding of its intricacies. She supports collaborative discussions, stakeholder engagement, and the active involvement of civil society and Big Tech companies. Santos highlights the significance of the GDC’s impact on the future of the IGF and digital governance. While there are concerns regarding uncertainties, member state engagement, and the potential shift to a more multilateral system, Santos believes that leveraging past multi-stakeholder processes and refining the agenda can promote effective and inclusive decision-making.

Peter Micek

Peter Micek, the General Counsel at AXIS, is a strong advocate for collaboration and strategizing among participants in discussions on digital rights, inclusion, and equity communities. He believes that a collaborative and inclusive approach is essential for effective decision making. Micek envisions a room where everyone is in a circle, fostering equal participation and shared responsibility, rather than a hierarchical presentation format.

Micek also emphasizes the importance of convening civil society before the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) begins each year. He recognizes that civil society plays a crucial role in promoting digital rights and advocating for inclusion and equity. By gathering civil society representatives together, Micek aims to facilitate dialogue and strategizing processes that can influence the agenda and outcomes of the IGF.

In line with his commitment to inclusion, Micek supports the proposal to include delegations in the intergovernmental process. He believes that including delegations will broaden representation and enhance the diversity of perspectives in decision-making processes. By involving various stakeholders in the intergovernmental process, Micek believes that more comprehensive and inclusive outcomes can be achieved.

Micek also stresses the importance of setting forward expectations or demands for inclusion in these intergovernmental processes. He believes that clear expectations can serve as a guide for decision-makers and contribute to more meaningful and inclusive outcomes. By articulating these expectations, Micek hopes to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities and civil society are heard and taken into account.

Furthermore, Micek underscores the need for civil society to understand the relationship between different processes, such as the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 review. He recognizes that connecting these processes can amplify the impact of civil society advocacy efforts and contribute to more cohesive and coordinated outcomes. Micek agrees on the need for civil society to map and comprehend the intricacies of these processes to maximize their effectiveness.

Analyzing the discussions on data and cross-border data flows, Micek expresses disappointment that the aspects of privacy and surveillance were not adequately addressed. As a strong advocate for digital rights, he believes that privacy and surveillance are critical considerations when discussing data governance. Micek argues that discussions on data should always include an examination of the potential implications on privacy and surveillance to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded approach.

Micek also highlights the importance of an AI governance approach grounded in human rights. He believes that human rights should be an underlying standard in developing AI governance frameworks. Additionally, Micek supports the idea of worker-led AI governance, recognizing the importance of worker perspectives in addressing the social and ethical implications of AI.

In addition, Micek draws attention to lower layer issues such as access to devices, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. He believes that discussions should not solely focus on the upper layers of digital governance but should also consider these foundational elements. By taking into account access to devices, infrastructure development, and environmental impacts, Micek aims to promote a holistic and sustainable approach to digital governance.

In conclusion, Peter Micek advocates for collaboration, inclusion, and strategizing among participants in discussions on digital rights, inclusion, and equity communities. He emphasizes the importance of convening civil society, setting forward expectations, and including delegations in the intergovernmental process. Micek also highlights the need for civil society to understand the relationship between different processes and the importance of privacy and surveillance in data discussions. He supports an AI governance approach grounded in human rights and calls for a focus on lower layer issues in digital governance. Micek’s insights and recommendations contribute to fostering more inclusive, comprehensive, and sustainable digital governance frameworks.

Sheetal Kumar

Sheetal Kumar, a member of Global Partners Digital and co-leading their advocacy engagement, strongly supports governance of digital technologies based on human rights and inclusive processes. They believe this approach is vital for ensuring equitable benefits from digital technologies.

One key initiative in this area is the Global Digital Compact, seen as an opportunity to shape global norms in digital governance. The compact was initially mentioned in the UN Secretary General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and underwent consultations from 2022 to 2023. Negotiations among member states are scheduled to begin in January and conclude in June.

Kumar values the Global Digital Compact as a platform to reaffirm the importance of human rights-based and inclusive norms in digital technologies. They emphasise its potential to establish global standards and principles aligned with these values.

During discussions, various approaches were suggested, including breakout groups for in-depth analysis and creative methods like using poems to envision the digital future.

Transparency emerged as a crucial aspect during discussions, with Kumar underlining the need for open and transparent processes in the development of the Global Digital Compact. They also highlighted the importance of coordination among civil society organisations to effectively monitor the compact’s progress.

Kumar expressed concerns about disinformation and hate speech in the digital space, emphasising the necessity of clear definitions and effective measures to combat these issues.

The digital gender divide and its impact on marginalised communities were also emphasised by Kumar. They stressed the importance of addressing this divide beyond mere technology access and advocated for prioritising marginalised communities in bridging the digital gap.

Overall, the desire for transparency, coherence, and inclusivity in the Global Digital Compact processes was evident. Collective actions and reflections were also seen as significant for shaping digital governance.

Audience

During the discussions on digital governance and cooperation, several key points were highlighted. One important theme emphasised the importance of community participation and bottom-up discussions in decision-making processes. The participants argued that it is crucial to reflect the needs and desires of communities when shaping digital governance frameworks. Collaboration across jurisdictions was stressed to ensure the inclusion of diverse community perspectives.

Another significant concern raised was the exclusion of civil society organisations and the perceived fast-paced nature of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) process. Participants expressed frustration over their limited contribution to the GDC and called for a more inclusive approach that allows meaningful civil society engagement. They highlighted the need for transparency and clear guidelines in the process to facilitate stakeholder participation.

The speakers also advocated for a more inclusive and multistakeholder model of governance. They emphasised the inclusion of civil society, the technical community, and marginalised groups in decision-making processes. The shift from a state-centred and politicised approach to a collaborative and inclusive approach was recommended.

Additionally, the importance of transparency and clear guidelines in the digital governance framework was highlighted. The speakers called for the protection of human rights in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). Labour rights in AI regulation and sustainability in technology development were also emphasised.

Overall, the discussions revealed a strong call for collaborative efforts, transparency, and inclusivity in digital governance. Stakeholders stressed the need for community participation, human rights protection, and sustainability in technological advancements. The participants agreed that effective governance in the digital era requires the active involvement of diverse stakeholders and a commitment to inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.

Speakers