Balancing regulation, innovation, and rights in the digital space
The discussion emphasised the importance of ongoing dialogue, research, and adaptable policymaking to ensure a safe, inclusive, and innovative digital future.

Global experts gathered at the Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh to explore collaborative solutions for addressing online harms, emphasising the importance of multistakeholder approaches. Jordan Hadfield of the FBI highlighted international partnerships like Interpol’s specialist groups and the Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, while Australia’s Cyber Affairs Ambassador Brendan Dowling stressed government accountability measures, such as social media age restrictions.
Nighat Dad, representing the Oversight Board, called for culturally sensitive content moderation and independence in oversight to ensure balanced regulation. Protecting vulnerable groups, especially children and women, took centre stage.
Parliamentarians Auhoud Al-Shehail (Member of Parliament from the Saudi Shura Council) and Jehad Abdulla Al Fadhel (Second Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council of Bahrain) advocated for intensified penalties against harmful practices and stronger educational campaigns to build digital literacy.
Balancing innovation with regulation was another focus, with Hadfield and Dowling urging proactive ‘safety by design’ principles in technology development. Singh emphasised fostering local innovation over dependency on foreign digital products, while Al-Shehail called for policies that evolve alongside technology.
Closing the digital divide, particularly between developed and developing nations, also emerged as a priority, with the president of Guinea’s parliament emphasising global digital solidarity. The discussion underscored the complexity of online harms and the need for flexible, inclusive solutions that respect diverse cultural contexts.
As Brendan Dowling noted, ‘Safety must be integrated at every stage,’ while Singh stressed, ‘We need creators, not just consumers.’ The consensus was clear – a safer, more equitable digital world can be achieved only through collaboration, innovation, and ongoing dialogue.
All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.