Policy Network on Meaningful Access: Meaningful access to include and connect | IGF 2023

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Libraries play a crucial role in providing digital access to communities by offering a range of digital services and knowledge. They serve as multipurpose infrastructure and are essential for community development. The importance of libraries in this context is supported by various initiatives and projects.

For example, the Digital Skills at Your Local Library project in Uganda equipped libraries with digital facilities and trained librarians to disseminate digital skills. This project promotes digital inclusion and addresses the digital divide.

In addition to providing digital access, libraries are also unique aggregators of ICT resources in a community.

The Gigabit Libraries Network initiative aims to expand internet inclusion using emerging telecom technology. It includes providing low-cost internet connectivity to places suffering from disastrous weather, reducing inequalities in internet access. The initiative has introduced low-earth orbit satellite connectivity kits in Nigeria, further expanding internet access.

Libraries can also serve as community hubs for disaster resilience and climate change mitigation.

Bill McKibben, a climate activist, supports the idea of libraries being used as community access hubs for resilience. By making libraries resilient against outages and equipping them with resources to support communities during disasters, they can play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The policy of access rights is crucial for improving library services and ensuring equitable access to information.

This policy ensures that everyone has the right to access information and knowledge, which is essential for personal and community development. Advocating for the UN’s policy framework can be effective in promoting these access rights and enhancing library services.

However, challenges remain in ensuring meaningful internet access in certain regions.

For example, in Uganda, unstable broadband infrastructure, high data costs, and the lack of relevant local audiovisual content hinder internet accessibility. The prevalence of unstable broadband infrastructure leads to issues such as unexplained bandwidth throttling, disrupting signal reliability. The high cost of data prevents people from enjoying more internet content, and the lack of relevant local audiovisual content limits the availability of culturally significant material.

Enabling a conducive economic climate is crucial for promoting the audiovisual industry and fostering meaningful internet access.

Local production companies, such as Savannah Moon in Uganda, are championing the creation and consumption of local content. By focusing on producing films that reflect everyday experiences of local people, including those faced by women and the neurodiverse, these companies contribute to a more inclusive and representative digital landscape.

Concerns also exist regarding internet accessibility and data storage in Africa.

There is a growing belief that data collected in Africa should be stored within the continent, taking into account factors such as data sovereignty and access. Moreover, internet accessibility in Africa is hindered by challenges such as bandwidth costs and concerns about data collected in Africa being stored outside the region.

These issues highlight the need for improved internet infrastructure and data management practices within Africa.

Language diversity is another barrier to internet accessibility. Communities with diverse languages face challenges in accessing online content available primarily in dominant languages.

Addressing this barrier requires efforts to provide internet access in diverse languages, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Additionally, there is a need for voice and audiovisual content to cater to the needs of older populations. As internet usage becomes more prevalent, it is important to consider how technology can be more accessible to older adults through voice command technology and audiovisual content.

Technology and internet outreach for low-literate people are vital as well.

In India, for instance, there are approximately a billion low-literate individuals who could benefit from technology and internet outreach programs. Ensuring inclusivity for all language levels is crucial in bridging the digital divide.

The internet should also strive to be more inclusive for non-text people.

Efforts should be made to ensure that individuals who rely on non-text alternatives, such as audio and visual interfaces, can fully access and engage with online content.

Moreover, the internet should continue to evolve in terms of standards and technology.

This evolution should aim to address issues such as internet connectivity gaps and the need for more user-friendly interfaces. Speakers also advocate for a decentralized web, where the internet becomes more peer-to-peer and less reliant on centralized control.

Overall, addressing the digital divide and ensuring meaningful internet access and use require a multi-stakeholder approach and collaboration at both local and global levels.

Various organizations, including ITU and ICANN, are working towards identifying gaps and finding solutions. Partnerships and innovative financing approaches are also crucial for building networks, including country-code top-level domains (CCTLDs) and data centres.

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The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) discussed the concept of meaningful access, which has been defined in various ways over the years. The topic of access, including issues like affordability, artificial intelligence (AI), and accessibility, was addressed in several sessions and workshops at the IGF.

Vint Cerf, a member of the Panel for a New Multilingualism in the Americas (PNMA), highlighted the importance of these topics in a video message, emphasizing the affordability of devices and the impact of AI on meaningful accessibility.

Giacomo Mazzone, the co-chair of the PNMA, recognized the complexity and significance of the topic, stressing the need for diverse perspectives on the issue of access and meaningful access.

Moreover, Mazzone expressed an interest in understanding how island states handle technical solutions for infrastructure, particularly in relation to the potential use of satellites.

The inclusion of rights of access in the United Nations’ policy framework is deemed vital for addressing climate adaptation.

In fact, the UN has made substantial commitments, pledging billions of dollars to address climate adaptation, including connectivity.

Statistics and data analysis are important tools for making appropriate policies, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is actively working on indicators for meaningful access.

Mazzone acknowledges the need to develop robust indicators for how data is channeled into data centres and the “last mile” in the coming years.

Increasing production of local audio and video content is seen as crucial for achieving meaningful connectivity.

This is particularly important in places like Papua New Guinea, which has over 800 languages and cultures. Local content can play a significant role in promoting cultural diversity and fostering connectivity.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of collaboration and participation.

Giacomo Mazzone expressed appreciation for everyone’s contribution. Special thanks were extended to participants, speakers, organisers, and volunteers, including individuals like Roberto and Daphne, who devoted their efforts to the event.

In conclusion, the discussions at the IGF emphasised the multifaceted nature of the issue of access and meaningful access.

Various topics such as affordability, AI, accessibility, data connectivity, infrastructure, and local content production were addressed in relation to meaningful access. The importance of diverse perspectives, solid indicators, UN policy framework, and collaboration was underscored as crucial elements for achieving meaningful connectivity.

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The initial barrier to internet access in Japan was the inability of computers and applications to process Japanese characters effectively. This resulted in issues such as broken email messages during transmission and Japanese web pages being rendered as gibberish. These technical limitations posed a significant challenge for Japanese internet users as they were unable to access and communicate information in their native language.

However, before internet access became widely available to the public, the technical issues related to the Japanese language on the internet were successfully resolved.

Various commercial and non-commercial entities developed computers and applications capable of processing Japanese characters effectively. Moreover, Japanese language support was effectively incorporated into internet applications, ensuring that the wider population gaining internet access could do so without facing language-related hindrances.

On the other hand, the usage of internationalised domain names (IDN) in Japanese characters did not gain widespread acceptance within Japan.

Major local websites chose not to identify themselves with IDNs and only used them for protective or defensive purposes. This indicates that while there may be some recognition of the value of using IDNs, the practical inconvenience associated with their usage prevails.

Several reasons were cited for the inconvenience of using IDNs in Japanese characters.

These include the need to switch between different scripts (Japanese characters, the Latin alphabet, and other symbols) while using the internet, which is often seen as tedious and inconvenient. Additionally, there is a higher level of comfort in using Japanese characters for search strings rather than for URLs or identifiers.

The lower adoption rates of IDNs in Japan further highlight the local population’s reluctance to fully embrace this technology.

The convenience of identifying URLs in the Latin alphabet within Japanese articles, coupled with the cumbersome nature of using IDNs, contributes to this lower adoption.

In conclusion, while the initial technical issues related to the Japanese language on the internet have been resolved, the usage of internationalised domain names in Japanese characters faces challenges in gaining acceptance within Japan.

The convenience and familiarity of the Latin alphabet for identifying URLs, combined with the inconvenience of switching between different scripts, likely contribute to this reluctance.

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The Coalition for Digital Africa plays a crucial role in supporting African country code top-level domain (CCTLD) registries by providing them with technical capacity-building support. This coalition was launched during the last Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other partners.

By offering technical capacity-building support, the coalition aims to enhance the overall infrastructure in Africa.

However, it recognizes that improving infrastructure requires a more holistic approach, going beyond technical expertise and capacity building alone. The coalition acknowledges that African countries need diverse support to ensure sustainable and effective infrastructure improvement.

One important focus for the coalition is the issue of Universal Acceptance of International Domain Names.

It is working to ensure that people have access to international domain names, eliminating any barriers that may exist. By addressing this issue, the coalition promotes inclusivity and ensures individuals in African countries can access and benefit from the global digital space.

Furthermore, the coalition is dedicated to enhancing the quality of service and cybersecurity of CCTLDs in Africa.

As part of their efforts, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is deploying managed server facilities in Africa. This initiative aims to provide reliable and secure infrastructure for CCTLDs, ultimately strengthening their operations and protecting them from cyber threats.

In summary, the Coalition for Digital Africa diligently supports African CCTLD registries.

By providing technical capacity-building support, adopting a holistic approach to infrastructure improvement, addressing the issue of Universal Acceptance, and focusing on quality of service and cybersecurity, the coalition contributes significantly to Africa’s digital landscape. Through their efforts, they facilitate an enabling environment that allows African countries to unlock the full potential of the digital economy and achieve sustainable development.

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Libraries serve as vital gateways to meaningful information and must adapt to technological advancements in order to effectively meet the needs of their local communities. They have evolved from traditional spaces focused solely on books and archives to dynamic spaces that cater to the diverse needs of their users.

By embracing technology, libraries can bridge the digital divide and provide essential access to information for those who need it most.

An example of this is seen in Uganda, where a project was implemented to enhance the infrastructure of public and community libraries across the country.

The project aimed to equip these libraries with computers, internet connectivity, and other necessary facilities. In addition, a training of trainers strategy was employed, enabling local librarians to tailor educational programs to the specific needs of their communities. Trained librarians also conducted outreach campaigns, with a particular focus on supporting individuals interested in improving their businesses and accessing educational opportunities.

As a result, approximately 14,000 individuals in Uganda benefitted from this project, with many starting small and medium enterprises and gaining access to higher education opportunities in other locations.

Accurate data disaggregation is crucial, not just in terms of sex but also concerning gender and other minority groups.

Currently, there is insufficient data available on these populations. By collecting and analyzing disaggregated data, we can gain a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by different groups and create targeted solutions to address inequality and promote inclusivity.

In order to assess the extent of internet connectivity and meaningful access to information within libraries, comprehensive data and indicators are needed.

Understanding the current status of library connectivity and access will enable policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies and allocate resources more effectively.

Despite their significance, libraries often remain overlooked at a higher policy level. It is essential to recognize the role that libraries play in society and allocate adequate resources to support their development.

This is particularly crucial within the context of development communities in the Americas, where access to libraries should be prioritized.

Digital inclusion and capacity building initiatives at the local level require skilled staff. Training programs are necessary to equip library staff with the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate digital inclusion and promote capacity building within their communities.

In conclusion, libraries are indispensable in providing meaningful access to information and must adapt to technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of their local communities.

The case of Uganda highlights the positive impact that well-equipped libraries and trained librarians can have on education and small business development. Disaggregated data is necessary to address inequalities faced by different groups, while better data and indicators are required to assess library connectivity and access to information.

Libraries deserve recognition and support at a higher policy level, and staff skilling is critical for the success of digital inclusion and capacity building initiatives.

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Data and statistics are crucial for meaningful access to the internet and the development of policies in this area. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the UN Office of the Tech Envoy, has set targets for universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030.

These targets focus on people using the internet, the quality of internet connection, the cost of internet packages, and the necessary skills required. The aim is to provide internet access to all individuals, businesses, schools, and communities in a meaningful way.

The ITU has introduced the Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC) dashboard to monitor progress towards these targets.

However, there are data gaps when it comes to understanding data center usage and mobile connectivity in Africa. There is ongoing discussion and development of indicators for middle-bar connectivity.

Currently, indicators exist for bandwidth, but not for how data is channeled into data centers or how it reaches the end user. Developing solid indicators in these areas is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of data center usage and mobile connectivity in Africa.

Surveys are the best source of data on internet users and their behavior.

However, they tend to be expensive and are mostly limited to high-income countries. Policymakers are encouraged to fund statistical offices to conduct surveys, especially in low-income countries, in order to bridge the data gap and gain insights into internet access and connectivity.

A coalition is working with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to enhance internet access for women and promote gender equality.

The coalition engages in various initiatives and brings technical knowledge and expertise to address the needs of women in accessing the internet. They are conducting an assessment to understand the barriers women face and develop strategies to overcome them.

Internet access, particularly domain names in local scripts, can benefit African universities.

Efforts are being made to understand their specific needs and provide support, leveraging technical expertise to enhance connectivity and communication.

It is important to note that ICANN does not address the issue of domain name invisibility due to mobile phone apps.

Their focus lies elsewhere in internet access and infrastructure.

In conclusion, reliable data and effective coordination are essential for addressing data gaps and achieving universal and meaningful internet connectivity. Upholding ITU’s targets and collaborating with various stakeholders can bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusive access to the internet.

Policymakers, statistical offices, and the private sector play a vital role in collecting accurate data, conducting surveys, and funding initiatives. By leveraging data and statistics effectively, societies can unlock the internet’s potential and promote inclusive development.

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The analysis emphasises the importance of meaningful internet access, which encompasses various factors such as adequate speed, daily internet access, possession of a smartphone, and unlimited data. This comprehensive definition of meaningful connectivity is crucial in ensuring that individuals are truly connected and able to fully utilise the internet for various purposes, such as job hunting, education, and accessing health information.

However, it is noted that current definitions of access need to be re-evaluated and recalibrated in order to truly capture the concept of meaningful connectivity.

One major obstacle in achieving meaningful internet access is the affordability of devices, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

The cost of entry-level smartphones, for example, can amount to 20-25% of the average household income, rendering them unaffordable for many individuals. This issue of device affordability underscores the need for addressing the digital divide and reducing inequalities in access to technology.

To enhance connectivity and address existing market inequalities, there is a call to adopt different digital technologies and financial models. The current economic system is believed to be extractive, and there is a growing discussion about the region’s capability to retain its own data.

It is argued that alternative approaches and models should be explored and adopted to foster better connectivity and correct existing market disparities.

Africa’s role in digital transformation is also highlighted. Due to its significant contribution to the supply chain of smartphone manufacturing, Africa should aim to participate in the digital transformation equally and actively.

However, the high costs incurred by Africa, which spends up to 40% of its budget on obtaining the cheapest available smartphone, further underlines the importance of Africa playing a more prominent role in digital transformation.

Furthermore, it is deemed essential for Africa to focus on nurturing innovators rather than solely being consumers of digital content.

This shift in focus will enable Africa to leverage the digital transformation and foster economic growth and development.

Addressing the digital gender gap is another crucial aspect raised in the analysis. It is noted that excluding women from the digital economy has significant economic implications.

Therefore, efforts should be made to bridge this gap by promoting gender equality and ensuring equal access and opportunities for women in the digital realm. The importance of addressing this digital gender gap is further reinforced by the need for qualitative research and ethnographic studies to understand the impact and experiences of women in the digital economy.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the need for meaningful internet access, addresses the challenges of device affordability, suggests adopting different digital technologies and financial models, emphasises Africa’s role in digital transformation, advocates for building innovators rather than just content consumers, and underscores the significance of addressing the digital gender gap.

These findings offer valuable insights into the current state of digital connectivity and provide recommendations for creating a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.

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The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) actively promotes and ensures meaningful access to relevant content. WIPO leads various initiatives, including the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC), which aims to increase the availability of books in accessible formats for distribution worldwide. This initiative plays a significant role in supporting SDG 4, which focuses on quality education.

WIPO collaborates with Wikimedia to enhance accessibility and open access.

They facilitate the exchange of good practices among International Governmental Organisations (IGOs) and release their content on the global platform, making it more widely accessible.

WIPO is engaged in digitalisation projects related to traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

They support practical initiatives such as digitisation projects, fellowships, and hackathons, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of global heritage.

Furthermore, WIPO supports the creative industries through its development agenda. They are relaunching the audiovisual market of Latin American production and have launched specific tools for small publishers in least developed countries (LDCs) and training programs for animation professionals in developing countries.

This support helps nurture creativity, innovation, and economic growth in the creative industries.

In summary, WIPO’s contributions to meaningful access to content are significant. Through initiatives like the ABC, collaborations with Wikimedia, and engagement in digitalisation projects, WIPO promotes accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability in the creation and distribution of content.

Additionally, their support for the creative industries through the development agenda further demonstrates their commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.

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The analysis highlights the importance of ensuring persistence and quality in universal connectivity, particularly in the context of digital inclusion and remote communities. It points out that many digital inclusion programs fail to ensure continuous connectivity, suggesting that merely connecting schools and remote communities to the internet is not sufficient; they must also maintain a connection.

This argument is supported by the observation that connected schools and remote communities need reliable and uninterrupted access to the internet to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by digital inclusion.

Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the need to increase production of local audio and video content, as it plays a critical role in enhancing meaningful connectivity.

By creating content that is relevant and relatable to local languages and cultural perspectives, it becomes possible to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive communication. In particular, the case of Papua New Guinea is highlighted as a country that recognises the importance of this intervention and is taking note of it.

By focussing on producing content in over 800 languages and cultures, Papua New Guinea aims to improve connectivity and ensure that even marginalised communities can participate in the digital world.

Overall, the analysis underscores the significance of continuous and quality connectivity in digital inclusion and remote communities.

It emphasises the need for digital inclusion programmes to prioritise the sustainability of connectivity, ensuring that schools and remote communities not only gain access to the internet but also maintain it. Additionally, the analysis highlights the value of increasing local audio and video content production to strengthen meaningful connectivity, especially in culturally diverse contexts.

By implementing these strategies, it is anticipated that digital inclusion efforts can be more effective in promoting equitable access to resources and empowering communities worldwide.

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Papua New Guinea is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation, shifting from a traditional connectivity model to a service-driven approach. This transition aims to improve the delivery of government services and enhance the overall experience for citizens. The government introduced the Digital Government Act in 2022, followed by plans for a Digital Government Plan from 2023 to 2027, with the goal of providing fast, simple, and clear digital services to the people.

The focus is on making services more convenient and effective for citizens, and the government aims to lead in delivering these services.

An analysis of internet usage in Papua New Guinea over a ten-year period revealed that the most visited websites were related to banking, sports, and social media.

This insight led the government to understand the need for valuable online services that enhance productivity and quality of life. By offering a range of online services, the government aims to further improve the lives of citizens and meet their evolving needs.

Steven Matainaho, an advocate for digital transformation, emphasises the importance of prioritising the delivery of valuable online services.

This aligns with the government’s commitment to putting citizens first and ensuring accessible and efficient services. The government plans to introduce a variety of digital services, starting in 2023, to fulfill this commitment.

Papua New Guinea has experienced significant growth in connectivity, with a high mobile network coverage that reaches around 76% of the population.

The country has skipped the fixed-line era and instead adopted a mobile network infrastructure that includes 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies. This approach has resulted in faster and more widespread connectivity across the country.

The affordability of devices is crucial for telecommunications development in Papua New Guinea.

Data from operators indicates that the cheapest affordable smartphone is priced at around $60 USD. This affordable price point has led to a notable increase in purchasing power among the population. Ensuring affordability is essential in enabling more people to access and benefit from digital services.

To further decrease the cost of devices, the government plans to introduce tax reduction incentives for importing devices from 2023 to 2025.

This initiative aims to make devices more affordable and accessible to a wider population. By reducing inequalities in access to technology, Papua New Guinea aims to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity in the digital era.

In conclusion, Papua New Guinea is undergoing a digital transformation, transitioning from a traditional connectivity model to a service-driven approach.

The government’s introduction of the Digital Government Act and plans for a Digital Government Plan underscore their commitment to providing efficient and valuable digital services to citizens. This transformation takes into account the country’s internet usage patterns, focusing on online banking, sports, and social media.

Steven Matainaho advocates for prioritising the delivery of these valuable online services, aligned with the government’s citizen-centric approach. Additionally, the country’s high mobile network coverage and the affordability of devices play significant roles in facilitating telecommunications development. The government’s plans to introduce tax reduction incentives aim to further decrease device costs and bridge the digital divide within the population.

Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation reflects its commitment to leveraging technology to improve citizens’ lives and foster inclusive growth.

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The analysis highlights the crucial role of economics in ensuring the accessibility of systems. It argues that affordable systems are important for internet accessibility and suggests subsidising individuals with inadequate income as a potential solution to make systems more affordable.

By providing subsidies, accessibility to the internet and its associated benefits can be extended, addressing issues of inequality and reducing barriers to access.

Additionally, the analysis underscores the significance of understanding causality in the context of artificial intelligence (AI).

It asserts that meaningful access to AI requires a deep comprehension of how machine learning models operate. Without a causal model, one is left with only correlation and probability, which are distinct from causality. Therefore, understanding the cause-and-effect relationships within AI systems is essential for drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.

The study strongly supports the idea of driving costs out of accessible systems, including making them less expensive and providing subsidies.

It emphasizes the importance of affordability in promoting accessibility and advocates for various approaches to achieve this. These actions are believed to contribute to reducing inequalities and eradicating poverty.

Furthermore, the analysis references Judah Pearl’s work on causality, highlighting the significance of understanding causality when using machine learning outputs for drawing conclusions.

This reference amplifies the importance of incorporating causality into AI understanding and decision-making processes.

Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into the role of economics in ensuring the accessibility of systems. By addressing affordability and understanding causality in AI, it suggests ways to enhance inclusivity and ensure that individuals, regardless of income, have access to technology and its benefits.