BREAK OUT ROOM 3: The Declaration for the Future of the Internet: Principles to Action

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Moderator

The conversation centred primarily on the Declaration for the Future of the Internet (DFI), examining it specifically through the perspective of the private sector. Key goals were to comprehend how the private sector’s experiences with the DFI and its principles, to evaluate success in implementing these principles, and to stimulate dialogue, advancing cooperation between the private sector, governmental bodies and the larger multi-stakeholder community.

Participants acknowledged the imperative role of the private sector in putting the DFI principles into practice, along with the need for multi-stakeholder involvement. They proposed methods of understanding how the private sector could aid in implementing these principles, whilst discussing potential hurdles and channels for their execution.

Increased government activity in internet regulation was noted. Verisign observed the growing governmental regulations of the internet in recent times, emphasising the necessity for the private sector to interact more actively with other sections of the multi-stakeholder community. It was suggested that the private sector, technical community, and civil society need to present a united front to the government, promoting the multi-stakeholder model.

A considerable focus was placed on the importance of inclusivity, connectivity and affordable access to the internet. It was urged that universal connectivity should be placed at the paramount of importance, with added protection of online privacy, user trust, and intellectual property rights.

It was stressed that a holistic approach was needed for policy-related decisions, with considerations of implications at every end of the spectrum. The private sector was motivated to actively participate in the multi-stakeholder cooperation process. Not only does the private sector need to utilise its capacity, it should also assist other sectors and users.

Within the field of internet governance, the necessity for advancing online skills, affordability and inclusivity of internet connectivity, along with user safety policies were raised. These points elevated the need for capacity building and more efficient governmental policies necessitating cooperation of all stakeholders and underlining the critical role of public-private partnerships.

The DFI initiative was perceived as an effective platform for the private sector to have a positive impact. The implementation of DFI principles by subscribed countries was urged over mere commitment. An approach revolving around dialogue and learning from failures, rather than blaming or shaming, was promoted.

Overall, the conversation stressed the importance of the multi-stakeholder model, highlighting the role of the private sector in the implementation of DFI principles and the continuous evolution of internet governance. It concluded with a unanimous endorsement for sharing of best practices and lessons learned among different stakeholders. The private sector is seen as instrumental in implementing these principles and playing an active role in these crucial discussions.

Audience

The dialogue highlighted the critical role of the private sector in driving forward various aspects of collaborative internet governance, with an emphasis on the necessity for proactive outreach and engagement with the larger multi-stakeholder community. The discussion underscored the significant shift in the role of governments in recent years from being passive observers to becoming active participants in internet regulation at both national and regional levels. This conversation elevated the urgency for the private sector not only to engage more robustly with civil society and governments but also to adopt a united front to ensure fair representation and counterbalance the increasing prevalence of government regulations surrounding internet usage.

The significance of stakeholder collaboration was widely recognised, emphasising the need to work not just individually with governments, but also among various sectors to ensure an informed and equitable approach to governance. Awareness was raised regarding the importance of trust and privacy, advocating that the processes developed must strike a balance between protecting privacy and ensuring the capability to address and rectify issues such as breaches in intellectual property rights.

The necessity for stronger action across individual sectors, such as the private sector, in enhancing Declaration for the Future of the Internet (DFI) initiatives was also emphasised. However, concerns were raised about potential risks that might arise from opting to mirror policies without comprehensively considering the practical impacts and the individual needs and characteristics of stakeholders.

Capacity building within both the private sector and governmental bodies was highlighted as a key component, with advocates suggesting that more detailed understanding and involvement in policymaking could result in more impactful implementation by governments. Private sector representatives were urged to take up a role in influencing underrepresented or less active governments in digital financial inclusion, thus spotlighting the pivotal role that the private sector could play in fostering productive dialogue and progress.

Regarding the issue of internet affordability and inclusivity, evidence from Sri Lanka was cited to underscore how strategic implementation of DFI principles could result in greater internet accessibility. In this context, regulator-driven competition was presented as a potential approach to promote affordability.

Closing the discussion was a call to action for a more deliberate approach towards capacity building and training. This was viewed as crucial for delivering appropriate messaging and educating regarding the risks and benefits of internet usage to the global community. Another key point proposed was the essential need for stronger media engagement as a tool for capacity building, as well as for effectively communicating key issues such as those related to the Global Digital Compact.

Overall, the analysis underscored the crucial role of the private sector in actively engaging with stakeholders to address thematic issues around internet governance, affordability, and inclusivity. It demonstrated the critical need for the establishment of robust governance policies to ensure digital rights and the more strategic application of internet policy for future development.

Speakers