Navigating the future of internet governance at IGF 2023

In a thought-provoking main session on Future of Digital Governance of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, experts from various fields came together to address crucial facets of digital governance. They highlighted the importance of a human-centric approach, multistakeholder involvement, and gender equality in shaping inclusive decision-making processes. The need for a UN Internet Governance Law, cybersecurity education, and reevaluating the existing internet system to ensure fairness for all nations were central topics of discussion. The session also underscored the relevance of the Geneva Principles, first established two decades ago, the need for their review, and the importance of grounding internet governance in widely debated foundational principles such as Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Jordan Carter, Internet Governance and Policy Director at AuDA (.au Domain Administration), emphasised the critical role of the IGF and the importance of multistakeholder internet governance for inclusive decision-making. He argued for strengthening the IGF to address challenges in coordination and resourcing and stressed the need to maintain a multistakeholder approach in digital governance.

Renata Mielli, Coordinator of the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, showcased the growth and diversification of the internet governance community over the past two decades. While recognising the benefits, she noted challenges, such as economic concentration, misinformation, cyber threats, and hate speech. Mielli highlighted the importance of addressing these issues and celebrating the IGF’s 18-year history.

Lise Fuhr, a member of the IGF Leadership Panel, pointed out the need for cross-sector participation in the IGF and highlighted the importance of involving legal professionals in discussions related to data security, workers’ rights, and education access. She emphasised the value proposition of the IGF as a platform for shaping the future of the internet. Fuhr acknowledged the IGF’s potential role in the global implementation of projects discussed in its forums.

Anita Gurumurthy, Executive Director of IT for Change, stressed the importance of public policy in digital governance being grounded in the principles of public interest and democratic deliberation. She called for the inclusion of new rights, such as the right to be forgotten and the right to be represented in digital systems, to protect individuals’ interests and maintain an equitable digital landscape. Gurumurthy also highlighted the necessity of restraining the power of digital transnational corporations for effective global digital governance.

Timea Suto, from Global Digital Policy Lead at ICC, highlighted the importance of efforts to showcase the IGF as a platform for shaping the future of the internet. She discussed the role of the IGF in discussing challenges and opportunities related to digital technology, attracting more participants by emphasising its contributions and fostering collaborations.

Overall, the session illuminated the multifaceted nature of digital governance and the urgent need for continued dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in this rapidly evolving field. The discussions demonstrated the commitment of global stakeholders to addressing challenges and harnessing the positive potential of the internet for the betterment of society, underlining the necessity for a comprehensive approach to shaping the future of digital governance.