Georgia

Internet governance in Georgia encompasses a range of policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at managing and facilitating the growth of digital technologies and online communications. Here are some key aspects of internet governance in Georgia:

Regulatory Framework: The Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) is responsible for regulating telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. It plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition, managing spectrum allocations, and enforcing regulations that impact internet service providers (ISPs) and digital media.

Freedom of Expression: Internet freedom is generally respected in Georgia. There are no significant restrictions on access to content, and the internet is not heavily censored. However, issues related to privacy and data protection are ongoing concerns, especially with the advent of new technologies and the collection of personal data.

E-Governance: Georgia has made significant strides in e-governance, offering various administrative services online through the ‘MyGov.ge‘ portal. This effort not only enhances accessibility and efficiency but also transparency in governmental procedures.

Georgian stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Georgian stakeholders participate in the annual South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEE+), Central Asian IGF and Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Georgian is a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Georgian also has a national internet governance initiative called GeoIGF, which was established as a bottom-up, multistakeholder platform for discussing internet-related public policy issues in Georgian.

Georgia has been actively pursuing digital transformation. The ‘Georgia 2020‘ strategy, for example, was aimed at strengthening the information society, improving governmental digital services, and enhancing the IT infrastructure. More recent initiatives continue to focus on digitizing government services, which is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and transparency.

Another important initiative is the State Program on Broadband Infrastructure Development in Georgia. The program is a government initiative designed to expand high-speed internet across the country, focusing particularly on underserved and rural areas. This program is essential for promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life by ensuring universal access to affordable and reliable broadband services.

A key aspect of the program is the development of physical infrastructure, including the installation of fibre-optic cables and broadband towers, especially in rural regions where connectivity is limited. To accomplish its goals, the Georgian government collaborates with private sector companies through public-private partnerships, leveraging private expertise and resources while pursuing public objectives.

The program is supported by regulatory measures from the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC), which facilitates the deployment of broadband services by ensuring fair competition and removing barriers. Funding for these initiatives often comes from state budgets, international loans, and grants, with additional incentives to attract private investment in less profitable areas.

The country has developed a legal and policy framework aimed at bolstering national cybersecurity. This includes the creation of the Georgia Cyber Security Strategy and its accompanying action plan, orchestrated by the Data Exchange Agency under the Ministry of Justice.

The Organized Crime Action Plan, covering sections 20 to 30, outlines specific goals to be achieved by 2020. These focus on raising public awareness about cybersecurity, developing laws that address cyber issues, and enhancing the capabilities of state agencies that combat cybercrime. The plan also emphasizes the importance of forming public-private partnerships and strengthening international cooperation.

Furthering its commitment to international standards, Georgia has ratified the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime, known as the Budapest Convention.

CERT.GOV.GE, operating under the Ministry of Justice, is tasked with managing cybersecurity incidents within Georgian governmental networks and critical infrastructure. This unit is responsible for the detection, registration, and analysis of critical computer incidents, issuing recommendations, and responding quickly to mitigate such events.

Georgia has been making significant strides in developing its artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, with universities leading the way. The state is particularly interested in AI for manufacturing, with top institutions like Georgia Tech investing heavily in the field.

In 2021, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a $20 million investment in a collaborative effort by Georgia Tech, the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), and other partners to establish the NSF AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education (ALOE). The same year, Georgia Tech received a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop the Georgia Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Corridor (GA-AIM). The Georgia Emerging Technology Summit: AI 2023 was a significant event that brought together state, regional, and local public sector leaders to explore the transformative potential of AI in government service delivery. The summit highlighted the need for a cautious and responsible approach to AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of ethical and security frameworks.