Digital Inclusion Through a Multilingual Internet | IGF 2023 WS #297

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The summary has been reviewed and edited for grammar errors, sentence formation issues, typos, and missing details. UK spelling and grammar have also been corrected. The expanded summary accurately reflects the main analysis text while incorporating long-tail keywords where appropriate.

The importance of digital inclusion and universal acceptance of native languages on the internet has been emphasised by multiple speakers.

In the past, using the internet in languages other than English posed difficulties due to character handling issues. However, advancements in computer systems have addressed these challenges, enabling users to access the internet in their own language. This development is seen as vital for overcoming the barrier of using the internet in native languages.

Furthermore, the inclusion of everyone on the internet is considered crucial because English is not universally understood.

The preference for ASCII characters as identifiers is due to their simplicity, but it limits the ability to communicate effectively across diverse languages. Therefore, the usage of native languages is needed to ensure equal access to information and services on the internet.

The speakers argue that platforms capable of handling multilingual input should be developed, highlighting the importance of universal acceptance.

Akinori Maemura, an advocate for digital inclusion, emphasises the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to implement this inclusivity. He believes that every stakeholder, including communities, platform vendors, and public policy, should play a part in making the digital platforms ready for multilinguals, Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), and universal acceptance.

Maemura also highlights the role of public policy in encouraging user systems to move towards universal acceptance. He suggests that public policy can serve as a catalyst for progress in achieving equal access to the internet.

The analysis reveals a consensus among the speakers regarding the significance of language inclusivity on the internet.

They argue that overcoming language barriers is essential for ensuring equal access to information, opportunities, and services for everyone. By developing platforms that can handle multilingual input, and with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, digital inclusion and universal acceptance can be achieved.

This would enable individuals to utilise the internet in their own language, removing the barriers that limit participation and access.

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In the analysis, the speakers explored several topics related to the internet. One topic discussed was the relevance of domain names in the context of social media. The speakers questioned the importance of domain names, particularly internationalised domain names (IDNs), in diversifying and making the internet multilingual, given the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter where domain names are not typically used for identification.

They raised the question of whether domain names are still crucial or if they have become less relevant in the age of social media.

Another topic addressed was the impact of content moderation on non-European languages. The speakers noted that while platforms like Facebook have content moderation in around 75 languages, people use these platforms in over 1000 different languages.

The lack of content moderation and functional support for smaller languages on the open internet can drive users towards platforms like Facebook, where content moderation may be available in their language. The speakers highlighted the example of Myanmar, where Facebook has become a stand-in for the internet due to its dominance and lack of alternatives.

The linguistic fitness of input methods for internationalised domain names (IDNs) was another point of discussion.

One audience member argued that the lack of demand for IDNs could be attributed to the linguistic fitness of input methods. They compared the ease of typing a country code on a keyboard (requiring only three button presses) to using the native language, which could potentially require a dozen button presses.

This argument suggested that users will always opt for the shorter and easier option. However, another audience member believed that the introduction of voice or brain input methods could potentially encourage the use of IDNs.

The need for a multilingual and decentralised internet was also emphasised.

The speakers argued that the internet should cater to multiple languages and be decentralised to address language and cultural diversity. They highlighted the importance of community networks in creating proper infrastructure and the constraints imposed by current technical and policy limitations on local server and email hosting.

They also pointed out that big tech’s protocols and configurations, such as Gmail’s, can pose challenges. To achieve a multilingual internet, they suggested practical measures like facilitating local servers and updating protocols to accommodate diversity.

Convention and iconography were discussed as valuable tools in accessing the internet.

Iconography was seen as an entry point or a way to get started, similar to knowing which side of the car the petrol tank is on. The speakers emphasised that established conventions and iconography can aid users in navigating the internet.

The speakers also highlighted the significance of domain names and the Domain Name System (DNS) in language and cultural preservation.

They gave the example of “.cat,” a domain name for Catalonia, where the requirement for Catalan content on linked websites led to a significant growth of Catalan content. They argued that domain names and DNS play a crucial role in preserving languages and cultures.

However, there were also observations made that caution against overly relying on the domain name system to solve the context problem of language.

The scalability of using domain names to address language context was questioned, and other factors such as identity management were suggested as alternative considerations. Additionally, it was suggested that examining the DNS infrastructure itself for solutions to language-related challenges has been lacking.

In conclusion, the speakers in the analysis touched upon various aspects of the internet, including the relevance of domain names in the age of social media, the impact of content moderation on non-European languages, the linguistic fitness of input methods for internationalised domain names, the need for a multilingual and decentralised internet, the value of convention and iconography, and the role of domain names and DNS in language and cultural preservation.

They presented different arguments and perspectives, raising important questions, and proposing practical measures for a more inclusive and diverse internet.

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Access to the internet is considered a critical need in today’s world, as essential activities such as government services, education, and work increasingly move online. However, it is concerning that more than a third of the global population still lacks access to the internet.

This lack of connectivity is particularly pronounced in Africa, where the cost of connectivity serves as a major barrier to online education and meaningful digital participation. In many regions of Africa, the high cost of internet access hinders people from engaging in vital activities like online learning.

Despite these challenges, there has been significant progress in connecting more people to the internet worldwide.

Efforts have been made to bridge the digital divide and improve internet accessibility. However, there are still considerable inequalities to address. It is crucial for the global community to work together to tackle digital inequality and ensure that access to the internet is affordable and safe for everyone.

Language barriers further contribute to the digital divide, as certain languages lack suitable digital content and representation on the internet.

The digital divide often aligns with linguistic lines and socioeconomic pressures, leading to limited access to internet content in certain languages. Additionally, the lack of devices or platforms that support specific languages can further hamper internet usage. Furthermore, the lack of digital literacy in poorer communities prevents their languages from being fairly represented online.

However, there is hope for creating a fairer internet for all languages through technological advances and focused efforts from stakeholders.

For instance, advancements in automatic translation and AI interpretation are making it possible to access content in different languages. Localization, which involves adapting digital content to specific languages and cultures, is being taken more seriously by tech companies, governments, and service providers.

Additionally, community networks are emerging as a technological solution to provide connectivity even in remote areas.

An important aspect in addressing language barriers and promoting inclusivity is empowering communities to have control over their languages and how they are used.

Currently, tech companies often decide which languages are allowed on their platforms, stifling community decision-making. Communities should have the autonomy to determine how they can use their languages and have more influence in shaping the digital landscape.

Overall, internet access is critical in the modern world.

While progress has been made in connecting more people online, there are still significant challenges to overcome, such as the cost of connectivity, digital inequality, and language barriers. By working together and harnessing technological advancements, a fairer internet that is accessible to all languages can be created.

Empowering communities to have decision-making power over their languages is also crucial for promoting inclusivity and giving voice to diverse linguistic communities.

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The analysis emphasises the importance of universal acceptance for digital inclusion and the development of a multilingual internet. It reveals that internet suppliers lack awareness of the impact of their actions on internet accessibility, resulting in partial support for internationalised domain names and email addresses.

This limited support hinders users from fully utilising the internet in languages other than English, which inhibits digital inclusion and denies individuals the opportunity to access the internet in their native languages.

A multilingual internet is both a matter of language justice and a means to improve internet safety.

Understanding the sender’s email address aids in identifying spam and scams, while multilingual email addresses facilitate better comprehension of sender details. Consequently, a multilingual internet provides a safer online experience for users.

While some argue that domain names and email addresses are becoming less relevant in cybersecurity, the analysis highlights their continued importance.

Direct navigation on the internet still relies on domain names, and email addresses are critical in cybersecurity training. Elderly individuals are trained to verify the sender’s email address before taking any action, emphasising the ongoing significance of these elements in online security.

However, the analysis reveals that Internet Domain Names (IDNs) are not being efficiently or correctly utilised, causing them to be devalued and act as second-class citizens on the internet.

Problems, such as the inadequate readiness of email and web hosting for IDNs, contribute to their underutilisation. This highlights the need for greater awareness and implementation of IDNs to fully realise their potential for achieving a multilingual internet.

While the technical groundwork for universal acceptance has been established, the analysis highlights challenges in implementing and adopting it in the market.

While protocols exist at a low technical level, convincing the technical community of the importance of universal acceptance remains a hurdle. Market forces alone are not enough, and the lack of a smooth user experience creates a chicken and egg problem.

The analysis also highlights the need for policy interventions to motivate suppliers to support universal acceptance.

Existing policies enable internationalised email addresses and domain names, but increased motivation is required for full implementation. Issues with the ease of use for multilingual email addresses further underscore the need for policy interventions to foster support.

In promoting local languages via domains, the analysis emphasises that the importance of community or culture should outweigh obstacles such as keyboard strokes and input complexity.

Chinese and Japanese individuals continue to search in their native languages, even with the need for additional keyboard strokes. The popularity of single-character Chinese domain names, representing a word with just two to three strokes, demonstrates the value placed on promoting local languages in internet domain names.

Furthermore, the analysis notes that promoting local languages via domains aligns with the international decade of indigenous languages and the sustainable development goals supporting local culture.

It asserts that choice should not be limited to ASCII domains but should include local names as options.

The importance of community empowerment and co-creation in building internet infrastructure and a multilingual internet is also emphasised. Community networks play a vital role in developing infrastructure that caters to the needs of the communities themselves.

Community networks also contribute to making local languages more prevalent in the internet space. Thus, empowering community networks is seen as a valuable model for building internet infrastructure and fostering a multilingual internet.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the significance of universal acceptance for digital inclusion and the development of a multilingual internet.

Awareness among internet suppliers, efficient utilisation of Internet Domain Names (IDNs), and policy interventions are key factors in achieving universal acceptance. Overcoming obstacles such as keyboard strokes and input complexity is important for promoting local languages via domains. Community empowerment and co-creation offer valuable models for building internet infrastructure and encouraging a multilingual internet.

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The topic of Universal Acceptance is not solely a technical issue but a human one that requires inclusivity to create a truly inclusive internet society. Users often face difficulties when their email addresses or domain names are not recognized as valid by certain systems.

This problem is more about inclusivity than purely technical.

The next generation, known as digital natives, should be able to communicate and interact with names and systems in their native languages. Language should not be a barrier when it comes to converting email addresses and website addresses into hyperlinks.

Regardless of the language script they are represented in, they should universally convert into hyperlinks. This would enhance usability and accessibility for users from different languages and cultures.

A failure in universal acceptance forces organizations to resort to inferior systems to represent themselves.

If a company or organization’s name fails to convert into a hyperlink due to the language script, they are excluded from the digital ecosystem. This limitation hampers their online visibility and reduces their ability to communicate effectively with others in the global digital space.

Ram Mohan, a prominent figure, regards websites, domain names, and email addresses as communication tools between human beings rather than just identifiers.

This perspective highlights the importance of Universal Acceptance in enabling effective and inclusive communication among individuals worldwide. It stresses the need to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in the digital realm.

While the core technical challenges of Universal Acceptance and multilingualism have been mostly resolved, the main issue lies in policy coordination and incentives.

The problem itself is relatively small compared to larger issues that organizations and technical firms have to deal with. Therefore, the focus should shift towards policy-based initiatives and economic incentives that can drive progress towards universal acceptance.

Policy-driven incentives, such as vendor preference for demonstrating universal acceptance in governmental procurement, can play a crucial role in prioritising universal acceptance.

By creating impetus for businesses and organizations to prioritize inclusivity in their digital presence, policy-driven incentives can help promote universal acceptance on a broader scale.

The dialogue surrounding Universal Acceptance should also be simplified to make it more accessible and inclusive.

Rather than using technical jargon, terms like digital accessibility and inclusion should be used to effectively communicate the importance of this issue to internet users. The satisfaction of users’ needs and preferences should be the central focus of discussions regarding Universal Acceptance.

In conclusion, Universal Acceptance is not just a technical matter but a human one that requires inclusivity and prioritising the needs of internet users.

It involves enabling communication and interaction in native languages, converting addresses into hyperlinks regardless of the language script, and promoting accessibility and inclusion in the digital realm. While technical challenges have been largely resolved, policy coordination and incentives are vital to driving progress in achieving universal acceptance.

By simplifying the dialogue and focusing on policy-based initiatives, a more inclusive and accessible internet can be created for all.

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The internet has the potential to significantly support local languages, particularly in Italy, where several unrecognized languages such as Furlan, Sardo, and Arberesh exist. These languages often struggle for recognition and preservation, but the internet can provide a platform for their promotion.

By utilizing this powerful tool, local communities can distribute information, resources, and cultural content in their native languages, helping to preserve their linguistic heritage.

One of the key advantages of using the internet to support local languages is its ability to overcome geographical barriers.

Through the internet, speakers of these languages can connect and communicate with each other, regardless of their physical distance. They have the opportunity to share their experiences, educate others about their languages and cultures, and build a sense of community.

Furthermore, the internet allows for widespread distribution of information in local languages.

This ensures that speakers of these languages have access to essential resources, educational materials, and news in their native tongue. It empowers local communities by enabling them to develop and share content that reflects their unique perspectives and experiences.

In addition to the role of the internet, government and community support are crucial for the promotion and preservation of local languages.

Without the active involvement and support of both entities, promoting these languages would be challenging, if not impossible. Governments can play a significant role by implementing policies that recognize and protect local languages, allocating resources for language revitalization initiatives, and encouraging their use in official capacities.

Similarly, community engagement is vital in raising awareness about the importance of local languages and fostering a sense of pride and ownership among speakers.

When communities actively participate in the promotion of these languages, they contribute to preserving cultural diversity. Local languages embody the traditions, values, and cultural heritage of a community, and by supporting these languages, communities can safeguard their identity and promote intercultural dialogue.

Promoting local languages aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, SDG 4 (Quality Education) aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, including opportunities for lifelong learning in local languages. Additionally, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural diversity and embracing linguistic rights as part of building peaceful and inclusive societies.

In conclusion, the internet can serve as a powerful tool in supporting local languages, helping to overcome barriers and distribute information in these often unrecognized languages.

However, the success of promoting and preserving local languages depends on the active involvement of governments and communities. By recognizing the value of local languages and supporting their use, communities can preserve their cultural diversity and contribute to the achievement of SDGs related to education and peaceful societies.

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The discussions centered on the significance of connectivity and digital inclusivity in native languages. The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program emerged as a key initiative, allocating a substantial budget of $3 billion to enhance internet access in Native American tribal lands. As a part of this program, funding is provided for remote educational activities aimed at preserving indigenous languages, thus connecting tribal language and cultural resources to the internet.

This initiative has been received positively, with its focus on addressing the digital divide and promoting inclusivity.

Another important aspect highlighted was the promotion of universal acceptance, which is vital for the development of a multilingual internet. Universal acceptance refers to a technical standard that enables domain names and email addresses to function in non-Latin scripts.

This standard plays a significant role in bridging the language barrier and ensuring equal access to online resources for all language communities. Its promotion is considered a foundational element for a truly multilingual internet, contributing to reduced inequalities.

While efforts have been made for language acceptance, it is observed that many communities have adapted to the limited capabilities of the ASCII-only system.

However, the ultimate objective remains to offer internet access to everyone in their own language and script. This highlights the importance of overcoming linguistic barriers and providing equal digital opportunities for all individuals.

Though the technical groundwork for universal acceptance has been completed, challenges in coordination and policy implementation persist.

The coordination among stakeholders and the formulation of effective policies are essential to ensure the practical implementation of universal acceptance standards. The need for government intervention and policy changes to overcome these challenges and promote internet access in native languages was emphasized.

The involvement of governments is crucial in creating a conducive environment for the development and adoption of policies that ensure language inclusivity online. It is important for this issue to gain visibility and propel governments to take the necessary actions.

In conclusion, the discussions shed light on the significance of connectivity and digital inclusivity in native languages.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the promotion of universal acceptance emerged as key initiatives to address this issue. Challenges remain in terms of coordination, policy, and implementation, for which government intervention is seen as crucial. Overcoming these barriers will contribute to reducing inequalities and ensuring that internet access is available in individuals’ own languages and scripts.

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The discussion focuses on the importance of inclusivity and the use of any language on the internet. Around 5.4 billion people worldwide, from different cultures and languages, are affected by this issue. However, approximately 2.6 billion people have never had internet access, potentially due to limited access or language barriers.

This highlights the urgent need for universal acceptance, which allows the use of domain names in any chosen language. It is worth noting that there are approximately 6,500 languages spoken globally, with a significant number in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

Major languages like Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic also play a crucial role.

The multilingual internet not only has economic benefits but also societal advantages, such as preserving languages and promoting understanding of diverse cultures. Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Americas, and Europe collectively have a wide range of languages, with approximately 2,300 languages in Asia, 2,100 in Africa, 1,300 in the Pacific, 1,000 in the Americas, and about 280 in Europe.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is committed to advancing universal acceptance.

Its efforts include expanding top-level domain names to include more languages and scripts. ICANN supports Universal Acceptance Day and plans for the next round of top-level domains, creating opportunities for applications in various languages and scripts. These initiatives contribute significantly to a more inclusive and accessible internet.

User demand, awareness, and education are crucial for a seamless online experience.

Understanding and studying user demands can improve user satisfaction. Similarly, incorporating queries when setting up new devices can increase user awareness. These elements contribute to the overall user experience and help individuals navigate the online world more effectively.

The establishment of Universal Acceptance Day and the development of policies targeting internationalized domain name elements have received significant support.

Universal Acceptance Day has seen high levels of participation, while guidelines for applications for internationalized domain names are still being developed. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and globally connected internet.

In summary, the discussion highlights the need for inclusivity and the unrestricted use of any language on the internet.

Efforts such as universal acceptance, promoting multilingualism, and policies supporting internationalized domain names are important for bridging the digital divide and creating a more equitable and accessible online world. By valuing and embracing linguistic and cultural diversity, we can foster understanding, cultural preservation, and economic growth on a global scale.