Building inclusive global digital governance (CIGI)
6 Dec 2023 18:00h - 19:00h UTC
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Full session report
Susan Aaronson
Developing countries are grappling with the complexities of data governance, struggling to effectively manage and navigate data. They are also striving to implement measures for personal data protection. However, there is an argument for a reevaluation of data governance, highlighting the need for developing countries to have a larger role in decision-making processes. This would lead to more comprehensive and inclusive policies. The accuracy, completeness, and representativeness of data sets used by large language models pose significant challenges, impacting the integrity and reliability of these models. There is also a call for the United States to adopt a more cooperative and inclusive approach to data governance, considering its substantial presence in generative AI firms and capacity. Data governance should be approached as an issue of civic understanding, empowering individuals to shape policies concerning their personal data, content, and intellectual property. Furthermore, it is important to promote openness and replicability in chatbots, providing opportunities for improvement and a better understanding of underlying data and models. In conclusion, a rethinking of data governance is necessary, involving developing countries, addressing data accuracy and representation challenges, fostering openness, replicability, and promoting civic engagement.
Bob Fay
The analysis explores various aspects of data governance, highlighting the need for improved global data governance. It specifically refers to the 2021 UNCTAD Digital Economy Report, which highlights the inadequacy of existing international institutional frameworks. The report also notes the absence of global frameworks or safeguards for the monetisation of personal data. Additionally, the report highlights the ongoing advancements in technology, particularly in generative AI and frontier models, underscoring the urgency for enhanced global data governance.
The analysis also discusses a panel discussion on data and AI governance, which aims to address the latest developments in this field and provide concrete suggestions for improvement. The panel comprises experts from academia, research, and policy, ensuring a comprehensive examination of data and AI governance from international perspectives.
Furthermore, the Global Data Barometer’s first report is mentioned, providing valuable insights on data governance from a developing country perspective. Silvana Fumega, the project director at the Global Data Barometer, plays a key role in this conversation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries in data governance.
The analysis also highlights the DataSphere Initiative, a think-tank committed to global collaboration on technical and policy solutions for data governance challenges. The initiative has compiled an extensive atlas featuring over 260 organizations working towards advancing data governance. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that data governance involves global stakeholders, rather than being limited to specific jurisdictions or large multinationals.
Additionally, the analysis raises concerns about certain jurisdictions or large multinationals dominating data governance. It notes that if data governance exists, it is mostly controlled by specific jurisdictions or large multinational companies. However, the DataSphere Initiative actively collaborates with various stakeholders to address this issue and promote a more inclusive approach to data governance.
In conclusion, the analysis highlights the necessity for improved global data governance, particularly in the context of advancing technology. It emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder discussions, exemplified by the panel on data and AI governance. The insights from the Global Data Barometer report and the efforts of the DataSphere Initiative contribute to fostering global collaboration in data governance. The concerns about the domination of data governance by certain jurisdictions or large multinationals are acknowledged, with the initiative striving for a more diverse and inclusive approach. Overall, the analysis underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding data governance, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address them.
Silvana Fumega
Countries have made significant progress in implementing data protection frameworks, but there are still substantial gaps in their complexity and enforcement. Out of the 109 countries surveyed, 98 have some form of data protection framework in place. However, it is concerning that 12 of these countries have limited protection, with frameworks that do not provide full coverage for both public and private sector data use.
One of the critical issues highlighted is the need for stronger and more comprehensive data governance frameworks, particularly in developing regions. The survey reveals that regions such as the European Union and North America have the highest scores in terms of data governance. On the other hand, the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, South and East Asia, and Africa still have countries without any data protection frameworks or where existing frameworks require significant strengthening.
The United States has made a significant decision to rethink its support on certain proposals in e-commerce negotiations, which have implications for data as a national security and economic issue. Although the United States is still participating in the negotiations, it can no longer fully endorse proposals that it had previously supported. This underscores the complex relationship between trade issues and data, highlighting the importance of balancing national security and economic considerations.
While there has been progress in implementing data governance regulations and frameworks, they are often not effectively implemented or updated to keep pace with evolving technology and data use. This poses a challenge as regulations need to be continuously updated to address risks associated with geolocation data and algorithmic use of personal data. The absence of concrete and positive implementation of data governance frameworks also hinders effective regulation and protection of data.
Promoting and analyzing data sharing arrangements is an essential aspect of data governance. The analysis reveals that regulations and frameworks do not adequately address the issue of data sharing. It is crucial to develop and promote effective data sharing arrangements to enhance collaboration and ensure responsible and secure data use.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of inclusion, particularly in gender and language, in data ecosystem analysis. The second edition of the report aims to incorporate elements of inclusion to better understand how it can affect the data ecosystem being analyzed. By advocating for inclusion, the goal is to ensure that the analysis takes into account diverse perspectives and experiences, enabling more comprehensive and meaningful insights.
In conclusion, while progress has been made in implementing data protection frameworks, there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed. The need for stronger and more comprehensive data governance frameworks, especially in developing regions, is apparent. Additionally, regulations and frameworks need to be regularly updated to keep pace with technological advancements. Promoting data sharing arrangements and advocating for inclusivity in data analysis are also vital for effective data governance. The upcoming publication of the second edition of the report on data governance and inclusion will provide further insights into these important areas.
Evelyne Tauchnitz
Summary:
Data governance should be inclusive, involving experts and diverse perspectives, to ensure comprehensive understanding and effective practices. It acknowledges the role of data in our lives, including its importance in communication and the reliance of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on data. Ethical considerations should also play a significant role, providing a normative framework for responsible data handling aligned with societal values. Adopting a human rights-based approach for data management and digital technology development promotes justice, equality, and inclusivity. However, it is crucial to avoid creating new forms of discrimination and exclusion in data governance. The impact of digital technologies, AI, data management, and governance is a subject of ongoing debate, with both opportunities and risks depending on the specific context. Establishing an intergovernmental panel, similar to the International Panel on Climate Change, can facilitate a scientific consensus and inform policy-making. This would help achieve global cooperation and agreement on the impact of digital technology and data governance. A holistic and collaborative approach is necessary for responsible, inclusive, and equitable practices in the digital age.
Lorrayne Porciuncula
Reforms of multilateral institutions are seen as necessary to ensure effective data governance. Currently, data governance varies regionally, creating a need for universal reforms. This is supported by the argument that organizations should adopt a more holistic understanding of data governance to address the fragmented approaches currently in place. The sentiment towards these reforms is positive.
The DataSphere Initiative is an organisation dedicated to global collaboration on data governance solutions. They have produced an atlas that highlights over 260 organisations working in the field of data governance. Additionally, they conduct research in capacity building to address concrete data challenges and opportunities. The sentiment towards the DataSphere Initiative is positive, with recognition of their efforts in promoting global collaboration.
A universal understanding and approach to data governance is required, as current approaches are fragmented. The sentiment towards the need for a universal understanding is neutral. It is argued that a universal approach is necessary due to the regional variation in data governance practices, and it is important to address this issue.
There is also support for a decade of conversations on data governance. The complexity of the issue is cited as a reason for the need for extensive discussions over a prolonged period of time. Notably, the DataSphere Initiative has contributed to this proposal. The sentiment towards this proposal is positive, as it is acknowledged that data governance is a complex issue that requires comprehensive and prolonged discussions.
Moving from AI principles to implementation is seen as crucial, as current regulations are disparate and conflicting. There is a recognition that the global landscape is marked by multiple AI principles, but there is a need for effective implementation. The sentiment towards this argument is positive, with a call for action in bridging the gap between principles and implementation.
Interoperability and agility in cross-border processes are needed to harmonise principles and regulations. The argument emphasises the importance of creating agile cross-border processes to ensure that principles and regulations are compatible and can coexist. The sentiment towards this argument is positive, recognising the need for harmonisation in data governance.
In Africa, sandboxes are being implemented to tailor regulations to the cultural, legal, and technological diversities in the region. The sentiment towards this initiative is positive, as it is recognised that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in data governance. Sandboxes provide a space for controlled experimentation with new regulations, allowing for an adaptive and responsive approach.
The governance of AI is dependent on a fair data economy. Many countries are not ready to implement AI responsibly due to a lack of data governance frameworks. Additionally, emerging AI initiatives often lack a notion of equity, inclusiveness, and fairness. The sentiment towards this argument is positive, recognising the importance of a fair data economy in ensuring responsible AI implementation.
In conclusion, there is a consensus on the need for reforms of multilateral institutions to ensure effective data governance, global collaboration through initiatives like the DataSphere Initiative, and a universal understanding and approach to address the fragmented nature of current data governance practices. The proposal for a decade of conversations on data governance is supported due to the complexity of the issue. There is an emphasis on moving from AI principles to implementation, harmonising principles and regulations, and the importance of a fair data economy in governing AI.
Nanjala Nyabola
The High-Level Advisory Board explored the urgent need to reinvigorate the multilateral system in order to effectively address global risks and challenges. Their discussions focused on developing a fit-for-purpose multilateral system capable of tackling the existential issues faced by humanity and institutions. This reflects the board’s neutral sentiment towards the topic.
The board also proposed six key shifts to address the underlying factors contributing to global issues. These shifts include reimagining collective security arrangements, ensuring abundant and sustainable finance for all, striking a balance with nature and providing access to clean and affordable energy for all, facilitating a just digital transition, managing transnational risks, and making the multilateral system more inclusive, accountable, and legitimate. The positive sentiment associated with the proposal suggests that these shifts are seen as crucial steps towards addressing global challenges.
One significant area of concern highlighted by the board is the need to strike a careful balance between protecting nature and satisfying the global energy demand. It recognizes that these two concepts are often presented as a zero-sum game but proposes a phased and intertwined approach. This involves a gradual transition from old energy sources to the fair introduction of green energy sources. The positive sentiment surrounding this stance underscores the importance of finding a middle ground that reconciles these conflicting objectives.
The board also emphasizes the importance of data justice in global digital governance. It argues that previous approaches have prioritized commercial viability over justice, neglecting the material consequences of data usage on people’s lives and the natural environment. The positive sentiment associated with this stance suggests a growing recognition of the need to consider the ethical and social implications of data governance.
When it comes to data governance and digital governance, the board emphasizes the need for global coordination and highlights the power imbalance between companies and individuals in this domain. It argues that the voices of those most affected by technological innovations and developments should be heard and considered. The board’s positive sentiment indicates that a listen-first, act-later approach is essential to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Building on existing work and promoting global coordination are viewed as critical aspects of achieving inclusive governance. The board acknowledges the significant contributions made by scholars from various countries, including India, Brazil, South Africa, and Kenya, and emphasizes the importance of global coordination in creating an inclusive governance system. The positive sentiment surrounding this argument underscores the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.
While the board recognizes the need for progress in data governance, it also acknowledges the potential risks associated with creating new institutions. It argues that such a move might introduce additional challenges and complexities instead of efficiently resolving existing issues. The negative sentiment expressed in this regard highlights the board’s cautious approach towards institutional changes.
Finally, the board raises concerns about data breaches and abuses, particularly in developing countries where legislation is often lacking. It highlights how companies have taken advantage of this absence of regulations to perpetrate various harmful activities. The negative sentiment associated with this observation demonstrates the urgent need for robust data governance frameworks and legislative measures to protect vulnerable nations.
In conclusion, the High-Level Advisory Board’s discussions underscore the pressing need to reinvigorate the multilateral system and address global risks and challenges. The proposed key shifts, emphasis on data justice, balanced approach to energy demand, global coordination, and inclusive governance reflect the board’s collective efforts to find sustainable solutions to complex global issues. However, caution should be exercised regarding potential institutional changes, and urgent action is required to address data breaches and abuses, particularly in developing countries.
Speakers
BF
Bob Fay
Speech speed
159 words per minute
Speech length
1794 words
Speech time
677 secs
ET
Evelyne Tauchnitz
Speech speed
173 words per minute
Speech length
1537 words
Speech time
534 secs
LP
Lorrayne Porciuncula
Speech speed
161 words per minute
Speech length
1539 words
Speech time
572 secs
NN
Nanjala Nyabola
Speech speed
169 words per minute
Speech length
2468 words
Speech time
875 secs
SF
Silvana Fumega
Speech speed
168 words per minute
Speech length
1604 words
Speech time
572 secs
SA
Susan Aaronson
Speech speed
160 words per minute
Speech length
1028 words
Speech time
385 secs
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