Welcome to the 13th edition of our annual predictions in digital governance and diplomacy, we predict the following trends in the year ahead:
1. Technologies
Each year usually starts with promises on how the latest tech will save the world. Not this year, though. This will create the opportunity for existing tech – such as the metaverse, blockchain, and AI – will have to show its real impact beyond mere hype.
2. Digital geopolitics
Geopolitical tensions have dominated much of last year. In the digital sphere, tensions show no sign of easing, either. In 2023, they will play out most intensely in at least three main digital policy areas: the protection of submarine cables and satellites, the production of semiconductors, and the free flow of data across borders.
3. IBSA digital moment(um)
The IBSA trio – India, Brazil, and South Africa – is likely to play a prominent role in reforming digital governance by linking development, democracy, and multilateral diplomacy. The first tangible results from IBSA’s digital momentum could be expected during India’s G20 presidency, which, among others, will promote ‘a new gold standard for data’.
4. Digital cooperation
Digital cooperation processes will accelerate the build-up for 2025 when the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) implementation will be revisited, including the future of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The Osaka Track on Data Governance, initiated during Japan’s G20 presidency in 2019, will likely be given new life as Japan is set to host the next IGF (Kyoto, October 2023). September 2023 will see a ministerial meeting dedicated to preparing the 2024 Summit of the Future, where the Global Digital Compact (GDC) will be agreed on.
5. Human rights online
We can expect deeper implementation of the first generation of human rights online, such as freedom of expression and privacy protection. A holistic approach to digitalisation and human rights will put the second (economic, social and cultural rights) and third generations (environmental and intergenerational) of human rights in the spotlight. The fourth generation of human rights will also become more relevant, triggered by risks due to developments in AI, bio, and nanotechnologies.
6. Content governance
Countries and companies will intensify their search for better ways to govern content. They will look for a balance between social media platforms’ legal status (private businesses with little legal liability for the content they publish) and their social role (public information utilities that affect how people perceive society and politics). The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) approach to content governance will probably serve as an example for many other nations. The outcome of Elon Musk’s Twitter experiment will significantly impact the future of content governance in the business sector.
7. Cybersecurity
Many organisations and governments have improved their cyber resilience against the geopolitical backdrop of the Ukraine war. The cybersecurity agenda is gaining more traction in developing nations, which are taking part in more global processes like the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on cybersecurity and the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime. These global processes could put pressure on the top cyber powers to behave more responsibly.
8. Digital economy
Digital economy governance will focus on digital trade, the implementation of the new global tax deal, and the regulation of cryptocurrencies. The World Trade Organization (WTO) will double down on digital trade negotiations, trying to bridge positions on data flows, data localisation, and privacy. The implementation of the new global tax deal from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will continue to be negotiated, with multilateral conventions to implement the deal, expected to be finalised by mid-2023. States will continue to adopt digital asset regulations, in particular, related to consumer protection and the clear involvement of the financial institutions in control of the industry.
9. Digital standardisation
The relevance of digital standards as a soft governance approach will increase. We can expect intensified cooperation on digital standardisation between like-minded countries, acceleration of standardisation of new tech, and more discussions on the human rights implications of the standards under development.
10. Data governance
Data governance will mature with the realisation that we need as many governance approaches as there are types of data. Stakeholders will have to adopt a holistic approach that takes into account the standardisation, security, human rights, and legal perspectives.
11. AI governance
As AI becomes increasingly applied in real-world settings, arguments about ethics in general (such as how to ensure that AI solutions are created and deployed following ethical standards) will give way to more practical concerns (such as the links between AI and education).
12. The future of work
The hybrid format of office work and diplomatic negotiations, combining elements of online and in situ interactions, will be the new normal. In addition to Zoom and online meetings, new virtual reality tools will be developed to facilitate seamless online interaction.
What to watch for: Global digital policy events in 2023
We look ahead at the digital policy calendar to highlight some of the main digital policy discussions in 2023 across the globe. As is customary, the DW team will deliver just-in-time coverage of major events throughout the year while also focusing on mainstream events addressing digital issues.
UNESCO will host a global multistakeholder conference on regulating digital platforms from 21 to 23 February in Paris, France. The event will facilitate discussion on challenges and modes to ensure that regulatory approaches targeting digital platforms support freedom of expression and the availability of accurate and reliable information in the public sphere. The conference will feature debates and consultations on the draft Guidance on regulating digital platforms: a multistakeholder approach, issued by UNESCO for public consultation in December 2022. Read more.
UNESCO will host a global multistakeholder conference on regulating digital platforms from 21 to 23 February in Paris, France. The event will facilitate discussion on challenges and modes to ensure that regulatory approaches targeting digital platforms support freedom of expression and the availability of accurate and reliable information in the public sphere. The conference will feature debates and consultations on the draft Guidance on regulating digital platforms: a multistakeholder approach, issued by UNESCO for public consultation in December 2022. Read more.
The first of three annual sessions of the Human Rights Council will be held from 27 February to 4 April and will consider and discuss the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General. Reports on the human rights situation in Eritrea, Sudan, Cyprus, South Sudan, and Afghanistan, among others, will be shared with the Human Rights Council and taken into consideration.Of particular importance to digital-related issues will be high-level discussions and considerations of reports on: ‘Privacy and personal data protection in Ibero-America: A step towards globalization?’; ‘Rights of the child and the digital environment’; ‘Negative impact of disinformation on the enjoyment and realization of human rights’; and ‘Promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. Read more.
The first of three annual sessions of the Human Rights Council will be held from 27 February to 4 April and will consider and discuss the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General. Reports on the human rights situation in Eritrea, Sudan, Cyprus, South Sudan, and Afghanistan, among others, will be shared with the Human Rights Council and taken into consideration.Of particular importance to digital-related issues will be high-level discussions and considerations of reports on: ‘Privacy and personal data protection in Ibero-America: A step towards globalization?’; ‘Rights of the child and the digital environment’; ‘Negative impact of disinformation on the enjoyment and realization of human rights’; and ‘Promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. Read more.
Organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), under the theme ‘Use Of ICTs By States: Rights And Responsibilities Under The UN Charter’, the conference focus will be on how international law applies to the use of ICTs by states. The conference will explore the rights and obligations of the UN Charter applicable to cyberspace with an aim to facilitate future-focused deliberations and contribute to the advancement of multilateral negotiations. Read more.
Organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), under the theme ‘Use Of ICTs By States: Rights And Responsibilities Under The UN Charter’, the conference focus will be on how international law applies to the use of ICTs by states. The conference will explore the rights and obligations of the UN Charter applicable to cyberspace with an aim to facilitate future-focused deliberations and contribute to the advancement of multilateral negotiations. Read more.
The first ITU Forum on Embracing the metaverse, co-organised by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), will begin ITU’s endeavour to promote metaverse pre-standardisation initiatives. The forum’s objective is to facilitate global dialogue on the metaverse, provide inputs, and discuss relevant topics that can aid the work of the newly established ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. The forum will explore the challenges and opportunities for an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive metaverse, how to develop interoperability standards, and how metaverse can be used to achieve the SDGs and accelerate digital transformation. The forum will be held on 7 March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it will be followed by the first meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. Read more.
The first ITU Forum on Embracing the metaverse, co-organised by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), will begin ITU’s endeavour to promote metaverse pre-standardisation initiatives. The forum’s objective is to facilitate global dialogue on the metaverse, provide inputs, and discuss relevant topics that can aid the work of the newly established ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. The forum will explore the challenges and opportunities for an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive metaverse, how to develop interoperability standards, and how metaverse can be used to achieve the SDGs and accelerate digital transformation. The forum will be held on 7 March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it will be followed by the first meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on the metaverse. Read more.
Thetheme of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 is ‘WSIS Action Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs’. The WSIS Forum is a global multistakeholder platform for advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. The forum facilitates information and knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships with UN organisations and WSIS Action Line co-facilitators.Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), with the support of Permanent Missions of Djibouti, Kenya, and Namibia, are co-organising a session during the WSIS Forum to discuss Africa’s digital diplomacy. The session explores how Africa can enhance its participation in global digital governance, considering its growing digital economies, start-up ecosystems, and dynamic digital transformation. It aims to identify digital policy priorities, improve Africa’s participation in global digital governance processes, and offer practical insights to strengthen Africa’s digital diplomacy in international processes related to cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and access and infrastructure. Ultimately, the session will propose practical steps for developing African digital diplomacy. Read more.
Thetheme of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 is ‘WSIS Action Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs’. The WSIS Forum is a global multistakeholder platform for advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines. The forum facilitates information and knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships with UN organisations and WSIS Action Line co-facilitators.Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), with the support of Permanent Missions of Djibouti, Kenya, and Namibia, are co-organising a session during the WSIS Forum to discuss Africa’s digital diplomacy. The session explores how Africa can enhance its participation in global digital governance, considering its growing digital economies, start-up ecosystems, and dynamic digital transformation. It aims to identify digital policy priorities, improve Africa’s participation in global digital governance processes, and offer practical insights to strengthen Africa’s digital diplomacy in international processes related to cybersecurity, AI, data governance, and access and infrastructure. Ultimately, the session will propose practical steps for developing African digital diplomacy. Read more.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 26th session under the main themes: Technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production; Ensuring safe water and sanitation for all: a solution by science, technology and innovation. The commission will focus on analysing how science, technology, and innovation can serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda, especially in crucial areas like economic, environmental, and social development. The CSTD will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow up on the outcomes of the WSIS Forum on regional and international levels; and hear presentations on ongoing science, technology, and innovation policy reviews. Read more.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 26th session under the main themes: Technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production; Ensuring safe water and sanitation for all: a solution by science, technology and innovation. The commission will focus on analysing how science, technology, and innovation can serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda, especially in crucial areas like economic, environmental, and social development. The CSTD will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow up on the outcomes of the WSIS Forum on regional and international levels; and hear presentations on ongoing science, technology, and innovation policy reviews. Read more.
The fifth session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime will touch upon the new negotiating consolidated document on the preamble, provisions on international cooperation, preventive measures, technical assistance, the mechanism of implementation, and the final provisions of the convention. The secretariat has also prepared a separate document on the mechanisms of implementation to facilitate the deliberations of member states on the implementation of mechanisms for the convention. Lastly, it is expected that states will further negotiate on the first negotiating consolidated document from the fourth session. Read more.
The fifth session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime will touch upon the new negotiating consolidated document on the preamble, provisions on international cooperation, preventive measures, technical assistance, the mechanism of implementation, and the final provisions of the convention. The secretariat has also prepared a separate document on the mechanisms of implementation to facilitate the deliberations of member states on the implementation of mechanisms for the convention. Lastly, it is expected that states will further negotiate on the first negotiating consolidated document from the fourth session. Read more.
The 8th STI Forum will be held under the theme ‘Science, technology and innovation for accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’. As in previous years, the theme of the STI Forum will be closely aligned with that of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The forum will be held from 3 to 5 May in New York, the USA. Read more.
The 8th STI Forum will be held under the theme ‘Science, technology and innovation for accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’. As in previous years, the theme of the STI Forum will be closely aligned with that of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The forum will be held from 3 to 5 May in New York, the USA. Read more.
The AI for Good Global Summit will take place on 6-7 July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit is the main event of the AI for Good platform organised by ITU in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with Switzerland. The event will feature keynote speakers, cutting-edge AI solutions, pitching sessions, and performances by AI-inspired artists. It will also feature interactive displays, debates, and demonstrations of 30+ cutting-edge robots and their human designers. Read more.
The AI for Good Global Summit will take place on 6-7 July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit is the main event of the AI for Good platform organised by ITU in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with Switzerland. The event will feature keynote speakers, cutting-edge AI solutions, pitching sessions, and performances by AI-inspired artists. It will also feature interactive displays, debates, and demonstrations of 30+ cutting-edge robots and their human designers. Read more.
The HLPF will be held under the theme ‘Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’ from 10 to 19 July in New York, the USA. The HLPF meets annually to discuss the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. Read more.
The HLPF will be held under the theme ‘Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels’ from 10 to 19 July in New York, the USA. The HLPF meets annually to discuss the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. Read more.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 in New York, the USA. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Monday, 25 September 2023. Read more.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 in New York, the USA. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Monday, 25 September 2023. Read more.
The Government of Japan will host the 18th annual gathering of the IGF in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October. The call for thematic issues that the meeting will tackle was open until 31 January 2023. The next step in the process is the first meeting of the multistakeholder advisory group (MAG) 8–10 March 2023, which will start planning the inter-sessional work and the programme of IGF 2023. Read more.
The Government of Japan will host the 18th annual gathering of the IGF in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October. The call for thematic issues that the meeting will tackle was open until 31 January 2023. The next step in the process is the first meeting of the multistakeholder advisory group (MAG) 8–10 March 2023, which will start planning the inter-sessional work and the programme of IGF 2023. Read more.
The 2023 edition of UNCTAD’s eCommerce Week will be held from 4 to 8 December in Geneva, Switzerland, and online, under the theme ‘Shaping the future of the digital economy’. It will focus on the widening of the digital gap and the danger that data-driven digitalisation could exacerbate inequalities. During UNCTAD eWeek, high-level stakeholders will focus on concrete and tangible solutions in key policy areas that must be addressed to achieve an inclusive and sustainable digitalisation, as well as answer three main questions: What does the future we want for the digital economy look like, what is required to make that future come true and how can digital partnerships and enhanced cooperation contribute to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes? Read more.
The 2023 edition of UNCTAD’s eCommerce Week will be held from 4 to 8 December in Geneva, Switzerland, and online, under the theme ‘Shaping the future of the digital economy’. It will focus on the widening of the digital gap and the danger that data-driven digitalisation could exacerbate inequalities. During UNCTAD eWeek, high-level stakeholders will focus on concrete and tangible solutions in key policy areas that must be addressed to achieve an inclusive and sustainable digitalisation, as well as answer three main questions: What does the future we want for the digital economy look like, what is required to make that future come true and how can digital partnerships and enhanced cooperation contribute to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes? Read more.
The Digital Watch observatory maintains a live calendar of upcoming and past events.
Digital policy developments that made global headlines
The digital policy landscape changes daily, so here are all the main developments from December and January. We’ve decoded them into bite-sized authoritative points. There’s more detail in each update on the Digital Watch Observatory.
Global digital architecture
Rwanda and Sweden, co-facilitators leading the intergovernmental process on the GDC, announced the roadmap for the GDC process, including informal consultations with stakeholders and member states, thematic discussions, an issue paper based on the discussions, the presentation of said paper, and negotiations on the GDC.
China issued guidelines for building basic data systems: a data property rights system, a circulation and trading system, an income distribution system, and a security governance system, all with the aim of strengthening its digital economy.
Ireland has fined Meta €5.5 million for forcing users to consent to process their personal data ‘for service improvement and security’, in breach of the EU’s data protection rules.
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) and eight states filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of abusing its dominant position in the internet advertising business and of limiting fair competition.
India’s Supreme Court upheld a decision by the country’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) that Google is abusing its dominant position in the Android mobile device ecosystem and abusing its monopoly through its Play Store, prompting the company to make changes such as allowing users to choose their default browser, uninstall the Google browser, and allowing device makers in India to license its individual apps for pre-installation.
Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee: Takeaways from its 4th Session
The Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime kicked off 2023 with its fourth session in Vienna and focused on amending its consolidated document (CD). States negotiated and made amendments regarding the general provisions, provisions on criminalisation, procedural measures, and law enforcement.
Ensuring that the provisions are in line with international human rights law treaties while including additional protocols and other applicable international human rights instruments was emphasised by the majority of states.
States have divergent views on criminalisation provisions. One group of states aims to narrow the content of the convention strictly to cyber-dependent crimes. Another group of states would remain open to including both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes, while a third group aims to expand criminalisation offences and include provisions on the criminalisation of terrorism and extremism, among others. Most states agreed on the inclusion of the criminalisation of online child abuse.
So far, all provisions in the CD regarding cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes, such as illegal access, computer-related forgery, and illicit use of electronic payment instruments, among many others, have been amended. However, provisions on ‘violation of personal information, infringement of copyright, incitement to subversive or armed activities, extremism-related offences, terrorism-related offences, offences related to the distribution of narcotic drugs, arms trafficking, and distribution of counterfeit medicine,’ are under informal consultations.
Defining cybercrime offences under the CD raises concerns over potential human rights violations. For example, the inclusion of the criminalisation of the dissemination of false information states that: ‘The definition of false information and serious social disorder shall be defined in accordance with domestic laws of each State Party.’
Regarding procedural measures and law enforcement provisions, provisions on jurisdiction are still under informal consultations. Cooperation between national authorities and service providers when retaining traffic and content data was added to the CD. Again, the issue is that the circumstances under which the state could obtain such data from the service providers, and the extent to which personal data are being protected, are left to the discretion of each state.
Some states emphasised the need to harmonise the content of the provisions in question with the ones in the Budapest Convention. And while the Ad Hoc Committee in January has made progress in drafting some parts of the convention, there are still many contentious issues that need to be addressed. Human rights protection, the definition of offences, and the implementation of such provisions need to be carefully addressed to ensure effective protection when combating cybercrime on an international level.
The fifth session will be held from 11–21 April 2023 in Vienna, when states will be called to further negotiate on the current CD and on a new consolidated document.
