Second revision of the Global Digital Compact made available

The second revision of the Global Digital Compact comes with lighter language in certain instances, and stronger language in others.

As the process towards a Global Digital Compact (GDC) advances at the UN level, a second revision of the GDC was released on 26 June 2024. 

Below is a high-level overview of some of the key changes introduced in the new draft.

  • Changes regarding the new mechanisms and processes introduced in previous versions:
    • Data governance: Lighter text regarding UNGA deliberations on data governance.
      • Co-facs to be appointed no later than 81st session (before: initiate deliberations during 79th session)
      • ‘International data governance arrangements’ instead of ‘framework for international data governance’.
      • Arrangements ‘could’ include…
      • Removal of the reference to interoperability of governance frameworks.
    • Human rights: Lighter language regarding a UN Digital Human Rights Advisory Service (24)
      • From ‘We request the SG to submit a proposal […] for the establishment of a UN Digital HR Advisory Service’ in Zero Draft, to
      • ‘We support the Secretary-General’s call for a UN Digital Human Rights Advisory Service within OHCHR’ in Rev.1, 
      • to ‘We take note of OHCHR’s ongoing efforts to provide, upon request expert advice and practical guidance on human rights and technology issues to govs, the PS and other SH,including through the establishment of a UN Digital Human Rights Advisory Service within existing resources‘ in Rev.2.
    • AI governance mechanisms:
      • Scientific Panel only for AI (no longer AI and emerging technologies); removed reference to ‘contribute to development of common assessment methodologies, AI definitions and taxonomies, and mitigation measures’. (54a)
      • Reverting to the idea of a Global Dialogue on AI Governance (replacing International Contact Group); lighter language regarding role. (54b)
      • Lighter language regarding Global Fund & no more mention of initial amount. (62)
  • Follow up and review:
    • A more clear role for the IGF. (67. 70)
    • Back to the idea of periodic HL review meetings. First to happen at UNGA82 (2027) (later than in initial versions).
    • Lighter references to member states’ reporting regarding GDC implementation.
  • Some notable new elements:
    • Intellectual property appearing for the first time. (38c)
    • ‘Hate speech’ added to the Information integrity section (in addition to mis-/disinformation).
    • Reference to NetMundial principles in the internet governance section. (27)
    • New commitment to ‘refrain from imposing restrictions on the free flow of information and ideas that are inconsistent with obligations under international law’. (23d)
    • New goal to ‘promote transparency, accountability and robust human oversight of AI systems in compliance with international law’. (53d)
    • New commitment to ‘promote safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems that advance, protect and preserve linguistic and cultural diversity and take into account multilingualism throughout the life cycle of these systems’. (57)
    • Use of ‘critical’ as an adjective for the UN and its role in digital cooperation / AI governance (before: ‘vital’, ‘indispensable’).
    • References to ‘non-military domain’.
  • Some notable removals:
    • Removal of internet speed target. (11c)
    • No more references to ‘marginalised communities’.
    • ‘Scientific consensus‘ replaced with ’scientific understanding’ in AI-related commitments. (53a)
    • ‘Data commons’ replaced with ‘data initiatives’. (40)