The increasing integration of youth into digital governance stems from a pressing need for inclusivity and representation in decision-making processes. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 highlights this critical issue, featuring discussions on innovative strategies aimed at empowering young individuals to participate effectively in shaping digital policies. Young people, who comprise a significant portion of […]
Digital Futures at a Crossroads: Aligning WSIS and the Global Digital Compact
As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, the need for coordinated global strategies to navigate emerging technologies has never been more pressing. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) have the potential to shape the future of digital governance but aligning these two initiatives is critical. This article […]
Global Stakeholders Chart the Course for Digital Governance at the IGF in Riyadh
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Riyadh recently brought together global stakeholders to tackle pressing issues in digital governance. This year’s event emphasized collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability, essential themes in addressing the ever-changing landscape of technology, especially concerning artificial intelligence (AI) and data management. A major takeaway from the IGF was the urgent need […]
Australia's Push for New Rules on AI in Search Engines
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, governments are increasingly challenged to regulate AI systems, particularly in essential sectors like search engines. Australia’s competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is now urging the government to establish new regulations focused on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies used by search engines, especially those operated […]
Elon Musk Critiques Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids
Elon Musk’s opposition to Australia’s plan to prohibit children under 16 from using social media has ignited significant discourse on digital governance and free speech. The proposed legislation, put forth by Australia’s center-left government, aims to implement stringent age-verification mechanisms. It proposes fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million) for platforms that fail […]
EU Moves to Formalise Disinformation Code under DSA
The European Union (EU) is making significant strides towards establishing a comprehensive framework to combat online disinformation. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s voluntary code of practice on disinformation is being transitioned into a formal set of rules. This initiative aims to hold major online platforms accountable and enhance their obligations toward transparency […]
Discord Banned in Turkey Following Court Ruling
In a significant legal move, Turkey has officially blocked access to the popular messaging platform Discord. This decision, issued by a court in Ankara, stems from serious concerns regarding child abuse and the sharing of obscene content among users. The court’s ruling outlined that Discord had failed to comply with requests from the Turkish government […]
UK GCHQ Defends the Importance of Law for Cyber Operations
In an increasingly digital world, the interplay between cybersecurity and legal frameworks has become a focal point for governments, particularly as cyber threats escalate. Recently, senior officials from GCHQ, the UK’s cyber and signals intelligence agency, took an unprecedented step by publishing an article that strongly advocates for the necessity of legal structures guiding cyber […]