Internet Governance 101

Writer: Ri Na

What is Internet Governance?

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in 2003 and 2005 led to the establishment of the multistakeholder Internet Governance Forum (IGF). This annual forum provides a platform for international agencies, governments, Internet professionals, businesses, and civil society organizations to collaboratively explore Internet development and its intersection with other areas of public policy on an equal footing. 

Internet governance involves collaborative efforts from governments, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community, each playing their respective roles in developing and implementing shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and activities that influence the evolution and utilization of the Internet. (Internet Governance, n.d.)

What are Internet Governance issues?

Internet governance encompasses a diverse array of concerns surrounding the administration, regulation, and oversight of the Internet, involving a complex interplay among various stakeholders such as governments, private enterprises, civil society groups, and technical experts. Key issues within this domain include safeguarding the Internet's infrastructure from cyber threats, striking a balance between data collection and individual privacy rights, ensuring net neutrality to provide equal access, addressing the digital divide, and managing intellectual property concerns. 

Additionally, the governance framework must navigate challenges related to content regulation, domain name system administration, and multi-stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes. The protection of digital rights, handling cross-border data flows, and responding to governance implications brought by emerging technologies further contribute to the intricate web of issues that demand global cooperation and inclusive engagement for effective solutions.

Why are IGFs important?

The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) acts as a collaborative platform for diverse stakeholders to discuss digital public policy, promoting a shared understanding of maximizing digital opportunities and addressing challenges. In its 18th year, the IGF, mandated by the Tunis Agenda from the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and extended until 2025, facilitates year-round activities and culminates in annual meetings. These meetings, convened by the UN Secretary-General and hosted by different countries, provide a space for delegates to exchange policy recommendations, share best practices, and discuss current digital issues. While the IGF does not produce binding outcomes, its outputs influence global and national decision-making bodies. (About the UN IGF, n.d.)

NRIs

National and Regional IGF initiatives (NRIs) are independent groups that spontaneously form to discuss Internet Governance issues within their communities, following the core principles of the global IGF. These initiatives operate autonomously, providing a platform for diverse local perspectives and facilitating dialogue on region-specific internet-related concerns. Essentially, NRIs contribute to the broader goals of the global IGF by addressing unique challenges and priorities within their respective regions. Youth Internet Governance Forum Myanmar is one of the examples of Youth NRIs.

Get to Know About IGF 2024 

The upcoming 2024 IGF is scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following the 2023 meeting in Kyoto, Japan. Announcement Video: https://youtu.be/IRzQfzXuGKU?si=x_xkO9QBcR1zG1yX. 

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