Description: This session builds on a lightening session tackling 'emerging technologies and rights future' organised at IGF Paris 2018. the main outcome placed the accountability discussion at the heart of the issue of how data driven tech companies and their products affect users' rights. The session will start by framing the discussion to focus on the importance of setting up an accountability mechanism that tech companies ought to comply with before handing the floor to the speakers to elaborate alternatively on the three specified policy questions on: the pillars of an accountability framework, how to build a system of values and defining the main challenge to deploying a standard accountability mechanism. The interaction with audience on the same questions will form the outcome by providing concrete suggestions on the feasibility of implementing policies that can influence a robust accountability mechanism. This latter can be adopted by tech companies while developing their technology. An accountability mechanism could also inform tech companies on how to set up a system of values taking into account the challenges than can stand against making it a reality.
The session will wrap up by consolidating feedback on any other pending aspects that we could develop in future sessions.
Expected Outcomes: 1)Common understanding and defining the pillars of accountability in the digital age
2)The main criteria of a system of values, policy considerations, and how users can be involved in technological development and policy processes to influence decisions in both fora
3)Crystalise standardising accountability concept and explore options to the main challenges to deploy it