IGF 2020 WS #249 Democratic principles for Internet Governance

Information

Session

Thematic Track:

Topic(s):

Democracy
Information and disinformation
Platforms

Organizer 1: Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Speaker 1: Christophe Deloire, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Nighat Dad, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Jeremy Hureaux, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format:

Debate - Auditorium - 60 Min

Description:

The Forum on Information and Democracy aims at implementing democratic principles in the global information and communication space. It is supported by a coalition of 36 countries through the International Partnership on Information and Democracy. During this session the Forum will gather representatives of international organizations to discuss their role and involvement in the governance of the global space of information and communication. Special rapporteurs and official representatives from international organizations will be invited to take the floor and bring their own perspective on the path to build an open internet that respect the democratic principles and how they could cooperate with the Forum on Information and Democracy. During this session, they will be invited to recommend major issues to be addressed by the Forum, highlighting the most urgent needs in terms of regulation and self-regulation.

Issues:

This session will outline the major issues of the information and communication space has it impacts democracies around the world and the resilience of societies (disinformation, public and private spaces, promotion of reliable news sources, etc.)

Policy Question(s):

How could the principles outlined in the Partnership on Information and Democracy serve as a framework for the future of the internet? What type of coordination would be set up between the various initiatives?

Expected Outcomes:

Recommendations for major issues to be addressed by the Forum on I&D. Guidelines for cooperation at the international level.

Relevance to Internet Governance: After an initial commitment of more than 30 countries on the basis of the International Declaration on Information & Democracy, the Forum is seeking the involvement and active support of the principles of the Declaration by international organizations. This initiative is a major brick to implement democratic principles in the global space of information and communication.

Relevance to Theme: The International Initiative on Information & Democracy brings a structural approach to implement democratic principles in the global space of information and communication.

Discussion Facilitation:

Attendees will be invited to ask specific questions during the conversation.

Online Participation:

Usage of IGF Official Tool.

SDGs:

GOAL 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
GOAL 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Background Paper

Reference Document