1. Key Policy Questions and related issues:
The inclusion of Digital integrity of a human person as a new human right: The person's digital profile can be seen as an extension of their body, and just as the physical body, this digital extension should be protected against mutilation, misuse and theft
The right to digital integrity, when guaranteed in Constitution or other human rights legislation, will create an unopposable right for individuals to request that internet governance is always conceived and executed with respect to each individuals' integrity.
Assurance of (self) digital integrity will enhance trust in Governmental Institutions, Platforms, and organizations processing data.
2. Summary of Issues Discussed:
The areas of broad support and agreement were:
- There is a need for quality protection of Humans from digital technology misuses.
- The protection must take the risk of fragmentation of the internet into account.
- Aspects of a person's identity and it's digital identity are not separate from the "real world".
- Recognizing the digital integrity as an extension of bodily and mental integrity enable a novel vision on the protection of individuals.
Areas of no agreement/areas needing further discussion and development:
- Some might view the extension of such rights within Human Rights within the context of criticism of the biased nature of a Human Rights approach.
- This vision where personal data are constituting elements of the individual is contradicting regional approaches where personal data is considered as a commodity, or where personal data is considered as a common good to be managed by the authorities.
- Some fear it could lead to stricter regulation of internet businesses.
7. Reflection to Gender Issues:
Gender Identity also reflects in the digital - and if someone decides to change their gender at some point, that change also reflects in the online world - and doing so should be in the sole control of that person. Lack of protection of Digital Integrity will certainly lead to serious problems and consequences, not only in the digital but also in the physical world.
10. Voluntary Commitment:
All panelists pledged to continue to work to forward the goals of the Internet Governance Forum and the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, in particular towards the Digital Human Rights, ensuring the protection of human rights in the digital era.