Internet governance

Submission to the IGF Community Public Consultation, January 2019.

During the 2018 IGF in Paris, the contribution of emerging technologies towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was highlighted. 

In the wake of another successful school, it is worth reflecting on AfriSIG’s development and direction – how has it evolved since its inception and how might it continue to grow, in terms of diversity and representation, curriculum development and movement building? 

There was a great deal of expectation around this Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2018 workshop, because algorithms and the right to explanation is a hot topic with numerous concerns but not many answers.

The Dynamic Coalition on Gender and Internet Governance was a unique panel at the 2018 IGF, not only because it was one of the few to have full focus on gender rights, but also because it was a participatory session with presentations from panellists and also engagement by the majority of audience members present.

The session brought together a mixed panel of private, public and government sector representatives. The commentary by panellists reflected their diverse backgrounds, with viewpoints that were at times conflicting and generated discussion among presenters and from audience members alike.

In recent years, the scope and consequences of online disinformation and misinformation campaigns have drawn increasing attention, as concern builds about their ability to exacerbate social polarisation, undermine public trust in the media and influence political decisions.