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Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum 2024 Taipei Synthesis Document – Draft 0

PREAMBLE

1 Leave a comment on paragraph 1 1 The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024 will be held from 21-23 August in a hybrid format, hosted by Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC) in Taipei. This marks APrIGF’s return to Taipei since the 2016 meeting.

2 Leave a comment on paragraph 2 3 The overarching theme for APrIGF 2024 is “Evolving Ecosystems, Enduring Principles: Shaping Responsible Internet Governance”. The Internet governance landscape in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is continually transforming. Internet connectivity and adoption are steadily increasing, yet the challenges around inclusion, safety and security, affordability, and digital rights remain critical. As Internet ecosystem stakeholders diligently work to address these challenges, the core Internet principles of openness, decentralization, and accessibility for all are still critical today and in the future. With the advent of new and emerging technologies, and the potential for AI to accelerate these new changes, how should we tackle the corresponding governance issues that arise?

3 Leave a comment on paragraph 3 4 The main theme incorporates three high-level thematic tracks, namely “Security & Trust”, “Resilience”, and “Ethical Governance of Emerging Technologies”. High-level thematic tracks were used to enable discussions on cross-cutting issues related to Internet Governance in the APAC region. This allows the APrIGF community to recognize and appreciate the complexity and interrelated nature of diverse Internet Governance issues and understand their significance at a policy level in all economies across the region. Thus, the APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG) adopted a more flexible and all-encompassing approach since the APrIGF 2021 program.

SECURITY & TRUST

4 Leave a comment on paragraph 4 7 The principle of security and trust emphasizes the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures, transparency, and accountability to maintain a trusted and secure Internet environment. As technologies evolve and the Internet ecosystem becomes more complex, safeguarding user data, ensuring information integrity, securing and sustaining stakeholders’ trust, and protecting online identities are paramount. This involves addressing cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, online safety, and the protection of vulnerable groups. A collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is essential to develop effective strategies that not only defend against current threats but also anticipate and mitigate future risks. It is imperative to foster an Internet environment where users feel safe and trust the systems they interact with.

5 Leave a comment on paragraph 5 6 The Internet ecosystem is evolving exponentially due to the continuous development and expansion of technologies, platforms, and services; and driven by innovation, market demands, and emerging technologies. Diverse stakeholders, technological advancements, and the increasingly dynamic nature of ecosystems have introduced many complex issues for the security and trust of the Internet, making it challenging to ensure robust security measures and maintain trust. How can enduring principles and time-tested approaches, built in a collaborative manner for shaping responsible Internet governance, address complex challenges such as cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, information integrity, online safety, online child protection, gender-based violence, and trust in innovation while ensuring the continued smooth and interoperable operation of the Internet?

6 Leave a comment on paragraph 6 0 Under this track, the following sessions will explore some of the non-exhaustive policy areas and questions:

7 Leave a comment on paragraph 7 3 Defending against Digital Deception: Strategies for Preventing Online Scams and Identity Theft ? Link to Proposal Form
– How can stakeholders in the APAC region collaborate to enhance digital security and trust, particularly in preventing online scams and identity theft?

8 Leave a comment on paragraph 8 5 Messaging Scam and Combatting to Protect Human Rights and DemocracyLink to Proposal Form
– How much should telecoms and governments be allowed to access messaging content to prevent scams while protecting privacy and free speech?

9 Leave a comment on paragraph 9 5 Digital Frontlines: Safeguarding Human Rights Defenders in the Cyber AgeLink to Proposal Form
– How can we enhance digital trust and cyber resilience for human rights defenders, while balancing the need for freedom of expression, privacy, and cybersecurity?

10 Leave a comment on paragraph 10 3 Infrastructures of Repression: Cybersecurity and Human Rights in the Asia Pacific Link to Proposal Form
– How can cybersecurity laws balance national security with Internet freedom in APAC?

11 Leave a comment on paragraph 11 2 Digital Bill of Rights: A Systematic Bottom-Up Approach Towards Freedom in the Digital AgeLink to Proposal Form
– What should be included in a ‘Digital Bill of Rights’ to protect against digital authoritarianism?

12 Leave a comment on paragraph 12 12 Charting the Path for a Regional Fact-Checking Coalition in the Asia-Pacific Link to Proposal Form
– How can an APAC coalition tackle existing and emerging challenges in information disorder and fact-checking endeavors?

13 Leave a comment on paragraph 13 5 Platform Accountability in South and Southeast Asia Link to Proposal Form
– How can we harmonize regional approaches to improve social media accountability and safety?

14 Leave a comment on paragraph 14 3 BreaktheSilo: Streamlining Gender Safety in the Digital Space Link to Proposal Form
– How can we create and implement a coordinated, survivor-centric framework for combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)?

15 Leave a comment on paragraph 15 3 Gendered Disinformation – Deepening Understanding and Exploring CountermeasuresLink to Proposal Form
– What policies are needed to combat gendered disinformation and protect targeted individuals?

16 Leave a comment on paragraph 16 2 NetMundial+10, GDC, WSIS+20 – What Else is Happening in the World of Internet GovernanceLink to Proposal Form
– How can the multistakeholder model of Internet governance continue to prevent Internet fragmentation?

RESILIENCE

17 Leave a comment on paragraph 17 2 A resilient Internet is critical for ensuring that communication infrastructure, services, and data exchange remain reliable even in the face of various challenges. A concerted effort by multiple stakeholder groups is required to mitigate disruptions to the Internet. Stakeholders need to work together closely when developing policies that impact the interoperability of the Internet. This need has become more imperative as risks such as natural disasters, climate change, and geopolitical tensions are found to pose substantial threats to the resilience of critical infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region.

18 Leave a comment on paragraph 18 2 To help build resilience at the design stage of the system, a code of practices governing processes (which can include isolation of affected systems and recovery methodologies to restore the continuity of services) should be adopted to mitigate the risk of deploying untested products and processes that could have enormous influence on the functioning of the system as a whole. It is worthwhile to examine evaluating the resilience capabilities of infrastructure before deployment in the networks whether it is private or public cloud, and most importantly, the Internet. Procurement procedures for infrastructure and services should include a declaration of resilience capabilities to build the trust and confidence of both the service providers and the customers.

19 Leave a comment on paragraph 19 2 In the face of growing cyber threats and disruptions, what measures can be taken to improve availability, accessibility, sustainability, and strengthen the resilience of digital infrastructures in the APAC region?  Furthermore, developing technologies with eco-friendly practices is necessary to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of environmental degradation, adhering to existing guidelines or policies. How can stakeholders collaborate and ensure that local communities and businesses have the autonomy and influence to shape their digital futures in alignment with their socio-economic priorities and values?

20 Leave a comment on paragraph 20 0 Under this track, the following sessions will explore some of the non-exhaustive policy areas and questions:

21 Leave a comment on paragraph 21 1 Regulatory Resilience in the Age of Internet FragmentationLink to Proposal Form
– What are the tradeoffs between enhancing national security through regulatory frameworks and risks of Internet fragmentation? How do we address the risks of building isolated online communities?

22 Leave a comment on paragraph 22 3 Digital Leap- Enhancing Connectivity in South AsiaLink to Proposal Form
– More than half of the world’s population who remain offline are located in South Asia, pointing to the importance of efforts in bridging the digital gap. How should public-private partnerships and regional cooperation initiatives assist in accelerating efforts to bridge digital gaps in the region?

23 Leave a comment on paragraph 23 2 Bottom-up Advocacy for a Resilient Internet Link to Proposal Form
– Various decisions made at the local and regional levels have started to affect the Internet and threaten to fragment the global Internet. How should civil society groups in APAC comprehend the types of policy and business decisions that could cause Internet fragmentation?

24 Leave a comment on paragraph 24 1 Internet infrastructure resilience during disaster event – Case Study for the 0403 Taiwan Earthquake, and others Link to Proposal Form
– The earthquake that occurred in Taiwan in early 2024 reminded the global community of the extent to which disasters might disrupt connectivity for users. How did different stakeholders contribute to efforts in ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure in the scenario of natural disasters? 

25 Leave a comment on paragraph 25 3 Striving for EcoInternet, towards a resilient Internet Link to Proposal Form
– While Internet usage continues to increase, ensuring the sustainability of the Internet is considered in decision-making on climate agenda and action plan. Why do we need an EcoInternet to achieve a resilient Internet? Why and how do we address APAC’s lagging progress in “greening” the Internet?

26 Leave a comment on paragraph 26 2 Strengthening the Digital Resilience of Taiwan: with Special Reference to Undersea Cables Link to Proposal Form
– Submarine cables tend to be less visible, notwithstanding their importance in sustaining the global data traffic, particularly amidst rising geopolitical tensions. How do we comprehend the digital resilience of Taiwan as a foundation for the stability of Internet connection in APAC?

27 Leave a comment on paragraph 27 1 Enhancing Internet and Web Standards to Address DNS TamperingLink to Proposal Form
– DNS tampering can undermine the integrity and accessibility of the Internet, leading to censorship and fragmentation. How can we improve Internet standards to enhance transparency and security in DNS blocking and censorship?

28 Leave a comment on paragraph 28 0 Multistakeholderism in the post-GDC era Link to Proposal Form
– The Global Digital Compact might change how discussions on Internet governance take place. How will multistakeholderism change following its adoption?

ETHICAL GOVERNANCE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

29 Leave a comment on paragraph 29 3 Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) present unprecedented opportunities for societal advancement. However, these technologies also introduce significant ethical dilemmas and governance challenges that must be addressed proactively. Ethical concerns remain around transparency in technology design, mitigating bias, privacy and data protection, and the impact on human rights and democracy. If not managed inclusively, these technologies can exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly affecting marginalized communities. Additionally, the environmental impact of technological advancements raises concerns about sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

30 Leave a comment on paragraph 30 2 The multistakeholderism principle has guided the Internet governance ecosystem for the last nearly two decades. But this principle was not adopted in the early days of the Internet when governance was primarily the domain of a few key players. It was in the mid-2000s that the adoption of multistakeholder approach gained prominence, driven by the need for more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. Ensuring ethical governance of emerging technologies would require that governance structures incorporate voices of all stakeholders, especially those historically underrepresented, from the very outset. 

31 Leave a comment on paragraph 31 3 It is crucial to ensure that technologies do not reinforce or create new forms of discrimination, and implementing emerging technologies need to prioritize a rights-based approach to safeguard fundamental rights. Addressing the specific needs of marginalized communities is also vital. This includes ensuring access to technologies and opportunities for meaningful participation in the digital economy and digital socio-political activities.

32 Leave a comment on paragraph 32 0 Under this track, the following sessions will explore some of the non-exhaustive policy areas and questions:

33 Leave a comment on paragraph 33 2 Making AI responsible for financial inclusion –  Link to Proposal Form
– How can AI be used effectively to enhance financial inclusion for vulnerable populations in the APAC region, and what safeguards are needed to address potential challenges and biases in its deployment?

34 Leave a comment on paragraph 34 5 Is Asia-Pacific Ready for AI? Balancing Innovation, Ethical Governance, and Marginalized Needs –  Link to Proposal Form
– As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, addressing governance challenges is crucial to ensuring societal benefits and mitigating risks. Given the APAC region’s diverse cultural, legal, and socio-economic settings, how can experts collaborate to tackle key issues at the intersection of AI innovation and ethical governance?

35 Leave a comment on paragraph 35 1 Building Holistic Resilience to Address Emerging Ethical and Social Challenges in the Digital and AI Age –  Link to Proposal Form
– With emerging technologies rapidly integrating into society, it is essential to address the ethical and social challenges they pose. How can we balance the benefits against risks, showcase case studies of governance gaps, and explore sustainable practices for building inclusive resilience in the digital and AI age?

36 Leave a comment on paragraph 36 1 Contextualising Fairness: AI Governance in Asia –  Link to Proposal Form
– Fairness in AI varies significantly across jurisdictions due to differing socio-cultural contexts. How can we address the challenges of fairness in AI systems, from equality and bias to inclusivity and reliability, in a way that respects regional nuances?

37 Leave a comment on paragraph 37 2 Freedom Online Coalition Regional Dialogue – Asia-Pacific –  Link to Proposal Form
– Explore digital issues and human rights with a focus on Internet and AI governance. How can the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) tackle regional challenges and leverage digital technologies? Discussions will cover the FOC’s role in global initiatives such as the Summit of the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the WSIS+20 review, while addressing regional priorities, opportunities, and gaps in advancing an open, free, and secure digital future.

38 Leave a comment on paragraph 38 4 Health Data Governance through AI Booming Age: A Journey in Taiwan –  Link to Proposal Form
– With over a decade of mandatory secondary use of health insurance data, insights from the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR) on constitutional litigation will highlight the balance between public interests and data subjects’ rights. How can Taiwan’s experiences and legal frameworks inform better practices for health data governance in other regions, and what role should civil society play in advocating for data subjects’ rights?

39 Leave a comment on paragraph 39 1 A Multistakeholder Approach to Safeguarding Information Integrity through Advancing Internet Governance in Asia and the Pacific –  Link to Proposal Form
– In 2024, over 4 billion people across 64 countries will vote, raising significant risks to information integrity due to disinformation campaigns. These threats can deepen societal divides and undermine democracy, especially with AI rapidly amplifying misinformation. How can a multistakeholder approach effectively combat online disinformation and protect information integrity during this critical election year?

40 Leave a comment on paragraph 40 2 ShhorAI: Combating Hate Speech and Fostering an Inclusive Digital Space –  Link to Proposal Form
– How can AI tools be integrated into content moderation to enhance online safety and inclusivity while upholding ethical standards?

41 Leave a comment on paragraph 41 5 Securing Trust: Ethical Governance in Championing Children’s Digital Rights –  Link to Proposal Form
– How can we effectively develop and implement policies to ensure equitable online safety and digital rights for children in APAC, while balancing innovation and ethical considerations?

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