IGF 2019 WS #401 Inclusion online, diverse knowledge: new rules?

Description: The workshop explores the need to ensure the internet can be an inclusive space that fosters diversity and access to knowledge for everyone. As new groups come online, existing norms and policies will be tested due to legitimate needs and interests of different stakeholders, incl. youth, minorities, and vulnerable groups from various regions. This means that existing governance systems and legislation need to be open to meaningful contributions for populations that are yet to join the internet. The complex relationship between the right to freedom of expression and safe participation in knowledge for everyone, including newcomers, presents a challenge that all sectors need to tackle together. Agenda: - Introduction and framing of the topic by the team of organizers (5 minutes) - Expert discussion (50 minutes) This session will explore potential governance responses to the interests of new groups as well as roles and responsibilities of different sectors along the following topical questions: -- Who is coming online? What are their needs and interests? -- What are the problems and challenges that prevent new groups from participating in knowledge online? -- How do new groups perceive the relationship between freedom of expression and participation? -- How can regulation and community norms work together to balance flexibility of governance with protection for vulnerable groups online? - Q&A with audience (25 minutes) - Conclusion and wrap-up by team of organizers (10 minutes) To facilitate a lively round-table discussion that explores the difficult questions the internet faces with regard to inclusion of new groups, the team of organizers will prepare four short interventions that will encourage the speakers and the audience to think outside of existing frameworks. During the conclusion, the organizers will present a summary of the discussion and an outline of potential policy responses that have emerged from it.

Expected Outcomes: As an outcome of the session, the organizers expect to deliver a rough outline of the most important challenges, potential policy responses, and proposed responsibilities that will be distilled from the discussion. Organizers will work with the speakers in the months leading to the Forum to prepare a shared understanding of the topic and possible questions that will build the foundation of a fruitful conversation.