Session
Organizer 1: Hounaz Beheshti, RNW Media
Organizer 2: Sebastian Becker, EDRi
Speaker 1: Hamidan Reema, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Kalonji Trésor, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Sebastian Becker, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Hounaz Beheshti, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
MacGuire Rhona, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
MacGuire Rhona, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Round Table - Circle - 90 Min
How can the international society take on a meaningful role in addressing digital rights violations from a multi-stakeholder point? (in other words how can we encourage more collaboration among the main actors of the field to achieve our goal?)
How can we hold tech giants accountable to offer more transparency in their online strategies?
How can we make sure context-inspired solutions that can work locally, are taken onboard the discussions around free and open internet in a meaningful way? (so we can work towards further decolonising the internet)
How can we work together to influence related policies
Connection with previous Messages: -
5.1
5.5
5.b
5.c
16.8
Targets: 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women: by raising awareness about online gender discriminations and exploring ways to overcome those
5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life: by shedding light on the importance of women participation in online discussions (political, etc.)
5.b: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women: by emphasising women access to safe and inclusive platforms where they can meaningfully engage with important topics and access reliable information
5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels: by directing the conversations at policy makers and areas of concern to help improve online regulations so that they foster better and safer spaces for women
16.8: Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance: by emphasising the importance of decolonization and globalization of internet and digital rights
16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements: by discussing ways to combat dis-information online
Description:
In today's world digital rights have become an inseparable part of human rights. As the internet penetrates all corners of the world, so do internet governance technologies that – amongst other things – can threaten freedom of expression and gender equality. From propaganda-circulating bots to biased algorithms designed to maximise platform usage or spread of disinformation, public opinion is constantly manipulated by AI and online spaces are becoming less safe and inclusive. Users are lost in online echo chambers, encountering information that reflects and reinforces their own. Without access to alternative realities, users may end up in a filter bubble – a state of intellectual isolation. On the other hand, biased algorithms deepen the gender gap online. Censoring content related to, for example, female body, limits the access of women to crucial information; women who are sometimes already oppressed in their context and turn to online platform as an alternative civic space that allows them to share their thoughts, ask their questions and speak up.
In the first half of our session, we would like to draw attention to this algorithmic segregation in restrictive settings and its impact on civic inclusion. In the second half, we wish to talk about the impact of these online barriers on meaningful participation of women. Therefore, we are inviting multiple stakeholders in the field to initiate the conversation on what can be done to reverse the negative effects of biased algorithms.
To look at the role of biased AI algorithms in causing social fragmentation and widening the gender gap online, we will:
- Share the perspective of the European Union (EDRI) on internet governance;
- Hear examples from developing countries on the impact of biased algorithms on their online work when it comes to 1- access to reliable information and 2- gender equality;
- Hear from an NGO representative on the role of civil society organisations as trusted flaggers;
- Hear from a representative from tech for good, on how the tech giants can adopt better moderation and content policies that contribute better to a free and safe internet for all
The ultimate goal is to apply a multi-stakeholder lens to the topic and arrive at the shared understanding that discussions around internet governance should be decolonized and globalized further.
Audience is encouraged to see the negative impact of baised algorithms, will become further aware of the disruptive role of AI and gains insight into European policies on digital rights
Discussions will shed light on the role of different stakeholders and draws attention to the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach towards the topic of digital rights, its decolonisation and globalisation
The audience will be exposed to first-hand experience, shared by our colleagues from Congo and Libya, on how it is to work in online spaces in restrictive settings, what are the challenges and what can work as a solution
Hybrid Format: Engagement:
There will be two moderators, one onsite and one online, facilitating the discussions.
onsite audience will be given colored signs to raise in case of agreement or dis-agreement with the claims.
both online and offline audience are encouraged to participate in opinion polls.
online audience will be encouraged to express thoughts on the online platforms.
a hashtag will be introduced to encourage social online participation of all.
Session design:
The first half of the session will be dedicated to the topic of social fragmentation, the second half will cover gender gap. At the end of both halves we will offer opportunity for Q&A;
The session will end in an elaborate Q&A.
Tools for audience participance:
Online polls (online)
Yes/no sign (onsite)
Social media hashtags
Usage of IGF Official Tool.