Session
International Information Security School
Arevik Martirosyan - is a PhD candidate and researcher at the Institute of Contemporary International Studies of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Head of International Information Security School, accredited at UN Open Ended Working Group on ICT;
Andrey Aleinikov – is a public relations specialist at a Coordination Center for TLD RU/РФ and the chairman of the Coordination Center Youth Council.
Daniele Turra - Internet Society Alumni, Business Analyst, Italy;
Anastasiia Saveleva - Assistant professor at The Bonch-Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications, Academy, Eastern Europe;
Denise Leal - Lawyer, researcher in Brasilia University (UnB), LAC representative in Youth Coalition on Internet Governance steering committee, and member of YouthLACIGF organizing team;
Athanase Bahizire - Co-coordinator, Youth IGF DRC, Africa;
Daria Stepovaya - member of the executive board,International Information Security School, Consultant of the Digital Transformation Department of the State Autonomous Institution "Center for Information Technologies", Academy, Russia.
Andrey Aleinikov
Arevik Martirosyan
Targets: Providing personal sovereignty on the Internet necessitates enhancing policy coherence worldwide, promoting the rule of law at both national and international levels, and ensuring equal access to justice for all. This concept underscores the importance of aligning policies globally to safeguard individuals' rights in the digital realm. By enhancing policy coherence, countries can work together to establish frameworks that protect personal data, privacy, and digital rights consistently across borders. This collaboration is crucial to address the challenges posed by the immense power of corporate actors in the digital sphere, ensuring that individuals are not subject to arbitrary control or exploitation by these entities.
Speakers will provide their insights on the theme and then moderator will conduct Q&A.
Discussing self-sovereign identities in the context of managing personal data on the Internet is gaining popularity. The concepts of personal sovereignty and complete control over who can access our data and under what conditions are highly appealing. However, numerous technical and economic challenges hinder the realization of personal sovereignty. The advancement of electronic document management could potentially diminish personal sovereignty over time. A prominent case study in this field is Solid, a project by Tim Berners-Lee, a pioneer of the Internet, aimed at decentralizing the web and empowering users with data control. Initiatives like Solid and similar projects have the potential to prompt a reassessment of current data management practices and a reshaping of the social networks and services market. Topics for discussion during the session may include: The feasibility of such projects The possibility of achieving the same level of convenience in a decentralized system like Solid compared to today's centralized services The implications and costs for users transitioning to such a system Potential new opportunities for users The impact on the advertising market Funding sources for decentralization and technology development Evaluating whether user privacy justifies the associated changes
At the start of the session, the moderator will provide the opening remarks, establishing the framework for the discussion. Thereafter, the speaker will take the stage and highlight the core theme of the session. The moderator will then encourage interactive dialogue between both online and in-person participants. Finally, the moderator will summarize the key points covered and conclude the session.
Report
1. Balancing Sovereignties: the interplay between personal and state sovereignty in the digital age highlights the tension between individual privacy rights and national security priorities. Regulatory frameworks like GDPR demonstrate efforts to empower users while maintaining state governance.
2. Role of Decentralization: decentralized systems like Solid, championed by Tim Berners-Lee, offer innovative solutions for personal data control by enabling secure storage and consent-based sharing, fostering trust and reducing data hoarding.
3. Challenges of digital sovereignty: the pursuit of digital sovereignty can lead to internet fragmentation, where states impose restrictive measures that hinder global collaboration and innovation.
1. Policy Advocacy: support the development and harmonization of international policies that uphold individual digital rights and ensure equitable access to digital justice globally.
2. Promote Interoperability: advocate for the development of interoperable decentralized systems to ensure seamless global connectivity and cooperation while respecting national digital sovereignty.
The concept of personal sovereignty on the Internet has emerged as a critical topic in the digital age. This idea revolves around an individual’s ability to control their data—determining who has access to it and under what conditions. While appealing in theory, achieving this level of control faces significant technical, economic, and social challenges. This session explores evaluates the implications of self-sovereign identities, decentralized systems, and the balance between personal and state sovereignty.
Key Themes and Discussions
1.
Defining Personal Sovereignty
Personal sovereignty on the Internet refers to individuals’ rights to informational self-determination. This encompasses understanding what information is collected, who collects it, for what purposes, and with whom it is shared. Current centralized systems often deprive users of these rights, leading to calls for greater user control and transparency.
2.
Challenges to Implementation
While decentralized technologies like Tim Berners-Lee’s Solid offer a promising vision for personal sovereignty, several barriers persist:
·
Technical: building scalable and user-friendly decentralized systems is complex.
·
Economic: transitioning to decentralized systems involves significant costs for both providers and users.
·
Social: public awareness and adoption of these systems remain low, especially in marginalized communities.
3.
Impacts on Marginalized Communities
·
Indigenous Data Sovereignty: indigenous communities often lack adequate protections for their data, making them vulnerable to misuse. For example, the geographical data of Brazil’s indigenous populations has been misused historically, leading to severe consequences such as displacement and violence.
·
Refugee Data Rights: refugees are often required to provide sensitive biometric data to access basic rights. In Colombia, for instance, Venezuelan migrants must submit biometric information, raising concerns about consent and long-term data security.
4.
The Balance Between Personal and State Sovereignty
The interplay between personal sovereignty and state sovereignty creates tensions. States prioritize national security and governance, which sometimes conflict with individual privacy rights. For example:
·
The European Union emphasizes data protection and privacy as fundamental rights through frameworks like GDPR.
·
In contrast, countries like China focus on state control, aiming to balance social stability and national interests.
5.
The Role of Decentralized Systems
Solid, a decentralized platform, offers a vision where individuals maintain full control over their data. Key features include:
·
Digital envelopes for secure data exchange.
·
Consent certificates that provide transparency in data usage.
·
Competitive advantages for businesses, such as reduced storage costs and improved data governance. However, questions remain about whether decentralized systems can match the convenience and efficiency of today’s centralized platforms.
The journey towards personal sovereignty on the Internet is fraught with challenges but holds transformative potential. By addressing technical and economic barriers, prioritizing marginalized communities, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, we can move closer to a digital future that respects and empowers individuals.