IGF 2024 Lightning Talk #91 Leveraging AI for Human Rights Protection in East Asia

    Digital Communication Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
    1. Wontae Lee, Former President of Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA), Visiting Professor of Hongik University
    2. Yongsuk Hwang, Director/Professor, Digital Communication Research Center at Konkuk University
    3. Jaekwan Jeong, A Manager, Kakao,
    4. Jinhwa Ha, A Manager, Kakao
    5. Ock Heo, Public Policy Director, Meta Korea

    Speakers

    1. Yongsuk Hwang, Director/Professor, Digital Communication Research Center at Konkuk University
    2. Jinhwa Ha, A Manager, Kakao
    3. Ock Heo, Public Policy Director, Meta Korea

    Onsite Moderator

    Wontae Lee (Hongik University)

    Rapporteur

    Jaekwan Jeong (Kakao)

    SDGs

    4. Quality Education


    Targets: This panel session on leveraging AI for human rights protection in East Asia directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

    SDG 4 (Quality Education):
    Target 4.5: By addressing the safe and inclusive use of digital platforms through AI, the session supports eliminating disparities and promoting inclusive education environments.
    Target 4.7: The discussion on ethical AI use and governance frameworks promotes the acquisition of knowledge to advance sustainable development.
    Target 4.a: The emphasis on AI governance for protecting vulnerable populations aligns with creating inclusive and effective learning environments.
    SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
    Target 5.1 and 5.5: The session’s focus on combating digital rights infringements against minorities, including women, through AI supports ending discrimination and promoting women’s participation and leadership.
    Target 5.b: Highlighting AI technologies' role in enhancing the empowerment of women through more inclusive digital platforms.
    SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
    Target 10.2: Discussions on AI-based frameworks for digital rights protection promote the inclusion of all, irrespective of personal and social attributes.
    Target 10.3: By proposing new governance structures and policies that include diverse stakeholders, the session supports the reduction of inequalities and the elimination of discriminatory practices.
    This panel will provide insights into how AI can be harnessed effectively to not only enhance digital governance but also ensure that these technological advances benefit all sectors of society, thereby supporting key objectives of the SDGs related to education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

    Format

    Onsite Presentation

    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description

    In the evolving landscape of global digital governance, the imperative to safeguard human rights within digital platforms is increasingly acknowledged. This panel at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) focuses on digital rights challenges in East Asia, evaluating how AI-based self-regulation can be customized to regional needs. This session will blend insights from real-life cases, platform norms, and specific instances of digital rights violations in East Asia to discuss how AI technology can bolster human rights protections.

    Panel Composition:

    Yongsuk Hwang (Konkuk University): "Typologies of Threats to Human Rights on Digital Platforms in East Asia"
    Abstract: This presentation will categorize examples of human rights threats in East Asia emerging from digital platforms, utilizing AI technology. It proposes a governance framework for AI to effectively combat hate speech, discrimination, and misinformation such as deepfakes, focusing on minority rights.
    Jinhwa Ha (Kakao): "AI and Human-Centric Approaches to Digital Rights at Kakao"
    Abstract: This talk will cover Kakao's policies against hate speech and the construction of harmful speech corpora for youth, showcasing automated methods to safeguard digital rights. Principles for using AI to benefit humanity, based on practical policy examples, will also be discussed.
    Ock Heo (Meta, Director of Public Policy, Korea): "AI-Based Self-Regulation and Governance in Protecting Digital Rights on Facebook and Instagram in East Asia"
    Abstract: This presentation will analyze instances of digital rights infringements on Facebook and Instagram in East Asia, introducing Meta's AI-driven self-regulatory techniques and governance models.
    Panel Discussion: "Collaborative Governance and Human-Centric AI: Creating Respectful and Diverse Digital Spaces"
    Abstract: The panel discussion will focus on collaborative governance and the utilization of human-centric AI technologies to protect digital rights and respect diversity among minorities. The discussion aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue on integrating these frameworks into broader platform policies, enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
    Additional Insights:
    As digital ecosystems evolve, the need to protect human rights online remains a crucial issue for stakeholders globally. This session will delve into how AI technology can be adapted by platforms for content moderation, hate speech detection, and privacy protection to meet specific regional challenges in East Asia. By examining effective strategies and potential pitfalls, this session will provide a nuanced view of how digital platforms can use AI to promote public good, with a particular focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI implementation.

    If the panel proposal is accepted, notable platforms from Asia, including ByteDance from China have also expressed their interest in participating. We plan to form a more expansive panel to incorporate a wider range of perspectives and insights.


    1) Facilitating Interaction Between Onsite and Online Speakers and Attendees:
    -Dual-Mode Engagement: Utilize a high-quality video conferencing platform that supports seamless live streaming of the session to ensure both onsite and online participants can view and participate in real-time.
    - Equip onsite locations with large screens displaying online attendees to create a sense of inclusivity.

    2) Designing the Session to Ensure Optimal Experience for All Participants:
    -Pre-Session Testing and Tech Support: Conduct pre-session connectivity tests for all speakers, regardless of their location, and provide technical support to address potential issues in advance. This ensures that every speaker can present without technical interruptions.

    3) Complementary Online Tools/Platforms to Increase Participation:
    Post-Session Engagement: Provide a recording of the session on the event platform for later viewing and continue the dialogue post-event through dedicated forums or discussion groups to sustain the momentum of the session topics.