Session
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The round table format allows an informal debate on the presentation of the digital platform regulation public consultation systematization and the pressing topics divided into three main issues raised in the consultation: digital sovereignty, content moderation and power asymmetries. The 90 minutes duration open space for participation in the debate of the results, raising multiple views, stimulation audience questions & answers.
In 2023, the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) held an open consultation on Digital Platforms Regulation, which received more than 1,300 contributions. The results of this wide-ranging consultation were analyzed, generating an important subsidy from a local and bottom-up perspective for the regulation of digital platforms. The document details definitions and criteria for classifications of digital platforms, maps out risks offered by the activities they carry out, presents measures suggested as potentially capable of mitigating the risks and discusses governance models and actors involved needed to implement regulation initiatives. This is an important contribution to future discussions on the governance of digital markets and services. Also, results provide general guidelines to the development of consistent regulatory frameworks, capable of maintaining an adequate balance between opportunities and risks associated with the digital transformation process. The consultation produced a map of perspectives on digital platforms regulation that encourages multistakeholder agreements . Thanks to the massive participation, it was possible to systematize different positions and disputes between the private sector, civil society, the scientific and technological community and government. The open forum aims at presenting and debating the Consultation carried out by CGI.br and its systematization, both a qualified and in-depth subsidy for regulating digital platforms. The results bring in a perspective of the global south on platform regulation and can also ilustrates a policy initiative structured in a bottom-up, participatory and multistakeholder process.
To ensure proper interaction between the online and onsite audience, the session will count with onsite and online moderators. During the session, the onsite moderator will be responsible to oversee the interventions and interacting with the speakers, to ensure that the session’s goals will be sought appropriately. Also, the moderator will care for safeguarding the due balance to meet diversity expectations within the interventions, either by the speakers or the audience. The online moderator will take care of the flow of questions within all the online tools involved in the session. He/she will read, select and guarantee that the onsite moderator will be aware of questions and comments from the remote audience (Zoom Chat and Q&A). Finally, the rapporteur will ensure to capture all the highlights and critical information of the session to list key takeaways for the short report and consolidate a further final report to be delivered to the IGF Secretariat. The organization team will also be alert to help participants with any technical issues and delays they may have to avoid negatively impacting the session dynamics.
CGI.br
Juliano Cappi, NIC.br, Technical Community, GRULAC Juliana Oms, NIC.br, Technical Community, GRULAC Henrique Faulhaber, CGI.br, Private Sector, GRULAC
Renata Mielli - Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), Government, GRULAC Cristiano Flores - Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert), Private, Sector, GRULAC Rafael Evangelista - Campinas State University (UNICAMP), Technical Community, GRULAC Bia Barbosa - Right to Communication and Democracy (Diracom), Civil Society, GRULAC Raul Echeberria, Latin-American Internet Association (ALAI), Private Sector, GRULAC
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Targets: While digital platforms have undeniably made significant contributions to the Millennium Development Goals, their impact is not without its challenges and limitations. The proliferation of misinformation and harmful content on social media platforms has undermined efforts to promote education, awareness on critical issues, and to protect democracy. Additionally, their dominance in the digital space raises concerns about data privacy, monopolistic practices, and their overall influence on global development agendas. Furthermore, while digital platforms have the potential to empower grassroots movements and amplify marginalized voices, they can also exacerbate existing power dynamics, inequalities and promote radicalism. Therefore, while acknowledging their contributions, it's imperative to address these challenges and ensure that digital platforms serve as genuine enablers of sustainable development and social justice.
Report
Multistakeholder Approach to Platform Regulation in Brazil: A Comprehensive Discussion
The regulation of digital platforms has emerged as a critical global issue, given their profound impact on economies, democracy, human rights, and innovation. In 2023, the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) held an open consultation on the issue. The results of this wide-ranging consultation were analyzed, generating an important subsidy from a local and bottom-up perspective for the regulation of digital platforms. The Open Forum provided an opportunity to present the results of these consultations and to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with regulating digital platforms. The debate underscored the importance of collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector in creating effective and balanced regulatory frameworks.
Key Insights from Panelists
Henrique Faulhaber, CGI.br board member and moderator of the session, opened the discussion by highlighting the multistakeholder governance model adopted in Brazil. He emphasized that platforms, while providing indispensable services, also pose significant risks related to economic concentration, misinformation, and threats to democracy. These complexities necessitate a nuanced regulatory approach that balances diverse interests. CGI.br's consultation process sought to address three fundamental questions: who should be regulated, what should be regulated, and how regulation should be implemented.
Juliano Cappi, manager of CGI.br's advisory team, elaborated on the consultation process, which gathered over 1,000 inputs from government, civil society, business, and academia. The findings revealed a wide array of perspectives, highlighting both the risks and opportunities associated with digital platforms. Juliano identified three key pillars of regulation:
1. Defining the regulated entity: Establishing clear criteria for which platforms fall under regulatory scope.
2. Mapping risks posed by digital plataforms activities: Addressing issues such as economic concentration, data misuse, and threats to democratic processes.
3. Designing a governance model to implement platform regulation: Balancing state-led regulation with self-regulatory frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency.
Marcelo Fornazin , a representative of the scientific community and researcher at CGI.br, brought a unique perspective by drawing parallels between platform regulation and digital health governance. He explained how the "platformization" of public health systems in Brazil poses risks, such as the concentration of health data in private hands and the privatization of public infrastructure. Marcel emphasized the importance of participatory governance to ensure that digital health policies align with public needs and protect citizens' rights.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eugênio Garcia introduced the concept of digital sovereignty, framing it as the ability of nations to exercise control over their digital infrastructure and data. He highlighted Brazil's leadership in international forums, such as the G20, where issues like misinformation and digital integrity are being addressed. Garcia stressed the need for global platforms to respect national laws, referencing recent conflicts between Brazilian authorities and international tech companies.
From the perspective of civil society, Bia Barbosa stressed the urgency of regulating platforms to safeguard democracy and human rights. She criticized resistance from far-right political groups and the lobbying efforts of large tech companies. Bia Barbosa highlighted legislative efforts in Brazil, such as Bill 2630/2020, which focuses on content moderation and transparency, and Bill 2768/2022, which addresses economic regulation inspired by the European Digital Markets Act. She emphasized that these initiatives are vital to addressing the power imbalances created by dominant platforms.
Monica Guise, representing the private sector as Meta's head of public policy in Brazil, offered a different viewpoint. While acknowledging the need for regulation, Monica cautioned against overly restrictive measures that could stifle innovation and economic opportunities. She highlighted the positive contributions of platforms, particularly in empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth. Monica also reiterated Meta's commitment to participating in regulatory discussions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach.
Main Themes and Takeaways
The session revealed several critical themes in the ongoing debate about platform regulation:
1. The Complexity of Platform Risks:
Platforms pose diverse risks, including economic concentration, data misuse, misinformation, and threats to democracy and human rights. These risks require tailored regulatory approaches that address specific challenges while fostering innovation.
2. The Importance of Multistakeholder Dialogue:
The consultation process highlighted the value of including diverse perspectives in regulatory discussions. The participation of government, civil society, academia, and the private sector highlights the challenges to ensure that regulation is both comprehensive and balanced.
3. The Role of Digital Sovereignty:
The concept of digital sovereignty emerged as a central theme, emphasizing the need for nations to maintain control over their digital infrastructure and ensure compliance with national laws. This is particularly important in the context of global platforms operating across jurisdictions.
4. Balancing Risks and Opportunities:
While platforms present risks, they also offer significant economic and social benefits. The discussion underscored the need for regulation that mitigates risks without undermining the positive contributions of platforms.
Conclusion
The multistakeholder approach to platform regulation in Brazil provides a valuable model for addressing the complex challenges posed by digital platforms. By fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, Brazil is working toward a regulatory framework that balances innovation, economic growth, and the protection of democracy and human rights. The discussions at the IGF 2024 highlighted both the progress made and the work that remains to be done, offering valuable insights for similar efforts worldwide.