IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #124 The Role of Integrity Professionals in Digital Cooperation

    Integrity Institute
    Jeff Allen, Chief Research Officer, Integrity Institute David Jay, Community Director, Integrity Institute Sofia Bonilla, Communications Lead, Integrity Institute All speakers are members of civil society and are associated with the Americas region.
    Speakers
    Jeff Allen, Chief Research Officer, Integrity Institute David Jay, Community Director, Integrity Institute Sofia Bonilla, Communications Lead, Integrity Institute All speakers are members of civil society and are associated with the Americas region
    Onsite Moderator
    David Jay
    Rapporteur
    Sofia Bonilla
    SDGs
    5.b
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets: The Integrity Institute advances multiple SDGs through its work protecting the social internet. By promoting safer digital environments free from harassment and algorithmic bias, the Institute supports SDG 5.B's goal of using technology to empower women and bridge the gender digital divide. The organization's focus on combating misinformation and developing governance frameworks directly contributes to SDG 16's vision of building effective, accountable institutions that ensure public access to reliable information. Additionally, the Institute embodies SDG 17's partnership model by connecting technology platforms, civil society, and policymakers, facilitating knowledge sharing across sectors while promoting coherent policy frameworks for sustainable digital development that benefit diverse global communities.
    Format
    -Introduction (10 minutes) Speakers will start with a brief introduction of the Integrity Institute and its mission and establish the core question: How can integrity professionals strengthen digital cooperation? Speakers will then provide an overview of current digital cooperation challenges and highlight gaps in current approaches to digital governance. -Case Study Spotlight (10 minutes) Speakers will present on 1-2 concrete case studies that demonstrate our cooperation with policymakers and civil society. These are cases that will directly connect to the SDGs. -Conclusion and Audience Q&A (10 minutes) Speakers will provide key takeaways, solicit questions, and offer contact information and resources for follow-up.
    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description
    The Integrity Institute (II) will provide a background on its unique work acting as a community-powered think tank. Our community consists of integrity professionals: tech workers building social internet platforms in ways that benefit people, societies, and democracies. Our members are current and former tech workers who have worked at the intersection of platform design, operation, and governance to address hate speech, harassment, tech-facilitated gender based violence, child safety, election integrity, and conflict issues to name just a few. II serves as a crucial bridge between platforms, policymakers, and civil society to strengthen digital cooperation. Drawing on our community's practical experience, we'll present research, case-studies, and policy projects that we worked on with policymakers and civil society. Participants will gain insights into how integrity professionals can help civil society and policymakers understand the intricate workings of internet platforms. The session will provide tools for building effective partnerships across sectors to advance digital cooperation to protect the social internet.

    This is a proposal for a lightning talk, which per the guidelines, are fully in-person.