IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #80 Launch of the Digital Constitutionalism Database v2

The Digital Constitutionalism Network (DCN) is excited to propose the launch of the Version 2 (V2) of its Digital Bills of Rights (DBRs) database at the IGF 2025. This lightning talk will highlight key findings from an extensive collection and coding process, during which 321 DBRs (published over a 31-year span) have been documented and analyzed. These documents, including WSIS and Internet Governance Forum-related declarations, reflect evolving norms and principles concerning human rights and the Internet. Digital Bills of Rights (DBRs) are foundational declarations, charters, and frameworks articulating rights and governance principles in the digital realm. Developed by national governments, civil society, international organizations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives, DBRs offer a structured response to the growing necessity of embedding constitutional values into digital governance. They address fundamental freedoms, digital inclusion, and the responsibilities of public and private actors in ensuring human rights on the Internet. The second version of the database, compiled in conjunction with the REMIT research project spanning nine European universities and research institutions, provides an unprecedented overview of digital rights evolution and governance trends. Our research has identified 69 distinct rights and governance principles across the DBRs, illustrating a dynamic shift in norms concerning Internet governance and digital rights. A key trend is the increasing number of documents addressing AI governance, particularly since the late 2010s. By showcasing these patterns, the launch event will provide valuable insights for stakeholders, including civil society, national policymakers, international organizations, academics, and technical experts. The IGF 2025 sub-theme of "Universal Access and Digital Rights" serves as a fitting context for this event. The database and its findings contribute directly to discussions on ensuring an inclusive, open, and rights-respecting digital future. Persistent barriers to digital access and rights cannot be effectively addressed without a clear understanding of how digital governance principles have evolved over time. The DBRs database provides crucial evidence of shifting norms, helping stakeholders to craft policies and initiatives that respond to emerging challenges such as Internet fragmentation, digital literacy, and the human rights implications of AI. The launch of the V2 DBRs database at IGF 2025 will provide a platform for critical reflection on the past, present, and future of digital rights. The event will include a walkthrough (tech demo) of the database, allowing participants to explore its features and functionalities. Additionally, a conversation with members of the DC Internet Rights and Principles will provide further context on the evolving landscape of digital rights documents including the Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. By fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, this event will contribute to strengthening digital cooperation and advancing human rights in the digital age. A previous version (V1) of the database is available here: https://digitalconstitutionalism.org/database/ (V2 will replace V1 as of the launch at the IGF 2025)

Due to the nature as a lightning talk, there will be in-person interaction only. We will integrate a number of interactive elements into the session, including the walkthrough through the database (tech demo) and the questions and answers (Q&A) part in the end of the session.