Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 1: Sani Suleiman, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Astha Kapoor, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Thobekile Adebayo , Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 4: Heloisa Maria Machado Massaro, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 5: Konstantinos Komaitis, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Astha Kapoor, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Thobekile Adebayo , Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 4: Heloisa Maria Machado Massaro, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 5: Konstantinos Komaitis, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Theater
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: Our IGF chosen session format, which combines a traditional panel discussion setup is strategically chosen to maximize engagement and knowledge sharing. The panel setup allows for focused, structured dialogue among experts, ensuring clear articulation of diverse perspectives on the topic. The 60-minute timeframe provides ample opportunity for in-depth discussion and Q&A, catering to the attention span of both in-person and online attendees.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: Our IGF chosen session format, which combines a traditional panel discussion setup is strategically chosen to maximize engagement and knowledge sharing. The panel setup allows for focused, structured dialogue among experts, ensuring clear articulation of diverse perspectives on the topic. The 60-minute timeframe provides ample opportunity for in-depth discussion and Q&A, catering to the attention span of both in-person and online attendees.
Policy Question(s)
A. What are the specific issues at stake in the contemporary platform governance conversations?
B. Why do we observe more frequent clashes between Big Tech and governments in the Global South compared to the EU region and North America? Is it solely a matter of regulatory capacity, or does it reflect a power imbalance where Big Tech feels less accountable in these regions?
C. Given the transnational nature of Big Tech and the varying regulatory capacities of nation-states, what practical mechanisms can be established to foster effective international cooperation in platform governance, accountability across borders, while respecting national sovereignty?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of platform governance, moving beyond simplistic narratives to grasp the nuanced complexities of government-Big Tech clashes. They will acquire insights into diverse regulatory approaches and content moderation challenges through real-world case studies, notably from the Global South. Participants will learn how AI is reshaping this space, and how to navigate the geopolitical dimensions of platform power. This session will equip attendees with actionable knowledge on potential governance models, fostering their ability to critically evaluate and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on responsible digital futures. They will leave with a broadened perspective on the balance between innovation and citizen protection, empowering them to advocate for effective and equitable platform governance.
SDGs
Description:
The initial euphoria surrounding the democratizing potential of social media has given way to a growing recognition of the complex challenges posed by Big Tech. What was once a largely unregulated space is now the epicenter of intense debate, as governments worldwide grapple with the need to balance innovation with the protection of citizens and democratic values. This "techlash" stems from a multitude of concerns, including the spread of misinformation, data privacy violations, anti-competitive practices, and the potential for foreign interference in elections. The rise of artificial intelligence further complicates this landscape, adding new layers of complexity to the already intricate issue of platform governance. This session will look into the critical topic of platform governance, focusing specifically on the increasing clashes between governments and Big Tech companies regarding over-regulation and content moderation. We will explore real-world examples of these conflicts, examining the underlying tensions and the diverse approaches taken by different nations. From Brazil's recent standoff with Rumble and X (formerly Twitter) over election misinformation to the ongoing debates surrounding Meta's content moderation practices in Kenya, we will analyze the specific challenges faced by both governments and tech platforms. The discussion will also address the unique vulnerabilities of countries in the Global South, where weak data protection regulations can leave citizens particularly susceptible to exploitation. The session will bring together experts, and members of the public to explore this complex issue, examining the regulatory landscape, content moderation practices, and potential models for successful platform governance. We will also consider the geopolitical dimensions of these conflicts, recognizing that the actions of multinational tech companies often have implications that transcend national borders. Ultimately, this space aims to contribute to a more informed and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by platform governance in the 21st century.
The initial euphoria surrounding the democratizing potential of social media has given way to a growing recognition of the complex challenges posed by Big Tech. What was once a largely unregulated space is now the epicenter of intense debate, as governments worldwide grapple with the need to balance innovation with the protection of citizens and democratic values. This "techlash" stems from a multitude of concerns, including the spread of misinformation, data privacy violations, anti-competitive practices, and the potential for foreign interference in elections. The rise of artificial intelligence further complicates this landscape, adding new layers of complexity to the already intricate issue of platform governance. This session will look into the critical topic of platform governance, focusing specifically on the increasing clashes between governments and Big Tech companies regarding over-regulation and content moderation. We will explore real-world examples of these conflicts, examining the underlying tensions and the diverse approaches taken by different nations. From Brazil's recent standoff with Rumble and X (formerly Twitter) over election misinformation to the ongoing debates surrounding Meta's content moderation practices in Kenya, we will analyze the specific challenges faced by both governments and tech platforms. The discussion will also address the unique vulnerabilities of countries in the Global South, where weak data protection regulations can leave citizens particularly susceptible to exploitation. The session will bring together experts, and members of the public to explore this complex issue, examining the regulatory landscape, content moderation practices, and potential models for successful platform governance. We will also consider the geopolitical dimensions of these conflicts, recognizing that the actions of multinational tech companies often have implications that transcend national borders. Ultimately, this space aims to contribute to a more informed and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by platform governance in the 21st century.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will gain clarity on the diverse regulatory approaches and content moderation dilemmas faced by governments and Big Tech, particularly in the Global South. We expect to stimulate critical discussion on the impact of AI and the geopolitical implications of platform power. Attendees should leave equipped with insights into potential governance models, fostering their ability to contribute to informed policy debates. We anticipate a strengthened awareness of the need for balanced regulation that safeguards democratic values while promoting innovation. Ultimately, the session seeks to cultivate a more nuanced perspective on the future of platform governance, encouraging collaborative efforts towards a responsible and equitable digital ecosystem.
Hybrid Format: To truly bridge the gap between in-person and online participants during the session, we will rely heavily on active moderation. Our moderators will be more than just technical assistants; they will act as crucial connectors. They will carefully listen to both the people in the room and those joining virtually, noticing the main ideas and where different viewpoints meet or clash. Then, they will clearly summarize these points for everyone, making sure that no one's voice is missed or ignored. This approach ensures that everyone, no matter where they are, feels part of the conversation.
We might as well, depending on the need, use interactive tools like Q&A platforms and online polls, enabling real-time engagement for both in-person and remote attendees.