IGF 2025 WS #182 Pick your character!

    Organizer 1: Robbert Hoving, Offlimits
    Organizer 2: Gianni Urlings, ministry of Justice and Security
    Organizer 3: Bastiaan Winkel, 🔒
    Organizer 4: Daan Quaijtaal, Netherlands Ministry of Justice and Security
    Speaker 1: Deborah Vassallo, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Olga Cavalli, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Speaker 3: Dorijn Boogaard, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Moderator
    Gianni Urlings, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Online Moderator
    Daan Quaijtaal, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Rapporteur
    Daan Quaijtaal, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Format
    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: A 60-minute roundtable format is ideal for this activity because it allows for both structured discussion and interactive engagement. The time frame is sufficient to introduce the topic, explain the dialogue game, and allow participants to immerse themselves in their roles. The roundtable setting fosters an equal, open and inclusive environment where all voices can be heard, encouraging diverse perspectives and active participation. This format also facilitates dynamic exchanges and collaborative problem-solving, making it well-suited for exploring the complexities of online content moderation and the benefits of a multistakeholder approach. The roundtable setting provides all participants an equal opportunity to participate in the discussion, which is of the utmost importance both in the game and in online content moderation policy discussions in general, in order to ensure an inclusive, respectful, and equitable digital environment for everyone, grounded in respect for human and digital rights.
    Policy Question(s)
    1. How can we improve collaboration among different stakeholders to achieve more effective online content moderation? 2. What measures can be taken to ensure the voices of underrepresented groups are heard in policy discussions about online content moderation? 3. What are the key challenges and opportunities in implementing a multistakeholder approach to online content moderation, and how can we optimize this approach?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and diverse perspectives within the online content moderation ecosystem. The session will also provide participants with insight into how online harassment infringes on human rights and the ability, in particular for minorities, to fully participate in the digital worldThereby emphazising that robust content moderation, alongside international cooperation, is key to building an inclusive, respectful, and equitable digital environment for everyone. By engaging in a dialogue game, they will experience the roles and viewpoints of various stakeholders, including online platforms, victims of online harassment, government representatives, influencers, politicians, civil society organizations, and advertising companies. This immersive experience will enhance their appreciation of the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive digital environments. Additionally, participants will learn about the importance of a multistakeholder approach and how collaboration between different sectors can shape effective content moderation policies.
    Description:

    As our society becomes more digital, exposure to illegal content with personal consequences increases. Threats like doxing, sextortion, revenge porn, and cyberbullying disproportionately impact women, politicians, and journalists, creating barriers to online inclusivity. These threats undermine human and digital rights in significant ways. Perpetrators often target vulnerable groups and individuals, impairing their digital participation and the broader concept of an open, inclusive digital society where everyone can exercise their rights without fear of exploitation or abuse.Robust and effective content moderation is essential to foster an inclusive digital world and to safeguard the protection of human and digital rights, in particular for vulnerable and marginalized minorities. In the Netherlands, we are promoting collaboration between the internet industry and governments, recognizing that a multistakeholder approach is crucial for shaping the future of online content moderation. During this session, we will share our strategy and offer participants the chance to engage in a dialogue game, immersing themselves as one of the stakeholders. Many stakeholders are part of the online content moderation ecosystem, but not all are well represented in policy discussions. This session aims to include and understand various perspectives, even from those not present. By creating a dialogue game, visitors can ‘pick their characters’ and immerse themselves as one of the stakeholders. This list includes, but is not limited to, online platforms, victims of online harassment, government representatives, influencers, politicians, civil society organizations, and advertising companies. A multistakeholder approach is essential for shaping the future of online content moderation. Through this session, participants can ‘be another stakeholder’ for a while, enhancing their understanding of the ecosystem’s complex and diverse nature. By stepping out of their own ‘roles’ and representing various stakeholders, this session will showcase diverse perspectives and competing interests.
    Expected Outcomes
    Participants will leave the session with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse perspectives within the online content moderation ecosystem. They will gain insights into the importance of a multistakeholder approach and the benefits of collaboration between different sectors. Through the dialogue game, participants will experience the challenges and opportunities faced by various stakeholders, enhancing their empathy and strategic thinking. This immersive experience will equip them with practical knowledge and innovative ideas to contribute to more inclusive and effective content moderation policies. We will also share the game in order to be re-used by participants in their own networks.
    Hybrid Format: Interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees will be encouraged by using Mentimeter to facilitate interaction during the plenary part. After that, the attendees will be divided into break-out groups in which they will participate in a dialogue game representing the diverse stakeholders involved in online content moderation. While the plenary part of the session will bring together both online and onsite participants, the break-out groups will enable online participants to join a break-out group together and onsite break-out groups to play the dialogue game in person. To enhance active engagement, we will share possible arguments and opinions based on the stakeholders they are representing in the dialogue game.