IGF 2025 WS #207 Placing Human Rights at the Center of Multilateral Consensus

    Organizer 1: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Organizer 2: Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Organizer 3: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Speaker 1: in ’t Veld Sophie, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Anstis Siena, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Elizabeth Kolade, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 4: David Kaye, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 5: André Lucas Fernandes, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Format
    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The roundtable format is ideal for highlighting the diverse contexts and experiences of spyware around the world. It allows participants to share their local realities in relation to the global landscape, offering a comprehensive view of how different countries approach regulation and the challenges related to spyware. The exchange of experiences enriches the debate and fosters a deeper understanding of the varied implications and approaches. Additionally, the roundtable dynamic provides a space for voices that are often overlooked. Its collaborative nature facilitates the identification of inclusive and effective solutions for global spyware regulation.
    Policy Question(s)
    A. How can international law balance the need for national security with the protection of civil liberties in the regulation of spyware, and what role do multilateral bodies play in creating global standards? B. What are the key challenges in developing inclusive global standards for spyware regulation, and how can we ensure that the voices and needs of the Global Majority are adequately represented in multilateral discussions? C. How can technology developers be held accountable for ensuring transparency and ethical practices in the design and deployment of surveillance technologies, while addressing concerns of national security and international cooperation?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants in this session will gain a deeper understanding of the complex intersection between human rights, national security, and technology regulation in the context of spyware. They will learn how international law can be leveraged to promote ethical practices and protect civil liberties while ensuring national security needs are met. Attendees will also gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of creating inclusive global standards for spyware regulation, especially from the perspectives of both the Global North and Global Majority. Additionally, participants will have the chance to contribute to an interactive dialogue, sharing diverse viewpoints and helping to shape concrete, practical solutions for strengthening multilateral cooperation and advancing ethical, effective, and transparent spyware regulations.
    Description:

    This session will explore how to place human rights at the core of multilateral consensus on spyware regulation, understanding the role of international law, the challenges in balancing national security with civil liberties, and the responsibility of technology developers to ensure transparency and accountability in surveillance practices. A key element of the session will be exploring how multilateral bodies, like the UN and regional organizations, can create inclusive global standards for spyware regulation that reflect the perspectives and needs of different regions around the world, ensuring all voices are heard and protected. This session offers the unique opportunity to hear from those working on these issues in various regions around the world. Experts from Latin America, Africa, North America, and Europe will share their firsthand experiences and insights, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and solutions for spyware regulation in different political, social, and technological landscapes. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive dialogue, contributing their own perspectives on how to strengthen multilateral cooperation and implement practical solutions for spyware regulation. This session aims to generate concrete recommendations on placing human rights at the center of the conversation, ensuring that the regulatory approaches to spyware are ethical, effective, and inclusive. The global exchange of ideas will provide invaluable insights that help shape a more balanced and human-centered approach to technology regulation
    Expected Outcomes
    The session aims to produce actionable recommendations for integrating human rights into global spyware regulation. Key outcomes will include: A. A shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities in balancing national security with civil liberties. B. Concrete recommendations on multilateral cooperation and global spyware regulation frameworks. C. A policy brief or summary of the session's discussions, highlighting inclusive strategies. D. Identification of potential follow-up initiatives for continued dialogue and collaboration on spyware regulation.
    Hybrid Format: We will adopt a comprehensive approach to ensure seamless interaction between onsite and online participants. The onsite moderator will actively manage and relay questions and comments from both the in-person attendees and the online chat/Q&A platform. The virtual feed will be displayed on a large screen at the venue, ensuring that remote contributions are visible to everyone. Additionally, both in-person and virtual speakers will be encouraged to respond to each other’s points, creating a cohesive discussion instead of isolated dialogues. The session will be organized with concise, targeted presentations followed by plenty of time for Q&A and open discussion, avoiding long speeches that could lose the attention of either group. The outcomes from these interactive segments will be shown live, encouraging further exchange and keeping the session dynamic and engaging for all participants.