Session
Speaker 1: Luana Maria Barbosa da Luz, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Ricardo Chica Reino, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Arnaldo de Santana, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 4: Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Ricardo Chica Reino, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Arnaldo de Santana, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 4: Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Moderator
Arnaldo de Santana Silva, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Online Moderator
Alithu Bazan , Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Rapporteur
Alithu Bazan , Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is the most effective structure for this session, as it ensures an open, interactive discussion where diverse perspectives can be equally valued. Given the complexity of digital exclusion, a traditional panel format would limit engagement, whereas a roundtable allows dynamic exchanges and collaborative problem-solving. The 60-minute duration ensures a focused yet impactful conversation, allowing it to have a concise thematic presentation to introduce key challenges and observations and a guided discussion to engage attendees in meaningful dialogue. The final reflections will summarize takeaways and propose advocacy strategies worldwide. The room layout will be designed to foster direct interaction among speakers and participants, encouraging real-time engagement and actionable recommendations. This setup creates a collaborative space that challenges policymakers and the private sector to actively engage in digital inclusion efforts.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is the most effective structure for this session, as it ensures an open, interactive discussion where diverse perspectives can be equally valued. Given the complexity of digital exclusion, a traditional panel format would limit engagement, whereas a roundtable allows dynamic exchanges and collaborative problem-solving. The 60-minute duration ensures a focused yet impactful conversation, allowing it to have a concise thematic presentation to introduce key challenges and observations and a guided discussion to engage attendees in meaningful dialogue. The final reflections will summarize takeaways and propose advocacy strategies worldwide. The room layout will be designed to foster direct interaction among speakers and participants, encouraging real-time engagement and actionable recommendations. This setup creates a collaborative space that challenges policymakers and the private sector to actively engage in digital inclusion efforts.
Policy Question(s)
1. What structural and policy barriers prevent marginalized communities, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and people experiencing homelessness, from accessing digital government services? How do unstable housing and unreliable connectivity exacerbate digital exclusion?
2. How can digital government initiatives be redesigned to ensure accessibility, security, and meaningful participation for vulnerable populations in decision-making processes?
3. What role should governments, private actors, and the technical community play in addressing digital exclusion? How can they collaborate to create governance models that prioritize equity, digital rights, and inclusive infrastructure?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will explore the systemic barriers that prevent LGBTQIA+ individuals and people experiencing homelessness from fully accessing digital government services. Unstable housing and unreliable connectivity heighten risks such as digital surveillance, data insecurity, and exclusion from essential online services. Through real-world case studies and firsthand accounts, this session will examine how digital exclusion reinforces social inequalities. Civil society and academia experts will highlight best practices and advocacy strategies to bridge these gaps. Attendees will leave with a deeper awareness of the urgent need for structural change and concrete recommendations for governments and private actors to enhance accessibility, participation, and data security. This session aims to challenge decision-makers, foster cross-sector collaborations, and equip participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for a more inclusive, rights-based digital governance framework.
SDGs
Description:
As digital government initiatives expand across the Americas, vulnerable communities—including LGBTQIA+ individuals and those experiencing homelessness—face significant barriers to accessing essential services. These obstacles arise from exclusionary digital policies, rigid identification systems, the strong link between housing and digital exclusion, and the absence of mechanisms that ensure marginalized voices are included in decision-making processes. Accessing government services, healthcare, and job opportunities increasingly relies on having stable internet access, personal devices, and a fixed address. For individuals without secure housing, this presents a daily challenge. Many rely on public WiFi or borrowed devices, which exposes them to data breaches, cyberattacks, and surveillance. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those displaced due to family rejection, housing instability further limits safe digital access, increasing their vulnerability to discrimination and online dangers. The relationship between housing and technology is critical. Many digital platforms require a permanent address or phone number, excluding those living in unstable situations. Without digital security, these communities face risks such as identity theft, misinformation, and systemic exclusion from vital online spaces. This interactive workshop, led by experts from civil society and academia, will explore digital exclusion through real-world case studies and personal experiences. Speakers will highlight the shortcomings of current digital governance models and propose public consultations that engage homeless and LGBTQIA+ communities in the design of digital policy. They will also share best practices, policy recommendations, and infrastructure improvements to ensure free and secure internet access. Rather than a traditional multi-stakeholder discussion, this session focuses on those working directly with vulnerable communities, advocating for structural change, public consultations, and inclusive digital infrastructure.
As digital government initiatives expand across the Americas, vulnerable communities—including LGBTQIA+ individuals and those experiencing homelessness—face significant barriers to accessing essential services. These obstacles arise from exclusionary digital policies, rigid identification systems, the strong link between housing and digital exclusion, and the absence of mechanisms that ensure marginalized voices are included in decision-making processes. Accessing government services, healthcare, and job opportunities increasingly relies on having stable internet access, personal devices, and a fixed address. For individuals without secure housing, this presents a daily challenge. Many rely on public WiFi or borrowed devices, which exposes them to data breaches, cyberattacks, and surveillance. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those displaced due to family rejection, housing instability further limits safe digital access, increasing their vulnerability to discrimination and online dangers. The relationship between housing and technology is critical. Many digital platforms require a permanent address or phone number, excluding those living in unstable situations. Without digital security, these communities face risks such as identity theft, misinformation, and systemic exclusion from vital online spaces. This interactive workshop, led by experts from civil society and academia, will explore digital exclusion through real-world case studies and personal experiences. Speakers will highlight the shortcomings of current digital governance models and propose public consultations that engage homeless and LGBTQIA+ communities in the design of digital policy. They will also share best practices, policy recommendations, and infrastructure improvements to ensure free and secure internet access. Rather than a traditional multi-stakeholder discussion, this session focuses on those working directly with vulnerable communities, advocating for structural change, public consultations, and inclusive digital infrastructure.
Expected Outcomes
This roundtable will create a collaborative space where civil society and academia highlight the barriers LGBTQIA+ individuals and people experiencing homelessness face in accessing digital government services. By amplifying these perspectives, the session aims to challenge policymakers and private sector actors to recognize their role in fostering digital inclusion. Expected outcomes include:
1. Greater awareness of structural exclusions in digital governance and the need for inclusive frameworks.
2. Concrete recommendations for governments and private actors to improve digital accessibility.
3. Opportunities for collaboration, fostering connections between researchers, activists, and decision-makers to translate discussions into policy reforms.
4. A follow-up policy brief consolidating insights and supporting advocacy beyond IGF.
This session will drive commitments toward more participatory, plural, and human rights-based digital governance by prioritizing inclusivity and interactive dialogue.
Hybrid Format: To ensure a prosperous and inclusive hybrid experience, this roundtable will integrate both onsite and online participants using the IGF’s virtual tools and additional interactive platforms. The Facilitating Interaction proposed will have:
1. A moderation, actively engaging online and onsite attendees, ensuring balanced participation.
2. Live polling and Q&A tools that will allow real-time contributions from all participants.
Pre-Session Digital Strategy:
1. Before the roundtable, we will engage members of affected communities (LGBTQIA+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, Indigenous and Quilombola groups) to identify key issues shaping the discussion.
2. Direct outreach will be made to shelters, public services, and advocacy organizations working with these communities.
3. If representatives from policymaking and private sectors are present, they will be encouraged to provide responses to the issues raised.
This strategy ensures that the session reflects the real experiences of marginalized groups, making the discussion more coherent, representative, and action-oriented.