IGF 2025 WS #523 AI, privacy & freedom: securing our digital future

    Organizer 1: Technical Community, African Group
    Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 1: Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi, Technical Community, African Group
    Speaker 2: Esther Mwema, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 3: Muhammed Bello Buhari , Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 4: Shah Zahidur Rahman, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
    Format
    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: A roundtable format is the most suitable choice for this session because it fosters open dialogue, encourages active participation, and allows for a more inclusive exchange of ideas. Given the complexity of digital rights and AI governance, this setup will enable participants to engage directly with experts, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion in a collaborative manner. A 60-minute duration provides enough time to introduce key concepts, explore critical challenges, and generate meaningful takeaways without overwhelming participants. The structure of the session—combining expert insights, interactive discussions, and a co-creation exercise—ensures that the conversation remains dynamic and solutions-oriented. All this will create an interactive and productive environment where participants not only gain insights but also actively contribute to shaping strategies for protecting digital rights in the AI era.
    Policy Question(s)
    1. How can we ensure digital rights protection in an AI-driven world? 2. What are the implications of AI for freedom of expression, privacy, and data governance? 3. How can we promote a more open, fair, and trustworthy digital environment through policy and civic action?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Attendees will leave with: - A good understanding of digital rights challenges in the AI era. - Insights into strategies for promoting an inclusive and ethical digital space. - Opportunities to connect and collaborate with experts and advocates. - Practical tools to engage in digital rights advocacy and influence policy discussions.
    Description:

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we interact with the digital world, raising critical concerns around digital rights, privacy, data governance, and inclusion. As advanced technologies become more embedded in our daily lives, ensuring a fair, open, and trustworthy internet is more important than ever. This workshop will explore the risks and opportunities AI presents for digital rights. We will examine how AI systems impact freedom of expression, data protection, and non-discrimination, particularly for marginalized communities. Through an interactive and collaborative approach, participants will gain insights into practical solutions and strategies for safeguarding digital rights. The session programme includes : • Icebreaker Activity - Engaging participants and fostering networking opportunities. • Expert Panel Discussion – Exploring key challenges and best practices in digital rights and AI governance. • Co-Creation Exercise – Identifying actionable steps and policy recommendations. • Wrap-Up & Takeaways – Summarizing insights and outlining next steps. We also plan to create visual notes with the help of an illustrator to capture key points and share them widely after the session.
    Expected Outcomes
    - Enhanced understanding of the intersection between AI and digital rights. - Concrete recommendations to strengthen digital rights protections worldwide. - A growing network of youth leaders committed to digital inclusion and rights. - A visual report summarizing discussions and policy suggestions.
    Hybrid Format: 1. On-site and online moderation will ensure balanced participation between speakers and attendees. 2. Real-time engagement will be facilitated to integrate virtual audience input. 3. Participants will be encouraged to share insights via collaborative tools and interactive discussions.