If people ask me about my Kyoto trip, I will tell them about the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023. It was such an eye-opening experience for me. Let’s get to know IGF 2023 a bit, what is it? The IGF 2023 is the 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum which was hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October 2023. The Forum’s theme was: The Internet We Want – Empowering All People. The following sub-themes are: AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment. Let’s continue reading to see how my point of view of the forum is!
HIGHTLIGHT OF THE PROGRAM
The five-day forum was full of different program and sessions and was hosted in a hybrid format as well which some speakers gave a presentation via online. I couldn’t join all the sessions and had to schedule only selected interesting sessions. Its program was such a new experience I witnessed, involving participants from all stakeholders ranking from high-ranking level to youths. Over 355 sessions were featured in the forum with over 80 booths to share their work missions with the participants. The opening ceremony was conducted on the second day and to my surprise, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also gave a speech representing the country host of the IGF 2023.
H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida said in his speech, “Generative AI not only improves operational efficiency, but also, to accelerate innovation in various fields such as drug discovery and development of new treatment, thereby bringing about dramatic changes in the world”.
The United Nations Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres also paid a virtual visit to the forum by recording a video. In his speech, H.E. Mr. Antonio said, “I look to the gathering in Kyoto to provide critical input to advance our collective efforts. Together we can realize the ambition spelled out in the theme of your forum and the internet to empower all people”.
In the evening of the second day, buffet was served with the music night as well as the welcoming firework outside of the conference building.
INTERESTING SESSIONS
As there were over 355 sessions, I couldn’t join all of sessions; therefore, I scheduled sessions I wanted to join. Below are sessions I found very interesting to share in this blog.
EVOLVING TRENDS IN MIS- & DIS-INFORMATION
Digital platform and social media are greatly beneficial to communication and information; however, it is also a concerning when it comes to the spread of inaccurate and falsified content as well as the information that causes harm. So, misinformation is intentionally and disinformation is not. Disinformation spreads through the action of both malicious actors and also mainstream media and social media platforms that are up for engaging ordinary users.
What was so interesting about this session is that different stakeholders came together discussing on the issue and raising different perspective. One of the panelists, Ms. Maria Ressa who is the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, stressed on the risk of advancement of the technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) which could easily be used to spread false narrative. She called on all stakeholders to be cautious as AI is moving ahead of human right now.
An interesting question for all panelists was, what can we do to protect and empower women and girls, refugees, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ people and what tools can they use to protect themselves? It is given the situation that these communities usually bear the brunt of harm caused by online disinformation and misinformation intended to target them.
Ms. Vera Jourova, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, stated that the mantra in the EU treated what illegal offline the same as online as well. She also raised an issue that some big techs are running an attention economy which is the same as dirty business. It’s when those who runs the algorithms were making big money on hatred, alarming news, and dangerous information. The EU also discussed the issue with the big tech and tried to stop them with the legally binding digital services Act.
Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Global Research Institute of the Keio University, responded to the question that attention economy become more serious in the online world than in the real physical world; containing hate speech, disinformation and misinformation. Combining these harmful acts together could become a very impregnable force; therefore, a speedy moderation would be the solution to the problem.
Ms. Maria expressed that EU’s laws that are coming out is the race of the turtles while the technology is coming out every two weeks; therefore, it’s an agile development which human need to move faster and shouldn’t rely on the tech companies alone because their motive is profit.
Nic Suzor, Professor at the Law School at Queensland University of Technology, responded that what lost in this debate is the acknowledgment, that it matters. It’s very difficult for tech companies to know who the online target is. When classifying hateful content, there are only high-level figures. He proposed that we need to be more proactively to ensure that the systems that we are building are built with historical inequality in mind. If we focus on what tools people use, it would be another burden on the people who are already marginalized.
EDUCATION, INCLUSION, LITERACY: MUSTS FOR POSITIVE AI FUTURE
This session focuses on artificial intelligence in higher education. The foundational principles for higher education were initiated globally to promote new literacies. Six principles include: (1) People, not technology must be at the center of our work, (2) We should promote digital inclusion within and beyond our institutions, (3) Digital and information literacy is an essential part of a core education, (4) AI tools should enhance teaching and learning, (5) Learning about technologies is an experiential, lifelong process, and (6) AI research and development must be done responsibly.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE INTERNET GOVERNANCE IN CAMBODIA
In January 2022, Cambodia’s approach to internet governance involves a mix of regulatory frameworks and policies to manage and control various aspects of the internets. The development in Cambodia’s approach to internet governance includes Regulatory Frameworks, Internet Infrastructure, Digital Economy Policy, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cybersecurity, Online Freedom, Social Media and Online Platforms, Data Protection and Privacy, and International Collaboration.
After participating in the IGF 2023, I will continue to contribute to the internet governance in Cambodia by engaging with stakeholders; attend conferences, workshops, and events to build relationships and understand different perspectives. Another contribution would be advocating and raising awareness; promote an open and accessible internet and raise awareness about the importance of digital rights, freedom of expression, and the role of the internet in economic and social development. Lastly, I will join or collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on digital rights, internet freedom, and technology policy.
KYOTO, JAPAN
Japan Government chose just the right and best place to host its conference as Kyoto is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Visiting Kyoto, I find moments of peace and reflection while exploring the serene temples and scenic spots. It has well-maintained gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional landscapes contribute to a tranquil atmosphere. My overall feeling after visiting the city is a combination of admiration for its cultural richness, a sense of tranquility, and a deep connection to Japan’s historical legacy.
SPECIAL THANKS
All the way to IGF 2023 in Kyoto of Japan wouldn’t have been happened for me without a generous support from the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). The support from the ODC not only provided the necessary resources but has also served as a source of motivation and encouragement for youths who advocate internet governance in Cambodia. The impact of the support goes beyond the financial aspect; it is a testament to the power of community.
